New Mellencamp release dark, bluesy

Rolling Stone gives it four out of five stars.

It "resonates with life and meaning and a richness without equal," says the Bloomington Herald-Times.

The Indianapolis Star says it "showcases a sense of melody and a sense of humor ... not always evident on those previous works."

They are all talking about Seymour native singer-songwriter John Mellencamp's 23rd CD release, "Life, Death, Love and Freedom." It went on sale to the public Tuesday.

They all may be right by what they said. The Star said the album isn't the "feel-good hit of the summer." That's not to discredit Mellencamp or his work. It's just to say that this album brings forth deep emotional feelings.

That can be a powerful thing.

This "dark side" of Mellencamp is highlighted, but he continues to write about issues that are real. He's "raspy," some say, but that sets him apart. His lyrics are raw, and that's what many like.
Bret Daugherty of 13th Floor Music and Accessories in downtown Seymour agrees the album has a "dark" designation. He said also that it's "sparse, bluesy."

"It's not a happy, pick-me-up kind of album," Daugherty said. "Musically, it's really good. It's just not a party album. It seems to be kind of a dark side."

Daugherty credits Mellencamp for his longevity in the music business, and this album could very well be what his fans have been looking for.
With the latest release, produced by T Bone Burnett and recorded partially at Belmont Mall Studio in Nashville, Ind., there's definitely a touch of blues, similar to his 2003 release, "Trouble No More."

But five years later, Mellencamp's message has seemed to expand with age.

With the simple sounding opener, "Longest Days," it's Mellencamp on vocals and a pure acoustic sound. Something a little different for the listener.

Then comes perhaps the only up-tempo song on the CD, "My Sweet Love." The heavy drum sound and the rhythm of the upright bass carry the song well. Plus, with Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild accompanying Mellencamp on background vocals, this song sounds nearly radio-ready.

Fairchild pops up on three other songs, two of which she sings duet vocals.

After "My Sweet Love," the lyrics get heavier and darker. "If I Die Sudden" discusses the desire to be alone if death came about, and how free that feeling would be.

He cracks at his age in "Don't Need This Body" and follows up with "A Ride Back Home," in which he sings "All of this inhumanity/Hey Jesus can you get me a ride back home."

A couple songs later, there's "Jena," where he takes the 2007 controversial case in Jena, La., and applies it to a song condemning racism. He repeats, "Take your nooses down." It also says, "Some day some way sanity will prevail/But who knows when that day might come/A shot in the dark, well it just might find its way."

That's about as close as Mellencamp gets to any type of controversy on this album. But its power resonates with the listener.

"Mean" is a very honest song, and music throughout delivers the message well.

The 14-song disc is worth a listen, especially to those who haven't heard a Mellencamp album in a while. Even to his die-hard fans, it's an album to listen carefully to the lyrics and see how he has grown as a person and an artist.

Daugherty said while sales were slow on opening day, he expects it to pick up.

"He's always a good consistent seller," he said of Mellencamp's albums at the store. "He has a fan base in Seymour."

Plus, if you buy the CD at the 13th Floor, a free poster is included. Daugherty said the music will soon be available on vinyl at the store.

The CD itself has had a touch of technology added as well. It comes with a CD and DVD, with high-definition audio. Burnett and his engineers developed a code at the same time they were applying the finishing touches to Mellencamp's album.

Inside the CD cover is a message from Burnett and Mellencamp: "We are very happy that people are going to be able to experience this album in a way that's true to our original intent."

Check out John Mellencamp

On the Web

mellencamp.com

clubcherrybomb.net (fan club)

On TV

Thursday, "Late Show with David Letterman," CBS

Monday, "The Early Show" in Chicago's Daley Plaza, CBS

On Tour

Friday, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, Mich.

Tuesday, Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island, Chicago

July 23, Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati

July 25, Ford Center, Oklahoma City

July 27, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver

July 30, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, Calif.

July 31, Greek Theatre, Los Angeles

Aug. 2, Greek Theatre, Berkeley, Calif.

In November and December, he will tour in Australia and New Zealand.