Mudcrutch

Obviously most people will know of Mudcrutch from its singer and frontman, Tom Petty (of Heartbreakers fame) who put together the band way back in the early 70s; though they ultimately broke up. But Petty got the boys back hence and finally put out their debut in 2008 - entering the Billboard 200 at a remarkable number 8.Mudcrutch are less American rock 'n roll and more southern rock, with some country thrown in. Nevertheless, there is some great guitar work from Mike Campbell of Heartbreaker renown, and Tom Leadon.The band rattle straight into a cover of the traditional 'Shady Grove' which is somehow as mellow as it is energetic. It sounds great, as does the Petty-penned anthem of 'Scare Easy'. 'Orphan of the Storm' is very country and here Tom gets to show those vocals in their natural habitat - You can almost hear the bayou in his voice. 'Crystal River' and 'The Wrong Thing To Do' are equally great tracks, as is Benmont Tench's playful 'This Is A Good Street'. Roger McGuinn's 'Lover of the Bayou' and Petty's 'Topanga Cowgirl' kick it home with some more great country rythm; and the album has some other good stuff inbetween. I admit I prefer Petty's heavier, more mainstream rock 'n roll. But Mudcrutch's debut certainly has a lot of that - and even the softer, slower tunes have heart and soul, which count for a lot.Not mindblowing, perhaps, but a strong, consistent effort regardless. And in my opinion, superior to their follow-up.

I bought this album recently and was highly impressed. Tom Petty has reunited with several of his old friends, who are also talented musicians, and belted out some of the best country-rock music we are likely to hear in a long time. The first time I listened to it, tracks such as `Scare Easy', `Crystal River' and `Lover of The Bayou' struck me as brilliant. More authentic Southern country rock than the Eagles and perhaps more polished than some of Neil Young's albums (although I would hesitate to criticise a master such as Young); I also thought I could hear hints of English Folk Rock (perhaps Fairport Convention). I guess this album must rate as an instant classic. The record is a great one for turning up in the car. I can't imagine that you would be disappointed with it.

WOW WHAT A DEBUT ALBUM!! every track on here is great, such is the quality, that you have to wonder why Mudcrutch where not a success. The album has a county flavour to it which once again really suits Tom's voice, but there are also some good rock and roll numbers too with "Lover of the Bayou" and "Bootleg Flyer" standing out. notable personal favourites include the fantasic and well crafted "Crystal River" the brillant single "Scare Easy"and the very catchy "Topanga Cowgirl" . This album is a must have for all Tom Petty Fans. Mudcrutch is an album that you'll play over and over again, I cannot recommend it highly enough

Good but not as good as Mudcrutch 2

Saw Mudcrutch on TV a while ago playing Lover of the Bayou. Superb, I wished it could go on and on.Saw the CD on sale at Amazon. Had to have it. So many different variations on this superb album; twangy guitar, rocky numbers, slow and fast numbers excellent keyboards and lots of instrumental sections.Tom Petty's vocals and guitar playing plus the excellent musicians that form Mudcrutch give this album excellent listening appeal. Can't fault it at all.

Mixed from analogue masters and pressed on 180g vinyl this is a monster of an album. It simply kicks the STD CD version out of the ballpark. Beautifully packaged in thick heavyweight cardboard sleeve and anti-static inners, it also comes with an audiophile CD taken from the same masters as the vinyl (so not the STD CD version either)! To reap the benefit of this a high end turntable/system is required of course - but my guess is that if you have good hi-fi you already appreciate the superior sound of hot vinyl pressings. This is one of the must haves.This was only a limited release so pick this up while you still can.

Excellent album. I would recommend it to every Tom Petty fan. I was not expecting too much from this album after Tom's 2006 middle of the road Highways Companion album. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The band seem to be enjoying themselves and this shows itself in the music. Every track is enjoyable but the standout tracks include: Scare Easy, Lover of the Bayou, Orphan of the Storm, Oh Maria. A rare muscial treat- when do we get Mudcrutch 2- the sequel? Check out the musical videos on Youtube- also very good.

Almost as good as Mudcrutch 2. I’m a huge Tom Petty and Mike Campbell fan and this album does not disappoint.