AllMusic vs Tom Petty

[Girl Toes]

I don't know if its political or what. I do tend to trust AMG's reviews a lot when I am thinking about picking up records by a band I don't know yet, and don't know what to get. I am completely bugged by them giving just 1 1/2 stars to Tom Petty's "The Last DJ," his most recent album that came out in late 2002.

I picked this album up almost a year ago, and it turned out to be a sharp and wonderful attack on the current state of the music business. I think it is one of his best albums, turning into more of a protest album than a standard Tom Petty album. But still wonderfully done with nice great hooks and wonderful music. I think this is one of the best new albums I've heard in years, no doubt attributed to the many of the things Petty complains about.

I just want to make sure that this album gets a good review, I am do not understand how this album falls in to the 1 1/2 star catagory. Even if you disagree with the lyrics, the music still is great, and it is a strong record. Who is behind those album reviews?

[jamoo]

That's the problem with music reviews, they're just opinions. I haven't heard the latest, but most Petty I've heard is classic, IMO.

[HypCo]

I personally consult the amazon.com reviews. You get an overall rating from general listeners instead of just one guy. BTW, the album gets 4 out of 5 stars over there.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 3-7941631?

[wayne kerr]

You know, I think ALLMUSIC was prob'ly sold to some label. They were just this cool homespun idea - and now the new format, the email registration... leads me to believe that somebody is pulling the strings. Is it any surprise that an artist who dared question the state of the industry gets a bad review??? That said, I'd love to take bets on whether TP stays awake at night worrying about that review... Shit I'll give good odds!

Sis

[Al]

T.P.'s last album got slated in the press over here in the u.k. as well.
I haven't heard it, so i can't comment.

All i can say is "Echos" was a big disappointment for me.

Oh well, still got Wildflowers to listen to.

Al

[stillafool]

I think one and a half stars is too good for that idiot.

[Seej]

I love the last album. Couple good rockers on there (Lost Children, When A Kid Goes Bad, and the end of Cant Stop The Sun).

[Al]

I think one and a half stars is too good for that idiot.

Bite it pal

Al

[theistheman]

I love Tom Petty, but I gotta say, that last album pretty much blows. It was weak musically, and the lyrics were about as adroit as the ones written by your local 14 year-old punk band railing on the government.

That said, "Wildflowers" is one of my favorite albums of all time. And his older stuff is good as well. Hell, "She's the One" is pretty great.

If you think that Tom Petty getting slammed is a bad thing, it's a real crime that Anal Cunt doesn't get any respect from Allmusic. Those guys are totally bomb.

[trashy]

I just want to add what a waste of time those Amazon reviews are, especially if you're looking to get into a new band. Music should never be reviewed by fans of the band, they pick really dumb shit to like.