Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers -
Classics Albums - "Damn The Torpedos" (Eagle Vision)

"Damn The Torpedos" was the turning point for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. It seemed like an overnight success, but it took a lot of hard work to get to that point. Never the less the album opened the gates to many other great records, and countless hits from Tom Petty. It wasn't accidental, or one off, as Tom Petty maintained his position by simply writing good and uncompromising music. Something he does to this day, and let's hope he'll continue for many years to come.

The idea of examining an album is simply fantastic. Not just this DVD, but every single one in the series is a must have. You put this in your DVD player, and are literary taking a trip into the time the record was made. In the case of "Damn The Torpedos," there are countless interviews with the band members, new and old. It's very interesting how the band reflects and reacts on the particular time when they made this record.

There is a look behind the scenes, some commentary from the producers and the industry insiders paint a very clear picture of the times. The documentary has plenty of live footage, some clips show the band in its infancy, and follow the baby steps it took along the way. And then there is the music, still relevant after so many years. Many of the songs off "...Torpedo" are still being played on the radio, and the band certainly plays them live.

A great insight into one of the greatest rock'n'roll records on this side of the Atlantic.

Mark Kadzielawa