Radio City show - disappointed

[graffigna]

I'm 52 and been listening to JM since I Need a Lover was radio hit and seeing him Friday night at Radio City was a disappointment.

I've seen JM 5 times and one of his early 90's shows was the second best concert I've ever seen (#1 is U2 @ MSG in Oct 2001 - post 9\11 and a transcendental experience). 

JM has moved from his traditional sound to more country \ bluegrass style, and while I like most of it, his entire show - every song, was played in with this style influencing the songs.  I expected some of the new songs but he played too many of them, especially since he did not play his classic stuff in the manner they became popular.  Every song sounded like the band was playing slower than they should, with some at a painful crawl.

If he had played 25% of the shows songs (new material or old) in this country style, and the balance as they were originally recorded, I think the show would have been 4 stars and highly recommended.

I took my 14 yr old and 12 yr old kids to this and they were hugely bored, and my wife and I were underwealmed.

[petenkaren]

That really stinks for you.  

I saw JM in KC last Nov. when the tour started.  I thought it was a treat to hear songs that John himself is proud of.  I have as much interest in hearing Hurts So Good again as John has in playing it.  I loved songs like Death Letter and Real Life.  

All that said, I knew that after that show ended, there were going to be plenty of pissed off fans.  I am not one of them, but I just knew.  So he revamped Jack and Diane from 30 years ago, but why did he re-work "Walk Tall" from 2005?  How come there was only one song from the 90's (my biggest gripe)?  OK, play the 6 new songs, but why so much from LDLF???

Again, I loved the show, but I do understand what you are saying.  That "Rockabilly" sound can be overkill after a while.  I did like the Rock-n-Roll stretch to close the show though.

-Very Understanding

[lette]

I dont understand why fans are pissed off JM has stated all along that this is not an arena tour and he would not be playing many of our favourite songs! In fact the last 3 times I have seen John he has not really played his big hits. I saw JM In Toronto 3 years ago, at Casino Rama in Ontario in July last summer and at Massey Hall 2 weeks ago and each of those 3 shows were actually pretty similar with JM showcasing his newer material and playing a few accoustic versions of some old favourites and then doing a medley of his great rock songs at the end of the show I think more to appease the fans than anything else. Have to say that if I were Johns age I would not really want to keep going on tour and churning out the same old set! I think it is nice that we can hear songs sung or played differently it shows the versitility of the artist and helps us to understand how the songs came about and lets face it JM has made many more albums than those 3 or 4 that came out in the early 80's which his biggest hits were on! If you only JM from those albums and you see him on this tour then yes you would be dissapointed but if you are a true fan who has followed his career and listened to the music progress over the years you will love what he is doing at the moment!

[WildNight]

Mellencamp has clearly stated what this tour would sound like plus there are plenty of videos online, so you really should know what your getting yourself into going to this concert.  Personally I loved the show I saw in Chicago.  That being said Petenkaren I totally agree with you, why doesn't he play some songs from the 90's, I mean he could put the same twist on those as well. As a younger Mellencamp fan I always wish Id hear more from those late 90's albums, haha. But I think he has done a fair job with the song selections.

Hey one finally thought, WHY DOES HE NEVER PLAY "RODEO CLOWN", what a song!!!

[walktall2010]

For whatever reason, John isn't a fan of his '90s work. He has taken a few swipes at his '90s albums in recent interviews, which is baffling to me, especially since he called "Whenever We Wanted," "Human Wheels," and "Mr. Happy Go Lucky" the "best album I ever made" at the time of their respective releases. Now, he doesn't seem to think those albums are all that good. A shame.

[petenkaren]

Been dying for some people that hear what I hear on those 90's releases.  WWW, HW, DN, MHGL and JM are each amazing in their own unique ways.  WWW is my fave, but I love Key West, Just Another Day, The Big Jack, Miss Missy and Sweet Evening Breeze.  OMG, Again Tonight was a killer rock hit as well as Now More Than Ever.

Has anyone ever truly jammed out to "MELTING POT"?     That electric guitar solo is RIDICULOUS!!!

Whew, I get so amped up picturing JM plugging in again.  Not sure that will ever happen.

Still love ya John.  You just don't give yourself enough credit for your 90's masterpieces.   

[WildNight]

Pete thats awesome, I love blasting Melting Pot in the car.  Sweet Evening Breeze is great as well. Whats makes his 90s music so good is the diversity, I mean he really went out on a limb with the sound he was creating.  I think one the most underrated funs songs is "Life is Hard"

I think John probably doesn't like those songs anymore because they were layered and more about the sounds and he no longer is into that stuff.  Which is too bad because those albums really showcase his bands amazing abilities. 

[petenkaren]

I LOVE Life Is Hard. 

I forgot about Breakout from DN too!  Chance Meeting At The Tarantula and Summer of Love.  Oh man, just can't get enough of JM 10-20 years ago.