Closing Time

Closing Time is the debut studio album by the American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, released in March 1973 on Asylum Records. Produced and arranged by former Lovin' Spoonful member Jerry Yester, Closing Time was the first of seven of Waits' major releases through Asylum, the final being Heartattack and Vine (1980). The album is noted for being predominantly folk influenced although Waits intended for Closing Time to be "a jazz, piano-led album." Upon release, the album was mildly successful in the United States, although it did not chart and received little attention from music press in the United Kingdom and elsewhere internationally. Critical reaction to Closing Time was positive. The album's lead, and only, single, "Ol' '55", attracted attention due to a cover version by Waits' better known label mates The Eagles. Other songs from the album were covered by artists ranging from Tim Buckley to Bette Midler. The album has been certified Gold in the United Kingdom and has gained a contemporary cult following among rock fans. The album has been reissued four times since its initial release; on LP in 1976, on CD in 1992 and 1999 and 180 gram LP in 2010.