John Mellencamp is straightforward on Plain Spoken

John Mellencamp has evolved logically and realistic on a songwriting and performance level since he took a walk on Chestnut Street and found himself caught up in some sort of incident. Not really sure what Mellencamp thinks of his material from way back then. I know I love everything he's ever done from every stage of his career. Simply put, from a songwriting and performing standpoint, this man can do, and has never done, anything wrong in my book. I love each of his albums for what they represent at the time they came out.

Plain Spoken is John's 22nd album and maybe the best of his career. I know that's taking a big leap because he's done some great stuff, but this album is truly a masterpiece. Reflective, honest, simple, and still catchy as hell. The first three tunes on the album, Troubled Man, Sometimes There's God, and Isolation of Mister are outstanding and set the tone for what is a highly addicting record. Seriously, I can't stop playing it. The Company of Cowards, Tears in Vain, and the social/political Lawless Times add to the beauty of this killer album.

The songs here are presented in a stripped down acoustic format, but don't let that deter you if this isn't your cup of tea. I love it, but some people feel that's a little too laid back. Well, guess what, not the case here. This is an inspiring album by an inspiring artist.

Mellencamp is ageing, sure, but throughout this album you realize he is the same guy that sang Authority Song, the same guy who has maybe rubbed folks the wrong way, the same guy who does it his way without compromise. That's the guy I love. Plain Spoken is the best record I've heard in a long time. If you've bought a concert ticket you already have this album because it came with the purchase. If you haven't heard it yet, I recommend you put it on your serious list of things to do.

Classic Album Spotlight: Flat as a Pancake

Head East is a band out of central Illinois and Flat as a Pancake is their first release. While the band enjoyed some regional success playing around in the Midwest, their real success didn't come until rock radio got a whiff of the tune Never Been Any Reason from the Flat as a Pancake album. Not only is this a great tune, but the rest of the album rocks as well. John Schlitt's distinctive vocal style, the band's use of organ in true 70s-rock style, and the simple yet effective guitar, combined with the driving rhythm section, made Head East a rock radio staple throughout the 70s.

I can put Flat as a Pancake on today and feel the love. This record has never failed to make me tap my foot and sing along. Beside the incredible Never Been Any Reason, the album also featured another minor hit, Love Me Tonight. The rest of the songs on the album are just as good, including Jefftown Creek, Fly by Night Lady, and Ticket back to Georgia.

If you love classic 70s rock, do yourself a favor and check out Flat as a Pancake. If you're already familiar with this record but haven't listened to it in a while, give it another spin. You'll be glad you did.

The band for this album was:
 

• Roger Boyd - keyboards/vocals
• Steve Huston - drums/vocals
• Mike Somerville - Guitar/vocals
• Dan Birney - Bass Guitar
• John Schlitt - vocals
• Steve Anderson - Back-up Vocals

Bon Scott or Brian Johnson?

How 'bout a little rock 'n' roll showdown. Which AC/DC singer do you prefer, Bon Scott or Brian Johnson? Although Brian has been singing for the band for thirty plus years, I think he still has to walk in the shadow of Bon Scott. That's ridiculous to me. Bon Scott was with the band for about six years, and yeah, his voice is on some of the most iconic AC/DC records out there, including the mega Highway to Hell record, but his time in AC/DC was relatively short. His contribution can't be denied, but when you look at the success of the band with Brian at the mic, there is also no denying the importance of Brian Johnson to AC/DC either.

My wife didn't even realize there were two singers involved. To her, the singer on Highway to Hell and Shook Me all Night Long were the same. I can certainly hear the distinct difference in vocal tone and styling, but this illustrates a good point. AC/DC could not have replaced Bon Scott with a better singer. While Bon Scott's voice was well suited to the music of AC/DC, Brian Johnson's voice is equally suited. At this point in rock 'n' roll history, I couldn't imagine another singer in AC/DC, including Bon Scott if he were still alive.

Here's the thng for me. Bon Scott recorded some great material with AC/DC. Highway to Hell, Bon's last record with the boys, still ranks as one of my favorite AC/DC records of all time, right along with the killer Let There Be Rock. That said, you can't downplay the greatness of post Bon Scott records like Back in Black, For Those About to Rock, Stiff Upper Lip, or Black Ice. It really isn't a competition. Both singers are intense and perfect for AC/DC. My opinion, however, is that Brian Johnson should not be walking in Bon's shadow. He has, since 1980, carved his own legacy with the band, and in my eyes, he is the iconic AC/DC singer.

Anybody have a different take?