Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Southern Accents
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On this episode, we talk about the 6th studio LP by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1985's Southern Accents. Released three years after their last album, it was originally conceived as a concept album about the Southern experience. However, the band was at a bit of a crossroads and that concept became derailed when Petty, looking for outside inspiration, teamed up with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics to write a trio of songs that didn't really fit with the overall theme but were be included on the album anyway (including the monster hit "Don't Come Around Here No More").
By all accounts, the sessions for Southern Accents were strained, largely due to the presence of large amounts of cocaine, and the absence of structure resulting from recording at Petty’s home studio. Petty even famously broke his hand punching a wall, and almost lost the ability to play guitar as a result, because he couldn't get the sound he wanted on a particular song. The break (both in hand and schedule) helped Petty reassess things and refocus. Co-produced by Dave Stewart, Jimmy Iovine, and Robbie Robertson (on one song), Southern Accents ended up being Tom Petty's most unique and adventurous album of his storied career.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Tom Petty’s first band, the Epics. (Tom Petty pictured second form the right).
Listen to Mudcrutch’s debut single, and only single, Depot Street, (released on Shelter Records in 1975)
It ultimately failed to make an impression, which lead to the dissolution of the band.
Tom Petty’s first band of note: Mudcrutch. They reunited in 2007 to record as self-titled LP.
(Pictured L to R) Tom Leadon, Tom Petty, Randall Marsh and Mike Campbell
(Pictured L to R) Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, Jimmy Iovine, and Dave Stewart.
Dave Stewart and Tom Petty met after Petty (having heard the Eurythmics on the radio) recommended him to Jimmy Iovine as a possible songwriter for the latest Stevie Nick record.
Watch the surrealist video for the Dave Stewart/Tom Petty penned hit “Don’t Come Around Here No More.” Dave Stewart plating the the role of the sitar-playing catapillar.
“Trailers” is one of the songs originally written as part of the original Southern Accents concept. It was later recorded and released on the second Mudcrutch album.
About three months after the release of Southern Accents, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played a four-song set as part of Live Aid in 1985, which included “American Girl,” “The Waitin,” “Rebel,” and “Refugee.”
