Tom Petty...

[tequila girl]

......evening on UK TV now for anyone who's interested...BBC4


9-10pm

Classic Albums
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Damn the Torpedoes The making of Damn the Torpedoes by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which was recorded in secrecy in 1979 as the band members fought for creative independence with their record company. The programme examines how Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Ron Blair and Stan Lynch created their third album with the help of co-producer Jimmy Iovine and engineer Shelly Yakus, which occupied the number two spot in America for seven weeks and initially sold more than 2.5 million copies


10-10.45pm


Rock Goes to College: Tom Petty
A 1980 concert performance filmed at Oxford Polytechnic introduced by Pete Drummond


10.45-2-45

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Runnin' Down a Dream
Feature-length profile of one of America's best known rock 'n' roll bands, directed by Peter Bogdanovich. The documentary includes interviews with the musicians and their friends, including Stevie Nicks, Johnny Depp, Dave Grohl and Rick Rubin, to chart the performers' independent-minded approach to their music and careers through more than 30 years on the road

[sodascouts]

Wish I could see these! I think Petty is really cool. I've seen Running Down a Dream, although I don't own it.

Some of my faves:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLYBe-dHLSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNgt7U9QrFQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ-bhM-xuec

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1SNuoeeY6Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5BJXwNeKsQ


And of course his stuff with Stevie Nicks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7bjXWzms5I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bio-2wiMmnw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6HHzWyFBrQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbNke9OLyCI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UD0c58nNCQ

[Annabel]

I watched the first one of the programmes and recorded the other two to watch another time. :thumbsup:

[Troubadour]

I watched some of it! It was great. Loved some of the stories in the Runnin' Down A Dream documentary. Interesting to hear about how England embraced the group immediately, whereas their first release sort of fizzled out in the States. I still find it amazing how some American artists are really popular in Europe and not in their own country. Steve Lukather/Toto is a prime example. Of course, I'm sure this occurs the other way around, too.

[MikeA]

I still find it amazing how some American artists are really popular in Europe and not in their own country.

Jimi Hendrix was another Lou. Fortunately, Hendrix loved England.

[WalshFan88]

The Heartbreakers is a great band. Just got the Documentary on how they made the "Damn The Torpedoes" album. Very cool. Their new album, "Mojo", is one of their best. A straight up blues rock album that was recorded with everyone playing at the same time like a live performance with NO overdubs.

[EaglesFanatic]

I saw TP and the Heartbreakers last summer. He was amazing! Austin, ITA about Mojo. I love it!

Here are a couple pics from the concert :)
http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa377/asusundevils/IMG_0758.jpg

http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa377/asusundevils/IMG_0757.jpg

[Troubadour]

Cool! Thanks for sharing, EF.

[Prettymaid]

Tom Petty rocks! I mentioned several months ago (somewhere here) that we went to a party of some friends who had seen him at the United Center last year. The whole time we were there they were playing Runnin' Down A Dream, a four disc dvd set and I saw most of disc three which features Stevie Nicks in three or four songs. It looked really good and something any Tom Petty fan would cherish.

[Annabel]

I'm still watching the last part of the 3rd programme I recorded, :laugh: Enjoying it more than I thought I would though. :yay:

[Outlawman13]

Ohhhh boy. You guys have one of my favourite singers in here!!!!!!!! I adore Tom Petty's work. I had most of the albums (until they got stolen) and I would listen to those babies constantly. LOL a lot of people would make fun of me for loving Tom Petty. I love all of his songs. I went to one of his concerts, and let me tell you that his music still blows me away!!!!! This man is a legend in my eyes. His music will live on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTAhZKP5wCY

[tjh532]

For all the Boarders out there who have Directv or who get the Audience channel, they are showing the Running Down a Dream documentary this Monday, July 28. I know it's a few years old, but I've never seen it and am looking forward to it.

[Brooke]

Must see if it's on Dish! Thanks for the heads up tjh!

[tjh532]

I recorded it and watched it later. I had to actually watch it in two parts - it's four hours long! It was well done, but I liked the Eagles one better (and not just because of the subject matter! ha). I just think that it was too long. But other than that it was really well done. I don't think I really realized just how much music he has made, and how familiar with it I was. I think because he has just been fabulous all these years, but not really a person who seeks the limelight or is a big party person/celebrity, that he seems to fly under the radar a bit. Anyway, I would recommend it to anyone who likes documentaries about the music business, not just Tom Petty fans. Just make sure you have four hours available :hilarious:

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, tjh!

[Brooke]

I wish I could see it. I did look and even searched for it, but not on dish.

I really like TP, but have not seen him live, in concert. He really does have lots of hits that we have on the ipod and listen to frequently. I also enjoy documentaries. Maybe it will come out on dvd.

[prayfordaylight]

I managed to watch the first half this weekend. It was definitely worth it even if you're not a hardcore fan. I never realized how dire the MCA lawsuit situation was.

My stepbrother and BIL are going to see him next month. They snagged 3rd row seats. So jealous.

[TimothyBFan]

I've saw TP a few times in concert and adore him and his music. I was really excited about the new album but I have to admit, I'm not crazy about it. Actually, I really don't care much for it at all. I'm not sure what it is about it but it just doesn't seem up to the usual TP standards. Seems almost forced or something. Anyone else?

[sodascouts]

I love Tom Petty and I'm glad he's still releasing music, but yeah, it's not his best work.

BTW, I saw Running Down the Dream several years ago when I was dating a huge TP fan. It was a bit overlong for me, but I'd imagine it's a hardcore's dream.

[WalshFan88]

Not a fan of the new album. Mojo was much better IMO... This one seems a bit....commercial?

Nonetheless, Tom's an american original and one of the stick-it-to-the-man types that today's music sorely needs. He says it like he means it. I'm glad there are guys like Dave Grohl who also continue to carry that on and remind people of what real human music is, not game show-created, auto-tuned drivel.

I certainly love his music, especially Damn The Torpedoes. And Mike Campbell is much like Joe or Lindsey, he plays for the song and doesn't overplay - much like George Harrison (which IIRC is his idol).

[TimothyBFan]

Phew- glad to know it's not just me in regards to the new album.

You're right, Austin, in your assessment of him being a "stick it to the man" artist. And about the auto-tune-- reminded me--- Did you see the recent interview where he talks about DJ inspired music? It was hysterical! Love how he just says how he feels. :hilarious:

Damn The Torpedoes is always in the top of the best classic rock albums of all time list for a reason. It's well deserving.

[tjh532]

I wish I could see it. I did look and even searched for it, but not on dish.

I really like TP, but have not seen him live, in concert. He really does have lots of hits that we have on the ipod and listen to frequently. I also enjoy documentaries. Maybe it will come out on dvd.

I checked, and it is available on DVD from several outlets online. You can also download it on itunes. Most prices were under $20.

[sodascouts]

I saw posted elsewhere that it's hit #1. Congrats to Tom Petty!

[VAisForEagleLovers]

Debuted at #1 and his first #1 album. Why is that? Because his fans want to hear his music. Are you listening, Irving?

http://www.wbig.com/articles/classic-rock-music-news-477362/tom-petty-earns-first-no-1-12643902

[Brooke]

I checked, and it is available on DVD from several outlets online. You can also download it on itunes. Most prices were under $20.

Great! Thanks tjh! I will look for it!

And way to go Tom!

[WS82Classics]

One of my favourite singer-songwriters of all-time. Would have gone to see his Atlanta-area performance with Mudcrutch had it not sold out within hours and had prices not been prohibitively expensive. The new biography on him interests me greatly, and I give it a small read every time I go to Books-A-Million. Wish they'd issue it in paperback, as hardbacks are simply TDE for me.

Like with the Eagles, I especially love Petty's obscurities. In particular, his 90's-era songs. He hit his peak lyricism during this time, which yielded my two favourite songs--"Learning to Fly" and "Room at the Top." Posted below are selected obscurities from this period.

"Too Good to Be True": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INvkpr7CVQY
"You and I Will Meet Again": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-FBBJRa6_k
"Built to Last": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqWm9DYpLP4
"To Find a Friend": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYRedCk4eDY
"Lonesome Sundown": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VULut1Q-eiw
"Echo": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsyyLbXvRxA

[Tiffanny Twisted]

Love tom petty
Saw the doc three times very good

[buffyfan145]

Love Tom Petty too!!! :D One of my all-time favorites, and probably my Dad's favorite of all music. My Mom still says to this day my Dad was constantly listening to Tom Petty when they first started dating. LOL He was another artist I grew up with and came to love on my own. I even consider Tom's "Learning to Fly" as my own personal theme song as it fits a lot I've gone through.

[Jonny Come Lately]

Tom Petty is another artist I'm just starting to familiarise myself with. The two songs I decided to start with were Free Fallin' and Learning To Fly as those were the two song titles I most recognised. I like Free Fallin', but I have to say I really love Learning To Fly. It's a wonderful melodic rock song. I actually prefer it to the Pink Floyd song of the same name, and I'm being serious here!

Buffy, the bit about learning to love artists your parents also enjoyed sounds just like me! :grin: I always find when I discover an older artist that I really like it then turns out that it was one of their favourites too (usually my Dad's - I think we have very similar tastes in music). In most cases, including artists like the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, I've really discovered the music for myself, although my Dad has occasionally recommended a couple of artists to me directly, the main one being Lynyrd Skynyrd.

[buffyfan145]

I totally agree JCL. :) It's been the same for me and my parents liked such a wide variety of music and I grew up with it and liked it too. My Mom likes Tom too so he's another we all like including my younger brother.

[Annoying Twit]

I've just heard his new album for the first time. I haven't yet heard it enough to form an opinion, though it seems to have a lot of good songs of different styles.

One song that I really liked immediately is You Come Through. Many artists try to do a 'R&B" song, with varying degrees of success. If Sam & Dave had recorded this song, it would be one of the R&B classics, IMHO. So catchy and danceable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvaaTqnQN2Q

The album then goes straight to a Country Rock song, Up In Mississippi Tonight, that could have been from an early 70s Troubador artist. I hear bits that could be Lynrd Skynrd, The Byrds, etc. Good impressions so far. Could 'Come On Down To My House' be a Stooges track if sung by Iggy?

[Brooke]

I love most all of TP's hits, but I've never bought an album. Maybe this will be the first!

[RudieCantFail]

This past week has been rough for Tom Petty. He got laryngitis on August 23rd, so he had to cancel that Berkeley show for that night. It didn't improve by the 25th, which was his Sacramento show. By the 25th, it was updated that he had both laryngitis and bronchitis. In Berkeley today (the 27th), there were protests regarding the Alt-Right and the like and counter-protests, so that was a cluster---- in the city. I wasn't there, but it was on the news. So hopefully, Tom performs tomorrow (the 28th) and the 30th in Berkeley, as announced on his Twitter. He will also perform on Sept. 1st in Sacramento. All I have to say is I hope that he's A-ok health-wise tomorrow!

I'll review his show from the 22nd as briefly as I can as a non-fan but appreciative of his songs. Ok, go:

I missed the opening act, The Shelters (I've never heard of them before, but that doesn't mean anything), because I was in the parking lot above the Hearst Greek Theatre in Berkeley, and I couldn't really see anything. I decided to buy a ticket on StubHub for $45, which was on the opposite side of the last time I saw Don Henley. I had an obstructed view of the video screens, but that's ok, since it beats waiting around the parking lot alone with undercover cops waiting to ticket open container violaters and underage students. I found out later that one of my fellow transfers ended up buying a ticket 10 minutes before TP and the Heartbreakers came on the stage, instead of watching from the parking lot.

I won't be able to comment on if he said anything unique or different from previous shows, but I'll try my best. It seemed fairly rehearsed, like the same routine over and over again, but remember, I'm not a big fan, just an appreciative one.

"Rockin' Around (With You)" was the first song, and I've never heard it before. Before he played it, he said he was 'feeling the mojo' and asked the audience if we were 'feeling the mojo.' He said that this song was the first song from their first album. I think I liked the song at the time when I heard it, since my audio recording sucks because it was in an outdoor venue. It didn't stand out though because of my lack of familiarity.

"Mary Jane's Last Dance" & "You Don't Know How It Feels" - I like these because they're fun to sing along to.

I'm just going to list the rest of the songs and do highlights (probably not tonight but I'll get around to it):

4) Forgotten Man - from his most recent album, Hypnotic Eye. This honestly reminded me of Gold Diggers of 1933 because of the ending musical number regarding WWI veterans. It's funny how it applies to today lyrically, as well as the visuals from the video screens during this song. I've never heard this song before either, but musically, it reminds me of "A Mind with a Heart of Its Own" drum-wise. I guess it's the same sort of tempo (if that's the right term for it).

5) Into the Great Wide Open - It's described and introduced as a ballad about Eddie Rebel and (something, can't hear it on the recording) by Petty. Sounds good and the crowd sings along to the chorus.

6) I Won't Back Down - This will probably be my 'theme' come midterm and finals season. I loved hearing this live, since I love Full Moon Fever.

7) Free Fallin' - Lovely as always. It was sort of extended with the cymbal solo at the end.

8- Walls - He mentions that he's going to do a request, but he emphasizes that it's his own request. I haven't heard this song before, but I liked it. I will definitely take a closer listen of the studio version in another time. It's easy to listen to, and the harmonica solo is nice. I don't know who did it though, but I'm sure a TP aficionado would know.

Brief side note: Oh my god, I just looked up the song, and Lindsey Buckingham does background vocals on this song and a couple other songs on the "She's the One" soundtrack.

I will do the other songs eventually, but I have to go to sleep. To tie the TP Borderers over, here are "highlight clips" I got of the show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07C-VZCJ4E4

As a result, my audio recording is a bit messed up, but that's ok because outdoor venue recording doesn't sound that good anyways. It does sound better than Shoreline in Mountain View though.

This video only exists because Instagram compression for video and audio is awful. It made the video I took of Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie sound tinny and worse than it should be. That Park Theater venue in Las Vegas had wonderful sound. It was such a stark contrast from the very few outdoor venue concerts I've been to.
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9) Don't Come Around Here No More
10) It's Good to Be King
11) Crawling Back to You
12) Wildflowers
13) Learning to Fly
14) Yer So Bad
15) I Should Have Known It
16) Refugee
17) Runnin' Down a Dream
Encore:
18- You Wreck Me
19) American Girl

[Brooke]

RCF, sounds like a great show! I haven't seen TP, but would love to!