(Reviewed by JD Jung)
#CommissionsEarned
My first introduction to Tom Waits was in Jim Jarmusch’s 1985 film, “Down By Law”. I found him quite enigmatic, and as a singer/songwriter was drawn to his authenticity.
While reading Song Noir, I realized why. Waits was intrigued by similar literary and cultural genres as I was, specifically the Beat writers of the 1950s such as Jack Kerouac and the film noir of the mid twentieth century. Author Alex Harvey shows us how these and other cultural facets inspired his music, as he dissects his songs and albums by style and influence.
Another personal reason I was captivated by this book was that I moved to Hollywood roughly the same time that Tom Waits left. Harvey accurately illustrates the grittiness and dark side of Los Angeles and how it affected its inhabitants. In fact, he relates how this affected Waits compulsion that he live like the characters in his songs.
Song Noir is unique from other music biographies as it digs deep into the cultural history of Los Angeles and how it affected Waits and his music. It also shows how leaving the city was essential to his well-being. It’s not just about Los Angeles though, he shows how his upbringing affected his music and how the contribution of his wife continues to be an essential part of it.
Though there are large number of photographs in the biography, they appear to have been prudently chosen, as they tell a story in themselves.
Song Noir is part of the Reverb Series (seventeen as of this writing), which focuses on the cultural history of popular music. I look forward to reading more.
