I’m a huge fan of Tom Waits, particularly his oft-overlooked debut album, Closing Time. Waits has possibly never been more accessible, as his voice has a more natural quality to it and most of the songs feature a booming chorus. Anyway, I specifically remember trying to learn the album’s fourth track, “Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards),” on guitar, spending hours with the song instead of focusing on homework. It’s a country-flavored number with a sweet message, perfect for jamming with friends while having a drink or two.

Last week, Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar covered the song live. The pair are currently on a brief tour in support of One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur, their soundtrack to the film of the same name.

Per TwentFourBit:

The pair enlisted Nick Harmer, Mark Spencer, and Jon Wurster for a 6-night jaunt through a few major U.S. cities and they even branched out a bit from their album One Fast Move or I’m Gone. ”

The banjo and steel guitar make it work.