Godawful. I don't get the appeal of his voice at all.

AMAZING songwriter, amazing producer hell all around amazing musician.

Of course his voice is gruff and no always pleasant to listen to... but he is kind of like Dylan in that sense where his voice is hit and miss with people but it is more about the writing and overall musicianship.

But his voice is not one i would want to hear if i am hung-over or something of that nature

scriptgirl said:

Godawful. I don't get the appeal of his voice at all.

For me, the appeal of his voice is that it sounds lived in. It sounds like the voice of experience, so that when he sings about a little bird and a whale falling in love with each other (Fish and Bird), it sounds like you are getting the tale from someone who was there. Someone who only just made it back, having spent some time in prison on the way.
Of course, it is an act, but that's what art is. So when Tom starts singing Down in the Hole, it sounds as though; if he isn't quite on first name terms with the Devil, he's at least shaken hands with him.

[Edited 7/2/13 7:00am]

PERFECT for the kind of music he creates

Elephants said:

scriptgirl said:

Godawful. I don't get the appeal of his voice at all.

For me, the appeal of his voice is that it sounds lived in. It sounds like the voice of experience, so that when he sings about a little bird and a whale falling in love with each other (Fish and Bird), it sounds like you are getting the tale from someone who was there. Someone who only just made it back, having spent some time in prison on the way.
Of course, it is an act, but that's what art is. So when Tom starts singing Down in the Hole, it sounds as though; if he isn't quite on first name terms with the Devil, he's at least shaken hands with him.

[Edited 7/2/13 7:00am]

What I think is cool (and I don't know a lot of Waits--I'm trying to listen to more) is how the, well, I guess you'd say "prettier" songs (like "Fish and Bird") seem to benefit from the rawness of his voice. For the more loud/scarier type tunes--yeah, it would obviously work, but it's the way he can do something softer or gentler that gets me.

Now, as far as scripgirl's description--yes, his voice sucks. But he can sing with it anyway.

He was never meant to sing Opera or even good ol' Rock n' Roll, he is a unique one for sure. sometimes it's good to be different.

UncleGrandpa said:

He was never meant to sing Opera or even good ol' Rock n' Roll, he is a unique one for sure. sometimes it's good to be different.

Well put. I agree!

scriptgirl said:

Godawful. I don't get the appeal of his voice at all.

He cannot sing at all and people on this board are always giving people like Waits a pass. The voice has to have some appeal to the public and his voice has none.

Not really a fan of his voice. But I LOVE this song!!! And he sounds right singing it:

"Please Call Me, Baby"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPjtWeD0-lA

[Edited 7/3/13 12:30pm]