Tom Waits Sings and Radiohead Gets in Tune

Seeing concerts is hard; seeing a legendary performance after it’s already happened is even harder. But, thanks to the magic of still-fuzzy copyright laws, the Internet has become a repository of archival concert footage from a variety of sources, allowing you to enjoy shows by everyone from the next big thing to a dearly departed favorite, and all from the comfort of your computer screen.

Here’s a look around at some of the best shows to be found online, with this week’s installment focusing on a few blasts from the past.

Tom Waits, “The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)” - “Fernwood Tonight” (1977)

Martin Mull and Fred Willard welcome the singer-songwriter to their imaginary talk show, with appropriately off-kilter results. Waits is at the height of his barfly troubadour powers, while mock-hosts Mull and Willard capture small-time showbiz sleaze with bloated egos and a dangerously polyester wardrobe. As an extra bonus, Waits sits down after his wobbly performance to critique a few Fernwood nightspots.

R.E.M., “Radio Free Europe” – Late Night with David Letterman (1983)

Not even taking into account how young and downright hungry the future alt-rock titans look in their first television appearance, this video earns its stripes for showcasing a shy Michael Stipe and his Breck-girl locks. And are those Bugle Boys he’s wearing? (Also, not to brag, but it’s awful nice of Dave to introduce the band with a plug for one of the first papers on R.E.M.’s bandwagon.)

John Lennon & the Dirty Mac, “Yer Blues” - Rolling Stones Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus (1968)

Though certainly notable for the staggering talent backing the former Beatle (Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mitch Mitchell), the video’s most notable appearance may have come from Mick Jagger. His jarringly not funny attempt at an American accent during his introduction of Lennon seems to stretch on for an awkward eternity. Dirty Mac may’ve formed on the spot just to keep Mick quiet.

Radiohead, “My Iron Lung” - Reading Festival (1994)

Before Radiohead gave birth to “Kid A” they were just a plucky guitar band trying to make it happen. The massive European crowd bounces ecstatically to this song from “The Bends,” but seriously, what’s going on with the band’s look? Guitarist Ed O’Brien is wearing what appears to be the “Seinfeld” puffy shirt while Thom Yorke appears even more waifish than usual under a glammed-up helmet of bright blond hair.

The Pixies, “Hey” - London 1988

Once upon a time, before David Lovering became a magician and Black Francis started turning into Rod Steiger, the Pixes roamed the Earth. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke called them the greatest band ever, and the number of people who agreed some 15 years later was enough to support a sold-out reunion tour. This sepia-toned performance from the peak of their powers helps explain why.

Joy Division, “She’s Lost Control” - BBC (1979)

“Daddy? Where did Interpol come from?” From the skinny ties to the detached cool of, well, everyone in the band, it’s easy to see where a few of those sharp-dressed New York indie groups copped their style. But let’s see someone adopt the late Ian Curtis’ cyborg jazzercise moves. That’s not so easy.