The Beginning

     I remember as though it was yesterday. I was in the eighth grade and was grounded for something silly I did at the time. This led to me being stuck at home for the weekend. My Father called me into the room and asked that I please take a seat. At the time, I was under the impression that I was in even more trouble. My Father then proceeded to turn the television on and said "Son, you are going to watch this documentary with me". I remember feeling like I had been hit with a sledgehammer. Most of the time, my Dad enjoys documentaries on educational stuff such that air on channels such as National Geographic or the Discovery Channel. When you're in the eighth grade you have the mental capacity of a peanut which means you ultimately can't sit still for more than ten minutes. I ended up giving in and watching this mysterious documentary because I had no choice. However, the documentary wasn't what I anticipated. Instead of a dull, education film, I was watching a four hour documentary on rock n' roll icon, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. At the time, I had no idea the influence this man and band would have on my life. I was mesmerized by the music and the affect it had on me. I somehow sat still and watched all four hours of this documentary with my Father and was somehow still hungry for more. So the next day I tried to get my hands on any Tom Petty music I could possibly come across. I stumbled upon a "Tom Petty: Greatest Hits" album my Dad had collected from back in the day. I then continued by listening to it non-stop. It really got to the point where it was an unhealthy addiction. All I wanted to do was either listen or talk about Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Kids at school thought I was just bizarre because here I am, this fourteen year old kid and I was in love with music from the 1970's and 80's. Throughout the years, I have listened to every Tom Petty album known to date and still craze more. I have seen him live three times and will be seeing him a fourth time in September. So I thought "How can I put my love for this music and my love for writing together?". So I decided to make this blog. Within this blog I am going to re-listen to every studio album recorded by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Tom Petty's solo work. I'll start with the debut album and work all the way to his newest album "Hynotic Eye" which is scheduled for release July 29th. Every time I finish an album, I am going to write down all my thoughts and log them into this blog. Unfortunately, I am still the only huge Petty fan my age but I am hoping I can show everyone why I appreciate and respect this music so much. The first album review shall be up sometime soon! Thanks and I hope you enjoy!