Tom Waits - The Early Years, Vol. 2

The Early Years Vol. 2 continues the excavation of Tom Waits’ earliest recordings, offering a remarkable window into his songwriting and performance style at the very beginning of his career. Drawn from sessions recorded between 1971 and 1972, this 13 track collection presents songs in their raw, unfiltered form, long before Waits’ voice and persona became fully mythologized.

None of these recordings appear on any other Tom Waits album, making this release essential for collectors and devoted fans alike. Four of the songs were never revisited or re-recorded, preserving fleeting moments of inspiration that exist only here. Pressed on heavyweight 180 gram vinyl, The Early Years Vol. 2 documents a young artist honing his craft, experimenting with melody, phrasing, and narrative voice, while already hinting at the singular songwriting presence that would soon redefine American music.