G-Man Tom Waits - "Downtown Train"
It's finally come to this. Mr. T & I used to discuss which version of "Downtown Train" was the superior one. Looks like we're taking it to the people and letting them decide. It's been covered by numerous artists, from Rod Stewart, to Patti Smith, to Mr. T's pretty boy Bob Seger. Don't get me wrong, those guys did a good job with the song, how could they not? It's written brilliantly. It was written by Tom Waits in 1985 and to me his is the definitive version. I predict most people will prefer the Seger rendition, Tom Waits is an acquired taste. It's his gin-soaked voiced, that harkens this song to a back-alley whino who's been living with a broken heart for 100 years. The brilliant, tortured soul who drinks and smokes too much because he's afraid to face his true potential. He sings for blue-collared Romeos, scotch prophets and barstool Rembrandts. Which would you rather have a copy and paste version or a true classic? I know how i'd choose.
Rob Amos The Transparent - "Greater Than Consequence"
Mr. T Dire Straits - "Portobello Belle"
G-Man Goo Goo Dolls - "Sympathy"
John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls always had a great knack for writing a simple, catchy pop song. Though his accomplishments were largely ignored by mainstream audiences and critics, I always find myself going back to some of the Goo Goo Dolls' lesser known tracks and getting lost.