Its going to be a busy year for a guy turning 59. His new cd which has already had some tracks premiere at Obama functions and one song on the NCIS soundtrack, the cd, called "No Better than This" is very different in sytle and voice because of the places where it was recorded, for example one spiritual song on the album was recorded in a southern church 100%, no outside help or studio overdubbing. Rolling Stone called his last album the Number 5 best album of the year (2008) and the single "Troubled Land" ranked 48th on their list of top singles (critics choice). Mellencamp will follow this release with a tour and then planned for June or July is a Box set filled with rarities and album cuts and demos, almost no singles will be included, this is for the fans strictly. And in late 2010 is a Horror Musical by Stephen King that John has done the music for, the book/cd will be out later this year.

He is truly one of the most under-rated rock stars.

I'll definitely pick this up when it comes out. He's on a bit of a roll at the moment as his last two albums have been really strong. Freedoms Road was on one of his best ever. Interesting that it's all going to be album cuts and rarities. His double best of he released the other year did the singles job anyway so it's a wise move. I'm also looking forward to that musical he's doing with Stephen King, i think it was originally supposed to be out in March but they've delayed it somewhat.