Although many folks are turned off by it, I've always admired John Mellencamp's spunk and tenacity. He's able to transfer his seemingly boundless energy into his songs, and the interviews he gives to promote them are always a real hoot.

In 1992, John released the ambitious "Human Wheels" record, but it failed to connect with the masses. Critics who'd praised his 80's catalog didn't really warm up to it either.

The "Unplugged" concept and "alternative" roots based music was on the rise about this time. After touring behind "Human Wheels", John went back into the studio and quickly recorded "Dance Naked".

"Dance Naked" opens with jangly, bare-bones guitar chords reminiscent of The Byrds or Tom Petty. John's soft vocals give the song a really intimate feeling, like spending quality alone time with a new lover. Hardly any percussion is used, except for sleigh bells in the background. This has long been a favorite of mine, although probably for reasons I'd better not go into. ( Lori + Amie + Southern Comfort - Inhibitions = Me still smiling to this day.)

The guitars may sound the same in "Brothers", but the mood has definitely changed. I'm not sure if its based on true life, but anyone that has ever had a disagreement with a sibling knows the feeling. So often in music, vocalists raise their voice to convey anger, but that isn't always the case in real life. Ussually its those biting remarks you say just under your breath that do the most damage. Its not so much a violent anger, as a slow burning rage that runs deep. And yet, the hook is catchy and a lot of fun to sing along with!

"When Margaret Comes to Town" continues in the same vein, but the tempo speeds up a little and the riffs and chorus are a little more noticable. If "Brothers" was a heart to heart chat in the back room, then "Margaret" is a juicy gossip session around the kitchen table or on the front porch. "It's better just to leave, When Margaret comes to twon". John paints characters so vivid you'd swear you know 'em. (And you probably do in "real life")

Want something a little bit funky? "Wild Night" fits the bill, from Me'Shell Ndegeocello's slinky opening bass line. This Van Morrison cover had Mellencamp storming up teh chars again, aided by a video featuring a sexy cab driver. It doesn't eclipse the original, but actually works a s a nice compliment, as well as getting a few of us slackers to investigate Morrison. The horn lines are gone, but that slinky bassline and the chemistry between Me'Shell Ndegeocello and Mellencamp will have you shuffling your feet.

It's completely different from anything else on the record, so a lot of people were dissapointed by that. Surprisingly, when listening to the record as a whole, it blends in beautifully. Easily one of my all-time favorite Mellencamp moments and just a great cover overall.

Percussion and louder guitars take the forefront in the underrated "LUV". Part political protest (ala his "Love and Happiness") and partially a rant against the music business (think "Pop Singer"), the tune swings like a slightly drunken Sinatra. Not that it sounds like ol' Blue Eyes, this is high energy pop-rock from the same guy who gave us "Hurts so Good". I really like the playful yet damning imagery of this song's lyrics.

Wait a minute, let me check my tan
Am I the same color as Superman?

"Another Sunny Day 12/25" is anything but, and musically would've fit right in on "Big Daddy". Lyrically, it reminds me of the sings he did for "The Lonesome Jubilee". Sometimes when my frineds and I get together, we'll take a break from talking about careers, pop culture, sports, and old times to delve into the issues a bit. As much as I love the lyrics, my mind tends to wander and think about such things. (Which is really a compliment to the song and John's songwriting ability to do somthing few songwriter's have ever made me do.)

"To much to think about" chucks us into the shallow water again, before we get too deep. I honestly don't remember what the lyrics to this song are about, but I know I love jamming along with it's chorus. It doesn't come close to reaching the heights of fun and energy level as "Wild Night", but its the same type of song. And really, a good throwaway pop song is all you need to put the hint of a grin on your face without distracting.

"The Big Jack" is one of my favorite "Deep Cuts" and more often than not I'll close the album with this song. Rootsy power chords that shoot through you, conspirational lyrics that let you in on the gossip and the admission we ALL want the Big Jack. Nothing subtle about the chorus, although the verses hint at the kind of mood that leads to the title track.

I'm wanting the "Big Jack" to last a little longer, so "The Breakdown" almost feels like a letdown. Not a bad song, but if it were a flavor, it'd be "mild vanilla". This record should've close with "The Big Jack".

One of the great things about thsi record (and roots based rock music in general) is a kind actively listen to it and jam out with it and have a blast. And yet, when I want a little music to keep me company while I'm caught doing some mundane activity, it hangs right in there without being obtrusive allowing you to zone out. (The kind of music you play 90 minutes into your roadtrip).

Overall, as much as I enjoy the record, I'd have to argue John has several others that are stronger overall. I've heard some dissapointed with its short running time, but I've bought many longer albums with less than 29 minutes worth of "quality" music. Besides, I've picked up 2nd hand copies of this on CD for as little as 19 cents!

If you're looking to explore Mellencamp's music, I'd recommend starting with almost any of his 80's releases or maybe an anthology or best-of. If you're already a fan, "Dance Naked" is a must have!




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This is my entry to Beastiegirl's Against the Grain Write Off- For more details, check out her profile page. If you want to join, she might let you, but you'll have to bribe her with Tequila or cookies first.
http://www.epinions.com/content_4209614980


More Mellencamp!

Cuttin' Heads -- http://www.epinions.com/content_83229380228

Rough Harvest -- http://www.epinions.com/content_54883618436

Dance Naked --http://www.epinions.com/content_169438711428



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out