Petty pledges alleg to rock principles

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 23

Petty pledges alleg to rock principles

on disc

TOM PETTY “Full Moon Fever” (MCA 62531). The release in 1987 of “Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough),” the eighth album by Petty and the Heartbreakers,was greeted by a certain amount of apathy. Since then Petty’s profile has been lifted by his participation in the highly successful Travelling Wilburys project with Bob Dylan, the late Roy Orbison, George Harrison and Jeff Lynne. The presence on this LP of the latter, whose career dates back to his days with The Move in the 19605, may arouse fear and loathing in those who remember the mostly inane, irritating, over-pro-duced singles foisted upon the world by his group, the Electric Light Orchestra. Lynne has co-written seven of the 12 songs on “Full Moon Fever” with Petty, here temporarily

FEVER

without the Heartbreakers, but fortunately the Beatles and Byrdsinfluenced Petty has curbed his new partner’s wayward tendencies and put his production skills to good use. The result is an album of adult-oriented rock not unlike the work of the Wilburys, but with an invigorating freshness about it that harks back to the Southern-bred American’s magnificent debut album of 1976. Petty’s catchy melodies are picked up by layers of acoustic and electric

guitars that variety of moods henS Petty ranges over hope? optimism, determination, world-weariness and mild cynicism. Among the highlights * are the opening track, “Free Failin’,” a gorgeous song of abandon, the driving "Running Down A Dream,” a rocker which evokes feelings of driving down a highway with wind blowing through one’s hair, and the touching "Apartment Song,” which expresses longing. The single, “I Won’t Back Down,” a mid-paced ditty sung in Petty’s characteristic drawl, seems to sum up his philosophy. “Well I won’t back down Gonna stand my ground, won’t be turned around, and I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down,” he says. This is a man of integrity. ★★★ ★ ★ -ALISTAIR ARMSTRONG