In House #1673: Tom Petty's Highway Companion; New Kelly Joe Phelps, Todd Snider

Despite making music in each of the last four decades, Tom Petty released just the third solo effort of his career last week. Highway Companion follows Full Moon Fever (1989) and Wildflowers (1994) in the Petty solo discography, although its sound has much more in common with the former than the latter.

Tom Petty

Petty is joined by fellow Traveling Wilbury Jeff Lynne (guitar, production) and longtime Heartbreaker Mike Campbell (guitar), but takes care of most of the responsibilities himself including rhythm and lead guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, piano, and (obviously) vocals. The result is the most consistently strong album from Petty in over ten years, an aptly-titled roadtrip release with songs pointing to open spaces and "getting away" like "Down South," "Turn This Car Around," "Night Driver," and "Big Weekend." The new release finds Petty on American Recordings, an easy fit for an artist who has always valued integrity in his artform. Tom Petty will be touring the U.S. in support of the new release through early October, and opening acts include Pearl Jam, Trey Anastasio, The Strokes, and Frank Black, among others, depending on where you're seeing him.

In House #1673.
Airdate: 7/31/06
Focus: New release from Tom Petty, Highway Companion, plus new music from Todd Snider, Kelly Joe Phelps, Johnny Cash and more.

BONUS MP3-
Tom Petty, from Highway Companion: "Down South" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #148