In a year where enjoyment has been as elusive as a dust bunny in a stiff breeze, music (as always) has provided a number of bright spots. Case in point was recently learning that departed legend Tom Petty had previously recorded an entire extra album’s worth of songs for his beloved Wildflowers album, which his family released a few weeks ago. I’ve been steadily working through those songs since then and there are a number of solid ones, in addition to the ones we highlighted last time, and hearing them next to the originals as Petty ultimately intended only sharpens the shine on that classic.
And while revisiting that album has been an enjoyable endeavor, it’s one of Petty’s other songs that’s gotten stuck in my head this week — his classic “The Waiting” (for reasons I’m sure are obvious). And so as we sit here, watching votes slowly, steadily be counted, let’s enjoy a little Petty to get us through the day. In addition to that track, let’s also listen to this piece from Petty’s recent 70th birthday bash, which along with a slew of star-studded covers had this wonderful mini-set from Heartbreakers Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell. I’d never really thought of “American Girl” as a pretty song — just an awesome anthem — but Benmont’s version on the piano really makes you hear it differently.
And we’ll also throw in one of those new tracks, which has a hopeful line that catches the ear — one you hope comes true soon: “we’re overdue for a dream come true…” Let’s hope so, sunbeams — fingers crossed for a positive swing soon…