Bad as Me

Tom Waits is back with his first record in seven years and he is in fine form. You can find out more on his website.

The record's called Bad as Me and that's also the name of the single that they're promoting. "Bad as Me", the song, is as rough and grizzled as any of his work, but it's the album's gentler songs that we're really digging. Check out "Back in the Crowd" as a great example of Waits at his crooning best. It's a piercing ballad of love lost.

Another great ballad on this album features vocals and ever-tasteful guitar playing from Keith Richards. That one's called "Last Leaf" and I pray I manage to age as elegantly as these guys sound on that track. 

This album is definitely worth your time and money. Also, Terry Gross has a great interview with Waits on Fresh Air if yer interested in hearing Waits talk about it.