Good Enough (Alternate Version)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Good Enough (Alternate Version)" by Mudcrutch, from the album An American Treasure, for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This track, a soulful gem from 2012, showcases Mudcrutch’s raw, Southern rock vibe. One piece of trivia about the song comes from its inclusion in An American Treasure, a 2018 compilation celebrating Tom Petty’s career. The alternate version of "Good Enough" was recorded during sessions for Mudcrutch’s 2008 reunion album, but it didn’t make the final cut until it was unearthed for this deluxe collection. In a 2008 interview with Rolling Stone, Tom Petty described the Mudcrutch reunion as “like picking up where we left off in 1975,” highlighting the band’s effortless chemistry, which shines through in the loose, heartfelt performance of "Good Enough."

Another tidbit comes from a 2018 post on the official Tom Petty website, where co-producer Ryan Ulyate shared that the alternate version was a “lost track” discovered in the archives, with a grittier mix than the original. Fans on the Mudcrutch Facebook page have praised its laid-back groove, with one user commenting, “It’s like Tom and the boys are jamming in your living room.” The song’s vibe fits perfectly with the Zoo Crew’s free-spirited ethos, and Zoo Freaks have been buzzing about it on the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group, where members share stories of discovering Mudcrutch’s lesser-known tracks post-Petty’s passing in 2017.

Mudcrutch, the band behind "Good Enough," was formed in Gainesville, Florida, in the early 1970s, serving as the springboard for Tom Petty’s legendary career. The band, consisting of Tom Petty (vocals, bass), Mike Campbell (guitar), Benmont Tench (keyboards), Randall Marsh (drums), and Danny Roberts (guitar), started as a local act playing Southern and country rock. According to a bio on Mudcrutch’s official website, they gained a cult following in Florida before heading to Los Angeles in 1974, signing with Shelter Records. Though they released only one single before disbanding in 1975, Mudcrutch was the foundation for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, with Campbell and Tench joining Petty in the new lineup. The band reunited in 2007, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2008, which included the original version of "Good Enough."

Petty’s early days with Mudcrutch were marked by grit and determination. In a 2010 interview with Billboard, Petty recalled playing “every dive bar in Gainesville” and living in a communal house with bandmates, scraping by on dreams of making it big. Their move to LA was a leap of faith, driven by youthful ambition and a love for music. Mudcrutch’s story came full circle with their 2007 reunion, which Petty described on X as “a chance to finish what we started.” Fans can connect with Mudcrutch’s legacy through their Instagram, where archival photos and updates keep the spirit alive, or join discussions on fan sites like TomPetty.com, which hosts forums and news for both Mudcrutch and Heartbreakers enthusiasts.