Heartbreakers vs. Heartbreakers. Who wins? The answer could easily turn on whether you'd rather listen to the New York Dolls over The Byrds. But the problem takes on a new size when you like both of the above bands and the universes they have come to represent. So we will compare:
Bootlegs: Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers may take the pie on this one thanks to all those french and NYC weirdos who find it fun to listen to the band crash, nod off and play the same 15 songs over and over.
Location: NYC vs. Gainesville, FL. Do any of you know what the heck happens in Gainesville?
Spirit of Rock and Roll: J.T's boys have to win hands down. There leader is a poor man's Keith Richards and a lot less lucky and what the hell is more "rock n' roll" than that?. Also 3/4 of the original band killed themselves off. I happened to have met Richard Hell once upon a time & I happened to have a copy of the Bomp's "What Goes Around" which I asked him to sign. In addition to his name he x'ed out every member but himself and that left Richard Hell. Only one of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers have passed on. This is a good thing, don't get me wrong but the spirit of rnr lives on in Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers.
Logo: While Johnny Thunders and Co. had a real cool font, the Petty guitar through the heart looks much cooler on a pin.
In a fight: Rednecks from Florida or a bunch of NYC punks, some of whom enjoy dressing up in ladies clothing. I'm gonna let you decide this one.
Best Album Title: L.A.M.F. def. beats out Your Gonna Get It and Songs and Music From She's The One. But what the fuck does Damn The Torpedoes even mean? For all we know it puts LAMF to shame like Get Your Wings or something.
Finally the Tie Buster - Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, guitarist & piano player in T.P.'s band tip the scales. These guys have done so much session work I don't even have room to begin posting it. But to name a few: Johnny Cash’s American records, Lucinda’s Car Wheels, Zevon, Roy fuckin get him a stamp Orbison, Bash & Pop, Cracker, Elvis C, The Replacements, The Jayhawks, Joe Strummer. & that's not even the iceberg. These two are arguably the most proficient talents in the universe at their respected positions. They win the sixth man award every time out. Both have consistently been picked for rock n’ roll’s version of the allstar team: the session man - and as a result Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers narrowly win out.
Tune in next time for battle of the Wainwrights: Martha vs. Rufus.
Tom Petty - Zombie Zoo
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Built To Last
Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - Do You Love Me
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