Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - MOJO....RELEASED TODAY!

[PedalFreak]

Cool album so far. Only part way through it right now, but great guitar tones!

It's a gear head album for sure! Right when you open the CD there is a full photo of the band in there rehearsal space with gear EVERYWHERE!!! Then the last page of the booklet tells you what guitars and equipment each guy used and on which track. Doesnt get into amps/effects though.

I was worried that after 8 years of no "new" material the album may not measure up, but so far it is GREAT!!!

[B_of_H]

i've only made it to "I should have known it" so far, which is by far my favorite track. I agree it's solid work but the song writing isn't really working for me. I'm going to run the last half of the album tonight.

I sat down and learned "I should have knownt it" last night briefly. I couldn't get it sounding quite right...there must be multiple gutiars there. ;)

[BIGGERSTAFF]

Cool album so far. Only part way through it right now, but great guitar tones!

It's a gear head album for sure! Right when you open the CD there is a full photo of the band in there rehearsal space with gear EVERYWHERE!!! Then the last page of the booklet tells you what guitars and equipment each guy used and on which track. Doesnt get into amps/effects though.

I was worried that after 8 years of no "new" material the album may not measure up, but so far it is GREAT!!!

His last album, Highway Companion came out in 2006. I'm looking forward to hearing the new one though.

[B_of_H]

this album is better than Highway Companion IMO and I liked a few tracks on HC a lot. (and I haven't finished this album yet)

the sound is much more raw and rock n roll for sure.

[pickslide]

Really liking this album. The solo on First Flash of Freedom is pure classic Jimmy Page. Sounds great! Seeing the band tonight for the first time...really looking forward to it.

[PedalFreak]

His last album, Highway Companion came out in 2006. I'm looking forward to hearing the new one though.

I forgot about Highway companion!

[loudboy]

Second time thru it, here at work.

His best since "Wildflowers" - but more of a Mudcrutch vibe, and Campbell is out of control.

[Phil M]

This is the 1st TP disc that I'm actually buying. Sounds great.

[B Money]

listened to it free at ESPN. I thought it was good, but incredibly slow. The album tempo is so laid back that it's almost dead.
Wish there were more tracks like "I should have Known It" on there, but at least Mike Campbell goes off on most tunes and he's always good.

[vintage66]

I'm on the fence-really like I Should Have Known It, the last two songs are good, and maybe one other one, but the rest don't excite me from listening to it online. I should add that I'm not a big Petty fan-some of his songs are pretty good, but overall, a bit boring. This is the first cd of his that I'm somewhat excited about-haven't bought it but I might. Might just download the songs I like...

[morglan]

I've been mowing lawn all day, so I've listened to it for a few hours now.

I had to force myself to listen to the first six songs without shutting it off or FF through them.

Then, apparently Tom and the guys said "**** it, let's rock" and the last half of the album is outstanding. I've listened to tracks 7 through 15 3 times straight through.

The last song, "Good Enough" is amazing--it's "SIBLY" part II--I almost expected to hear Robert Plant circa 1968 start singing.

There was a Youtube clip posted here a while back where Tom Petty comments that Mike Campbell got a new guitar (turns out to be a '59 burst) and they built the album around that guitar.

According to the liner notes, Campbell plays (only) that guitar on tracks 1,2,3,4,5,7,9,10,11,12,13,14 & 15.

Great album--I just wish they had left the first 6 songs off it.

[gdomeier]

Well, I am only to Don't Pull Me Over. I will say I love that song, The Trip to Pirate's Cove and I should have known it.

[lpfella]

Anyone know if the vinyl was released today as well? If so, I may have to find the cash to buy this.

Anyone see it at the record store?

[vintage66]

Okay, I went ahead and splurged for the $9.99. I really hate those cardboard cd holders though-at least have the plastic insert with the spindle-it kind of protects the cd from scratches and all...end rant. I'll give it a spin later and probably learn Should have Known it-that's the song that really sold me of course.

[PedalFreak]

His last album, Highway Companion came out in 2006. I'm looking forward to hearing the new one though.

Just did some more checking, after looking at the label on the cd that says it's the first album in 8 years.

It says "Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers first new album in 8 Years." The others must have been Tom Petty albums.

[BadCat]

I love it, great sounding music.

[gururyan]

Guess I have the Tom Petty / ZZ Top concert to look forward to then, better pick up some tickets.

[EataPeach]

I got it 'free' after getting some tickets to an August show(CSN opening)

I think its a great album. I'm loving it.
Mike Cambell is at his best ever IMO. For a band thats been around as long as they have ,and tearing it up lke they are is admirable to say the least.

[BadCat]

man, that '59 Les Paul sure sounds nice!:drool

[BrianK]

I like it so far. It sounds a lot like "Echos" to me, except I love just about every song on Echos.I might even go on the record and say Echos is my favorite TP record. (It is his darkest I'm sure that's why) I'm still on the fence with this one. Don't get me wrong it's TP so I like it better than 95% of everything else out there. Wish I could have seen them live this time. It's nice to see Scott Thurston made the cover this time, he's only been in the band like what...20 years now.

[bluesbreaker59]

I think its a pretty fair Allman Bros type album. Campbell is great throughout on the guitar, playing enough bluesy-rock cliche lines to satisfy even the most hardcore bedroom wanker. (Don't misunderstand I love Campbell, continue reading)

But this is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album... I expect jangly guitars, really nice layered vocals, cool tones, great organ parts, memorable song hooks, rock solid rhythm section, Mike Campbell's unreal sense of pop rock melodic guitar playing, etc. I expected something more along those lines.

Tom and the band don't owe me a thing, I'm just a fan, but I just found it odd that they went in such a bluesy direction. Yes Campbell does really nail that 1959 Les Paul vibe, he plays tons of great Jimmy Page and Duane Allman inspired guitar all over the cd. Its just that it doesn't sound anything like what Mike would normally do.

Upon first listen I'll say 3.5/5 stars, it'll probably grow on me more.

[Stratofuzz]

I think its a pretty fair Allman Bros type album. Campbell is great throughout on the guitar, playing enough bluesy-rock cliche lines to satisfy even the most hardcore bedroom wanker. (Don't misunderstand I love Campbell, continue reading)

But this is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album... I expect jangly guitars, really nice layered vocals, cool tones, great organ parts, memorable song hooks, rock solid rhythm section, Mike Campbell's unreal sense of pop rock melodic guitar playing, etc. I expected something more along those lines.

Tom and the band don't owe me a thing, I'm just a fan, but I just found it odd that they went in such a bluesy direction. Yes Campbell does really nail that 1959 Les Paul vibe, he plays tons of great Jimmy Page and Duane Allman inspired guitar all over the cd. Its just that it doesn't sound anything like what Mike would normally do.

Upon first listen I'll say 3.5/5 stars, it'll probably grow on me more.
Listening right now to the record and I pretty much agree with the above post in every way.

It's amusing to me that the album is called "Mojo" because I hear an album that would be made by TGP guys who would use that word. The Heartbreakers are more a jam band than a song band on this release.

[BadCat]

I think its a pretty fair Allman Bros type album. Campbell is great throughout on the guitar, playing enough bluesy-rock cliche lines to satisfy even the most hardcore bedroom wanker. (Don't misunderstand I love Campbell, continue reading)

But this is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album... I expect jangly guitars, really nice layered vocals, cool tones, great organ parts, memorable song hooks, rock solid rhythm section, Mike Campbell's unreal sense of pop rock melodic guitar playing, etc. I expected something more along those lines.

Tom and the band don't owe me a thing, I'm just a fan, but I just found it odd that they went in such a bluesy direction. Yes Campbell does really nail that 1959 Les Paul vibe, he plays tons of great Jimmy Page and Duane Allman inspired guitar all over the cd. Its just that it doesn't sound anything like what Mike would normally do.

Upon first listen I'll say 3.5/5 stars, it'll probably grow on me more.The whole album concept was based on the mojo of that '59 Les Paul that Campbell bought. At least that's what I read yesterday, Tom played the guitar and said they should make the whole album around it.

[tonemeister20]

I have been listening to it all week at ESPN. Been jamming along with the songs which are quite intricate and have cool arrangements. One of his best and Tom Petty is one of the few artist that could be compared to the Beatles in that he evolves and you can follow the growth from lp to lp.

[korby]

Nice long samples here . http://www.tompetty.com/news/title/mojo-is-now-available

[pater familias]

Tom was on Tavis Smiley last night. Great long, laid back interview.

[pater familias]

I have been listening to it all week at ESPN. Been jamming along with the songs which are quite intricate and have cool arrangements. One of his best and Tom Petty is one of the few artist that could be compared to the Beatles in that he evolves and you can follow the growth from lp to lp.

How and where are you doing this?

Thanks.

[joemilitello]

A cool extra touch on the album--- I bought tix to see Petty & ZZ Top next week, and with the tickets they give you a free download of the album!

Nice touch. After the tour they will send a link for 10 free live tracks as well.

(PS- Love the album, btw.)

[GregoryL]

Saw them live last night and was fortunate to get 5th row floor tix, dead centre ... all I can say is wow, what an incredibly tight band.

They did a 'mini-set' during the show of four tunes off the new record, and "I Should Have Known It" went over huge with the crowd ... like it was one of their classic tracks.

'Don't Come Around Here No More' was definitely a highlight too. I have to admit, I don't really care for the production on the recorded version of that tune, but live it was fantastic.

Loved to see Mike Campbell playing a Les Paul for a lot of the night, but so many great guitars.

[pickslide]

I was there last night too and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The band was perfect, the sound was great and the songs were fantastic. I also thought that Don't Come Around Here was a highlight as well as I Should Have Known It, but I also LOVED that they did Oh Well. Fantastic show for sure and the guitar tones were great too. All Fender amps and they sounded fantastic.

[EataPeach]

But this is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers album... I expect jangly guitars, really nice layered vocals, cool tones, great organ parts, memorable song hooks, rock solid rhythm section, Mike Campbell's unreal sense of pop rock melodic guitar playing, etc. I expected something more along those lines.



I think it has some of the above too...

The fact that they didnt fully go that route is why I think this album is great..It gave us another side of the band. Like I said inmy other post-that they bring it like that at this point of thier career is impressive to me.

I hope they play "Of Well" when I see them in August.
I have the newer live four CD set and the whole just rocks !

[boonhogganbeck]

Got a gift card to Best Buy. I think I'll use it pick up this CD.

[zookroo1]

The album is definitely a little bit of a departure from what you might expect. There really aren't any "radio tunes" to speak of, like Free Fallin or something like that. Probably not an album that casual fans will get into as much, but great guitar work and it really does have it's own MOJO...

[tonemeister20]

For the ones who missed it "Mojo" is playing free at "Spinner.com" under listening party.

[Teleking]

I thought I wouldn't like it because it's so blues-based. I'm just not a big fan of blues music. However, I should have known better as Tom always delivers, and so does Mike. It's an interesting album. Not my favorite, but definitely some great highlights on this one. Really like a lot of it. Probably could have trimmed it to 10 songs and made a really great album, but I like having extra tracks.

Tom is in a class with only Neil Young at this point in my opinion. They're the only two left still writing consistent, great music.

[cram]

Guys - I was painting some trim work in our house this week and flipped on the classic rock station and they had a syndicated show with Tom, Campbell and keys player. They commented on each of the tracks.

The tune that stands out - Rock and roll sounding - is that song "I should have known it". Mike says he finally got a 59 LP after years of looking and from playing that instrument early on, he wrote the jam/riff for this tune. It hints at ledzep in a section as I recall.

- note - he used that guitar all over the album. This is why there is a darker guitar sound. Pretty cool!

I liked the tune US 41. Tom said he just let his mind go and make up things about his grandfather's job in florida. It was cool to hear him describe it before it played.

I've always enjoyed their music. The last two releases are top notch.

The whole album concept was based on the mojo of that '59 Les Paul that Campbell bought. At least that's what I read yesterday, Tom played the guitar and said they should make the whole album around it.

well there you go.

[cram]

Thread crossreference:

q533llWFPqU
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=735257

[George H]

Anyone know if the vinyl was released today as well? If so, I may have to find the cash to buy this.

Anyone see it at the record store?


According to the website vinyl release date is June 29th.

G

[GtrWiz]

The fact that they didnt fully go that route is why I think this album is great..It gave us another side of the band. Like I said inmy other post-that they bring it like that at this point of thier career is impressive to me.


Totally agree, if jangle is what you want, there's 30 years of material to listen to. They have earned, many times over, the right to make whatever kind of record they want, and I dig it! :cool:

[B_of_H]

i think the point should always be that the band is evolving, sometimes perhaps coming back to their roots but always changing. I know a lot of TGP'rs are into bands that never change but IMO that is the definition of lame.

[BrianK]

Thread crossreference:

q533llWFPqU
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=735257

Awesome interview. i could watch a 2 hour version of that. I love that he uses a tweed deluxe and a princeton . Thats been my set up for a long time though lately its 2 tweed deluxes. Curious how he runs the huge fender cabs? and the ac-30 in the sound chamber? Favorite quote's " Theres also a couple of gretsch's a Ric 12 string you know the usual stuff" and "we love guitars, if you don't play em what good are they"

[sgsupremep90]

I'm loving First Flash of Freedom. Definitely has an A-B vibe, as was noted earlier. The song of the disc for me - this one is best when it's loud!

[tonemeister20]

For me its Don't pull me over" and the Beatles she's so heavy riff on "Good Enough"
C# A# G F# is the walk down.

[sinner]

I'm waiting for the 2 LP Vinyl release on June 29th, I believe. Comes with free download version too.

[Bloomfield fan]

I am in love with this new album. It is simply amazing. My favorite album in the last 5 years. Great tones, great guitar playing, and really cool blues based songs with Beatlesque melodies sprinkled in.

[BrianK]

i am liking it more each new spin. like most modern albums i think it goes on too long. i played it twice yesterday

[sshan25]

Diggin' it. Campbell's a monster.......

[johnny5]

Great album. My fav since wildflowers

[eberg15101]

i think the point should always be that the band is evolving, sometimes perhaps coming back to their roots but always changing. I know a lot of TGP'rs are into bands that never change but IMO that is the definition of lame.

This is pretty much my opinion too.. there are bands that can sound pretty much the same over the years and still be great, AC/DC comes to mind, but the evolution is why the Heartbreakers are my favorite band;) They keep their roots in (just about)every record, but they also do something different.. and after 30+ years they can still do something different while remaining true to their roots.. :JAM

Something Good Coming is my favorite off the album, my dad's too

[Phil M]

I got the disc today, love it.

[oxtone]

I'm also liking it more with each spin - a great album from Tom and the boys. It grows on me the more I listen. A good CD to chill to...get out the Doritos! :)

[eberg15101]

I'm also liking it more with each spin - great album from Tom and boys. It grows on me the more I listen. A good CD to chill to...get out the Doritos! :)

Yeah, I'm finding it to be a pretty laid back album over all, but a few balls out rockers to get the blood pumping:stir

[noctilux1]

Hope to see Tom and band in a couple of weeks

[Ed Reed]

Hope this hasn't already been posted, if so, sorry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOJeUhUz70E

[ricoh]

Hope this hasn't already been posted, if so, sorry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOJeUhUz70E

Thanks

[mcdonaldkd]

I like it a lot. It is not my favorite TP album, but I really like it. It is amazing that any band can stay relevant this long.

[Phil M]

I like how they list who played what model instrument for each track.

I listened to the disc all day yesterday. Great music and tones all around (not just the guitars, the bass, drums and keys as well). And speaking of the guitars, man, Campbell just places each note perfectly at all times.

...I also got the Hill Country Revue disc as well as 'By a Thread' by Gov't Mule. Gonna be blues rock kind of summer for me...

[mannish]

I like TP not a huge fan but I liked Damn The Torpedoes...etc Anyway I am really diggin' MOJO. However Steve Miller's Bingo is not one that I will listen to, one listen was enough.

[strat6866]

Yaaawwwnnnnnn!!!!!!!!

[GtrWiz]

I like it more and more on each listen! I really think a lot of the faux white blues guys who's names litter these pages could stand to take this album as a lesson in modern blues songwriting and passionate delivery.

[mannish]

I agree on the delivery

I like it more and more on each listen! I really think a lot of the faux white blues guys who's names litter these pages could stand to take this album as a lesson in modern blues songwriting and passionate delivery.

[oxtone]

Hope this hasn't already been posted, if so, sorry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOJeUhUz70E

Thanks for the link - very cool!

[parker]

I'm sorry, but this is a badass album! It felt so good to buy the hard copy at Borders and open it and be greeted by the huge photo of all those vintage instruments! Beautiful album, great guitar tones, great vibe... I also think it's one of coolest "live" sounding albums around.

[FFTT]

Tom Petty and Crosby Stills and Nash are scheduled for Jiffy Lube Live ( Nissan Pavilion)
this August!!!!

I'm going !

[Mojoman]

I love the fact that they listed what guitars were used by each member on every track - just awesome!

[Lotis]

It's the real deal and I love it. Mojo!

[greggorypeccary]

I just got it - great record!

[Fifthstone]

I'm grateful this thread was started. I had no idea Tom Petty had come out with a new album. Just got it and listened to the first half of tracks. I'm not a big Tom Petty fan. I like him well enough, but only know his hits. Played a few of his songs in cover bands. But never really a "fan".

This album has serious mojo. The guitar tones and solos are terrific. I'm thoroughly enjoying this.

[Nolatone Ampworks]

I may have to buy this one. I rarely buy records any more, but the tones on this are just off the hook!

[gmann]

Second time thru it, here at work.

His best since "Wildflowers" - but more of a Mudcrutch vibe, and Campbell is out of control.

This sums it up quite nicely! Mike Campbell has definately got it going on here.

[aaronblues]

so if i'm buying just one then, Mojo or Mudcrutch??

cheers

[mannish]

IMHO Mojo - not even close

so if i'm buying just one then, Mojo or Mudcrutch??

cheers

[Teleking]

IMHO Mojo - not even close

I personally like both of the albums. Both are fantastic. I'll admit I'm a huge Tom fan and own all his albums, but Mudcrutch is a great album with some strong country influence, and MOJO is more blues-based. Both are fantastic. You have to get Mudcrutch for Campbell's playing on Crystal River alone. Both are fantastic albums.

I've never understood how someone couldn't like Tom. At first I wasn't a big fan and then I went and saw him on the Damn the Torpedos tour. That show was the best concert I've ever seen.

Seriously, every album Tom has written has been at least solid while most have been fantastic. Hardly anyone can say that.

[Wombat]

so if i'm buying just one then, Mojo or Mudcrutch??

cheers

I loved the Mudcrutch album. I saw the Mojo tour and liked the new songs, but I wasn't compelled to buy the album (yet) but from what I've heard of that album, I think the songs might be better on Mudcrutch. You may not like the rock/country vibe though, which is a consideration. I thought Mudcrutch was his best album in years, plus I absolutely love the concept of getting together with your old high school band to cut an album; a very classy gesture. I guess I'll have to "breakdown" and get Mojo then

[Teleking]

Wow, I just put the album on. People were complaining about the first six songs? I'm not a fan of the first, but the next five are outstanding songs. The Trip to Pirate's Cove is a fantastic song. One of his best. Guitar playing and tone is outstanding.

I like most of the songs, but I thought songs 2 through 6 are fantastic tunes. Surprised many didn't like them.