Vagabond crooner Tom Waits will release what may be the most anticipated album of his 26 year career when "Mule Variations" arrives on April 27 courtesy of Epitaph Records.

The album will be Waits' first studio effort in six years and his first since signing on with the punk purveyors at Epitaph. "They are pro-artist, forward-thinking and I like their taste in music, barbecue and cars," Waits said of his seemingly odd marriage with Epitaph in a written statement. "As a business, it's muscle car all the way."

Late last year, Waits told MTV News that fans could expect "real dirt simple" tunes drenched in Americana themes like trains, rain, redemption, farm animals, insects and freaks (see "Tom Waits In Touch With The Great Outdoors For New Record"). The final track listing for "Mule Variations" seems to support that promise, with titles like "Lowside of the Road," "Eyeball Kid," and "Get Behind The Mule" making the final cut.

Here's what fans can expect when "Mule Variations" arrives in stores in April:

  • Big In Japan
  • Lowside of the Road
  • Hold On
  • Get Behind The Mule
  • House Where Nobody Lives
  • Cold Water
  • Pony
  • What's He Building?
  • Black Market Baby
  • Eyeball Kid
  • Picture in a Frame
  • Chocolate Jesus
  • Georgia Lee
  • Filipino Box Spring Hog
  • Take It With Me
  • Come On Up To The House