Shelter Records: Breakdown

Our second day of looking at Shelter Records features “Breakdown” – the first single by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Released from their 1976 self-titled debut album, “Breakdown” just sneaked into the Top 40 by charting at the #40 position in 1977. It also appeared in the film “FM” making it an additional choice as a Media Monday selection.

There are several aspects that make this song a classic – the electric guitars of Mike Campbell and Jeff Jourard, and Benmont Tench’s liberal use of a Wurlitzer electric piano. I used to have one – they were great little instruments.

In addition, the back-up vocals were handled by Dwight Twilley and Phil Seymour of the Dwight Twilley Band – who were also signed to Shelter. “Breakdown” was composed solely by Tom Petty. Nice stuff from a heretofore unknown band from Gainesville, Florida. A good start to a stellar career.