The most poignant political songs of the evening bookended the black and common American experience one new “Easy Targets,” and the classic “Pink Houses,” both stirring and stinging in addressing today’s national landscape. His audience, dressed up in their rural rust belt finest (and he too sporting a one-piece mechanic coverall), know his stuff and sang along: cougars on the prowl, biker vests and old white guys (okay, this last group isn’t dressing up!) and a welcome younger demographic. The “working man” theme has always been Mellencamp’s bread and butter, from the forgetful “Jack & Diane” to the eternal “Minutes to Memories” (both nicely reworked from their original).
In the finest of singer-songwriter tradition what can’t be heard thru streaming is the storytelling, some deep and much very funny, that he threaded to great effect, seamlessly tying meaning together. Much of the set list he has been playing for the past year and can be heard on his latest live album Plain Spoken – From the Chicago Theatre. It wasn’t just a greatest hits show, as he wove the past and present, the obligatory and obscure, into a narrative that rings as relevant today as 35 years ago. Of course, people come to his concerts to hear “Pink Houses” and “Small Town,” but the treasure trove that he brought to the show at the Arlington Friday night of newer material is what made the show a thematically enriching experience. The songs speak for themselves, with both the lyrics and that singular Mellencamp sound influencing two generations of Americana artists.
Make no mistake, the Number One touring act of 1988 is a legend for good reason. In today’s time vortex where so many classic rockers are still hitting the road, one might miss him in the shuffle. Ten minutes too long, it struck as a bit much, more of an ego trip than an explanation for an artist that has clearly been taken seriously for a long time.ĭecades since his ‘80s height of popularity Mellencamp quietly but consistently continues to produce first-rate originals blending rock, blues, folks and country. While rightfully proud, John Mellencamp’s seemingly still struggling with it all, seemingly still seeking to be taken seriously.
Compellingly you see this small town boy from rural Indiana originally set out to be a painter himself, and thru grit, bravado and luck his career turns to music.Īfter fighting off the industry types that initially manipulate him into being someone he’s not (Johnny Cougar) and having a heart attack at 42, he emerges as his True Self. In an odd twist, the evening began with a 20-minute video documentary that parallels the artistic life of a painter with Mellencamp’s own. While proud if still insecure, he’s clearly not interested in the fame as much as his explanation of the fame. John Mellencamp may be viewed in that same vein, with perhaps his head looking back over his shoulder to make sure you’ve noticed. Georgia O’Keeffe once famously said that she really didn’t gave a damn what people thought of her work she was just doing what she wanted.
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