good morning everyone and welcome to a special two-part edition to the Track of the Day. Hoddle Headquarters always recognises the anniversary of Tom Petty’s death with a special track of the day. But this year we’re changing it up, featuring two Tracks of the Day on back-to-back days.
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Tom Petty was always a great songwriter, but I would argue that he really changed beginning with the album Wildflowers in 1994.
A few rockers here and there, but there ones that mostly stand out to me are the more stripped-down songs with an inward-looking focus.
That is what makes me appreciate today’s track of the day – Square One.
The song featured on Petty’s third solo album (after Full Moon Fever and Wildflowers) in 2006. It was also the third time he was produced by Jeff Lynne, another Travelling Wilbury and the frontman for Electric Light Orchestra.
Here we listen to the softer side of Tom Petty. A simple structure, uncomplicated lyrics that can probably belong to just about anyone.
That structure was a staple of Petty, and it’s one that made him wildly successful and his music so universal.
I’m also always interested in any record that Lynne produces, given his style in the studio. You can pretty much tell a song was produced by Jeff Lynne when you heard it – everything carefully manicured and placed, a bit of a departure from the rough-and-ready Heartbreakers.
This is one of my favourite Petty songs post-Full Moon Fever. I think if we continue to dive into the Petty discography we’ll continue to find little gems like this one.
Fitzie’s track of the day: Square One, by Tom Petty
And now for your links:
The Athletic ($$): How Tottenham tore apart Manchester United in 45 minutes
Alasdair Gold’s talking points from Tottenham’s win vs Man United
Dan KP: Dejan Kulusevski’s shift proves Big Ange is willing to adapt
The Guardian’s talking points from the WSL weekend
