I think TW is an acquired taste, like sushi. People seem to either love him or dismiss him as too peculiar. I love the guy, and along with the 2 new ones have been listening to the wonderfully remastered "Used Cars", a compilation of songs from the early years. Beautiful, witty, sardonic, typical.Interestingly, he was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air a couple weeks ago and it was a hoot. Very funny, listening to the interview was like listening to one of his song. But the apogee, for me, was when Terry Gross asked him where he gets his influences from. Early influences were from 30's and 40's music, including cabaret music, which he was into at 10-11 years of age. He found it more "interesting" than rock and roll. But asked about current influences he said he likes to listen to familiar music form different angles, and-this is where I laughed my ass off- " I like to listen to 2 radios at the same time."
Tom Waits
Well, oops Tom did it again(poor joke-I know),this guy is like a fine wine,he keeps getting better and better,you think he's backed himself into a musical corner and he goes an write's himself out of it.I know there are people out there who dislike his music,although I've never met him/her.He must be the only immortal musician still alive today.