Hungry No More

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hungry No More" by Mudcrutch, a track from their 2016 album 2, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful, reflective energy. This song, the epic closer of the album, showcases Tom Petty’s simmering vocal delivery, stretching over six minutes with a reflective tone that dives into themes of longing and resolution. In a 2016 NPR review, the track was praised as part of a "cleansing wash of classic rock with just the right touch of sweet-natured sentimentality," highlighting its loose yet cohesive feel compared to Mudcrutch’s debut. The song’s extended set-piece structure allowed the band to stretch their musical muscles, with Petty’s introspective lyrics resonating deeply, evoking a sense of coming to terms with life’s journeys.

Interestingly, "Hungry No More" was promoted heavily during the album’s release, with a notable post from Tom Petty’s X account on May 6, 2016, encouraging fans to pre-order 2 to instantly receive the track. This social media push underscored the song’s significance as a flagship for the album, capturing the band’s camaraderie and mature perspective. In a Ultimate Classic Rock review, the song was noted for its place in a record that explores “roads not taken” and “the sweet reverie of memory,” tying it to Mudcrutch’s narrative of missed opportunities and reconnection after decades apart. The track’s raw, heartfelt delivery makes it a standout, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist.

Mudcrutch began in 1970 in Gainesville, Florida, as a scrappy country-rock outfit led by Tom Petty, who played bass and sang, alongside guitarist Mike Campbell, keyboardist Benmont Tench, drummer Randall Marsh, and guitarist Tom Leadon. The band hustled through the local scene, recording demos and a single, but their big break never came. By 1975, their label dissolved the group, and Petty, Campbell, and Tench moved on to form the wildly successful Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Mudcrutch became a footnote until 2007, when Petty, nostalgic for his roots, reunited the original lineup (with minor adjustments) to record their self-titled debut, released in 2008. This reunion, detailed in an AllMusic bio, was a labor of love, resulting in a rollicking Southern-rock album and a short tour. Their second album, 2, followed in 2016, proving Mudcrutch was more than a one-off nostalgia trip but a vital creative outlet for Petty until his passing in 2017.

Fans of Mudcrutch can connect with the band’s legacy through several platforms. The official website, mudcrutchmusic.com, offers tour info, music, news, and imagery. While Mudcrutch’s dedicated social media presence is limited, Tom Petty’s official accounts often shared updates about the band, including the Tom Petty Facebook page, Instagram, and X account, which remain active with archival content and fan engagement. For fan communities, the Tom Petty Nation Facebook group is a vibrant space where Mudcrutch’s music is celebrated alongside Petty’s broader catalog, with fans sharing stories and rare finds. Additionally, fan-run sites like Rate Your Music provide detailed discographies and reviews, fostering discussion among devoted Zoo Freaks and beyond.