I Should Get Into Tom Waits

[Jason Todd Grisham]

But where do I begin? Suggestions?

I was thinking either through the mouth, or Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers, and Bastards. But that's impossible, or pretty damn expensive.

[thedall]

Waits is pretty consistent, so if you already like the voice it's difficult to go wrong. Here's a list of seven must-buys to start you off.

The Heart of Saturday Night (don't overlook the early stuff. It's great)
Small Change
Heartattack and Vine
Rain Dogs (of course)
Bone Machine
Mule Variations
Orphans

That selection covers most of the 'eras' of Waits, though aren't necessarily his seven best.

[nickcave]

Get Rain Dogs first and than Swordfishtrombone

[MCMGM]

Start with Rain Dogs. You don't like that you aren't going to like any of his other stuff.