For the first song of the month and year, this is an artist close to my heart. You either like Tom Waits or you don’t. The best description I’ve ever heard of his style is junk yard rock. “Eggs and Sausage,” ostensibly a break up song, brings to mind late night trips to diners. Often the only 24 hr joints in town, they’re ripe for people watching. Part of the charm of a diner is hearing orders yelled out almost in code, and seeing food made fresh. Listening to this song will guarantee a craving for unpretentious diner fare. For example:

Eggs and sausage and a side of toast
Coffee and a roll, hash browns over easy
Chile in a bowl with burgers and fries
What kind of pie?

In hearing Tom’s gravel laden voice, it’s difficult not to picture a salty man sitting on the last stool or corner table. He’s probably on his 6th or 7th cup of coffee. He overhears every conversation and order. You recognize him from repeated visits but dare not speak to him. Maybe he looks a little upset this time as in the last verse.

Now the touch of your fingers
Lingers burning in my memory
I’ve been 86ed from your scheme
I’m in a melodramatic nocturnal scene
I’m a refugee from a disconcerted affair
As the lead pipe morning falls
And the waitress calls

Taken with a grain of salt you’ll find a playfulness in his songs. For a song of the month maybe it’s a little sardonic but there is only one Tom Waits. And at least the refill are free. Tom Waits’s newest album is called “Bad as Me” and was nominated for a grammy. Here a review of his autobiography at DragonFly419.