DVD Review: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - High Grass Dogs

Considering the age of this DVD, I suppose it is a bit late to be reviewing it now. But then, maybe, like me, you look at it in the shop every time you go in, wondering whether to buy it or not. Hopefully this can help you to make a decision.

I have always really enjoyed Tom Petty’s music. My vinyl collection includes ‘Damn the Torpedoes’, ‘Southern Accents’, ‘Let me up…’ and ‘Pack up the Plantation’. ‘Full Moon Fever’ was, in fact, the first CD I ever owned – a gift from my darling. As mentioned in a previous posting, I believe the ‘Pack up the Plantation’ album to be one of the best live concert documents out there. So I thought – let me try this DVD. It is mostly a collection of newer songs by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and I could get some idea of how good they are.

The packaging is a bit sparse, with not much information given. The audio quality is excellent , although at times I thought that the audience ‘sound’ was mixed down a bit too much, losing that live feel to a degree. The visual quality is also very good with evidence here that very careful planning had taken place. In terms of extras on the DVD, there are none. You can choose between 5.1 surround sound or normal stereo, and there is a menu to select individual songs, but that’s it! My only complaint is the repeated zooming in on Tom's moccasins and Howie Epstein’s boots – what is that all about? This was the last night at a series of Fillmore concerts which allowed the band to settle into the venue, polish their songs, and the director to plan the best visual coverage, and it shows.

I can report that the most recent album’s songs covered are pretty good. Some of the older songs included are ‘Jammin’ Me’ and a set from ‘Full Moon Fever’ such as ‘Free Fallin’’ and ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’ (old Tom likes his apostrophes). There is a quieter acoustic section in the middle of the DVD that seems to go on for possibly one song too long, but then all is back on track with the Heart-breakers rocking out again including a fairly raucous encore. The band, as ever, do the job with sparkling proficiency. It is no wonder that Bob Dylan waylaid this band once to use as his backing on a tour. My view is that essentially this is a live band – they make all their studio recorded songs sound so much better live. This is why I love ‘Pack up the Plantation’ so much.

There are some funny moments too, where TP fluffs the beginning of ‘Even the losers’ a few times and tries desperately not to laugh for the next few bars once he finally gets it right. I think that Tom must have been watching this when he thought of the name for the DVD.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers have been described as being ‘so normal they are strange’, and it is this basic unpretentious approach to their music and their performance that draws one in. There are no bombastic theatrics or posturing, and yet most of the full 90 minutes of this DVD go by in a blink of an eye. Leaving you wondering how a band can be so good live. Petty and Mike Campbell trades licks and solos effortlessly and smoothly throughout, with the result being some really enthralling guitar work. My conclusion is that, yes I’m glad I bought the DVD, no mistake there. I will probably never see a band like this live in South Africa and this is certainly the next best thing.

I have heard that there is a new DVD set out that documents the life of Tom Petty over two DVD’s , and then also includes a third live DVD and a live CD, called ‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’. This is definitely on my wish-list!

2008-09-02

Having re-read this a few times, and also watched the DVD a few times more, I have a couple of points to add.

Firstly the visual quality is not that great, but its OK.

Secondly, I never even mentioned the guest appearance of legendary Bo Diddley for a rendition of 'Mona'. This is especially poignant now that the great man has passed away. The whole band was glowing with excitement backing him on the song.

Thirdly, since this recording was made, Howie Epstein has also passed away. The facts behind this are a tragic tale, and while watching the DVD it is really sad to see how much he clearly enjoyed being up there and performing, and then too, how well he complemented Tom Petty on vocals throughout.

Great Song Lyrics Collected

I would like to keep this post running as a collection point for people's favourite or most evocative song lyrics. Please add a comment stating which song lyrics especially appeal to you, and what the reason is. I will constantly update the post with the best comments.

As an example, one of my most favourite phrases in a song (simply for the imagery that it conjures) is Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust for Life’ where he sings ‘…dance like you’re hypnotising chickens…’.

Another of my favourite lyricists is Nick Cave. I’ll provide some more concrete details, but some that immediately come to mind are ‘The Carny’, ‘The Weeping Song’ and ‘When I get home’.

Then for pure fun phrasing and rhyming, I would have to have AC/DC up there at the top of the list. Even some of their less musically brilliant songs are saved by a great turn of phrase and innuendo such as ‘Mistress for Christmas’, ‘Money Talks’ or ‘Big Balls’.

Hopefully this has provided an indication of what I am looking for, please mention the song name, the band, some snippets of the lyrics and why they are important to you.

June 10, 2008

OK I have a comment from 'Bluedaisy' relating to:

The Doors (i.e. Jim Morrison) with 'Child's fragile eggshell mind', pretty cool.

I have come up with a few more too:

Lloyd Cole in 'My Bag' says 'I'm your Yes Man, yes Ma'am I'm your Yes Man' which for some strange reason really appeals to me (the whole song is a roller-coaster of witticisms).

The Hold Steady in 'Party Pit' say '..gonna walk around and drink some more..' which relates to the introspective 'what am I doing at this party' part of me.

Eels in 'Novocaine for the soul' say '... Jesus and His lawyer are coming back..', very clever lyrics indeed.

Keep them coming guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Classic albums revisited 2: AC/DC - Back in Black

I clearly remember how I got into AC/DC. I always knew about them, as one of my class-mates in primary school was a big fan. He had the early albums and was always going on about ‘Big Balls’ and ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’. In fact I remember one day when George brought in his record player (the kind in a box whose lid becomes the speaker) so that we could hear some of it. Well to be honest, I was not immediately impressed (probably something to do with the sound quality).

It was only later, in high school, when an exchange teacher from the US took it upon himself to warn us against the dangers of ‘Satanic music’, using AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’ as his prime example (he had spotted it in one of the kids bag). This tirade renewed my interest in the band. Not necessarily due to the satanic link, but rather due to the edginess and rebelliousness I suppose. Needless to say, I really got into ‘Highway to Hell’, and then when ‘Back in Black’ came out I was completely hooked (thank you so much Mr. Waters).

It became a soundtrack to those formative high-school years with the driving hard rock encouraging one to keep going, persist and see the humorous side to the day-to-day drudge. It was our primary party album for a long time.

Recently I bought the CD version in a fit of nostalgia and thought I could provide my insights into how it has held up over the years.

‘Back in Black’ is particularly significant to the band as it was their first album with new lead singer Brian Johnson after the tragic passing away of Bon Scott. They had just achieved spectacular sales and success with the Scott album ‘Highway to Hell’ when he died. The band decided to carry on, and immediately started auditions for a new singer. Within the year the new album was out, and must have been viewed as ‘make-or-break’ by the band. Fortunately it was even bigger than ‘Highway to Hell’. Part a dedication to Scott, part a proving ground for Johnson, and part a proving ground for the rest of the bands abilities, it had a lot to live up to, and it is testimony to the collective band that they managed to pull it off so well. I also believe that this has been their most successful album ever.

Hitting ‘play’ let’s have a look at what we’ve got:

Hells Bells

Whenever I hear bells, anywhere, I am always reminded of this song. A meticulous (although obviously demented too) Quasimodo steps up and starts hammering away at an enormous bell. Then it’s the chiming guitars and the rest is history. In the context of the AC/DC fan-base getting their hands on the new album, putting it on and then getting their first hearing of the new lead singer, this is an excellent showcase.


Shoot To Thrill

These days, I think people are less able to identify the use of similes, metaphors and parodies in songs. This one for example would definitely confuse most people with regards to the message it seems to give.

The music is great Chuck Berry times a 1000 riffing, also echoing some hard hitting types of counter-pointal shots. I love it but then so would Julius Malema.

What Do You Do For Money Honey

Gold-diggers have a special place in rock history, and here AC/DC in their most philanthropic of moods try to warn us about them.

Given the Dog a Bone

Dog lovers to the core, these guys don’t hold back when it comes to some of their very personal revelatory types of experiences. Musically this is probably my least favourite song on the album.

Let me put my love into you

'Let me put my love into you, Babe' pleads the cloth capped Johnson. Showcasing the more sensitive side of the band, this song is also an excellent vehicle for the type of lyrics that never cease to amuse. I am going to be starting a post next whereby I gather my, and my readers favourite lyrics to songs, and this may well be on there. They don’t ever say ‘please’, but at least they are asking for permission! I love Angus’ guitar work on this track, especially during the ‘don’t you struggle, don’t you fight, cause it’s your turn tonight’ part, his guitar solos breaking down into manic giggles.

Back in Black

Hmm – I can still recite the lyrics word for word even after 20 years. That’s either very embarrassing or else proof that the human brain is capable of phenomenal feats. Although I must confess that I have listened to it pretty regularly over those 20 years. Who knew that ‘Back’ can be pronounced with 4 syllables?

You Shook Me All Night Long

This is one of my favourite tracks of all time. Another one whose lyrics I can recite word for word. Come to think of it, I think that we always used to play side 2 before side 1 in those good old vinyl days. I think that this song was key in defining my vision of the perfect woman (sad I know, how wrong I was). The guitar solo on this song is still as fresh and original as ever. If you believe in the ‘Pick of Destiny’, this solo would seem to prove the legend.

Have a Drink On Me

Seen as the tribute song to Bon Scott who died after a heavy night of drinking, I find the lyrics a little below what the guys have consistently proven themselves capable of. However it has always been a great song for playing at the heart of some hard partying, often leading to the arrival of a fresh round, so it can’t be all wrong.

Shake a leg

Another track from the band that makes it feel alright to be a guy. Can be interpreted as a call to some rampant head-banging (‘shake your head’), but obviously is not. This is a slower paced song that is still energetic and hard-hitting musically. The actual sound that the band managed to capture in this song is everything that is great about AC/DC – the guitar tones, the thundering drums and Brian’s seemingly shredded vocal chords.


Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution

Proving that the band has always had a strong leaning towards environmental awareness, here they tackle some pretty weighty subject matter. In it they also prophetically predict the overall fortune of the band. It’s really uncanny listening to it 28 years later. It’s a great way to end the album and also alerts us to the possibility of pronouncing ‘Rock’ using 3 syllables. If you close your eyes and listen very carefully you can hear that Angus is smiling all the way through this song.


Well, in review, it is amazing how well this album has stood the test of time. Sure it does not sound as ‘heavy’ as it did in the day, but if anything this is a good thing. The band owes a lot to Chuck Berry, and considering this, I suppose that Mr. Berry sounded pretty ‘heavy’ when he first came out. The lyrics are still fresh and entertaining although ‘Have a Drink On Me’ does start to sound a bit dated, and Angus Young’s guitar work still far surpasses what most guitarists are capable of to this day. Anyway, I’m off to gain a better understanding of what ‘American thighs’ are…….