Life Death Love and Freedom
Sales Rank: 85
List Price: $18.98
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- Released: 15th July 2008
- Binding: Audio CD
- Manufacturer: Hear Music
- Label: Hear Music
- Label: Hear Music
- Number of discs: 1
- Publisher: Hear Music
People en Español
After Freedom's Road, his first album in five years, John Mellencamp made it clear why he had such loyal fans. He's made a career out of making himself vulnerable, with lyrics that undeniably come from the heart, and aided by his guitar, he generates a mood that's more Americana melancholy than pop. After a year of being somewhat of a recluse, Mellencamp is back with 14 tracks filled with anguish, pain, resentment, and frustration. In songs like "If I Die Sudden," "Don't Need This Body," and "Troubled Land," the singer-songwriter seems to be more like the Americana equivalent to Damien Rice rather than Bob Dylan, to whom he's been compared to before. It's a disc that, as my friend says, you can listen to while kicking a can and walking the streets. --Ernesto Sánchez (People en Español 
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Album Description
The man who has been called `the poet laureate of the interstate' has reached deep into his soul, bringing forth an album of unparalleled maturity powered by a piercing musical vision. Produced by T Bone Burnett ("O' Brother Where Art Thou," Robert Plant, Allison Krauss)
Two disc package includes CD and high quality audio DVD.
Album Description
2008 release includes Audio DVD. About Life, Death, Love & Freedom was produced by T Bone Burnett (O' Brother Where Art Thou, Robert Plant with Allison Krauss). All songs written by John Mellencamp who has been called `the poet laureate of the interstate' and he reaches deep into his soul, bringing forth an album of unparalleled maturity powered by a piercing musical vision. This is a special two disc package CD with high quality audio DVD. This is the first-ever release in CODE, a proprietary audio technology that creates high-definition audio files that are virtually indistinguishable from the original master tapes. John Mellencamp has sold 12 million CDs in the SoundScan era alone! He was inducted earlier this year into the Rock`N'Roll Hall Fame and he is a Grammy® Award winner. The album's first single is 'My Sweet Love'. 14 tracks.
Life Death Love and Freedom - customer reviews:
A lot of death and not enough life, love and freedom
- Rating: 3 out of 5
- 0 people found this review helpful (from a total of 0)
I have been a career-long fan of John Mellencamp and I still like this CD. The production by T. Bone Burnett is stellar. The extra DVD's sound quality is superlative. I am hoping to see more of the CODE disks in the future.
This is the darkest Mellencamp I have ever heard.
"County Fair" is the underside of the bright calliope we remember from childhood. The narrator of this song ends up dead knifed by a stranger. Sadly, no one mourns the dead man. "He shouldn't have been out past 12:00..."
"A Ride Back Home" talks about praying to Jesus to die. The narrator here is so depressed he wants to take his own life, but he's not brave enough.
"Longest Days" talks about growing older.
"If I Die Sudden" is a stark appraisal of what the narrator feels about death.
The lyrics and sound are strong and dark. The CD is heavy listening on a bright day when I'm in a reasonably good mood. I wouldn't recommend anyone listening if they were depressed. Hearing this, I seriously want to offer Mellencamp a hug. It seems like he's got a seriously troubled mind of late.
Rebecca Kyle, September 2008
classic
- Rating: 5 out of 5
- 0 people found this review helpful (from a total of 1)
It is a little depressing but I love it! It is all about life and dying true harsh reality. It has been the only CD I have listened to since i got it! Way to go John
Great CD
- Rating: 5 out of 5
- 0 people found this review helpful (from a total of 1)
Seems like Mellencamp has been through a lot. Teaming up with TBone Burnett, this CD has a super deep and dark tone. Having some deaths in people very close to me, I was very touched. Not a rocker, but produced very well and with the bonus audio DVD, the production and sound are outstanding.
nice cd
- Rating: 4 out of 5
- 0 people found this review helpful (from a total of 2)
It's funny how an artists age shows in their music by what they sing about. I thought this cd was well put together and liked the female vocals too.
Mellencamp or Mellowcamp
- Rating: 5 out of 5
- 1 person found this review helpful (from a total of 2)
In my opinion this newest work of John Mellencamp is reminiscent of earlier times, especially My Sweet Love. This is a good feeling song that captures how I want to feel. The line, "sure feels good to feel good again is priceless!
Some of the tracks are rather melancholy but for the most part the songs are just songs of truth.
I especially like "Jesus, can you give me ride back home" I for one would have never thought to describe going home in this manner.
I also appreciate T Bone Burnett and his unique style gives a new perspective to Mellencamps work.
Additionally, bringing Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town to harmonize with him was pure genius. Her throaty voice lends new depth to John Mellencamp and also brings new fans who follow anything Karen does vocally.
Track listing:
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Disc 1:
- Longest Days
- My Sweet Love
- If I Die Sudden
- Troubled Land
- Young Without Lovers
- John Cockers
- Don't Need This Body
- A Ride Back Home
- Without A Shot
- Jena
- Mean
- County Fair
- For The Children
- A Brand New Song