Feature Photo: Davidwbaker, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
You may have never heard of Mudcrtch, but you definitely heard of the band that came out of that group. Mudcrutch was an American rock band formed in 1970 in Gainesville, Florida. The band initially consisted of Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Tom Leadon, and Randall Marsh. Mudcrutch disbanded in 1975, with Petty, Campbell, and Tench going on to form Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The band reunited in 2007 and released their self-titled debut album Mudcrutch in 2008, followed by Mudcrutch 2 in 2016. Mudcrutch has released two studio albums and two live albums: Extended Play Live (2008) and The Very Best Performances from the 2016 Mudcrutch Tour (2017).
The band’s music blends rock, country, and Americana, reflecting their roots and musical evolution. Mudcrutch’s reunion albums received critical acclaim and charted well, with Mudcrutch 2 peaking at number ten on the US Billboard 200.
MUDCRUTCH STUDIO ALBUMS
Mudcrutch
Released: 2008
Mudcrutch is the self-titled debut studio album by Mudcrutch, a band formed by Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, and Benmont Tench before they achieved fame with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The album blends rock, country, and Americana, revisiting the band’s early sound. The album featured Tom Petty on vocals and bass, Mike Campbell on guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Tom Leadon on guitar and vocals, and Randall Marsh on drums. It was produced by Tom Petty and recorded at The Clubhouse in Los Angeles, California.
CD Track Listings:
“Shady Grove” – 4:21
“Scare Easy” – 4:35
“Orphan of the Storm” – 4:05
“Six Days on the Road” – 3:28
“Crystal River” – 9:28
“Oh Maria” – 3:19
“This Is a Good Street” – 4:06
“The Wrong Thing to Do” – 4:15
“Queen of the Go-Go Girls” – 3:36
“June Apple” – 2:26
“Lover of the Bayou” – 4:34
“Topanga Cowgirl” – 3:54
“Bootleg Flyer” – 3:47
“House of Stone” – 3:00
Mudcrutch 2
Released: 2016
Mudcrutch 2 is the second studio album by Mudcrutch, featuring the original lineup reuniting to create new music. The album continues their blend of rock, country, and Americana, showcasing the band’s evolution and chemistry. The album featured Tom Petty on vocals and bass, Mike Campbell on guitar, Benmont Tench on keyboards, Tom Leadon on guitar and vocals, and Randall Marsh on drums. It was produced by Tom Petty and recorded at The Clubhouse in Los Angeles, California. The album peaked at number ten on the US Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“Trailer” – 4:18
“Dreams of Flying” – 3:50
“Beautiful Blue” – 6:34
“Beautiful World” – 3:42
“I Forgive It All” – 4:13
“The Other Side of the Mountain” – 3:17
“Hope” – 3:45
“Welcome to Hell” – 3:27
“Save Your Water” – 3:11
“Victim of Circumstance” – 2:37
“Hungry No More” – 6:16
MUDCRUTCH LIVE ALBUMS
Extended Play Live
Released: 2008
Extended Play Live is a live album by Mudcrutch, capturing their energetic performances during their reunion tour. The album features live renditions of tracks from their debut album and covers. The album was produced by Mudcrutch and recorded at various venues during their 2008 tour.
The Very Best Performances from the 2016 Mudcrutch Tour
Released: 2017
The Very Best Performances from the 2016 Mudcrutch Tour is a compilation live album featuring standout performances from their 2016 tour. The album showcases the band’s live prowess and chemistry. The album was produced by Mudcrutch and recorded at various venues during their 2016 tour.
Janey Roberts lives in Chelsea, London. She has worked for various British musical publications writing album and concert reviews. Originally from Balboa Park, San Diego, Janey brings an international cross cultural perspective to rock journalism.