Thinking about this exercise took me to vivid places in my memories between roughly 1979 and 1997. Yes, these are the musings of a mid-to-late Gen X’er.
The “Compilation” album is fertile territory for a writer who enjoys music of many kinds. I’m seeing a few pieces along this vein coming.
This exercise, and any that follow related to music, books, movies, etc, is one of personal favorites. Not “the greatest” or “the best”. There was not an intensive list making process followed by creation of analytical tools to rank, followed by a final use of whiteboards and/or sticky notes to order and reorder things qualitatively to truly get things where they should be. The Good Lord knows I had to fight that urge because I would enjoy the process.
No, I didn’t go there. I believe there are parts of life that are best left outside of a data-driven approach to define what is “good”. I think art is meant to, loosely quoting Emerson, belong to the eyes that see it, the ears that hear it, the memories or feelings provoked by it.
My Favorite: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits (1993 release)
This CD was, I think, in the last cache of ones I got from Columbia House. Which means I also had Steve Miller Band’s Greatest Hits, (at least the first one), Eagles Greatest Hits (at least the first one), and Jimmy Buffett Songs You Know by Heart.
Again, the musings of a mid-to-late Gen X’er who grew up in a small, Midwestern town on rock/classic rock radio of the late 70s-early 90s when what streamed to you in terms of music were post cards from mail order music services.
Reflecting on this one, Tom Petty the lyricist is like Ernest Hemingway. Nothing is wasted. No more is said than what is needed. No need for over wrought adornment. You know what he means. Like you’re sitting across a table from him, having a conversation. It’s not like he sees into your soul. It’s more like he hears you out, nods his head, and provides a better, crystal clear articulation of what you meant.
The revelation was just how good this band was. “Tight” is the best way to describe it. Hooks, melodies, layers. Yet they seemed like they could be the best garage band of all time.
Yes, I realize there were a few songs from Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty technically “solo”, but the backing band for that album was mostly The Heartbreakers. I’d rather not quibble over that.
Jerry Courtney’s Sandbox 