143. Dr Warren Zanes on Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers 'Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers'

Singer/songwriter, journalist and author of the definitive ‘Petty: The Biography’, Dr Warren Zanes, joins me to celebrate the 1976 self-titled debut of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

How did the band find their sound and identity while making the album? Why were the limitations of vinyl LPs creatively helpful? Did writing the book change Warren’s perspective on Petty’s music? What doubts did people have about Petty’s voice? What is the secret of keyboardist Benmont Tench’s genius? How do the Heartbreakers look back on the album today?

Plus we talk about Petty’s pre-Heartbreakers band Mudrcrutch, and speculate about why he’s currently reviving it, and Warren’s own personal history with the album.

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My Favorite Album is a podcast unpacking the great works of pop music. Each episode features a different songwriter or musician discussing their favorite album of all time - their history with it, the making of the album, individual songs and the album’s influence on their own music.