Not me baby, I've got you to save me

Today I've been watching some of the epic four-hour documentary "Runnin' Down a Dream", the story of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which was repeated on BBC4 last Friday night.  It reminded me that I'd picked up a copy of Tom's debut solo album a couple of weeks ago at a car boot sale for £2:

Tom Petty - Full Moon Fever (1989)

His first post-Wilburys work, it is in fact produced by fellow Wilbury Jeff Lynne, who also provides background vocals, bass, guitars and keyboards.  In addition George Harrison plays acoustic guitar and sings on I Won't Back Down, and Roy Orbison contributes backing vocals on Zombie Zoo.  Most of the Heartbreakers feature as well, so it may be termed a "solo" album, but it's clear that Tom likes to have his band members around him.

It's a great set of songs and it sounds like just what it is really; a Heartbreakers' album with a heavy dose of Jeff Lynne i.e. polished, radio-friendly heartland rock, full of hooks, riffs and harmonies.  The album sleeve is a bit boring but the inner is better, with a great drawing of Tom in Native American headgear:

Front, back and inner artwork

The album sold very well, reaching no.3 on the US Billboard chart and no.8 in the UK, making it his best-selling LP and providing five singles in all.  Here's the excellent vid for Yer So Bad, followed by the whole album on the new super-whizzy Spotify embeddable player: