When the unfortunate day comes that Tom Waits kicks the bucket, he’s got enough of a legacy and catalogue to make himself damn near immortal. After listening to Ben Weaver this week, I’d harbor no reservations in comparing him to a young Waits, before Tom’s music took a couple steps in the crazy direction.

Weaver released Paper Sky in May of this year, and I now bear the shame of having this record in my collection since at least that time without so much as giving it the slightest attention that it all so rightly deserves. The album was produced by Brian Deck, who has previously worked with Modest Mouse and Iron and Wine, and whose guidance makes this album jump out of my speakers.

What captivates me so much about this album is that there are so many brilliant little noises and sounds while Weaver’s somewhat raspy delivery maintains a steady course throughout. Mark this down as one of our biggest and most welcomed surprises of the year, here’s to hoping you heed our praise and check him out for yourself.

Myspace: Ben Weaver
MP3: Ben Weaver – Grieve All You Want