With Confetti In Our Hair: Celebrating The Artistry & Music Of Tom Waits
108 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsBill and James go through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole as they explore the personal mythology of their deep bond around the artistry and music of Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Absurd, unexpected, off the wall and under the table, this is the podcast nobody was waiting for and everyone's been dreaming about, innocently. Featuring... in the center ring: itinerant theater director, bricoleur, and Fairy Podmother, Cheryl King; writer, thespian rain dog, and Fashion Fangod, Bruce Barton; along with a panoply of intrepid guests and "The Human Guinea Pig." Start the Party! Feel the Love.
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Episodes
Being There: Carlos Castaneda, Particle Physics & Where They Keep The Clocks
December 09, 2019 06:32 - 1 hour - 115 MBBill, James, Cheryl, & Da Scherm skip the four play, fall in love all over again, then get right down to business: from four A's to A.A., from New York to Paris, they even skirt the subject of women interpreting Tom's allegedly shamanistic heart. Scherm The Revelator then lets a big ol’ cat out of the bag, immediately opening a whole new can of worm wranglers. That's right folks: states are altered, reality gets bent, but what can we say except...long live Tom Waits, Primus & Puddles Pity Pa...
Soldiers Stories: Walking Wounded Down Veterans Way
November 25, 2019 08:26 - 56 minutes - 104 MBAnd we're back folks! Recorded on the cusp of Veteran's Day, The Scherm joined us to dig into a lively discussion on Tom's potent songs about war and we paid a timely tribute to all of you who've served in the military. With a surprise cover by one of the all time greats, this is one unusual episode. Feel the Love!
Major League Orcas: The Sardine Run, Jesus' Blood, & Arjuna's Dilemma
September 30, 2019 00:37 - 1 hour - 116 MBWhat's the point?! Bill & James & The Scherm run amok diving deep down into The Sardine Run, in search of big answers, and instead devour everything in sight. They emerge not sated at all, finding themselves Starving In The Belly Of A Whale. Take THAT, Jonah! As you've come to expect, folks, they forthwith espouse upon the Hard Ground, mental illness, redemption, higher love, Sweeney Todd, and a little blessing from Bill's Bible: The Black Rider.. R.I.P. Daniel Johnston...long live King Kong!
Rainbow Serpent: Licking Frogs, Trouser Snakes & Kunapipi
September 11, 2019 05:25 - 54 minutes - 100 MBBill, James & Cheryl go all the way, folks! That's right: from anthologies to Aborigines, the Amazon to Moundsville, West Virginia, and Rickie Lee Jones to Vincent Price...this episode has more than even we could imagine. No ancient peoples were injured in the making of this podcast. Feel the high!
Four: Black Hole In One
August 26, 2019 04:43 - 59 minutes - 109 MBIf you're ready for a foursome, folks...Bill & James, The Professor & Mary Ann (a.k.a. Da Scherm & Cheryl King) are teeing off from the blue tees. Inspired by the Tennessee mountains once again they uncover it all. We're talking apocalyptic physics, map theorems, and Noble Truths confessed around the Barbershop...all par for the course. Be the ball, and get a grip!
Tennessee Time: Stories From The Stream
August 13, 2019 16:38 - 54 minutes - 99.9 MBBill & James are once again finally side by side on a Great Smoky Mountains stream speaking into the very same microphone. They cry, they laugh, they crawl on their bellies like reptiles. They're up the creek without a paddle, much less a kayak. Two genders die in songs, discover how insects breathe, the usual fare... Feel the reunion, folks!
The Unexplained: Marc Ribot, Smokey Hormel And Giant Squids
July 31, 2019 15:36 - 1 hour - 150 MBCheryl King and The Scherm join Bill & James to kick off Season 5! Cheryl’s mouth is all over her face, Scherm brings his high-falutin’ brain, and Bill & James talk too. If you’re looking for the big answers, down deep in the rabbit hole of Tom Waits, this is the episode for you, folks!
Finalmente Libero: Boxers, Briefs And Jeopardy
July 05, 2019 18:50 - 1 hour - 112 MBBill and James end Season 4 with a bang, reuniting with their favorite folks to celebrate the occasion, and the amazing music of Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Love, laughter, and watching old movies in their underwear, that’s what it’s all come down to…need we say more? Except: feel the love, folks!
Tom & Leon Redbone: They Stayed Like That For 127 Years
June 08, 2019 17:57 - 49 minutes - 90.8 MBA true one-of-a-kind, Leon Redbone brought back songs from the vaudeville, tin pan alley, blues and jazz traditions, toured with Tom Waits in the 70's, and is credited for bringing Tom to the Austin City Limits Stage. With his recent passing, Bill and James pay tribute and dive into the crossroads where Tom and Leon meet. Feel the blues folks!
Totally Tom III: N.A.S.A., Primus, & Preservation Hall
May 26, 2019 19:00 - 1 hour - 113 MBThird time's the charm and Totally Tom III has it all, folks! From Hip Hop to Gospel, Progressive Rock to the origins of Jazz itself, it features a remarkable range of Tom Waits guest appearances. Once again, pushing off without a paddle, a map, or any idea of what either of us has brought to the journey, we fumble through the dangerous waters of musical genius without a wet suit and emerge dry as a bone. That's a lie. We're totally soaked! Feel the Flow.
That's Sick: Patent Medicines, Patron Saints & Lobotomies
May 16, 2019 06:57 - 57 minutes - 105 MBCheryl King is back in the house for a typical Mother's Day celebration filled with tales of fever, snake oil, black sheep, and of course wild west medicine shows. With a surprise Tom Waits cover and childhood story from down Mexico way that will have your spine all a tingle. Feel the Healing, folks!
American Original: Behind The Mule For 20 Years
April 21, 2019 06:12 - 1 hour - 112 MBInspired by a very current article from Billboard magazine commemorating 20 years since its original release, Bill & James honor and expound upon their quintessential Tom Waits album: Mule Variations. Golly!
Funambulism: Shot Out Of The Canon Of Tom Waits
April 14, 2019 03:52 - 1 hour - 111 MBDr. Tim Scherman joins Bill & James for a walk along the high wire without a net balancing Tom Waits' experimental side with big fifty cent words. We cover The Grand Canyon, gravity, Helium, William Burroughs, and all things Robert Wilson. Featuring Trouble's Braids, Crossroads, 'T'Ain't No Sin, and of course, Everything Goes to Hell. From acrophobia to arachnophobia: don't miss Spidey's Wild Ride, folks!
Diva: Ha Ha Hoo Hoo & The Seven Goddesses
March 30, 2019 19:52 - 55 minutes - 102 MBCheryl King joins Bill and James to explore the divine performer as exemplified by Tom Waits in the form of some amazing covers of Green Grass, Blow Wind Blow, Temptation, and The Day After Tomorrow by extraordinary female artists. That's right folks, there's even a phone call from India, a tuba, and a shiksa goddess! What more could you want?
Totally Tom Too: Deeper In The Hole
March 19, 2019 06:44 - 1 hour - 118 MBOnce again unto the breach, dear folks, once again. We're back down the rabbit hole because there's a world going on underground. So down we go to explore the many caverns of Tom Wait's musical madness, from the Glitter and Doom tour to Paradise Alley. Along the way, to our dismay we stumble into The Human Guinea Pig's secret lair. That's right, Nashville session singer Brad Smith is back with his unexpected take on Franks Wild Years! Once again, this one's for all you diehard Tom fans!
Totally Tom: Devout Catalyst, A Little Manifesto And The Hokey Pokey
March 03, 2019 05:13 - 54 minutes - 100 MBReturning to our roots, this episode is all about the multifaceted artistry of Tom Waits - served up on a platter with a side of toast. Full of rare collaborations, talk show appearances, Bella Ciao, the resistance, free the glutens and experimental weirdness. What more could you ask for? This one's for you diehard fans folks! RIP Ken Nordine.
Anti Valentine: Go Blue Or Go Home
February 14, 2019 07:12 - 1 hour - 110 MBIf this is the day that you avoid at all costs - candle-lit restaurants, flowers, heart-shaped chocolates, lingerie, and hallmark cards: this episode may just be for you. Bill, James and Cheryl bare tidbits of their hearts and souls while reveling in the flipside of St. Valentine’s Day with traditional Tom Waits' heart breaking love songs. Feel the love!
Inventions: Concertina Wire Museums, Coliseums, And Conundrums
February 05, 2019 03:55 - 57 minutes - 105 MBWho’s more inventive than Tom Waits? Nobody. That’s who. Hold onto your pants folks, cuz Cheryl is back and we found another Tennessee song. Denny Crane!
Edgar Allan Poe: Dead Ringer For Tom Waits
January 25, 2019 09:13 - 1 hour - 120 MBAnd they're off...but you already know that, folks! Season 4 begins and finally reveals the 2nd in a Special Series on men with the middle name Allan or Alan: Dr. Timothy Scherman waxes Poetic as he schools Bill & James on how to mash-up Thomas Alan Waits & Edgar Allan Poe. Candles are lit and the cognac is open at midnight at the end of Poe's birthday, so drink up and bury the confetti!
Goodbye 2018: Grand Recantations & Salutations
December 31, 2018 07:20 - 20 minutes - 37.2 MBAfter careful review we were shocked to discover that once again, we were not foolproof in Season 3 and mistakes were made, some harmless and others (well you'll have to listen for yourself). So here's our end of the year bonus mini-episode with the retractions and corrections from Season 3. Enjoy and Happy New Year!
Anti-Holiday: Big White Bearded Guys In The Sky
December 25, 2018 06:42 - 1 hour - 111 MBThe Season 3 finale finds Bill and James ruminating on the yuletide season, commercialism, elves, good deeds and a hooker from Minneapolis. With a surprise guest and a holiday play list you won't forget, come join the anti-holiday party and ring in the new year right folks!
Forever Now: Malamute Musings At The Rainbow's End
December 03, 2018 06:54 - 50 minutes - 92.8 MBFor all you folks that were waiting for an episode on curved space, warped time, twisted DNA and the wonkiness of being: this is your Lucky Day! Bill & James doggedly explore these topics along with: chattering minds, canines, bliss, and time collapsing. You may have to wait 'til 'Yesterday Is Here' to get it, but trust us, it's worth it. Let’s celebrate December 7th 1949: hail, hail…The Eyeball Kid! Start the Party!
Viva Mictecacihuatl: Just Another Day Of The Dead
November 07, 2018 09:09 - 51 minutes - 93.9 MBOkay, folks...hold onto your sombreros! Bill & James dare to assert that Dia de Muertos is not just another day at the office. They attempt to squeeze the life out of this heavy subject and bring it into the light. Make sure your Ipanema Insurance hasn't lapsed, strap in, and keep your arms and legs in the vehicle at all times as we careen down this very dark rabbit hole...aaaaaaaaiiiiiiiihhhh!
The Human Guinea Pig: Rain Dogs Keep Fallin' On His Head
November 01, 2018 04:52 - 56 minutes - 104 MBBill & James catch up with our very own Human Guinea Pig Brad Smith who's had the entire season to ruminate on Rain Dogs. His verdict? You'll have to listen to find out, folks. We can disclose however that Brad extracted an essential plumbing tip, if all you have is lower brass horns laying around the house. Our Guinea Pig may never get into Esquire Magazine, but we believe Tom Waits is slowly gnawing his way into Brad's furry little heart. Time, Time, Time will tell.
Just Passin' Through: Tailbone To Marylebone And Beyond
October 08, 2018 04:54 - 59 minutes - 110 MBInspired by a quote from the late great Jonathan Winters, Bill and James ponder the meaning of life, the denial of death, and important tips on refrigerator care and maintenance. That’s right, folks...it’s another hour of fun for the entire family. Featured songs include: Cold Cold Ground, Time, I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, and Whistle Down The Wind. Feel the Love!
Deep Cuts: The Road Less Traveled Is B.S.
September 12, 2018 04:35 - 1 hour - 127 MBThis week, we bid a fond farewell to one of the guys we owe it all to folks, that 70s icon who shed his mortal coil last week: Burt Reynolds. Plus Bob Frost and his hilarious quips, courtesy of American Lit prof and almost centerfold...The Scherm! To his wife's horror, we dragged him into our dark web again, where thrush music called us to play songs that are not, in our inestimable opinions, listened to enough, or gotten to yet: deep cuts and mixed nuts. The bell's rung: fill those seats wi...
Upside Flow: Tennessee Rain Dogs
August 27, 2018 02:47 - 52 minutes - 96.3 MBIt's ironic, folks. Bill & James record this episode 6 miles apart in Tennessee via Zencastr. Smoky Mountain rain drives this drenched discussion right off the road...we learn about Tom Waits' first accident caused by James Brown, and how Bill's worst accident ends upside-down. Feel the soaked confetti!
River Reunion: Barns, Ballads, & Bricoleurs
August 13, 2018 02:36 - 1 hour - 114 MBWell, folks...it's another historic episode where Bill & James reunite at the river in the Tennessee mountains. This time, in a Smoky Mountain cabin with the lights dimmed to put them in the mood to riff on a Big-3-B episode. Along the way, as you've come to expect, they discuss spiders, hospital clowns, bears, condors, eagles, rainbow trout, and golf. Also, things get so deep, they call up Dr. Tim Scherman to help them dig out of their muckety muck. Feel the love!
Bob’s Your Uncle: Dylan That Is
July 25, 2018 05:33 - 1 hour - 114 MBA major early influence as noted by Tom, who placed transcriptions of Bob Dylan’s lyrics on his bedroom walls, James & Bill pay tribute to the Nobel Prize Winning Master and uncover the secret connection, that’s right folks, the first in a special series dedicated to two men with the middle name Allen. Plus condors, herons and bears, oh my, and billions and billions of passenger pigeons blotting out the sun as they fly by, this episode has it all, including a special bonus at the end. Denny ...
Blues, Reds & Whites: Independent As A Bison On Ice
July 03, 2018 15:44 - 58 minutes - 106 MBBill and James double down and celebrate America's Birthday in true Waitsian fashion by talking about Day of The Dead, special steaks, and jail breaks. They run their playlists up the flagpole to see who salutes, then shoot off all their fireworks just for you, folks.
Nuns 'N' Flare Guns: Flying High Without A Net
June 11, 2018 15:24 - 1 hour - 126 MBBill & James once again rev up the Zencastr dual-cam microphones and walk the wi-fi wire without a net for your amusement. The Flying Walendas they ain't. As you've come to expect, their discombobulated conversation eventually shakes out Bill's story of committing a mortal sin with Pope John Paul II and a bunch of nuns in Washington, D.C. with good ol' Charlie Brown as his trusty sidekick. Along the way they're talkin' Quincy Jones, Billy Joel, Regis Philbin, and, of course, Tom Waits and Pr...
Ron Anglin: West Point, 82nd Airborne, Hospital Clown
May 28, 2018 06:12 - 1 hour - 129 MBMemorial Day returns and we open Season 3 by commemorating with former Assault Helicopter Platoon Leader, Paratrooper, School Teacher and now Hospital Clown, Ron Anglin as he regales us with all stories military, historically and rhetorically. Featuring Tom's soldier songs with a special version on the ukulele. Salute the confetti folks!
The Human Guinea Pig: Bathing In Swordfishtrombones
May 20, 2018 17:52 - 46 minutes - 85.9 MBCompletely chambered with nothing but Swordfishtrombones, water, and chocolate confetti for all of Season 2, our one and only Human Guinea Pig, Brad Smith, professional singer and raconteur, finally emerges to share his unexpected findings, and boy was it worth the wait! Plus, Grand Recantations for the entire Season 2. Feel the Bonus!
Showbiz Child: Keep Out...Entertainers Only!
April 30, 2018 15:07 - 1 hour - 125 MBLadies and gentlemen...direct from Sunshine City Studios: Welcome to our Season 2 Finale'! From Ethel Merman's disco album to Zsa Zsa Gabor and Liberace to tidying up behind elephants to Johnny Eck and ladies' night, Bill & James have a ne'er-do-well-rounded discussion about Tom Waits and his songs and commentary about Showbiz. There's no business like it, folks!
Getting Lost: Riding The Holy Now Rodeo On A Hummingbird's Wings
April 16, 2018 04:31 - 46 minutes - 85.6 MBWTF?! Bill & James really lose it this time. It's up to you to find it, folks. Enough said...except: feel the love.
Heart Break: Deliciously Dark Poisonous Little Ditty
March 25, 2018 18:52 - 51 minutes - 93.8 MBBill and James go way down the rabbit hole into the obscure subject of Tom Waits' sad songs about broken hearts. It's a big dig episode, dealing with two degrees of separation, The Wee People, parking in Ireland, kissing The Blarney Stone, crows, ravens, Edgar Allen Poe, Denny Crane, psychotic poetry, and Paterson's curse. Feel the love!
International Women's Day
March 02, 2018 19:48 - 51 minutes - 95.1 MBMarch 8th is a special day around the world, folks, so we devoted this episode to honoring and celebrating International Womyn's Day with Cheryl, who takes the reins and lists her demands, echoing those of women around the world. Featuring some of Tom's most cherished songs about women. Start the party!
Kenny Werner: World Class Pianist / Composer
February 14, 2018 06:45 - 1 hour - 133 MBFrom his tours with Jazz master Toots Thielemans to his groundbreaking book, 'Effortless Mastery' taught at the Berklee School of Music, Kenny Werner brings complexity and the street to composing and creativity. This hour long musical deep dive also showcases 2 exclusives - Kenny's arrangement of Tom's 'Take It With Me' for Broadway Legend Betty Buckley, live with the Seattle Symphony and a song from his new upcoming CD, 'Christmas Day Is Almost Here... Again.' Feel the love, folks: Happy Bl...
Groundhog Day: German Weasels & Whistle Pigs
February 03, 2018 07:47 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBMove over, Bill Murray...Whistle Pigs are the new Wood Chucks. Punxsutawney Phil ain't got nothin' on me! This is our homage to a classic holiday movie. We know what you're thinking, folks! What's this got to do with Tom Waits? It's the same. It's the same. Start the Party! Again.
MLK Day: Change Must Come From Within
January 16, 2018 07:51 - 59 minutes - 82.2 MBIn celebration of Dr. King's birthday we paid tribute by reflecting on many of his great sayings and his final message - to serve with "a heart full of grace, and a soul generated by love." With a few of Tom's great songs dealing with the devil, love and houses to bless our journey on this great day. RIP Ralph Carney.
Over The Influence: Music That Inspired Tom Waits
January 08, 2018 07:41 - 1 hour - 94.6 MBFrom Frank Sinatra & Captain Beefheart to Little Richard, Harry Partch, & The Texas Czech Bohemian-Moravian Bands, Tom's musical influences are wondrous, wild, wide...and deep. We're talking a virtual beyond-the-chromatic-scale smorgasbord including GATMO, The Rolling Stones, & Altar Boy. Folks, your table is ready!
Goodbye 2017: Grand Recantation & Salutations
January 01, 2018 02:00 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBOur bonus mini-episode brings you the must-have final retractions and corrections of the year, and that's the end of that. Enjoy, feel the love, and Happy New Year!
Tim Scherman: Pounding Post Modernism Into A Thinking Man's Floor
December 25, 2017 22:51 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBBill, James and Cheryl continue Eluding the Authorities, this time with the distinguished author Dr. Tim Scherman who penned that brilliant essay. What's he building in there ain't just literature, folks. Not only has Tim used his mind to deconstruct the culture surrounding Tom Waits word by word, he's also used his hands to reconstruct his entire house board by board. Elizabeth Oakes Smith, P.T. Barnum, and Bob Frost are throwing confetti from their graves!
Goin' Home: Rain Dog & Pony Shows With Jumping Wolf Spiders
December 18, 2017 07:16 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MBOnce again without a net, Bill & James dive down a strange rabbit hole filled with 4-8 legged creatures, which as you'd expect, inspires a deep exploration into the music that informed their world outlook. That's right, this is the episode that explains everything but clears up nothing...except The Great Companion. Oh, and once again featuring "Retractions and Corrections" for your listening pleasure. That's a wrap, folks!
Bruce Barton: Never Throw Rocks At Strangers
December 06, 2017 18:00 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBHail, Hail the gang's all here. That's right, folks, it's the World Emergency Circus 2.0. In the center ring in all of his glory we finally present our fashion fangod hailing from a stone's throw from the Big Muddy: Bruce Barton! For you theatre, cabaret, and LGBTQ aficionados, this episode has it all, believe you we...Bette Midler, Crystal Gayle, Lily Tomlin, and a fish in the pants. Feel the confetti!
Whole Hog: Gratitude Attitude And Triskaidekaphobia
November 23, 2017 06:39 - 44 minutes - 61.1 MBHappy Thanksgiving folks! Bill, James and Cheryl move a couple rungs up the spiral as they begin Season 2 and explore beginnings, family, culinary celebration, the Nobel prize and of course, the perfect Tom Waits Thanksgiving songs.
Real Satisfaction: Flying High On Tom's Collaboration With Keith Richards
November 12, 2017 06:08 - 1 hour - 138 MBWhat can we say about this episode? Denny Crane. Oh, and then there’s The Human Strum, the scribe, the little red rooster howlin’ like a wolf, Son Of Rogues Gallery, Under The Influence and Last Leaf On The Tree..that’s right, folks: loads of family fun. AND in the center chamber....THE HUMAN GUINEA PIG quivering in the corner after weeks of being confetti-boarded with Heart Attack and Vine. PLUS, Bill is rendered speechless in the Season 1 Finale...AND Retractions & Corrections. Long live J...
Bear With Us: The Alien Is On The Spectrum
October 30, 2017 06:42 - 1 hour - 101 MBHey folks! Dust off your Saint Christopher and hang on to your hats because Jack and Neal are behind the wheel. On our wildest ride yet, we threw away the map, turned off GPS, revved up Zencastr, and barreled down the wire through a ring of fire without a net. You may not learn a lot in this episode, but you sure will be amused or amazed...the choice is yours. But first step this way for Bill and James' spontaneous Top 3 songs for aliens. Ta-Da!
Zeitgeist: Monkeys With Money 'N Guns Devouring Breakfast Cereal
October 15, 2017 19:22 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBThe erudite Cheryl King joins us for a deep dive, this time plunging into a brilliant essay, "Eluding The Authorities" by Tim Scherman on popmatters.com. A well intentioned but half-baked, feckless, fumbling conversation ensues about the author's mind-bending examination of the positive effect left behind by Tom Waits' music.
Tim Settimi: Truth And Beauty In Silence
September 26, 2017 07:23 - 1 hour - 85 MBThe Great Settimi: musician, clown, and roller-skating comic, who's opened and worked with music legends like Gloria Estefan, Kenny Loggins and Willie Nelson, shares tales of falling off stages across America and ruminates on Tom Waits' physicality. With a soulful rendition of 'Invitation To The Blues' on baritone ukulele, this episode will melt your heart as Tim and Bill open up about clowning clowning for children in Hospitals with Humorology Atlanta, HA! Poignant, heartfelt and hilarious.