The title immediately made me think of a Saturday Night Live sketch where Garth Brooks played a struggling musician, and the devil (Will Ferell) showed up and offered to give him the world's greatest songs in exchange for his soul.

The songs were comically terrible.

How does Tom Waits become the "last" ethical man?

The title is, of course, hyperbole. He is one of the few musicians who has no desire to sell out to the big corporations. He refuses to let his music be used to peddle products, and has even gone so far as to sue when a company uses a sound alike for him after he turns them down.

as I say in the essay: Waits will never sell my memories

True, but I wouldn't say Waits is the "last" to occupy that category, even in the narrower field of music.

Like I said: it's hyperbole. There are obviously others, but I wanted to spot light him.

This is one of many reasons to respect Tom Waits.

And, Jestmeister, I remember that sketch because the devil had trouble with "that darn F chord."

I don't remember that sketch

Oh, I thought you were referring to the title "The Devil Has the Best Tunes". I didn't see how that was hyperbole, but didn't pursue that course.

It all make-a the sense now!

LOL