Almost 13 years ago The Guardian started an occasional series in which the greatest recording artists reveal their favourite records. Tom Waits was first up.

Have a look and read Waits´ comments and his say about his 20 most cherished albums of all time.

Go Have A Listen – while you read – on the playlist below.

Listen, learn & be inspired.

Note: Houndog by Houndog (Sony) 1999  – the David Hidalgo [Los Lobos] and Mike Halby [Canned Heat] record can´t be found on stream. “Can´t stand the rain” by Los Lobos replacing Houndog on this playlist.