Editor's Note: The microfilm scan was of poor quality and the writer's name was obscured. Sorry!

Sound Spot
Cardinal Points - October 25, 2002

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | The Last DJ | ★★★★ It's pretty good
If recent Billboard charts are any indication, the listening public is unhappy with new music, and is turning to the great rockers of past generations to fill the void.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are certainly no exception. Petty's latest effort, "The Last DJ," debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard charts, behind acts like The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi and Elvis.

Throughout the album Petty showcases his talents as a musician, singer and songwriter. Petty not only wrote and sung all the songs on the CD, but also managed to play guitar, bass, piano and ukulele.

The album's overall theme is the greed in the music industry, and Petty's refusal to sell out.

Petty preaches his rebellion, in "Can't Stop the Sun" and the title track, and references it heavily in "Money Becomes King" and "Joe."

In all the aforementioned songs Petty turns in catchy, upbeat performances, with outstanding lyrics to match.

The slower tracks are outstanding too, and work well to break up the fast-paced business talk.

"Dreamville" and "Have Love Will Travel," two slow songs, showcase Petty's exceptional songwriting.

However, one of the best songs on the album is a mix of both styles. "Lost Children" mixes high pitched religious vocals and the albums' hardest guitar riffs for a truly unique sound.