Mudcrutch
Artist: Mudcrutch
Label: Warner Brothers 
ASIN: B0015FHDS6 

Tom Petty has lived a charmed life.   In a career that has spanned over 30 years, he has forged a near-timeless style of rock with a Byrds-edged flavor.  Along with Springsteen, he was the prophet of great music in the 70's letting all of us know he would never go disco, punk or succumb to trends.  He has been true to his word.  This kind of commitment comes with its rewards.  During the 80's he was part of the fictional band, The Travelin' Willburys, who consisted of Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison and Jeff Lynne.  During the same decade he and his band, the Heartbreakers, toured with Bob Dylan.  He has managed to successfully tour and sell records, while following his own authentic sound.    

So, now, imagine Petty with a mid-life crisis.   What do you do?  Of course, you return to your roots.  You return to that band that never made it.  The one that got away, so to speak.  Step forward, Mudcrutch.  This was Petty's band prior to the formation of the Heartbreakers.  Rather than sitting around, he has gathered together former members Tom Leadon(guitar), Randell Marsh, Mike Cambell and on bass, at his heartbreaking best, Tom Petty. 

 While it seems Petty may have just traded his rhythm guitar for a bass, there are some journeys into varied styles the Heartbreakers never attempted.  This is primarily country-rock and honky-tonk sound along with one successful trip to psychedelia.  The harder edged rock is reminiscent of the great bands of the late 60's.  

The songwriting is consistently distinctive and original.  In many ways, this is another Tom Petty record.  This becomes evident on the softer, folk based songs.  The center piece song is "Crystal River", which defiantly clocks in at nine minutes and twenty-eight seconds and makes no secret of its psychedelic roots.  This treasure of a song could've been lifted from 1969, a forgotten classic.  "I Don't Scare Easy," is a bold sequel to "I Won't Back Down."  

While carrying the feeling of a tribute to a past era, Mudcrutch, doesn't sound dated or contrived.  They have a fresh and original approach that demands repeated listening.  

It may be worth it for Americana fans to hear Petty sing roots country songs like "Fallen Orphan of the Storm" and "Six Days on the Road."  

Terry Roland