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Nadine3892's avatar

Brilliant, thank you. Love the visceral and beautifully descriptive nature of your writing, rather like Wait's lyrics, apt. I always appreciate a reminder to listen to Tom Waits

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Jason Thompson's avatar

I genuinely appreciate that.

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lou J's avatar

I enjoyed that. A lot. Not just because I adore everything Tom Waits. You got most of it right, but I can’t abide the early and prominent descriptor, “stench.” Sure, Waits’s music manages to tickle olfactory nerves as you astutely observe. But “stench” implies a revolting or unpleasant experience and Waits is NOT that. Obviously “sweet” doesn’t work, and “bitter” is too easy, so it’s an art to convey the scent of his work. Let’s just say this: I believe a human body smells far better after a sweaty workout or entanglement than it does when showered and misted with nonhuman fragrance. Tom’s music provides solid evidence of shared aesthetics.

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Jason Thompson's avatar

“Let’s just say this: I believe a human body smells far better after a sweaty workout or entanglement than it does when showered and misted with nonhuman fragrance.”

No, that what you said. I like what I wrote just fine. I recommend you write your own piece on a Tom Waits song you enjoy.

It’s a little strange to come to someone else’s Substack page and attempt to edit their work ex post facto.

Thanks for reading and have a good night.

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lou J's avatar

Not trying to edit. Just having fun thinking about Waits and words. Glad I read it. Sorry I commented in a way that offended. Not my intent at all. Peace.

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