Indianapolis Star: The Best Of 2010 Top 5 Concerts

The Indianapolis Star By David Lindquist

1. John Mellencamp, Nov. 8, Clowes Hall - Indiana's rock star reclaimed his musical mojo this year by putting little emphasis on rock stardom. Instead, John Mellencamp's tour to promote new album "No Better Than This" re-imagined his Hall of Fame career in three compelling acts: rockabilly followed by folk and capped by rock. Signature hits "Jack & Diane" and "Authority Song" received sonic overhauls, while a bone-chilling rendition of Son House's "Death Letter" found Mellencamp with hands raised in a voodoo pose -- telling his newly deceased lover he'll see her on Judgment Day. By drinking deeply from American roots music, the 59-year-old has a blueprint for the rest of his career. With luck, 2011 will bring the tour back to cozy Clowes or the similarly sized Murat Theatre in Old National Centre.