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Tom Waits in Other Places Trivia Quiz

Tom Waits has done a little of everything in the entertainment industry, but he still resides in the margins, a genius only to those weird enough to recognize a true original.

A multiple-choice quiz by JoeSmow. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
JoeSmow

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
264,726

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
353

Awards
Top 10% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. A Tom Waits song is the theme for which one of these HBO programs? Hint

The Sopranos

The Wire

Rome

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Question 2 of 10

2. Tom Waits was credited for the soundtrack of which 1991 Jim Jarmusch film?

Hint

Broken Flowers

Down by Law

Dead Man

Night on Earth

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which two Waits albums have won Grammy awards? Hint

'One from the Heart' and 'Swordfishtrombones'

'Bone Machine' and 'Rain Dogs'

'Bone Machine' and 'Mule Variations'

'Mule Variations' and 'Swordfishtrombones'

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Question 4 of 10

4. What is the only movie Tom Waits has written? Hint

Big Time

Down By Law

Night On Earth

Paradise Alley

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Question 5 of 10

5. In "Fishing with John" where do John Lurie and Tom go fishing? Hint

Thailand

Jamaica

Wisconsin

The Louisiana Bayou

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Question 6 of 10

6. Where did Waits record "Nighthawks at the Diner?" Hint

Vine Street Bar and Grill

Wanda Platt's Cafe

Al's Diner

In a studio

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Question 7 of 10

7. What did Waits perform on the 1988 Disney film song compilation album, "Stay Awake?" Hint

Pink Elephants on Parade

Heigh Ho

Baby Mine

Mickey Mouse March

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Question 8 of 10

8. What was Tom's first movie? Hint

One from the Heart

Rumble Fish

The Outsiders

Paradise Alley

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is the name of the play Waits debuted in 1986? Hint

Swordfishtrombones

Big Time

Frank's Wild Years

Way Down In the Hole

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is not a credited instrument on 'Swordfishtrombones'? Hint

Saw

Freedom Bell

Chair

Bagpipes

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. A Tom Waits song is the theme for which one of these HBO programs?

Answer: The Wire

If you don't keep the devil "Way Down in the Hole," then the events that take place in that groundbreaking series would not be possible. The song is from the album, "Frank's Wild Years." one of Waits most bizarre endeavors.

2. Tom Waits was credited for the soundtrack of which 1991 Jim Jarmusch film?

Answer: Night on Earth

'Night on Earth' is the only time Waits was credited for a soundtrack on a Jarmusch movie although Jarmusch has used many of Waits' songs in his movies. Waits was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Score for the movie, "One From The Heart."

3. Which two Waits albums have won Grammy awards?

Answer: 'Bone Machine' and 'Mule Variations'

The awards crowd has finally caught up with one of the great songwriters of our time. Two of his four albums in the 90's won awards, but strangely, or in typical Tom Waits style, in two completely different categories.

4. What is the only movie Tom Waits has written?

Answer: Big Time

It was a concert movie, but man, what a weird concert movie it was.

5. In "Fishing with John" where do John Lurie and Tom go fishing?

Answer: Jamaica

Tom got sick midway through the episode and was obviously pissed at John Lurie. According to rumor, he didn't speak to Lurie for two years, and has never seen the episode.

6. Where did Waits record "Nighthawks at the Diner?"

Answer: In a studio

Waits invited a few guest to give the place a live audience feel. He told jokes made fun of the patrons and gave the album one of the most uniquely live feelings I have ever experienced on a record. I especially loved "The Ballad of Big Joe and Phantom 309."

7. What did Waits perform on the 1988 Disney film song compilation album, "Stay Awake?"

Answer: Heigh Ho

In typical Tom Waits style, he totally re-worked the dwarves marching song giving it a melancholy feel that lingered high above the other songs on the album.

8. What was Tom's first movie?

Answer: Paradise Alley

Waits played Mumbles in a movie written and directed by Sylvester Stallone about three brothers growing up in Hell's Kitchen, so I guess, Sly Stallone gave him his big break in the movies.

9. What is the name of the play Waits debuted in 1986?

Answer: Frank's Wild Years

Based on a song From 'Swordfishtrombones', 'Frank's Wild Years' is the story of Frank O'Brien, a guy sitting on a park bench in East St. Louis dreaming of his past.

10. What is not a credited instrument on 'Swordfishtrombones'?

Answer: Saw

'Swordfishtrombones' is probably the most radical changes of style any artist has ever taken in music. Waits went from piano and bass lead music to something from another planet with this album. It is a masterpiece that most resembles a carnival freak show in style and content. It also established Waits as one of the most unique artists in the history of American music.

Source: Author JoeSmow

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Dalgleish before going online.
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