Fire up the barbecue, throw on your bathing suit and grab the trusty boom box from the basement — but of course remain wary of the good times.
Especially if you're spinning Tom Petty's latest album "Highway Companion," because like anything: caution is a must. In these United States of orange and red alerts looming around every corner, we must sleep with one eye open and mentally plan how to build our own bomb shelters in the backyard — even during times of leisure.
The problem with Petty's new release is it may put you in a happy mood with 12 wonderfully catchy and heartfelt tunes.
As Americans, should we allow ourselves to experience such gaiety during a time of war with Osama bin Laden still on the loose? It's difficult to judge because the media is so hard to believe, but the album is pure soul food for the politically stressed mind.
A little less CNN and a bit more Petty lyrical action could turn any depressing coffee break between friends into an uplifting dance party. "Highway Companion" doesn't promote escapism, but rather advances the perception of troubling issues.
The news isn't the only way to understand the world. Art increases critical thinking skills about all issues, and Petty lets you know all this with a hip-shaking groove.
"And it's hard to say/ Who you are these days/ But you run on anyway?" Petty questions in the chorus of the first track, "Saving Grace," with a bit of satirical sass. Petty communicates a story, not just breaking news, with his classic raspy and high-pitched voice in the straight-forward jam.
The theme of Petty's story/song demonstrates that it's easier to run away from your problems, rather than addressing them.
For the rest of the tracks, Petty constantly reflects on a physical and metaphorical journey on the highway as he travels "Down South," has to "Turn This Car Around," and is the "Night Driver."
Concept album? Maybe, but the album should be judged on how well it sticks to the "highway concept." Seriously, what album isn't a concept album? Every recording by an artist is bound to have a recurring theme. All Petty albums are concept albums because they utilize Petty's voice.
Unfortunately, with gas prices so high, it's not the best idea to cruise with this album, but it's still an excellent choice for dancing, bobbing your head or just relaxing. Petty has made another grooving, upbeat classic.
