Today’s terrific tune is a track from the one-of-a-kind singer songwriter Tom Waits. The track is “Downtrain Train”, made semi-famous by Rod Stewart, and this is Tom’s official video. Bet you didn’t see it on MTV.

Waits is a unique talent and sometimes people either love him or hate him. He’s got a gravely voice that sounds like he gargles with razor blades but he’s a master songwriter and he perfectly captures the seedier side of life. I can’t begin to fully describe Tom in this small space. Do yourself a favor and check out his entries at Wikipedia and the All Music Guide.

The video here is from the mid-80s and yes, he did get a bit strange at times. But, for the open-minded, see him live if you ever get the opportunity and give his work a chance, much of it is really wild and wonderful. The video here is moody but it draws you in, with the black and white look of an old film, a sense of humor at the beginning and end, and a cool creepiness. And yes, that is possible.

See past Terrific Tunes For Tuesday.

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