Between the solo record, the DVD, Mudcrutch and the big homecoming show, we get a sinking feeling about Petty. Like he’s cleaning out the attic. Like he knows something we don’t.
The below finds the Heartbreakers in their original and finest form, with their outta-nowhere debut behind them and celebrating the release of their sophomore followup, “You’re Gonna Get It,” which dropped two months before the show below, recorded July 16, 1978 at the (still standing) Paradise Rock Club in Boston in a WBCN-sponsored gig. The clear and curious omission is Listen to Her Heart — the best or second best song on YGGI, depending on how you swing. Four covers cut in back to back for the end of the set — Shout, I Fought the Law, Route 66, I’m a King Bee.
TRACK LIST: Anything That’s Rock ‘N’ Roll / Fooled Again / I Need To Know / Don’t Bring Me Down / You’re Gonna Get It / Breakdown / American Girl / Strangered In The Night / Too Much Ain’t Enough / Shout / I Fought The Law / Route 66 / I’m A King Bee
July 16, 1978 Paradise Rock Club/Boston. FM recording.
The zippy zip: petty-boston78.zip
Some other fun clockwatch-killer reading here at Rolling Stone. Ten Things That Piss Off Tom Petty.
Love it!
Selene is posting some great power pop here! “Don’t Bring Me Down” is also a cover, a British Invasion nugget from the Dave Clark Five. I first heard Petty’s version (maybe from this same show?) as a b-side to a 12″ single (“Casa Dega” was also on there). The chorus often comes to mind when my wife and I aren’t getting along:
“Well you complain, and criticize
I feel like nothing in your eyes
It makes me feel like giving up
Because my best just ain’t good enough
Girl, you want me to provide for you
And do the things that you want me to, but
Don’t (oh no), don’t bring me down…”
Ooh, good stuff! Thanks
I really like this show, he sounds like he’s been hanging out with the new wavers; which he had been.