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"The guy is fake!"
This was how a part of the American music critics hastily judged John Mellencamp after the huge success of the album "American Fool," which in just a few months managed to sell millions of copies and catapulted to the top of the charts with heavyweights like the rock-driven "Hurts So Good" and the crafty "Jack And Diane". To the unfair and offensive criticisms of the never-loved print media, John Mellencamp did not respond with insults or lawsuits but decided to release, in 1983, an album that is a real kick in the backside to those who don't believe in him, his music, and who at that moment are too busy praising petty pop artists.
A music that is connected to the roots and able to crank out a powerful and nervous folk-rock tinged with soul, indebted as much to Bob Dylan as to the Rolling Stones and James Brown. With these premises and with Don Gehman at the helm, "Uh-Huh" is born, a short, concise, fast, brilliant, and rock'n'roll record. An immediate record as well, the product of recordings that lasted only sixteen days during which John and his splendid band managed to capture on tape that primitive energy that you hear in the music that counts. That true music, far from useless narcissism and focused on substance.
"Uh-Huh" opens with a trio of tracks that leave you stunned, speechless, and already exhausted after barely twelve minutes of listening. "Crumblin' Down" is a perfect rock tongue-twister that Our Man will never tire of playing live. "Pink Houses" is a visceral, almost Springsteen-like ballad, which over the years has become an anthem where Cougar demonstrates his achieved maturity as a songwriter. Finally, "Authority Song" is a powerful rock'n'roll ignited by guitars with lyrics that update the themes of the old "I Fought The Law". Naturally, the rest of the album also maintains excellent levels. "Play Guitar", "Warmer Place To Sleep", "Serious Business", "Lovin' Mother Fo Ya" riff wildly and seem to have come out of some old Stones vinyl from the seventies. "Jackie O", on the other hand, gives the album a healthy rootsy breeze thanks to the ghostly presence of John Prine and "Golden Gates" closes the show with yet another successful ballad.
Besides the tracks, the exceptional performance offered by Cougar's band must be highlighted. Mike Wanchic and Larry Crane's guitars are two razor-sharp blades in mercury that honor Keith Richards, Toby Myers' bass is a sure bet, and Kenny Aronoff's drums are already America's number one acoustic threat. For those in search of the new "Exile On Main Street," "Uh-Huh" could be a true revelation.
It's only rock'n'roll. Yes, but only up to a point.
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