John Mellencamp, though? It's funny, friend/antagonist Mark Saleski just wrote about Mellencamp and grudgingly coming around to respect the man. Mark and I are a funny lot. We seem to approach music very differently a lot of the time while at the same time agreeing on more things than we're ever likely to cop to. Mellencamp is a great example. While Mark was a few years older at the time — no, Mark, I'm not cracking wise with you here — we both held our nose where Mellencamp was concerned and then one day it changed.

That day? Scarecrow. Very underrated record, that. I'm on record as saying Mellencamp is not a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. I still believe that, but that doesn't mean I think he's contributed nothing. Scarecrow is a very nice achievement, and he's done good work since.

Still... of all the artists to test out a high-definition format on, why Mellencamp? There are a lot of artists who use the studio as an instrument and push the boundaries much further than Mellencamp. I'm not suggesting that giving added warmth, depth, and clarity to Americana rock and roll is a waste, but I'd love to hear this format presented by an artist who wants to push the limits.

Life, Death, Love and Freedom. Well, I guess he's calling his shot with that title. I wonder what's on his mind. You don't suppose Election 2008, George Bush, or Iraq might figure into that? Well, I might have to pick a copy of this up when I'm in Nashville before I go see Mark Knopfler.