Trouble No More [ECD] by John Mellencamp (CD, Jun-2003, Columbia USA)

Robert Johnson, Son House, Woody Guthrie, Willie Dixon ... these are the fathers of popular American music. Many of their Songs have been recorded and recorded again an again, and it is their explorations into melody and rhythm that has provided the content and foundation for pop music today. In "Trouble No More", Mellencamp's first cover album, he pays tribute these early American song writers. Many artists later into their careers feel a need to further explore the blues and folk roots of rock 'n roll. Sadly, most fail at the attempt. John Mellencamp, who learned his trade with this material, produces something exciting here.

The result is one of Mellencamp's most raw, energetic and emotional set of recording in many years. Although Mellencamp brings his much of is usual sound to the album … rough soulful voice, fiddles (or is it violins?) and an impeccable backing chorus, the album still comes across as something very new.

The album opens with its blueseist number Robert Johnson’s “Stones in My Passageway” and it sounds just about perfect, from the slide to the turn-arounds this is a great rendition of a classic.

Many have recorded Son's House's "Death Letter", from Jack White of the White Stripes (Check out “De Stijl” it about as good a version as you will find in contemporary recordings) to Leadbelly, each has strived to make the song their own, and here Mellencamp succeeded. It’s hard to listen to it without thinking that you are hearing a Mellencamp song, while at the same time feeling that this is something new.

Thankfully Mellencamp has not consigned himself to the traditional Traditionals and has included many lesser known songs, and has included two tracks that are completely new one with Lucinda Williams (penned by Williams) and another we he wrote new lyrics to accompany a traditional protest song. Many may object to the subject matter of the protest song (however it’s refreshing to hear these new words accompanying a song that has been sung in American political protest for almost 100 years.)

While this is not a perfect album, sometimes Mellencamp's distinctive sound encroaches almost too much on the material, it is a great pick up, with quite a few numbers (like "John the Revelator") that will having you looking for the repeat button on the CD player.

Recommended If You:
Like John Mellencamp
Are interested in hearing contemporary versions of American Originals
Know who Son House and Robert Johnson are

Not Recommended If You:
Are not shocked and revolted that Justin Timberlake has been nominated for several Grammys