Indianapolis Star: The Best Of 2010 Top 5 Concerts
The Indianapolis Star By David Lindquist
1. John Mellencamp, Nov. 8, Clowes Hall - Indiana's rock star reclaimed his musical mojo this year by putting little emphasis on rock stardom. Instead, John Mellencamp's tour to promote new album "No Better Than This" re-imagined his Hall of Fame career in three compelling acts: rockabilly followed by folk and capped by rock. Signature hits "Jack & Diane" and "Authority Song" received sonic overhauls, while a bone-chilling rendition of Son House's "Death Letter" found Mellencamp with hands raised in a voodoo pose -- telling his newly deceased lover he'll see her on Judgment Day. By drinking deeply from American roots music, the 59-year-old has a blueprint for the rest of his career. With luck, 2011 will bring the tour back to cozy Clowes or the similarly sized Murat Theatre in Old National Centre.
1. John Mellencamp, Nov. 8, Clowes Hall - Indiana's rock star reclaimed his musical mojo this year by putting little emphasis on rock stardom. Instead, John Mellencamp's tour to promote new album "No Better Than This" re-imagined his Hall of Fame career in three compelling acts: rockabilly followed by folk and capped by rock. Signature hits "Jack & Diane" and "Authority Song" received sonic overhauls, while a bone-chilling rendition of Son House's "Death Letter" found Mellencamp with hands raised in a voodoo pose -- telling his newly deceased lover he'll see her on Judgment Day. By drinking deeply from American roots music, the 59-year-old has a blueprint for the rest of his career. With luck, 2011 will bring the tour back to cozy Clowes or the similarly sized Murat Theatre in Old National Centre.