ARTIST: Tom Waits 
TITLE: Closing Time
YEAR RELEASED: 1973
CHART ACTION: None
SINGLES: Ol’ 55
OTHER SONGS YOU MAY KNOW: Martha, I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You
LINEUP: Tom Waits, Delbert Bennett, Shep Cooke, Peter Klimes, Bill Plummer, John Seiter
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT: First album by the iconoclastic songwriter sticks close to a late-night jazz / piano bar vibe with a folk essence.
SOME WORDS, PHRASES AND CLAUSES ABOUT THIS RECORD: Tom Waits’ first album shows off his better songs that he had written to date and perfected in his LA club dates. The music and styles are a bit varied, yet all have the same general vibe. A smoky, jazzy vibe.
Waits’ voice isn’t as distinct as it would be here – it’s smooth for the most part, especially compared to his later work. It’s still unique, though, kind of a growl at times.
This was a good showcase for his songs, which got him some cover versions by artists. It was a good way for Waits to start introducing himself to the world, even if it was a bit safe.
NOTES & MINUTIAE: His first break into the mainstream was the Eagles covering “Ol’ 55” on their On the Border album.
IS THERE A DELUXE VERSION: No
GRADE: B+: It’s safe compared to some of Waits’ later work, but still a good late night vibe record.