Watch Tom Petty - Classic Albums: Damn the Torpedoes

In the documentary film Tom Petty - Classic Albums: Damn the Torpedoes, released in 2010, fans of the legendary musician Tom Petty are treated to an in-depth look at one of his most iconic albums. The film explores the making of Damn the Torpedoes, Petty's third studio album, which was released in 1979 and includes such hit songs as "Refugee" and "Don't Do Me Like That."

Featuring interviews with band members Ron Blair, Mike Campbell, and Tony Dimitriades, as well as producer Danny Bramson, the film delves into the creative process that went into making the album. The interviews are complemented by archival footage of the band, as well as studio recordings and live performances of the songs from Damn the Torpedoes.

The film is divided into different sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the album's creation. The first section, for example, explores the turbulent period leading up to the recording of Damn the Torpedoes, during which Petty was dealing with legal issues with his record label. The film details how Petty and his bandmates were forced to scrap an entire album's worth of recordings, which they felt were too polished and lacking in the raw energy of their live performances.

The film then moves on to explore the recording process itself, with interviews and footage offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the songs were crafted. Viewers get to see Petty and his bandmates experimenting with different arrangements and recording techniques, with the overall goal of capturing the raw, live sound that had made them so popular in the first place.

Throughout the film, there are insights into the personalities and working relationships of the band members. We see how Petty was the driving force behind the group, but also how he relied on the talents of each individual member to create the distinctive sound of the album. Meanwhile, the other band members discuss the challenge of keeping up with Petty's restless creative energy, but also the sense of camaraderie that developed as they worked together to create something truly special.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the film, however, is the emphasis on the music itself. Viewers are treated to stripped-down versions of songs like "Refugee" and "Even the Losers," as well as extended live performances of some of the album's deeper cuts. The film highlights the unique mix of influences that went into the creation of Damn the Torpedoes, including rock, punk, and soul music, and how those influences came together to create something that was both timeless and immediate.

Overall, Tom Petty - Classic Albums: Damn the Torpedoes is a must-see for any Tom Petty fan or anyone who appreciates the art of making music. By highlighting the creative process that went into making one of the most beloved albums of all time, the film offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a true musical genius and the band that helped him bring his vision to life.

Tom Petty - Classic Albums: Damn the Torpedoes is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.