Straight Into Darkness: Tom Petty as Rock Mystic

Megan Volpert's essay "Straight Into Darkness" explores the philosophical and personal implications of Tom Petty's song, examining its musical, historical, rhetorical, and sociological significance. It argues that in the face of powerlessness, we rebel anyway and offers a compelling vision of rock and roll fandom where Petty's hardworking sense of humor saves us from absurdity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: University of Georgia Press

Megan Volpert stood on the train tracks, ready to embrace the psychedelic haze of human suffering, as she listened to the song Straight Into Darkness by the Heartbreakers. Among the vast array of tracks available to her, this particular song resonated deeply with her. In her highly philosophical and deeply personal exploration of this obscure Tom Petty song, Volpert delves into the musical, historical, rhetorical, and sociological dimensions of this forgotten gem within the legendary catalog. The result is a satisfying exploration that sheds light on the profound implications of this song.

Through this monumental celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the album Long After Dark, Petty and Volpert emerge as modern mystics who argue that in the face of powerlessness, we rebel nonetheless. Volpert's essays, guided by a finger on the pulse of Bob Dylan and occasional hints of Bruce Springsteen, examine the sometimes-violent mob scene of concerts as a form of transcendent communion. Straight Into Darkness offers a captivating vision of rock and roll fandom, where the songwriters unwavering sense of humor serves as a saving grace against absurdity. All it takes is a dose of Albert Camus and a few chords.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780820362465