Greatest Hits

This is really a fine collection of Tom Petty's greatest hits. We just saw his fantastic Big Time Rock & Roll show at the Gorge this summer, and my daughter says she likes every song on this CD!

This CD is excellent! It certainly brings back fond memories. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are a true Rock and Roll band that you do not find in this day and age.

Over the past 32 years, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers have given us nothing but great music. These guys have lasted 30+ years and proved that they can still rock and roll just as good as they could when they first started. So, in 1993, MCA (now Geffen) released the classic hits collection 'Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Greatest Hits.' The record has now been considered a classic compilation.

Earlier this year, Geffen remastered the album and added a bonus track. So, how does this album measure up?

Well, when I saw this in the stores, my feelings were mixed.

I'm glad to see this album remastered. If you own the 1993 version and you decide to buy this because you had heard that the sound was going to be great, right you are! There is a huge difference in terms of sound here.

And, of course, this collection has all the Tom Petty songs the casual fan will probably ever need. 1970s hits like 'Refugee,' 'American Girl,' 'Breakdown,' 'I Need To Know' and 'Don't Do Me Like That' are here, as are his '80s hits like 'Free Fallin,' 'Don't Come Around Here No More' and 'Runnin' Down A Dream.'

Still, the three stars are here because of the track listing. Why did they substitute one of my personal favorite Petty songs, 'Something In The Air,' for the 1982 Heartbreakers collaboration with Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks in 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around'? I'll confess, I never was crazy about this song, and I definitely think it's out-of-place here.

Also, why did they completely remove 'Something In The Air'? That track was new in 1993, meaning it was only offered on the original 'Greatest Hits' album, which is now out of print, and in several years it's going to be a hard-to-find track? They had plenty of room to keep that song and add 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' to the track listing. Why Geffen was stupid enough to make that decision is beyond me.

Overall, if you can, buy the original 1993 compilation, because the sound quality on that is pretty great too. But, if you are a Petty collector or a fan who is particularly picky about sound quality, buy the 2008 version. Don't get me wrong, besides 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around,' every song here is five stars. But I question Geffen's decision to remove 'Something In The Air.'

Recommended for the collectors and the sound quality-picky Petty fans. Otherwise, hunt down the original 1993 version or just buy his studio albums.

THIS IS A CLASSIC AND CONTAINS A FAVORITE SELDOM HEARD SONG "MARY JANES LAST DANCE" WHICH HAS A DISTINCT RYTHM THAT STANDS ALONE FROM A LOT OF HIS SONGS. I LOVE IT!

this is worth it if you don't have the 93 version, if you do don't spend $8 on the one exchanged song. go for anthology as its a much more comprehensive TP album. i'll be at the show in selma, tx in aug.

later