I feel I have passed a test...

... in that I did a Tom Waits cover and The Reverend Doktor Bob gave it a stamp of approval.

Tango Till They're Sore by StopThatAstronaut

Let me tell you. Half Man Half Biscuit covers are easy. I've been toying with Tom Waits material for an absolute age and haven't ever got one I'm even remotely happy with. Tom is too distinctive in writing, lyricism and delivery. And his choice of musicians and instruments (and of course his own playing style) makes it shockingly hard to take something of Tom's and not end up with a flat, dry, cardboard cutout of a cover version.

So that's why I was still up at 2:30am with this one. And it's still a mere shadow of what I'd like it to be.

Anyway, in other news, Dave The Happy Singer has launched a vicious, unprovoked SMEAR CAMPAIGN on my participation in Dry July this year, accusing me outright of a charm offensive to obtain golden tickets, thus subverting Dry July entirely.

Mr The Happy Singer has also responded indignantly to charges that his public statements do in fact constitute libel of the most vile kind, claiming that he is merely 'stating' what is 'true'. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I ask you this:

What is it that a man may define as true? What, in this crazy universe of quantum uncertainty is actually true? Is it true that I am, in fact, enjoying the occasional delicious Shiraz Viognier on the dime of some kind benefactors, or is it true that I am a paragon of moral rectitude, heralding the flag of temperance in the great fight against cancer?

Perhaps, dear friends, the real truth lies* somewhere in between, in region where I am in a state of superposition, actually doing both at the same time? Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we will never know unless you donate some money to my Dry July page and do so now.

I rest my case. 

 

* not that kind. The other kind.

 

posted @ Monday, July 4, 2011 10:21 AM

 
 
 

Comments on this entry:

# re: I feel I have passed a test...

Left by reasonablehank at 7/4/2011 10:25 AM
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This post has everything. Tom Waits, scandal, and a thorough Derpakian finale. Kudos, sir!

# re: I feel I have passed a test...

Left by The Reverend Doktor Bob at 7/4/2011 10:44 AM
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It was indeed a fine cover sir. I look forward to hearing more of your creations in the future. I am also attempting to learn the harmonica, so if i become proficient enough perhaps we could record some Waits covers together. I reckon a bit of blues harp would suit 'Walking Spanish', another great from 'Rain Dogs'.

# re: I feel I have passed a test...

Left by Jason at 7/4/2011 10:52 AM
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I would welcome some blues harp on any future cover you care to nominate, mate. I need to get practising on a bit of bluesy guitar myself, actually.

# re: I feel I have passed a test...

Left by The Reverend Doktor Bob at 7/4/2011 11:34 AM
Gravatar
Awesome. I now have to find someone to teach me how to play the harmonica.
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