Tom Waits – Bone Machine (1992)

Sensational Logo by Sarca @ caughtmegaming

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[Album 515/1001]

Have you seen the 2013 Jennifer Aniston/Jason Sudeikis comedy, We’re the Millers?

For me, as it so often is, my favourite part of the movie was the scene in which a musician I admire was name-checked.

In this case, Tom Waits, when Sudeikis’s character was describing the story of meeting Jennifer Aniston’s character:

“she was wearing these little Navy Blue Chuck Taylors and these Jean shorts.
No pockets on the back, however that happened.
And this, uh, Tom Waits T-shirt.
I was like, “Oh, that’s cool. “
Because I love Tom Waits.
And she just looked beautiful.
If you’re into that kind of mean, pretty thing.”

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Now my wonderful wife wasn’t sporting a Tom Waits shirt (nor pocket-less jean shorts) when we first met.

However, shortly after meeting my wonderful wife’s cousin’s husband (how’s that for extended family?), I learned he was quite the Tom Waits enthusiast.

So enthusiastic, he would make extended road trips to see Waits perform.

Though I was aware of Tom Waits at the time of our meeting, at this stage (15-ish years ago), I wouldn’t say I loved Tom Waits.

But making the trek to Chicago to see a show? Much like Sudeikis’s character, I was like, “Oh, that’s cool.”

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Last week, when Tom Waits came up in a conversation, my friend Jeff started raving about I Don’t Wanna Grow Up (from the album Bone Machine).

Although Jeff’s stock is already sky-high at our house (his maple syrup is legendary), learning he was a Waits fan somehow sent him soaring even further.

And I didn’t realize (or I had forgotten) that the Ramones version of the tune was a cover, which only boosted The Ramones in my books.

It would appear that simply being a fan of Tom Waits is an efficient way to earn my approval.

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mmmmmmmmmmmmmmaple syrup

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Which is strange, as even now, unlike Sudeikis’s character, I still wouldn’t say “I love Tom Waits.”

I like Bone Machine, I dig the emphasis on percussion throughout, and my friend Jeff is right, I Don’t Wanna Grow Up is a great track..

I think this album will eventually be one of those ‘once-in-a-while’ records for me.

Then again, not everything’s meant to be enjoyed all-day, every-day.

I probably would enjoy my friend Jeff’s maple syrup all-day, every-day, but I probably shouldn’t.

The same could possibly said for We’re The Millers-esque comedies.

Not everyone will be a fan of We’re The Millers.

Nor will everyone be a fan of Tom Waits.

But chances are if you’re a fan of all of the above, we’ll get along.

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Verbalize the Positive

Thanks Jeff for the post idea & on behalf of all the Stephens, thanks for the ongoing supply of delicious maple syrup!