I’ve been on a bit of a Tom Petty kick since I purchased Tom Petty’s Live Anthology a few weeks ago. So it was with great interest when I saw that AOL was streaming TP’s new CD “Mojo” in it’s entirety; I thought hey I can see how his new stuff stands up to the anthology. Well, after a first listen my immediate impression was “This is a blues album!” I’d say more than half the tunes use blues motif’s as channelled through other blues rockers. “First Flash of Freedom” is a straight up Allman Brothers-psychedellic bluesy jam, “Takin my time” is a Mannish Boy-esque progression. “U.S 41″ sounds like something off of Exile on Mainstreet - complete with lo-fi distorted vocals and slide guitar. Most of the songs are derivative yet unique enough to be tasteful. The track “Good Enough” is the only song that flies a little too close to Zeppelin’s “Since I’ve Been Loving You” that it could be perceived as a bit of a rip off. There’s a little JJ Cale, a dash of Trower and helping of early 70’s era Clapton. Ultimately, the whole album sounds like a tribute to TP’s bluesy influences.

So am I going to buy? I don’t think so. There are a few tracks that might grow on me but I’ve already heard most of this album before…as played by other artists. Still love Tom no matter what but Mojo is a bit of snoozer.

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