Tom Waits "On the Nickel" (circa 1981)

While I've been a quasi-fan ever since an unnamed Italian gave me a copy of The Early Years, Volume 1, i've recently fallen under the spell of "On the nickel". This is music for people who like their lyrics served black with a voice shot through with cigarettes and whiskey. The genre is adult lullabye. "If you don't get my letter, you'll know that i'm in jail, and what becomes of the little boys that never say their prayers? Well, they're sleeping like a baby on the nickel over there" According to urbandictionary.com, on the nickel refers to fifth street, Los Angeles, aka skid row.

The music is basic and Waits cuts away any hint of wit or lyrical flourishes. He's an old boxer without the energy to dance and juke, throwing straight punches and daring you to stand and take them.