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Big Time by Tom Waits

We really respect the patriarchs of our time. When we think of Dylan, Bowie, Iggy Pop and Grebenschikov, we also think of Tom Waits. A timeless artist with no boundaries. We will not dive deep into his universe today, we will just listen to his album Big Time live, recorded in the distant 1987 during his American tour in Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as some European capitals.

Always brutally honest, always painful, Waits somehow shows the bare truth. But also gives you the truth in his own special way. Perfect for autumn and winter evenings. Ideal for self-reflection. The parallel with Mike Patton comes to mind instantly. And the obvious connection between the two also comes from their yearlong contributor Marc Ribbot.

But this strange mixture of sarcasm, humour, life, and attitude is always there - in the music of Tom Waits. On the two polar opposites - from a strong plus to a strong minus. And he destroys borders and does not care about opinions. He is honest. And with him all his companions.

Today we listen to the incredible live album Big Time, where the subject is the connection between Europe and the USA. The format is live, it also takes film form and honesty takes centre stage.

We are not saying this is music for every day or for everyone. It’s real kitchen - honest, edgy and formatting. But real. And with the right company - sublime.

There is a certain weirdness in this music - it says eternal things. A different energy flows. Sometimes you need years of experience to understand the message - but once you do, it fills the soul. And it becomes simple after that.

Today - the whole visual album Big Time by Tom Waits.

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