12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Musical drama, December 26, 2004
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.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
John Mellencamp: From Indiana To Washington!, June 12, 2004
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.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
insightful, August 25, 2005
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.
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