Almost two years ago (105 weeks actually), I rambled on about Magnolia Electric Co.’s “Trials and Errors” album.  (Click here for that story.) 


I still love the album and am lured into its clutches (10 songs) every time I hear one of its songs.


Some fellow Rancheleros (followers of the Thunderbird Ranch Ramble bus) that I shared copies of the album with agree w me and can’t put it down… others though say, “Beck, this sucks. You’re f*c^^^^ crazy. Put on Panic or The Hold Steady.”


Just shows you how even in a relatively small microcosm of people that like the same type of music, musical tastes could be so disparate.


I have a feeling my next MUST HAVE ALBUM recommendation is going to be more widely accepted… but you never know, some people think Tom Petty is too whiny and all the songs sound the same.


For all those people… you are unfortunately wrong…. at least when it comes to his 3 album span “Wildflowers”, “Echos” and “She’s the One” Soundtrack.

If you are looking for an album to sink your teeth into…give “She’s the One” another try.  The songs tell a great story about love lost and the anger and hurt that go along with it.  The movie isn’t bad either but doesn’t track that well with the album.


On my recent trip to California (from New York) I was stuck in airport on a snow delay and “California” popped on my iTunes shuffle…  I immediately began listening the album beginning to end for the next 4 days until my return to the land of the ice and snow (now know as the Northeast).


As Tom says, “California’s been good to me. I hope it don’t fall into the sea.  Sometimes you gotta save yourself.  It ain’t like anywhere else…”

The two versions of “Angel Dream” are gorgeous… real tribute to the talent of this man during this three album span.