|   John Mellencamp Concert Review (Opening Act The Wallflowers) | Mary
Aug 26, 2001 1:22 PM | | As I posted last week, I had the good fortune to be given some free tickets for the John Mellencamp concert at the new American Airlines Center in Dallas. The show began promptly at 8:00 p.m., with The Wallflowers walking out on the stage and tuning their instruments (including Jakob Dylan, the dimunitive son of the famous troubadour, Bob Dylan) with the arena lights still up and not dimmed. I am not going to post much about this set other than to say it was a low energy performance by the Wallflowers -- which I understand is typical of Jakob & company. Quite a contrast to John Mellencamp's hyperkinetic energy!
Mellencamp's set:
1. Gimmie Shelter -- yes, that little ditty from the Stones. Incredible lighting and effects contributed to a first class performance of one of my favorite Stone's songs. JM has excellent musicians, and they reinforced his high energy performance. He really kept to the original song structure. The
intro to Gimmie Shelter was a phenomenal opening to the first song of
this stellar concert. It was a foreshadowing of what was to come...
2. Peaceful World -- off his new LP, Cuttin' Heads, this is destined to be a potential hit with the mass audience. Mellencamp was in fine voice, and this song reflected the distinctiveness of his sound. I am looking forward to hearing Cuttin' Heads which comes out in the fall of 2001.
3. Jack & Diane -- I am tired of this song but it was a fun sing-a-long for the audience which included teens, and folks in their 20s through 60s.
4. Key West Intermezzo -- one of my favorite JM songs, otherwise known by some as "I saw her first." True to the original performance.
5. Minutes to Memories
6. I'm Not Running Anymore -- off his most recent HDCD CD, this song truly reflects a man who has had three marriages, quite an extended family due to children with most of these wives, a heart attack, reported flings galore, and is settling down and liking it. He sang the song with conviction & resolve. Truly satisfied at this point in life (he'll be 50 in October), he appeared to mean what he sang. Very fine voice!
7. Cuttin' Heads -- self titled cut off new LP. Mellencamp appears to be seeking a modern sound with this song, showcasing a first appearance of rap (interwoven in the song). Catchy, toe-tapping song.
8. Paper In Fire -- excellent version of this earlier song.
9. Crumblin' Down
10. Women Seem -- This song is off his new LP, and is an excellent acoustic number. Contains some humorous lyrics about women that I am sure the the Mellencamp guy audience will embrace.
11. Full Catastrophe -- off the new LP.
12. Small Town -- Terrific version of this song. This is definitely an autobiographical attempt by Mellencamp to reveal himself to his audience.
Songs 13 - 16: What If I Came Knockin', Authority Song, R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A., Pink Houses, and Encore: Your Life Is Now. Mellencamp Show Running Time: 115 minutes.
Despite having performed 7 back-to-back nights prior to hitting DFW, Mellencamp did not appear to be tired, dancing non-stop throughout the show, and stopping only occasionally for a drink of water or a puff off his much loved cigarettes. He is quite the dancer, and looked physically fit and trim. Not bad for a man who'll be 50 in October. His physical appearance is of a much younger man which is amazing considering the hard living he has done.
Anyway, it was a tremendous effort, and my first time to see Mellencamp. Even Mr. Mary couldn't sit still (we stood throughout the whole concert)!
Be Well,
M |
| What is this ??? | MasterCylinder
Aug 27, 2001 6:30 AM | | What is this new place .....new American Airlines Center in Dallas ???
Please tell us about it......and in what part of town.........Arlington, perhaps ??? |
| What is this ??? | Mary
Aug 27, 2001 1:57 PM | | The new American Airlines center is the new home of the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Stars, as well as the primary venue of most future DFW concerts. It is located in Dallas, not far from the old Reunion Arena. Phenomenal arena with the latest in high tech. Do a "google.com" search and you'll come up with a gagillion amounts of info.
M |
| Great review! sounds like tons of fun (nt) | Darius
Aug 27, 2001 6:33 AM | | |
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