Far above "average" in my book, especially for rock n roll. As Shodome notes, it was recorded live in the studio - so it's no surprise that it's not flashy. But, this sounds much more convincing to me than the "average" r'n'r recording. OTOH, I'd have to admit that this is setting the bar pretty low - at least as far as I'm concerned. Not demo SQ for sure, but very nice of its type, nonetheless. Marty |
Agreed. I would not classify it as a "demo" type recording that one might reach for to try and impress someone - it lacks the articulate detail one has come to expect from a carefully crafted and engineered album where separate recordings of individual instruments are mixed together (with plenty of reverb and studio effects to boot). However, as a recording of a band playing together live (apparently with little or no overdubs on most tracks) it clearly stands out. |
Picked up Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,"Mojo" on 180 gram vinyl. They did a really nice job on this one. It sounds great, and Mike Campbell's '59 Les Paul is captured particularly well. Read the full review on Myvinylreview: REVIEW: Tom Petty--Mojo 180 gram vinyl |
For me Petty's main limitation is as a lyricist. So many cornpone daddys, mamas, devils moonshine. More self-pity than blues when suffering meaness, hurt & the high cost of living. So much runnin' from the law in flashes of freedom that feel more like California angst along the worn-out path of '70s Eagles. The musical arrangements and playing on Mojo have the high style and rootsy poise of Dylan's last few. And of course Petty can't escape his vocal similarity to Dylan. However as a lyricist he always suffers in the comparison and reads like a sheep in wolf's clothing. |
She's The One. Nice golf shot there, Loomis. My favorite TP album. Very under-rated. Love the loose feel. Kind of underwhelmed with Mojo. Maybe it is just me, but it is not growing on me. I find I have been more focused on the new Exile on Main Street rather than his new album. Love the grungey feel of Exile and superb playing over many genres (gospel, blues, country, rock)--forgot how great an album that one was. Mojo has those moments, but in spurts. Agree with Shadorne that Mike Campbell is very tasteful player--wished he would pull a Keith from time to time and really drive a song. |
suc·cinct Pronunciation: \(ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t, sə-ˈsiŋ(k)t\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Latin succinctus having one's clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise, from sub- + cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird more at cincture Date: 15th century 1 archaic a : being girded b : close-fitting 2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words synonyms see concise Thanks Loomis- I learned something today! |
very succint comments, shardorne. tom petty may not make my list of the ultimate greats, but I can't think of another artist who has put out as consistently high quality a product for as long a period. I believe the key to his longevity is his innate conservatism--he sticks to his basic bar-band fare and doesn't fall into the dreaded "we must expand our artisitic horizons" syndrome. the one time he dabbled in the experimental, southern accents, he got slammed critically (though i kinda like that record). anyway, mojo's another good record, to me his best since the (hugely underrated) she's the one. damn good guitar player, btw. |
He also said that Petty is closing on N. Young as the most SQ obsessed artist on their roster. Petty owns ATC SCM 50's and so does his sound engineer, Ryan Ulyate. IMHO, he has always been obsessed about SQ. They perform together with the kind of precise discipline that you very rarely see today. Mojo seems to be a sort of a tribute to older style blues of the 60's and 70's and not just the UK Blues style but American too. It seems to be mostly pre-70's style in the sense that there are no self-indulgent long winded boring show off solos that became prevalent in that period. In fact my favorite tracks keep changing. The influences seem to come from everywhere. It is surprising how catchy the stuff is without the usual chorus "hooks" that the HB's are better known for. Mike Campbell is being let loose and it is a good thing ...but far from going overboard he plays with such tasteful skill and restraint that it is a pleasure to behold. As many famous musicians have stated "it is just as important what you DON'T play as what you do". This album is a gem. And the sound quality is amazing. |
Great SQ on LP. More slick LA-session work and continuous improvement from the top journeyman in R&R. If Petty could just free himself from posing as a slick hipster posing as a country boy, he might write something original. I suppose it's cool that he gives the provenance of every vintage instrument played on every track, but blues it ain't. |
A friend of mine is the senior artist relations/promo guy at Reprise. He's been raving about the SQ of the Mojo DVD and he brought me a copy at yesterday's 4th of July celebration. (He also said that Petty is closing on N. Young as the most SQ obsessed artist on their roster.) I'll spin it up and report back. Happy 4th, well 5th, all. Marty |
almost a throwback to the Yardbirds era of British R & B Yes it is indeed a throwback to the way traditional blues were played by British. However, it has a distinctly American feel to it also - one cis left in no doubt that this is American with a Southern feel. I have had it on heavy rotation for a week and it is staying in my regular listening line up. Furthermore the album seems to be well thought out - it is a pleasure to listen to from end to end - there is enough variety to keep it interesting - there is even a Reggae number! Steve's drumming also adds a light touch - I recall Steve played with Eric Claptin for years... Given the style of music a line up with ZZ to seems to be most appropriate. |
I have never been much of a fan but the new issue of Sound & Vision has a very good interview with TP. I do like the Mudcrutch album and bought it on vinyl and it came with an uncompressed version of their CD. Both of which sound great. Anyway, the interview and reviews of his albums intrigued me enough to want to get a few of his albums. I will also get Mojo when it comes out on Bluray. |
I saw the Heartbreakers recently and they played several numbers from Mojo. I suspect this album will please fans who like the heavier side to Petty (and who may have been less taken with Highway Companion or Wildflowers). I really liked "First Flash Of Freedom" but for me, the big hit will be "Running Mans Bible" - this will become an instant classic with rock fans. It is a "four-on-the-floor" bar type track - with loads of great guitar licks and great interplay between Campbell, Petty and Thurston. If I did not know better I'd say Petty has been listening to the Drive by Truckers - certainly some influences there. Incidentally, this band is one of the most professional I have ever seen (and I have seen a few). Anchored by Steve Ferrone's rock solid beat. Sound quality and musicianship is outstanding. If you can get a chance to see them live then it is well worthwhile. They also played Mystic Eyes (by Van Morrison) - and they play an outstanding cover - Steve Ferrone is impressive on this one for shear stamina and rock solid groove. I also highly recommend their "Live Anthology" - it is available on Blu-ray (audio only) as well as CD (5 CD set) - the audio quality of this live anthology is absolutely stunning - teh quality of their live playing puts the majority of artists to shame - it includes many covers as well as the staples in The Heartbreaker's repertoire. |
