Why Tom Petty ‘Origins 1971-1978’ Isn’t Your Normal Box Set: ‘The Important Thing Was Making a Good Album’

The 50th anniversary of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' self-titled debut album has sparked an anniversary box set, "Origins 1971-78," curated by Adria Petty, co-producer of the new set. Petty emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the Heartbreakers, as they are all alive and continue to thrive. This anniversary is crucial for the Petty Legacy LLC, which includes longtime producer Ryan Ulyate and managers Will Botwin and Scott Greer.

The box set, released on November 6, comprises a two-year deep dive into Petty and the Heartbreakers' archives, featuring new mixes of their tracks, unreleased live performances, and videos from the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test in 1978. The centerpiece of the set is "No Sleep Til L.A.," which includes a dozen early tracks from 1971-77 by Mudcrutch and Petty, as well as five tracks on an EP called "The Cut Out Bin." These tracks will also be released as a separate album.

Adria Petty highlights the cultural significance of the Heartbreakers' experimentation during a period of disco, after the Vietnam War, and their unique blend of genres. Keyboardist Benmont Tench confirms that before the Heartbreakers' first album, the band was searching for their sound, incorporating various influences like country, R&B, and Van Morrison. Drummer Stan Lynch emphasizes that the material offers an authentic snapshot of the band during that time, describing them as "old souls" driven by their love for music.

Ryan Ulyate, who has worked with Petty and the Heartbreakers since 2008, was responsible for cataloging over 100 multi-track tapes from 1971-78. He was determined to present the material in the highest quality possible, avoiding bootlegs or cassettes. Ulyate admits that there were five or six unreleased tracks considered for Origins that were ultimately not included due to fidelity issues.

However, he remains committed to showcasing the best possible recordings, emphasizing that the primary goal is to create a compelling album rather than a historical record.