Tom Waits - Mediasound Studios, New York City, December 14, 1976

Tom Waits - Mediasound Studios, New York City, December 14, 1976Tom Waits still pops up occasionally — a film role here, a Massive Attack collab there — but it seems like he’s more or less retired these days. And hey, fair enough! There’s something to be said for just relaxing and enjoying your old age after decades of good work. However, Tom could certainly give fans a little more in the way of archival releases. There’s a recent 50th anniversary edition of Small Change out now, but there’s no bonus material included. Again, fair enough! The LP stands up on its own. But said bonus material would likely get me to step right up and buy the thing again. So! Here’s something that could’ve been included alongside Small Change — a pristine radio broadcast recorded in late ‘76 at Mediasound Studios in NYC. Just Waits, a drummer and a DJ, presumably late at night, rambling through an hour’s worth of songs and stories. Tom’s mid-70s barfly vibe is at its apex here; schticky, sure, but it’s a…