Got you Covered - songs by Tom Waits

Tom Waits has been a remarkably consistent and imaginative songwriter during a rich and varied career. His songs have been recorded by a lot of performers. A few covers, such as Downtown Train and Jersey Girl, have done well in the pop market, but there are many Tom Waits covers you aren't likely to hear on mainstream radio.

John Hammond recorded an album of Waits' tunes, called Wicked Grin, which Mr. Waits produced, and as well played and sang on. Hammond, son of legendary record producer John Hammond Sr, has been creating a passionate and personal brand of blues since the mid-60s. He's still touring, and in fact we had the pleasure of attending one of his shows last year at Hugh's Room in Toronto.

Here's Mr. Hammond playing a lovely Tom Waits tune called Fannin St.


...and Mr. Hammond again, performing Jockey Full of Bourbon


Holly Cole is another performer who created an entire album of Tom Waits covered. Here she is singing Train Song


There are so many Waits' covers to choose from. Here's a really nice version of Cold Cold Ground performed by Les Claypool with Gogol Bordello. This one is worth it for the bass player's hair-do alone + it features a nice accordion solo and plenty of groovy outfits. Lots of fun all around.


I'm going to close this post with a rockin version of one of my personal favourite Waits' songs, Telephone Call From Istanbul. Here's Red Elvises...


Does anyone else out there have a favourite Tom Waits cover? Make a comment and add a link if you can....