MIDWEEK CRISIS again, come to 'WEDNESDAY CLUB' you might not lose weight, but you can comfort binge with a feast of musical Treats.
TOM WAITS - Shore Leave
You can smell it, you can feel it. The Far East, the humidity, the smell of sewage, the smell of garlic and coriander, the music blaring, the buzz, the girls....this song brings you right there in the heart of the action. Tom Waits is a bit like Marmite, with a voice 'soaked in bourbon', bring on a doorstop 'Vegemite' sandwich, I say! When he is good he is very good but, when he is bad, you leave the country. You are probably familiar with some of his songs that have been covered, 'Downtown Train' by Rod Stewart (goes to show, give Rod a good song and he will deliver) 'Jersey Girl' by Bruce Springsteen, Brilliant. Although these covers are good, the originals are a joy to hear and superior.
There is a line referring to a 'Blood Bank' and it reminds me of time in Jeddah, when every few months you could go and give blood for 500 riyals (about £50) and I got an extra 100 as I was -O. A quick cup of tea and a biscuit then straight from Erfan Hospital direct to 747 records and have a feast of Cd's and a great pre-weekend session.
'I'm paying for the 'Pizza Sheikh' tonight folks'.
Some might say that this is a bit like selling a concert ticket for a prophet, if you can't go. Is there a 'moral' issue here, what do you think?
Cd's and Pizza don't come for free.
Below is a live version of the song from a Movie called 'Big Time'
PROTECTION WARNING for the weak - don't watch if you are not ready, and can't handle it.
TOM WAITS - Shore Leave
You can smell it, you can feel it. The Far East, the humidity, the smell of sewage, the smell of garlic and coriander, the music blaring, the buzz, the girls....this song brings you right there in the heart of the action. Tom Waits is a bit like Marmite, with a voice 'soaked in bourbon', bring on a doorstop 'Vegemite' sandwich, I say! When he is good he is very good but, when he is bad, you leave the country. You are probably familiar with some of his songs that have been covered, 'Downtown Train' by Rod Stewart (goes to show, give Rod a good song and he will deliver) 'Jersey Girl' by Bruce Springsteen, Brilliant. Although these covers are good, the originals are a joy to hear and superior.
There is a line referring to a 'Blood Bank' and it reminds me of time in Jeddah, when every few months you could go and give blood for 500 riyals (about £50) and I got an extra 100 as I was -O. A quick cup of tea and a biscuit then straight from Erfan Hospital direct to 747 records and have a feast of Cd's and a great pre-weekend session.
'I'm paying for the 'Pizza Sheikh' tonight folks'.
Some might say that this is a bit like selling a concert ticket for a prophet, if you can't go. Is there a 'moral' issue here, what do you think?
Cd's and Pizza don't come for free.
 |
Below is a live version of the song from a Movie called 'Big Time'
PROTECTION WARNING for the weak - don't watch if you are not ready, and can't handle it.
WEDNESDAY CLUB - Tom Waits - Shore Leave
4/
5
Oleh
sfw
5 comments
Tulis commentsan amazingly atmospheric song. I think you've captured the Far East description very well....someone on 'shore leave' just in from the Philippine Sea and walking into a bar. I can picture it! What I can picture most is a big slice of Pizza Sheikh pizza with extra garlic and lashings of Tabasco!
ReplyBrilliant song from brilliant album by brilliant musician. Love Tom - a unique talent.
ReplyThanks a lot for telling me! Why didn't anybody wise me up to the blood selling racket in Jeddah. I ended up spending a fortune on tapes while I was there (but to be honest I didn't like the quality of the 747 tapes much). Great choice of Tom Waits track, and a great explanation of its greatness.
ReplyThe 747 tapes were always a bit dodgy!! I always held out for the heat proof tapes!
ReplyThis song makes me put all my reservations about Tom Waits aside. How can a song be so emotive! Truely a great atmospheric track. Wish I was in that bar right now.
Reply