Album Review: Various - Come On Up To The House: Women Sing Waits

Producer Warren Zanes has pulled together a stellar array of talent to deal folksy Americana and country covers of Waits’ bluesy, bittersweet songs. 

This tribute album will drop just in time to honour Tom Waits for his 70th birthday on 7 Dec, and at this stage of the game, Waits has established himself as a master songwriter whose contribution to the Great American Songbook is incalculable.

Shelby Lynne, Aimee Mann, Corinne Bailey Rae, Rosanne Cash and Courtney Marie Andrews perform reverential covers of classics like Jersey Girl, Time, Downtown Train, Hold On and Ol’ 55. These songs tug at the heartstrings with deep feelings of sadness, love, regret and a certain sentimental nostalgia. Regardless of who’s singing them, there is so much heartfelt, lived emotion in Waits’ songs, and this is what makes them feel so universal and timeless. 

Joseph’s version of Come On Up To The House feels so joyously affirming and, despite everything, hopeful. The gentle folk swirl of The Wild Reeds' take on Tom Traubert’s Blues, which toys with Waltzing Matilda, remains one of the most beautiful ballads on alcoholism ever. 

While this is a brilliantly realised tribute to Waits, it will have you reaching for the originals.