When You Ain't Got Nobody - The Early Years vol 1 [237]

Our third episode with Michael, Sam & Martin brings us to a slightly less-excited point in the evolution of Waits's writing. We have a chat about what works for a live audience, what survives well on a recording, and the process of working through bad ideas to get to the gems.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
When You Ain't Got Nobody, The Early Years vol 1, Tom Waits (1991)

Just a Gigolo, Kicks, Elisa JO (2020)

Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody, single, Louis Prima/Keely Smith/Sam Butera & The Witnesses (1956)

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Midnight Lullaby - The Early Years vol 1 [236]

A sleepy week sees Michael, Sam & Martin brushing their teeth, getting in their pyjamas and heading off to bed. All three of us are struck by the strength of this Early Years version/demo, particularly the arrangement, and how it compares to other brilliant nap-time classics.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Midnight Lullaby, The Early Years vol 1, Tom Waits (1991)

Mr Sandman, single, The Chordettes (1954)

Midnight Lullaby, Closing Time, Tom Waits (1973)

Mr Sandman, single, Vaughan Monroe (1954)

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Virginia Ave. - The Early Years vol 1 [235]

Guest host Michael Caines joins Martin & Sam for another early version of a Closing Time track, as Waits wanders through Hollywood (or San Diego?) (or Reno?!?) slightly the worse for wear, as Song by Song has a think about how artists reinterpret their own songs.

Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include:
Virginia Ave., The Early Years vol 1, Tom Waits (1991)

This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, Plagiarism, Sparks featuring Faith No More (1997)

Virginia Avenue, Closing Time, Tom Waits (1973)

This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, Kimono My House, Sparks (1974)

This Town Ain't Big Enough For The Both Of Us, music video (via YouTube), Justin Hawkins (2004)
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