The truest testament to a songs power is how it plays with others.

Songs written by the performer are more likely to land in the singers stylistic and vocal wheelhouse; take away that crutch to witness the songs true strength and character. So while Tom Waits genius has been beyond dispute for at least a quarter-century, hearing his songs performed by the dozen female artists of Come On Up to the House: Women Sing Waits casts new light on their brilliance.

Freed from Waits gravelly, way-down-in-the-hole brogue, his female interpreters discover dramatic new shapes and colors within them. Were the songs not almost literally cut from the same cloth, one might worry that the range were too wide, rather than marveling at the adaptability of the songs and their singers.

Come On Up To The House is a stunning Tom Waits tribute album performed by some of today’s most established and well regarded female musicians in celebration of Tom Wait’s 70th birthday.