Tom Waits is a difficult artist to cover. “Often imitated, never duplicated” sums it up. Even artists including Scarlet Johannson and Holly Cole have full tribute albums of Waits covers. Yes, others, including Rod Stewart and the Eagles, had hits with Tom Waits songs. But even one of my favorite musicians, Jonathan Richman’s version of “Looking for the Heart of Saturday Night” can’t compare with the original. Covering early Waits, with such gloomy barroom masterpieces as San Diego Serenade, or A Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis simply should not be attempted. Later experimental and more alternative Waits with tracks such as “Big in Japan” and “Hell Broke Luce” would also be difficult. “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” is a rare Waits track that works for other artists too.
You’re probably asking why include a six-pack of one Waits song? Funny thing, the track “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” from the 1992 album Bone Machine is not only heavily covered, many versions are actually really great. It’s one Tom Waits song that defies my typical adage of feeling that his music should be played only by him. Funny thing, Waits’ original may be the least accessible of the six. The Ramones had a final hit with their punked-up version of the track. Holly Cole strips it down. Hayes Carll takes it to the roadhouse. Artichoke goes weird. And it’s the perfect song for the Young@Heart chorus of senior citizens to sing.
For the beverage selection, we’re sticking to New England beers. With beers from Stone Corral, River Roost, Samuel Adams, Vitamin Sea, Lawson’s Finest Liquids, and The Alchemist, all are from either Vermont or Massachusetts.
Tom Waits and Stone Corral’s Strawberry Rhubarb Gose
The original version of “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” pairs best with this gose from Stone Corral. The original begins with a raucous cacophony but becomes quite accessible with the easy rhythm and tune of the song. Much like a sour or gose. At first glance, many people are turned away by this style of beer, afraid of a burst of sourness, similar to what an initial reaction to the sound of Waits’ tune. Trying the beer and listening further both reward with an accessible taste and sound.
Hayes Carll and River Roost’s Hello Hello
This version is just sublime. Maybe with the country twang I should have grabbed a Lone Star beer. River Roost is one of my favorite Vermont, or actually, any place brewery and this could quite be my favorite version of the track. The words are pronounced and blend well with the country style.
Holly Cole and Samuel Adams’ Porch Rocker
Cole’s version is jazzy and completely different from the others on the list. Pairing this with a light Porch Rocker is a perfect pair. The song consists of her vocals with a soft piano and a pronounced plucked bass.
Young@Heart Chorus and Vitamin Sea’s Right Out Straight
This smooth, tropicalesque IPA is like a day at the beach or poolside. It’s got a unique flavor, kind of like the unique sound of the Young@Heart Chorus. Best known for their documentary, this senior citizen chorus includes versions of songs such as The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated” and Talking Heads’ “Road to Nowhere.”
The Ramones and Lawsons’ Hopzilla
First, both the album cover of Adios Amigos and the can art of Lawson Hopzilla have dinosaurs on them. The Hopzilla, like the name implies, is the hoppiest of all the beers here, making it for most palettes, most intense. This superb beer is best with this punky take on the track.
Artichoke and The Alchemists’ Farmer’s Daughter
The quirk and oddness of Artichoke’s take on the song is met with an earthy Saison from the Alchemist. Known for their IPAs, this brewery does fine renditions of many styles like the Kolsch, a red ale, and this saison. The cover and the can color are similar in the scheme as well.
Such diverse versions of “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up” match well with these six different beers, many in different styles. This song is a winner for both melody and lyrical content. These beers won’t disappoint either. For other cover songs and a six pack, try “Brown Sugar“, “Strangers” and “Oh Well“.
