What am I listening to? Only one of the more amazing compilations of all time, Tom Waits' Orphans. This started as an out take project but his fertile mind didn't like how he had recorded some old songs, so he completely re-recorded most of them, ended up with about 20 songs. What the heck he says, why not write another 30 new songs and make it a triple CD.
The 3 CDs are labeled as Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards, 3 different styles of song. Every song is different, only held together by Waits ravaged voice with its shouts, growls and grunts. Amazing. Every time I pick up this album I am awed at how creative this guy can be. For a performer that has been in the business for 35 years and is still a gusher of music, this is nothing short of amazing.