The first song I heard from that band was:

[Mick Mac]

In this thread you are asked to think back. You like a particular band or singer and you try to recall what was the first song you heard to spark an interest in that band or singer.

The first song I heard from Tom Waits was "Martha" - at University in 1988 a friend lent me the album Closing Time and encouraged me to listen - I liked what I heard and will always remember that as my first Tom Waits listen.

So:

Tom Waits - Martha

Heres a link for those who do not know it (I could not find Tom W doing it himself but this guy does it nicely)

Martha

[HonaloochieB]

Angel Of Eighth Avenue - Mott The Hoople.

Beautifully enunciated by Ian Hunter, one of our great vocalists.

[red devil]

Wow Mick, there are so many, this one must be near the top though..was already on the way to becoming a Smiths fan after buying their first single Hand in Glove on word of mouth, but upon hearing Johnny Marr's opening chords on This Charming Man at the local record store for the first time, the conversion was complete...

[Keef]

I am a Counting Crows fan, and the first album (August & Everything After) remains one of my favourite albums. They have never reached those heights again IMO.

Anyway, I remember hearing the song Sullivan Street on a tape my mate leant me, and thinking it was REM, because of his voice (although I don't actually like REM). Borrowed the full album off the same mate, and don't think I ever gave it back.