Search - John Mellencamp: Trouble No More on DVD

Adds Dimensions to the Regular CD TRouble NO MORE

Anthony C. Slikas | Pensacola, Florida United States | 11/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your looking to be entertained maybe this is not the way to go...basically it's about how an album was made...the whole process...interesting to see John used analog tape...yes he wanted to really do the old songs similar to the ways they were recorded and using old vintage equipment...also offers John's prespective on the controversial song, "To Washington" which I was irate with John when I found he wasn't supporting the troops. I for one can't decide if the war is right or wrong but I do know I support the troops fighting the war...in this DVD I learn John feels similar he supports the troops but he positively feels there is no winning this war...even if the US troops do win it...so it's a perspective I may not have known had I not watched this DVD...but it's not really a political piece...it's basically on how an album is made...nuances, boredom, partying (none of that here though) and etc etc."

Musical drama

twangmon | Nashville, TN USA | 12/26/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the spirit of such "behind the studio glass" classics as Let It Be and The Making of Pump, this documentary offers a fascinating account of how Mellencamp recorded his rootsy album, Trouble No More. Directed by Indiana University professor Ron Osgood, and shot by his students using black-and-white digital video, the work has a gritty, fast-paced, unvarnished appeal. There's no voice-over narration to color or guide our response to what we're seeing. Instead, we watch Mellencamp and his musicians and associates describe what they're doing as they're doing it. As we observe the album being planned, rehearsed, tracked, overdubbed, and mixed, we also share the hidden drama -- including moving footage of the producer's implosion -- that surrounds every great album.

The DVD includes several live in-studio, full-song performances by Mellencamp's crack band. Recorded to 16-track analog tape using tube mics and vintage gear, the music has a raw, edgy quality that perfectly matches the album's cover material-a collection of traditional blues, plus songs by Lucinda Williams, Willie Dixon, Woodie Guthrie, Son House, and Hoagy Carmichael. Guitarist Andy York is a standout -- his slide tone, phrasing, and overall vibe are stellar -- and the interplay between York and longtime Mellencamp 6-stringer Mike Wanchic is inspiring."

John Mellencamp: From Indiana To Washington!

John Crotty | New York, N.Y. USA | 06/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This video is an entertaining & informative behind the scenes look into the recording studio at the making of the John Mellencamp CD Trouble No More. While there's only a few complete songs presented here it's highly recommended for fans of Mr. Mellencamp & those interested in exploring the life cycle of a collection of music in the stages of production prior to its release. I especially liked the thoughts of his very capable band on their contributions to the final product. John is one of top singer/songwriters around today & this DVD gives a small but significant look into his creative process."

Insightful

Wayne Powell | San Diego, Ca USA | 08/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to look inside what JM puts into his day and how his hard work comes togehter, this is a must have video. This DVD gives you a fly on the wall view of the making of his album and his hard working stellar band that glued it together. Everyone has a role in his band and you get to see it. The 120 mins go by so fast you'll wonder where the time went and wonder and look for extra scenes. Probably the best take away I got out of it was the understanding of his position on the war of Iraq and his support of the troops. JM will make you think with this video."