The Jabroni
Dark Match Winner
There's been a lot of discussion about the downfall of the music industry; about the flaws of modern popular music; about the people who are ruining humanity's most enduring art.
But what about the heroes? What about those that fight to keep music pure? What about those who throw off the shackles of pop sensibility and maintain their individuality against all odds, trends, and popular opinions? What about the people that continue to see the art in the static?
Music isn't just organized sound: It's life dripping and pouring from the headphones and speakers. This thread is to applaud the people that remind us of that with their work and dedication.
To get this praise-party started, I'd like to mention one of the unsung demigods of music: Tom Waits.
Tom Waits has been on the scene since 1972 and I can honestly say that there's never been anyone quite like him. His distinctive voice has been producing great tracks for almost 40 years and, as long as he is alive, music will never die. He's the epitome of innovation and originally. He's been covered by everyone from Norah Jones and the Ramones, to the Eagles and Rod Stewart. His music has featured banjolins (not a typo; it's actually a hybrid banjo-mandolin) and marimbas almost as frequently as guitars and pianos. His energetic and creative performances have been featured on the Late Show with David Letterman, Fernwood Tonight, and the Old Grey Whistle Test.
Waits' songwriting skills are indisputable. His music transcends genres and his lyrics range from comical to depressing, often mixing melancholy, sarcasm, and sincerity into one track. Anyone who's heard "Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis" would agree with that. He mixes wordplay with poetry and his performance ability is far from lacking. He's truly a legend and is deserving of mention as one of the heroes of the music industry.
Who else should be on this list of the Patron Saints of Musical Purity? and what sets them apart?
But what about the heroes? What about those that fight to keep music pure? What about those who throw off the shackles of pop sensibility and maintain their individuality against all odds, trends, and popular opinions? What about the people that continue to see the art in the static?
Music isn't just organized sound: It's life dripping and pouring from the headphones and speakers. This thread is to applaud the people that remind us of that with their work and dedication.
To get this praise-party started, I'd like to mention one of the unsung demigods of music: Tom Waits.
Tom Waits has been on the scene since 1972 and I can honestly say that there's never been anyone quite like him. His distinctive voice has been producing great tracks for almost 40 years and, as long as he is alive, music will never die. He's the epitome of innovation and originally. He's been covered by everyone from Norah Jones and the Ramones, to the Eagles and Rod Stewart. His music has featured banjolins (not a typo; it's actually a hybrid banjo-mandolin) and marimbas almost as frequently as guitars and pianos. His energetic and creative performances have been featured on the Late Show with David Letterman, Fernwood Tonight, and the Old Grey Whistle Test.
Waits' songwriting skills are indisputable. His music transcends genres and his lyrics range from comical to depressing, often mixing melancholy, sarcasm, and sincerity into one track. Anyone who's heard "Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis" would agree with that. He mixes wordplay with poetry and his performance ability is far from lacking. He's truly a legend and is deserving of mention as one of the heroes of the music industry.
Who else should be on this list of the Patron Saints of Musical Purity? and what sets them apart?
