CD Reviews

John Mellencamp

Freedom's Road | Universal

By MIKAEL WOOD | January 29, 2007

3.0 Stars

John Mellencamp spent his last two studio albums in experimental mode, inviting Chuck D and India.Arie aboard 2001’s Cuttin’ Heads and digging into unvarnished country blues on ’03’s Trouble No More. But the lifelong Hoosier also released a fine greatest-hits set three years ago, and on his new disc, it sounds as if the act of sifting through his oldies might’ve reminded him of the knack he has for solid heartland rock. Freedom’s Road addresses his pet topics — hard work and small-town life, not to mention freedom and the road — in catchy-enough tunes built with rootsy guitar licks, boot-scooting beats, and the occasional splash of spaghetti-western strings. In “Someday” and “Our Country” (the latter recently scored a Chevrolet spot), the inventive writing injects some fresh air into familiar notions. But it’s hard to believe that the hilariously literal-minded “The Americans” isn’t someone skewering Mellencamp’s just-folks approach. “I’m an American from the Midwest,” he announces over a cowpunk groove straight out of Steve Earle. “When I speak, I have a Southern drawl.” Appreciate the honesty, but, come on, man.

John Mellencamp | Life Death Love and Freedom
The arrangements are sparse compared with those of Mellencamp’s pop hits — many don’t even allow drums — but they’re rich with textural detail.
The Big Hurt: Lightfoot lives!
Last week, the world was gripped in the terror of a GORDON LIGHTFOOT death scare when a realistic-looking Twitter obit was picked up by several Canadian papers.
Dirt merchants
In the hegemony of mid-’80s mega-rock-star benefits, Farm Aid stands as the American blue-collar uncle to Live Aid’s international whiz kid.
Buzz not loud enough for Burnett's spectacular 'Speaking Clock Revue'
Supposed they gave a splashy benefit show and almost nobody knew about it? This appeared to be the case when artist/producer T Bone Burnett brought his "Speaking Clock Revue" to the Wang Theatre over the weekend.
The Big Hurt: Britney, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Rebecca Black, and Miley Cyrus weigh the price of fame
BRITNEY SPEARS is being sued for $10 million by the company that helped her score a fragrance deal with Elizabeth Arden. It's claiming that she owes it a 35 percent commission on the sales of her popular scents. This boosts my self-esteem a little — say what you will about my fragrance, at least it's never been actionable.
Indie springs forward
For years we waited. And then we started making jokes about it. And then the jokes got old. So we waited some more. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, "Love Song No. 7" (mp3)
URI series highlights the music of dissent
Word is getting out.
Alice Smith
Her debut release on BBE struggles with splitting the difference between rockist guitars and R&B grooves.
Flashbacks, April 21, 2006
These selections, culled from our back files, were compiled by Chris Brook and Jessica McConnell.
Definitely Maybe
Lisa Germano wants to know my cat’s name. Said cat has just yowled as she walked through the kitchen, where I’m talking to Germano long-distance, so I oblige.
On the racks: June 27, 2006
. . . and all sorts of guest stars.
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Topics: CD Reviews , Entertainment, Music, Jazz and Blues, More

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John Mellencamp, Watch the video for "Our Country"

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