Mojo Music Magazine - NBTT Review

[mellenheadinohio]

Mojo Music Magazine
September 2010
Issue 202

John Mellencamp - No Better Than This

3 stars

Veteran rocker hits the road for stellar album of "routes" music

Known for his pop hits and mile-wide acerbic streak, John Mellencamp's late career has seen a serious artistic renaissance, as evidenced on 2008's collaborative with T Bone Burnett, Life, Death, Love and Freedom.  Reuniting with Burnett, Mellencamp's latest is a concept piece recorded in a series of historic locations.  Sun Studios in Memphis, the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio (where Robert Johnson cut his 1936 Columbia sides) and the landmark First African Baptist Church in Savannah, a former haven for runaway slaves.  Which might sound like a stunt but results in a deeply felt and surprisingly enjoyable exploration of American vernacular music, a set of originals essaying everything from Appalachian mountain folk to boom-chicka country to jumping rockabilly.  Burnett's unobtrusive old school production - the album was recorded and mixed entirely in mono - adds to the authentic ambiance. 

- Bob Mehr