Dam The Torpedoes was the third album released by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. There had been a long gap between this and their second album due to contractual issues with his record label, with Petty being sued for breach of contract, who in turn declared himself bankrupt. In the end Petty won a much improved deal, and when the album was finally released it was well worth the wait.
I thought it was terrific, packed with brilliant songs, towering hooks and a big production which firmly moved the band from new wave to mainstream rock, if there was ever any doubt beforehand.
Surprisingly there album spawned no hit singles in the UK, but "Don't Do Me Like That" and "Refugee" made the top 15 in the US. I particularly liked the first four songs on side one and "Louisiana Rain".
"Refugee" opens side one starting with soaring organ and a biting guitar intro. The slow, almost spoken verse bordering on subdued rises to a glorious chorus.
"Here Comes My Girl" again has a spoken verse leading into a melodic chorus. There is more organ and jangle guitar.
"Even The Losers" begins with a train effect drum and bass, then a women's voice "it's just the normal noises in here" before launching into an infectious tune. It has another big chorus with swirling organ and a searing guitar break.
"Shadow Of A Doubt ( Complex Kid )" has a big intro and mid tempo toe-tapping verse, and a terrific guitar solo. "She likes to keep me guessing, she's got me on the fence.With a little bit of mystery, she's a complex kid".
"Century City" is a standard R&B rocker but it's all slightly a little bit derivative. It's the only weak track on the album
Side two begins with "Don't Do Me Like That" full of piano plinks and swirling organ.
"You Tell Me" has a menacing slow tempo with the piano to the fore. It clearly inspired Sheryl Crow 15-20 years later.
"What Are You Doin' In My Life" is Southern Boogie, with rock n'roll piano and a slide guitar solo.
The album closes "Louisiana Rain" which has slow Pink Floyd style keyboards to start with before stopping. A country flavoured ballad then starts. There is more slide guitar and a harmonica break.
Dam The Torpedoes remains a very good album
Track Listing :
Side One :
1. Refugee
2. Here Comes My Girl
3. Even The Losers
4. Shadow Of A Doubt ( A Complex Kid )
5. Century City
1. Don't Do Me Like That
2. You Tell Me
3. What Are You Doin' In My Life
4. Louisiana Rain
Released 1979
UK Chart Position : 57
Don't Do Me Like That ( - 1979 )
Refugee ( - 1980 )
Here Comes My Girl ( - 1980 )