Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: A-

Tom Petty is that special kind of artist that doesn’t need much hype, over production or media gossip. Mind you he has had his problems with addiction and fame. But with each record Tom Petty puts out (with or without “The Heartbreakers”) he creates solid classic sounding music perfect for that specific time in pop culture history. Throughout the 80’s, 90’s and now in the year 2006 Tom Petty and the boys have made another slice of music heaven.

I read an article in Rolling Stone with Tom Petty recently and he was asked about bands like The Strokes copying his music (their song “Last Night” is a cord by cord homage to “American Girl”) and he said he could care less. That cool, laid back response describes the style of this great mellow collection of songs.

This c.d.’s title is perfect, this is a great highway companion. In other words it is perfect driving music. “Saving Grace” is quintessential Top Petty & The Hearthbreakers. It is a solid rock tune with country under tones. “Down South” is like a song straight from his deceasded pal Roy Orbison with it’s organs and melodic guitar strumming. “Flirting With Time” is a great ominous love song. “This Old Town” is fun and dark all at the same time. “Big Weekend” is a fast country jam. “Turn This Car Around” sounds a bit like their classic early 90’s tune “Last Dance With Mary Jane”.

I would definately catagorize this music under great jogging music, or house cleaning music. Anything that requires up beat jammin energy. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers have said this may be their last album, which is a shame because I always look forward to hearing new music from them. I like to tell people that this is a great c.d. and then watch them scratch their head like “who?” and “why”? They may not be the coolest kids on the block anymore, but they make fuckin hot rock music with a classic sound.