by Tim Howard

Created on: May 08, 2008

Imagine Tom Petty hooking up in a Nashville bar with members of the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Grateful Dead, and Neil Young and you have an idea of what T.P.'s other band Mudcrutch sounds like. This was Petty's band pre-Heartbreakers. Other band members include future Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Rounding out the group is Randall Marsh on drums and Tom Leadon on guitar and some vocals. Leadon's brother Bernie was an early member of the Eagles. Last summer Petty got the band back together for this project.

Released this week, the album is surprisingly good for what could have been a vanity affair. It features fourteen songs, four of which are covers. Only one of the tracks, Leadon's "Queen of the Go-Go Girls", is from back in the day. The rest are new originals written in the studio. For casual Petty fans the countrified sound may be a bit of a surprise. "The Wrong Thing to Do" is a rocker that most resembles the Heartbreakers' signature sound. Another highlight is the bar band standard "Six Days on the Road." Also check out "Crystal River", a nine minute plus song that exhibits Mudcrutch's jam band tendencies. The band really sounds as if they are enjoying themselves. T.P.'s voice has a live, unprocessed feel not heard on any of his previous studio albums. Oh yeah, he is also the bass player, a departure for him. Interestingly the liner notes include this disclaimer; "Drums, wires, old friends etc. Recorded live, vocals, harmony, everything. Arrangements done on the studio floor. Made in 10 days, no headphones. Los Angeles in August '07. A lot of love. Enjoy." The credits also reveal that the band is truly kicking it old school. Campbell's guitar is in the right channel while Leadon's is in the left.

Mike Campbell is an under appreciated guitar genius. Like Scotty to Elvis or Keith to Mick, the team of Campbell and Petty make beautiful music together. The guitar work here is subtle but powerful. Another longtime Petty foil, Benmont Tench, contributes tasty keyboards throughout the CD and also writes and sings one track. Even band mate Leadon contributes lead vocals on his track.

The band recently played some club dates in and around L.A. The Heartbreakers kick off a world tour this summer so it looks as if Mudcrutch is to continue at all, it probably won't be till next year sometime. Tench recently said in an interview that the band is not a one off and will continue to work together. I for one hope so because this CD demonstrates that Mudcrutch has a lot to offer.

Learn more about this author, Tim Howard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.