Tom Waits, Small Change (side A)

1976's Small Change has long been acknowledged as the classic of Waits's early work, so it's hard to add too much new about the album. Bones Howe's recording sounds great, particularly on the vocals and bass. Shelley Manne was of course a great drummer, and string arranger Jerry Yester's history has now been well-documented by Richie Unterberger. Small Change deserves its reputation as a classic.