DISQUS

sean · 2 years ago

I haven't heard Freedom Road, just the cheap, awful Chevy tie-in single "Our Country" which hounded football fans the last third of the season. (I heard it seven times in the first quarter of a Monday night game.) Honestly, I didn't know Mellencamp still made albums; he's been off my radar for about 20 yrs, since circa, Lonesome Jubilee. John's always been too hokey by (at least) half; dancing through the corn fields, playing the small town rube, doing his third-rate Guthrie schtick, even Kenny Aronoff couldn't save him.
Re that buried cut: Since Chevy paid for a heavy-rotated music video (a swift tracking shot from sea-to-shining sea thru the Greatest Generation, etc.)Mellencamp can rest assured that anyone that might be angered by "Rodeo Clown" will pony up the fifteen bucks without ever knowing the track is there. He can pretend to be all "fearless" and still take home a (modest) paycheck. Why else bury the song? Seems pretty lame to me.

Viscount LaCarte · 2 years ago

I was never a big fan - and funny that you mentioned Neil Diamond, because I heard Neil's influence early on in JM's music.

Still, I appreciated him speaking out against Bush in the '04 elections, standing up for the Dixie Chicks and his charity work. After all, I have to believe a big part of his fan base were Bush supporters, so it took some balls.

I just wish I liked his music better.

Tom Watson · 2 years ago

Mellencamp never did it for me either - felt a bit warmed over, too melodramatic - his best Americana songs were like Springsteen's worst.
But I do admire his keep-at-it mentality and this record has garnered decent reviews. I'll "find" that buried track and listen.
And unlike the others here, I think Our Country is a very well-crafted country-rock pop song - as good as anythin that makes the radio - with a surprisingly punchy message for those who listen:

There's room enough here
For science to live
And there's room enough here
For religion to forgive
And try to understand
The other people of this world
This is our country

[snip]

That poverty could be
Just another ugly thing
And bigotry could be
Seen only as obscene
And the ones that run this land
Will help the poor and common man
This is our country

Jason Chervokas · 2 years ago

Mellencamp strikes me as being more or less like the guy he portrays in his songs--a workman, never the smartest guy in the room (or the most talented) but almost always the most ambitious and determined.

I think he's made some great rock radio singles (including "I Need A Lover Who Won't Drive Me Crazy"), not just the Americana ones but everything from "Play Guitar" to "I Saw You First." I don't own his records, but I love 'em on the radio. And I love "Rodeo Clown."

Bill · 2 years ago

I just had the opportunity to drive John and his wife and two boys around Maui for 5 days last month while he was here for a show/vacation.
I've always loved his music but to get to see him interact with his family and people around was very cool. He's exactly like you would think he is, he lives his life as he sings about it. He's a quiet and reserved person and definitely cares about his fellow man. He's not into the whole "Rockstar" thing, just a man who loves his wife and kids and his counrty as well and wants the best for all of them. He's a true role model for all Americans and Humans alike! I wish we had more just like him!
Rock On John!

Michael · 1 year ago

In in the video, "Pop Singer," a man and woman are briefly seen dancing together dancing.

She has a very distintictive style.

Who is she and what other songs does she accompany?

Thanks.

phone credit card processing · 3 months ago

Still, I appreciated him speaking out against Bush in the '04 elections, standing up for the Dixie Chicks and his charity work. After all, I have to believe a big part of his fan base were Bush supporters, so it took some balls.