Mudcrutch
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend "I just finished a record with Mudcrutch, my old band before the Heartbreakers. I am over the moon about it. I couldn't have hoped for it to be as good as it came out." In summer 2007, Tom Petty reunited Mudcrutch, consisting of himself, Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, original bandmember Tom Leadon, and Randall Marsh, who joined when Mudcrutch first went to Los Angeles in search of a record deal in the early 70s. Now, more than… Product details and pricing info |
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80 Customer Reviews Posted
- Agree with other reviews
- Excellent CD. This is an excellent CD from start to finish. I didn't think Lover of the Bayou could ever be done better but this cover does for this song what Hendrix did for All Along The Watchtower. Both the originals and the covers are sustained excellence. Short and long songs. Different genres. It sure sounds like they are relaxed and having fun. A relaxed, yet tight record like the first Heartbreaker offering back in 76-77. Tasty stuff.
- 2008-04-29, 1 of 4 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Reunion of Gainesville's finest
- After a successful 30 year career, Tom Petty felt the time was right to reunite his pre-Heartbreakers band, Mudcrutch. Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell followed Petty to fame and fortune, while guitarist Tom Leadon and drummer Randall Marsh did not stay for the ride. Regarding his erstwhile band mates in an interview, Campbell said "I wonder if they can still play?"
Not only can these guys PLAY, they play very well, thank you. The disc starts off with the traditional "Shady Grove", a perfect vehicle for a Florida band. The Byrds are an obvious favorite of Petty's, as "Lover of the Bayou" illustrates. That song and "Crystal River" feature Campbell and Leadon, very reminiscent of Roger Mcguinn and the late Clarence White.
"Six Days on the Road" is the Dave Dudley trucker's anthem popularized by the Flying Burrito Brothers, but Mudcrutch does this number justice. "Oh Maria" features some of Petty's best singing ever, while "This is a Good Street" and "Wrong Thing to do" are back to back rockers.
"Queen of the Go-go Girls" is the most countrified performance here, while "June Apple" allows the band to stretch out Allmans style, especially the guitars and keyboardist Tench.
Mudcrutch is an obvious labor of love for Petty, and his band has produced vital rock music as well as a reunion of kindred spirits. - 2008-04-29, 6 of 8 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Days of Past Future
- Mudcrutch - Tom Petty and gang truly are keeping those lighters lit on good ole fashioned RnR. Kind of like the Bob Dylan LP cover of Before The Flood.
This CD shines from start to finish. Even Mike Campbell has stated it could be his favorite recording so far. Completed in only 10 days - it's an essential for all rock fans. After seeing them perform 4/25/08 at the Troubadour (just a foot away from the stage) brought me back in time like no other concert/recording of the past 20 years. Crystal River is a true highlight - a psychedelic southern mind bending song. If you've played in bands in the 70s you'll truly appreciate this track. The CD is interwoven with harmonies, hooks, hammond keys and a buoyant feel throughout. It's refreshing and what a lot of us older generation rock fans have long waited to hear. You might compare this to early Eagles, Quicksilver Messenger Service meets Damn the Torpedoes. Can't wait for the 2nd Mudcrutch CD, I've already worn this one out (released today 4-29-08) :) - 2008-04-29, 4 of 5 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- A Great Time Is Had By All...
- What I enjoy the most with "Mudcrutch". Is that it feels and certainly sounds as though everyone is having a great time. The music is loose and filled with groove and tasty instinctive playing by Tom Leadon (Bernie Leadon's brother. ie; see The Eagles) and Mike Campbell. While Benmont Tench, Randall Marsh and Tom Petty all lock into a very solid backing rhythm and beat. That sounds as though it is felt. Not just played by numbers. Good musicians playing good music.
There is an optimism in Tom Petty's lyrics throughout. A bar-band feel. But, also a sentiment, a yearning. He is a great, great songwriter.
It is simply a tasty record. There is a freedom to Tom Petty's tone and very satisfied vocal delivery. He just sounds like he is happy and hanging out with some old friends.
I have listened to it repeatedly and I enjoy it more and more as the songs gain familiarity. The Byrds, "Lover Of The Bayou" is great! Benmont takes a lead vocal spot on one of his own tunes, " This Is A Good Street". It is one of my favorites on the record. He has a really cool voice. Tom Leadon also contributed an original in, "Queen Of The Go-Go Girls". His voice is alot like his brother's. Which is good thing.
"Crystal River" is a new classic! It's an emotionally melodic taste of his true southern spirit, like nothing I have heard TP tap into before. With a graceful, Grateful Dead/American Beauty-ish type of flow.
Plus, "Orphan Of The Storm". This tune is like the long lost CCR tune. Randall Marsh swings with a really sweet driven groove and flow. "Shady Grove" is a traditional bluegrass number that is spun off here with exactly the type of back-porchy type of feeling it was first conceived on a long, long time ago somewhere far away. But, not too far from Gainesville Florida where these guys first found their way.
So far, one of my favorite records of the past 5 years. I repeat, 5 YEARS! And one I have been really excited about hearing upon release. Dig in. I love it! - 2008-04-29, 8 of 8 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- After a Period of Reflection and Review, Our Esteemed Panel Finds This Album to Be ...
- ... Excellent. It's a feel good story for sure. How many of us played in bands at one point or another, seriously or just for fun, and never got that one sweet taste of national exposure? Tom Petty reached back to his roots to bring us all an excellently written, wonderfully played boot-kickin' album of Americana rock 'n' roll. And he brought a couple of his own pre-fame friends along for the ride.
- 2008-04-29, 7 of 12 people found this review helpful, Rated:
