TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS
(See also Tom Petty)

"Origins: 1971-1978" (Gone Gator Music; 2026)

Reviewed by Snidermann

"Origins,: 1971-1978," is a monster, five disc set with 51 songs and almost four hours of music. This is the musical story about how the band became Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The original band, Mudcrutch, was formed in 1970 and dissolved when the record company fired everybody but Petty. A year or so later, Petty, Mike Campbell, and Benmont Tench from Mudcrutch formed the new band, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Let's look back at the name of this recording: "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Origins 1971-1978." I thought I knew Tom Petty music and, well, I did. However, after listening to this recording, I have to say I really did not know shit about Tom’s music. I did not remember anything from the 17 songs included on the first two discs. As I was listening to the recording, it reminded me of brand new Heartbreakers songs. I had to remember that Tom had died and this music was almost fifty years old. That means this five-hour Tom masterpiece was recorded in the 70s.

Let’s think on that for a moment. This recording was done in a seven year span. Fifty-one songs and pushing three hours of music that I had never heard. Shall we take this thought experiment a bit further? If the Tom Petty estate has this mush music from '71 to '78, how much more do they have to release in the future?

There are some hits thrown in here as well, just to keep the purists happy and, yeah, that was a kinda cool thing. If they were smart they would release one of these every few years and, if they are half as good as this one, we are in for some quality Tom Petty for years to come.

For more information, check out http://www.tompetty.com. 

"Live at the Fillmore, 1997" (Warner Records; 1994)

Reviewed by Snidermann

In 1997, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers did something that I wish I had known about at the time. They played twenty shows in a two month period at the legendary Fillmore club in San Francisco. Now, the music from those shows has been released.

"Live at the Fillmore, 1977" contains 74 songs and runs over four hours long. They play the music they like, covers of songs by Chuck Berry, JJ Cale, The Rolling Stone, Bill Withers, Bo Diddley, Booker T & the MGs, Ray Davies, The Beatles, The Byrds. The music all means something to them and the passion with which they play makes that apparent. And, of course, they put in some Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tracks every once in awhile, just to satisfy the faithful.

The Heartbreakers band is a truly talented bunch and when you let them do what they want, the output is truly colossal. If it were not for my streaming service, this bitch would have been three CDs at least! (Editor's note: It's four). This is truly an awesome record that every Tom Petty fan should own.

For more information, check out http://www.tompetty.com. 

"Damn the Torpedoes" (Blackstreet Records; 1979)

Reviewed by Snidermann

I have been a Tom Petty fan since I first heard them on the 1979 release of "Damn The Torpedoes." My cousin spun the (vinyl) album for me and I was instantly hooked. Petty’s vocal style is something that must be savored like a fine wine. Frankly it's ... well, not good. However, what he lacks in vocal finesse is more than made up for in song constructions. Petty is simply one of the best rock'n'roll song writers of all time.

"Damn the Torpedoes," of course, features the big hits you hear on FM radio: "Refugee," "Here Comes My Girl" and "Even The Losers." What you don't hear often enough are the deep cuts; outstanding music that (if you don't own the recording or subscribe to a streaming service) you simply never hear.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are just a bunch of guys from Florida that play rock'n'roll. That in itself is something. Well, maybe not the Florida part but the playing music part. They simply get the job done! "Damn the Torpedoes" is high quality music that delivers on every level from the sappy love songs to the upbeat tunes that make you want to dance and drink beer (or, in Petty’s own words--from another album): "Let’s roll another joint!"

 I, like a fool, did not see him live in Los Angeles a few years ago and now that will never happen since Petty has passed away. That will stick with me for the rest of my life. But at least we still have a catalog of some great fucking music. Rock'n'roll as it should be: simple, easy to listen to, singable, relatable and fun. That is certainly what you get with a Tom Petty recording.

Rating this release is like rating "The Shining" or "The Hobbit" but, alas I must: 4 guitarsaws! And if I could go fucking higher I would. RIP friend Tom. Your music will never be forgotten and as we're here at RoughEdge.com, your music will be appreciated.

The Heartbreakers are Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Stan Lynch and Ron Blair.

For more information, check out http://www.tompetty.com.  

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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