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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
A lot about production, theory and songwriting and less about Tom's history or thoughts on things other than his music. Not a bad thing, learned a lot!
informative
reflective
medium-paced
What first drew me to Tom Petty's music some 20 years ago was the poetic way he put lyrics together coupled with a unique yet always accessible musical sound. His music truly is the soundtrack to his fans' lives. I can hear one of his songs and think Oh, yeah, I listened to this a lot when I was going through.... whatever it may be. I've seen the TP and the Heartbreakers 5 times with my husband and have come away with fantastic memories of those evenings. I hope to have that chance again someday.
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
I was intrigued to learn about his writing process which he explains in the book that many times it's not a process at all- lyrics just come to him. Though I'm not a songwriter, his words inspire me for the other kinds of writing that I do. This was a pleasant surprise that I didn't anticipate when picking up the book. I also loved hearing TP tell the story about meeting his 2nd wife and the stories about his mother and grandmother. You can tell he has a genuine respect for women that is so often lacking with rock stars.
Refreshing in that the book isn't a tell-all, gossip-laden, poorly written work of drivel, but that's never been Petty's style anyway. This was a celebration of music and artists and the process, including the highs and the lows, in which one succeeds in mastering their artistic talents. And well written to boot!
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
If you are a huge Tom Petty fan (as I am), this is a MUST-READ— really, a long and wonderful trip into the mind of one of the great songwriters of any generation... if you are not a huge fan, but a musician and songwriter, still a MUST READ—- tons of great thoughts on the writing process and the music business. It took me longer to read because I stopped and listened to many of the songs that he talks about in the book (which was laborious, yet fun). RIP Tom— you will be missed— but at my house, you’re played just about every time I light up my grill!!!!
A necessary for any Tom Petty fan. Tom's personal life is intertwined with his music throughout, and the interview format also makes it an easy read. It's a wonderful insight into his writing and recording process, and further solidifies Tom's image as an "American Treasure".
RIP Tom Petty <3
RIP Tom Petty <3
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
I've been a fan of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from the first time I heard one of their songs, but I was never obsessed. I don't know why, for almost every song that I heard from them, I've loved.
While reading this book, I would set it aside, pull up Pandora and listen to an album. What an amazing way of reading a book.
It was like a Rock history lesson. So many great songs, and the influences that made up each song/album.
Then, when the book goes record by record...what an amazing trip. Getting to read what Tom was thinking about, who the songs were with (who played what) and how it effected them as artists and a band (family).
It was hard to hear of the tough times, too. Losing of band members and then ultimately, losing Tom Petty, himself.
For me, they've always been around. Now, I am becoming an even more fervent fan of the band. They did so much. Hit, after hit after hit...and those weren't always the best songs. There are albums that have so many hidden gems in them.
I encourage you (the reader of this review) to pick up this book and read it...with the intention of also stopping from time to time to listen to a song (or hell...as whole album). This is the real experience of this book.
Tom Petty was a songwriter and a great musician...who just loved to play. Blue collar worker of music.
We love ya, Tom...but thanks for all the great music that you've left us with. You will not be forgotten.
While reading this book, I would set it aside, pull up Pandora and listen to an album. What an amazing way of reading a book.
It was like a Rock history lesson. So many great songs, and the influences that made up each song/album.
Then, when the book goes record by record...what an amazing trip. Getting to read what Tom was thinking about, who the songs were with (who played what) and how it effected them as artists and a band (family).
It was hard to hear of the tough times, too. Losing of band members and then ultimately, losing Tom Petty, himself.
For me, they've always been around. Now, I am becoming an even more fervent fan of the band. They did so much. Hit, after hit after hit...and those weren't always the best songs. There are albums that have so many hidden gems in them.
I encourage you (the reader of this review) to pick up this book and read it...with the intention of also stopping from time to time to listen to a song (or hell...as whole album). This is the real experience of this book.
Tom Petty was a songwriter and a great musician...who just loved to play. Blue collar worker of music.
We love ya, Tom...but thanks for all the great music that you've left us with. You will not be forgotten.
This book was such a beautiful tastament to Tom’s music. I would recommend it to any fan, but just remember to keep those tissues close, because you will without a doubt shed a few tears.