Tom Petty

There's something endearingly scrappy about the lo-fi opening of "Rockin Around (With You)," literally the first utterances of Petty's legendary career. This debut demonstrates what would later define his notable strengths: sugar-high harmonies, attitude-filled swagger and wildly catchy choruses -- a combination that even makes tossed-off bangers like "Fooled Again (I Don't Like It)" strut with collars-up attitude. Anyone with a radio will certainly know staples like "Breakdown" and "American Girl," but, in their original context, the youthful energy they bring to the record is nearly overpowering.

Addicts of updated nostalgia and rock and roll readymades should find this a sly and authentic commentary on the evolving dilemma of Harold Teen. The songs are cute, the riffs executed with more dynamism than usual, and the singing attractively phlegmy. And like they say at the end of other cartoons, that's all, folks. (Grade - B+)