Tom Waits... not much you can say about Tom Waits, except that his lyrics are amazing and his use of interesting uncommon instruments is genious. While his voice is not for everyone, he should be checked out just for his musical talent. Mule Variations is a very good begginer Tom Waits album, for those who have not completely learned how to digest Tom Waits unmistakeable musical techniques.

Could there be a musician better suited to drinking whiskey till you fall down, playing cards with three jokers and smoking till you sound like a cement mixer? I think not. He's a poet, a musician, an actor, a writer and a madman. His ability to create beautiful haunting melodies and mournful love songs is only matched by his ability to create sonic madness and scary soundwaves. Check out Swordfish Trombones, Frank's Wild Years, The Black Rider, Raindogs, Alice, Bloodmoney, in fact check out any album in his catalogue there are no duds only gems