Pink Floyd: Relics (A Bizarre Collection of Antiques & Curios) (1971)

Wikipedia has a wealth of information bout this release, such as:

The release of Relics occurred because the band's record company, EMI, were concerned that they had gone into the studio to record what would become Meddle without any songs or ideas, effectively starting from scratch. This, combined with their ever-increasing touring schedule, made EMI realise that no new product would be released for some time, possibly not until well over a year after completing their previous album, Atom Heart Mother. In order to issue some more "product" for fans, they decided to release a budget priced LP on their Starline label, combining early singles, B-sides, album tracks and one unreleased song, "Biding My Time". The compilation contains material from the first three albums: The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, A Saucerful of Secrets and More. [source]

So, I guess for completists, this is important as it was the only way, until then at least, to have Biding My Time on vinyl. I do not love that song, but Relics is a really good collection of early material.

I have a 1981 Canadian pressing. You could probably find a copy of this pressing for $20-$25.

Pink Floyd: Atom Heart Mother (1970)

Atom Heart Mother is my least favourite PF record. I prefer side two. Somehow, I have an unofficial release, which I have to assume is sourced from a digital file. I guess this is what happens when you cannot wade through hundreds of releases on Discogs to try to figure out what version it is. It sounds OK, but I would rather have a real pressing. 

Pink Floyd: Ummagumma (1969)

Now, here is where I need to mention that I sold some of my record collection back in the day when CDs came onto the scene. I bought a few records as replacements in later years, but I am still angry with the decision to part with some of these records. My copy is a 1983 Canadian repressing. 

From Wikipedia:

"The album's title supposedly comes from Cambridge slang for sex, commonly used by Pink Floyd friend and occasional roadie, Iain "Emo" Moore, who would say, "I'm going back to the house for some ummagumma". According to Moore, he made up the term himself." [source]

I had no idea. Also, from Wikipedia:

The first disc consists of live recordings from concerts at Mothers Club in Birmingham and the College of Commerce in Manchester that contained part of their normal set list of the time, while the second contains solo compositions by each member of the band recorded at Abbey Road Studios. The artwork was designed by regular Floyd collaborators Hipgnosis and features a number of pictures of the band combined to give a Droste effect. It was the last album cover to feature the band.

From Discogs:

Pink Floyd's first release on Harvest Records.
Originally released on October 25, 1969.

The First Disc (SHDW 1) is a Live Album.
Sources of the original studio recordings:
- A1 ‎– "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn"
- A2 ‎– "Point Me At The Sky" Single
- Side B ‎– "A Saucerful Of Secrets"
(Total Duration: 39:15)

The Second Disc (SHDW 2) is a Studio Album.
At 16 words, track C3 has the distinction of having the longest name ever carried by a Pink Floyd song.
(Total Duration: 48:44)

Cover Design Trivia;
- Album's cover utilizes infinity mirror effect.
- The album, whose package is shown on cover (over the band's name) is MGM's Gigi - Original Cast Soundtrack Album (which was released 11 years earlier) was removed on US Vinyl Pressings.

My copy also has a black album jacket. I think this is better than the reviews suggest.

Pigbag: Sunny Day (1981)

 

Oddly the title track on this 12" single is Sunny Day, when it should be Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag. The latter song means a lot to me as it was once the the music for the TV show The New Music, which was my favourite show for years and years. I refused to go out on some nights, if it meant that I would miss the show. I also hated it if the house was noisy. I was glued to every word and I discovered a lot of new music through this show. 

Picastro: Become Secret (2009)

From Discogs: "Picastro is an experimental indie rock band formed in 1998 in Toronto, Canada." 

From Wikipedia: "Picastro is a Canadian slowcore and rock music band based in Toronto, Ontario. The band is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Liz Hysen, and currently includes cellist Nick Storring, synth and guitarist Matthew Ramolo (Khora) and drummer Germaine Liu. Past members included Evan Clarke, Rachel McBride, Owen Pallett, Stephanie Vittas, Kurt Newman, Alex McLeod and Zak Hanna."

I have seen this band in concert. I like this. 

Tom Petty: Finding Wildflowers (Alternate Versions) (2021)

 

From Petty's website:

The tracks, which were previously released on the limited-edition Super Deluxe 9-LP and 5 CD formats of 2020’s Wildflowers & All The Rest, will now be available on limited edition gold vinyl (exclusive for TomPetty.com and indie retail) for the first time.

Finding Wildflowers (Alternate Versions) features 16 studio recordings of alternate takes, long cuts and jam versions of Wildflowers songs as Tom, band members and co-producer Rick Rubin worked to finalize the album in 1994. The release offers fans further deep access into the writing and recording of Wildflowers, as well as realizing the full vision of the project as Tom had always intended.

The collection was produced by Tom’s longtime engineer and co-producer Ryan Ulyate who listened to 245 reels of 24-track tape, revealing Tom and his collaborators’ evolutionary process and finding the group willing to do whatever it took to discover the essence and magic in the material.

Notes from Discogs and hype sticker:

Limited edition gold vinyl initially released as an exclusive to indie retail and artist web store.

Issued in non-gatefold jacket with four-page folded insert with artwork, notes and credits.

Wildflowers Alternate Versions 16 Songs on 2 LPs
Studio Outtakes from the Original Recording Sessions (1992-1994)

Recording details from insert:
A1, B2: Previously unreleased recording - December 3, 1992
A2: Previously unreleased recording - January 25, 1993
A3: Previously unreleased recording - July 27, 1993
A4, C2: Previously unreleased recording - July 28, 1993
B1: Released as the B-side on "A Higher Place" and Wildflowers EPK
B3, B4: Previously unreleased recording - July 14, 1994
C1: Previously unreleased recording - August 11, 1992
C3: Released as the B-side on "You Don't Know How It Feels"
C4: Released as the B-side on "It's Good To Be King"
D1: Previously unreleased recording - June 3, 1993
D2: Released on An American Treasure (2018) - Different version from Wildflowers original release
D3: Released on An American Treasure (2018) - Different version from Wildflowers original release
D4: Previously unreleased song and recording - August 12, 1992

If you like Wildflowers, this will be interesting collection to hear to have in your collection.

Tom Petty: Wildflowers & All the Rest (2020)

I have a CD copy of the original 1994 release. Good luck trying to find a copy of the original LP. I saw one once in a Toronto record store for $400 a couple of years ago. I wasn't even tempted. There was, evidently, a double LP version released in 2009. I had no idea. Finally, In 2002, we got a bunch of reissues, like a double CD version, a 4 CD version, a 3 LP version, and some boxes with six records (I think). I settled for the triple record version. 

From Wikipedia:

"Petty's original track listing for Wildflowers was a double album with 25 songs and Lenny Waronker of Warner Bros. Records suggested that it was too long. Petty's family and bandmates arranged a 2020 re-release of the album that includes these deleted songs, demos, and live tracks entitled Wildflowers & All the Rest. The super deluxe edition of the box set called "Finding Wildflowers" included a fifth disc of alternate versions of the Wildflowers tracks. In April 2021, "Finding Wildflowers" was released individually." [source]

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: The Best Of Everything (2019)

Of course, this is not really Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, as there are solo tunes here, that horrid song with Stevie Nicks, and two tracks from Mudcrutch. Once again, Discogs needs unified headings. This is a great collection, though. It covers most of the highlights. If you only want the highlight, and that one lowlight, this is the collection to get. It sounds great, too. 

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Kiss My Amps, Live Vol 2 (2016)

This is an RSD 2016 release that was limited to 7500 copies. From the sticker: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers Live 2013; Deep Tracks, Hits and Handpicked Covers.

I like it. 

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Hypnotic Eye (2014)

Sadly, this was the final Tom Petty studio album. This is a great record, right form the fist note of the first track. It's too bad that there will never be another Petty record of new material. 

"Ultimately, Hypnotic Eye is a record about the pure joy of sound, a rush that doesn't lessen upon repetition -- a sentiment that's true of those old '60s garage rock singles and early Heartbreakers albums, and this is a surprisingly, satisfyingly vigorous record." [source]

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Mojo (2010)

"Mojo is the 12th studio album by American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on June 15, 2010 on CD and June 29 on Blu-ray. It was Petty's first album with the Heartbreakers in eight years."

    - Wikipedia

This was repressed in 2017, but I have a copy of the original pressing for 2010. Oddly the prices for each are similar. The reviews are all over the place, but I think this is a good record. I mean, it starts with a killer track:

Tom Petty: Highway Companion (2006)

I am the lucky owner of an original pressing from 2006. More than that, I paid $8.00 for a sealed copy! Wow. At the time I picked his up, this record was going for at least $80 to $100 on Discogs, and some were listed at even higher prices. I believe that current prices are similar. In 2017, the record was repressed and that record sells for far less. My copy has a slightly bent corner, from shelf wear, but I am not too upset about that. I really like this record. 

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: Echo (1999/2017)

The original LP, released in 1999 is now a pricey record. The record was repressed in 2017, and I picked up a used copy for a good price. Resale prices for the repressing are creeping up. I think this is a pretty good record.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: She's The One - Songs And Music From The Motion Picture (1996/2017)

Though originally released in 1999 the first (and only, so far) vinyl release dropped in 2017. Surprise: I have never seen this film. Walls is likely the track you have heard, if you have heard any tracks from this record. 

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Into the Great Wide Open (1991)

I think every musical artist has considered the problems of following up a great record. How do you top or match a really fine LP? In this case, if you are the critic at Allmusic, you just pretend that Petty failed. But, that is selling this record short. Jeff Lynne came back to lend a hand and the results are really good, but perhaps not as good as FMF. Into the Great Wide Open is one of my favourite Petty tunes. I love Learning to Fly. Two Gunslingers is great too, as is The Dark of the Sun, All or Nothin', etc.

Among the long list of people Petty thanks, is--first and foremost--God. Really? Why include a thanks to a fictitious supernatural agent? People are so gullible.

Tom Petty: Full Moon Fever (1989)

What! A Tom Petty record without the Heartbreakers? I think I read that some of the Heartbreakers were heartbroken when this happened. Life is full of disappointments.

Full Moon Fever might be Tom's best record. The only song I do not care for is Alright for Now. The rest are all top-shelf tracks, including--arguably--Petty's best song, Free Fallin'. I've never been a big fan of ELO or Jeff Lynne, but this collaboration works amazingly well. Just reflect on what else is on this record: I Won't Back Down, Running Down a Dream, Love is Long Road, Yer So Bad, Feel a Whole Lot Better, etc., etc. It's almost a greatest hits record.

I wasn't really a Tom Petty fan when this record came out. In fact, I had forgotten about him, after having been infatuated with Damn the Torpedoes. After that record, I completely lost track of him. One day, I heard Free Fallin' and I was stopped dead in my tracks. It is one of those songs that just grabbed my attention. As soon as it was over, I wanted to here it again. I went on a quest to reconnect with Petty because I thought Free Fallin' was such a great song. I think that is is one of those songs that everyone who hears it will like, even if you are a classic rock guy, or a country music fan, or even a fan of indie rock. I'd really like to meet someone who does not like that song.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Let Me Up I’ve Had Enough (1987)

This record sure got mixed reviews. I will say this: the cover is an abomination. It is absolutely horrible. Why this was cover ever allowed to see the light of day is beyond me. I hate to even look at it. It probably induced nightmares in many people. From a post about this record on Discogs:

It’s quite impossible to begin talking about this release without referencing one of the most uncomfortable album covers that ever existed, and then go onto think about the photographer needing to ask each member of the band to scream in front of the camera in order to create this uninspired feature. [source]

Anyway, I don't hate this record, but it is not in the top five. 

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Pack up the Plantation - Live! (1985)

 

This is a double live Tom Petty record that is petty good, though Allmusic awards it a measly 2.5 stars. 

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Make It Better (Forget About Me) (1985)

This 12" single contains two versions of the titular track, those being the Dance Mix and the Instrumental Mix, but here is the album version:

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers: Southern Accents (1985)

Check this out:

Occasionally, the songs work; "Rebels" and "Spike" are fine rockers, and "Don't Come Around Here No More" and "Make It Better (Forget About Me)" expand the Heartbreakers' sound nicely. But too often, the record is weighed down by its own ambitions. [source]

What does the last sentence mean?

And, then there's this, referenced in Wikipedia: "In the Los Angeles Review of Books, Connor Goodwin said the album is "deeply embedded in nostalgia for the Lost Cause." [source] I have to say that this never occurred to me. Can that really be true?