Hear Tom Petty Get Wistful on New Mudcrutch Song, ‘Trailer’

Tom Petty looks back at life’s early detours on “Trailer,” his new single with recently reunited pre-Heartbreakers outfit Mudcrutch. 

The twangy folk-rock tune opens with a wind-blown blast of harmonica and weaves in simmering organ and electric guitar tremolo, as Petty reminisces about the titular residence. “I graduated high school / I bought her a trailer in a little park by the side of the road,” he sings. “I coulda had the army; I coulda had the Navy / But, no, I had to go for a mobile home.” 

“Trailer” is the opening track from Mudcrutch’s second LP, 2, out May 20th via Reprise Records. The quintet announced the album last week and unveiled their first major tour dates. The American jaunt kicks off May 26th in Denver and concludes June 28th in Santa Ana, California.

In 1970, Petty (on bass and lead vocals) formed Mudcrutch with guitarist Tom Leadon, drummer Randall Marsh and two future Heartbreakers bandmates, guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench. They released one single, “Depot Street,” in 1974 before breaking up the following year. Decades after Petty became a household name with the Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch reunited for a self-titled 2008 LP and a run of seven club shows. 

The band will release “Trailer” as a limited-edition vinyl seven-inch, backed with B-side “Beautiful World,” on April 16th as part of Record Store Day.