The War On Drugs share cover of Tom Petty’s ‘You Wreck Me’
As part of the soundtrack for a new Apple TV comedy series, The War On Drugs have joined a list of artists providing Tom Petty covers. For their pick, the American rock band chose one of Petty’s most classically anthemic tracks; ‘You Wreck Me’.
The War On Drugs join the likes of Eddie Vedder, Jason Isbel, Kurt Vile, Sharon Van Etten, Weezer, and more contributing covers of Petty songs on the soundtrack of Bad Monkey. Starring Vince Vaughn, it’s a silly show about a detective turned restaurant inspector getting into all kinds of trouble after uncovering a world of so-called “corruption and greed.” The trailer, which’s full of snippets of high action and overwrought drama, accompanied by covers of Petty’s classic American rock songs, is a match made in heaven as the two elements combine for an energy of slightly cheesy yet undeniably epic drama.
The War On Drugs also feel like a perfect choice. Since their formation in the 2000s, the band have been building and building. They can fill out stadiums and arenas for their vast sound. However, it’s a sound that navigates the exact same waters that Petty did, being both thrilling yet accessible, made for mass enjoyment but still having a gripping core to it.
The band’s cover of Petty’s 1995 track ‘You Wreck Me’ is a perfect example of that. Adam Granduciel’s voice sounds amazing as ever as his gruff yet velvety vocals feel custom made for a Petty take. The band’s signature classic rock sound, that merges both a 1960s and ‘70s nostalgia with a fresh cinematic scene, feels like the ultimate vehicle to not only do Petty justice, but elevate his songs for a soundtrack in the modern age.
Whoever made the call to get The War On Drugs involved here should be getting a raise. The cover isn’t revolutionary. It’s not special and it’s not going to blow new fans away and get them into the band. It could definitely go some way in making new fans go and revisit Petty’s original track and encourage new listeners to go from the show into the musician’s discography. But on this cover, the band provide a perfect soundtrack cut as it’s both good and catchy, yet accessible and easy-listening. There’s not all that much to sink your teeth into, but what there is to chew on is pretty delicious.
It’s been quite a while since the world heard any new and original material from the group, not since the deluxe version of their latest album I Don’t Live Here Anymore came out in 2022. Perhaps this willingness to jump on a Petty cover is a hint towards the classic rock inspirations going into whatever new project or next album the band have been busy working on. But really, every War On Drugs track has a distinct Petty twang to it, so maybe this was merely a nod to one of their founding fathers.
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