Born In A Small Town Summary and Reviews

Born In A Small Town
by Heather Johnson

Born In A Small Town
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Book Summary Information

Author: Heather Johnson
Brand: Music Sales
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-11-01
ISBN: 0825673364
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: Omnibus Press
Product features:
  • ISBN13: 9780825673368
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book Reviews of Born In A Small Town

Book Review: A Comprehensive Look at an Enigmatic Musician
Summary: 4 Stars

Heather Johnson's John Mellencamp bio pulls together an impressive array of Mellencamp musicians and cohorts to paint an interesting portrait of the singer-songwriter. The people that fall in and out of Mellencamp's life at various times bring a range of perspective to the narrative, and Johnson makes sure to balance the various points-of-view.

For historical perspective, Johnson utilized a myriad of newspaper and magazine articles (all cited at the book's end). The accumulation of forgotten details will be a treasure-trove for Mellencamp fans, and a revelation to those who only know him from his big hits. In all, over 70 sources were used, and it's fascinating to contrast what writers thought of the 1981-era "John Cougar" with how they viewed the 2001 Mellencamp.

Johnson's background in audio sound engineering is put to excellent use in this book, and gives it a unique perspective few other rock books have. The author really shines when describing how Mellencamp and his producers got specific sounds. Ever wonder why Mellencamp blended huge drums with handclaps on "Jack and Diane?" Johnson goes into vivid detail about how serendipity brought that unique sound combination about -- and how that sound helped make the song a hit.

If there's any flaw, it's that it leaves you wanting more, but maybe that's the point. Mellencamp says what he has to say in his songs, and this book encourages you to listen to those songs -- which is exactly what a good rock bio should do.

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