Human Wheels

by John Mellencamp

Overview

Following the stripped-down rock & roll of Whenever We Wanted, the somber Human Wheels comes as a bit of shock. Throughout his mid-'80s peak, John Mellencamp infused his best work with despair, but he never has sounded as beaten and broken as he does on Human Wheels. It's not just that the record sounds murky and bleak, but his singing is weary and the lyrics are filled with resignation. Consequently, Human Wheels isn't a particularly easy listen, even though it doesn't depart from his signature sound, but it is a rewarding one, and the record is arguably his most affecting. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	07/19/2005
Label:	Island / Mercury/Island Def Jam
UPC:	0602498823507

Tracks

1. When Jesus Left Birmingham
2. Junior
3. Human Wheels
4. Beige to Beige
5. Case 795 (The Family)
6. Suzanne and the Jewels
7. Sweet Evening Breeze
8. What If I Came Knocking
9. French Shoes
10. To the River
11. When Jesus Left Birmingham

Album Credits

Performance Credits

John Mellencamp   Primary Artist
Sounds of Blackness   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Featured Artist
Lisa Germano   Guest Artist,Violin,Zither,Mandolin,Penny Whistle,Vocals (Background)
John Cascella   Accordion,Penny Whistle,Vocals (Background),Organ,Melodica
David Grissom   Bass,Guitar,Mandolin,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Mike Wanchic   Dobro,Dulcimer,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Malcolm Burn   Harmonica,Synthesizer,Organ,Guitar
Toby Myers   Bass,Guitar,Keyboards
Pat Peterson   Maracas,Accordion,Vocals (Background)
Kenny Aronoff   Drums,Guiro,Bongos,Claves,Congas,Djembe,Shaker,Maracas,Rainstick,Tambourine,Drums (African),Metal Percussion

Technical Credits

Janis Ian   Composer
David Leonard   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
John Mellencamp   Mixing,Arranger,Composer,Producer
Mark Hood   Technical Engineer
Jon Vezner   Composer
Mike Wanchic   Mixing,Producer
Malcolm Burn   Mixing,Producer
John Venzer   Composer
Larry Fink   Photography
Ross Alexander   Technical Engineer
Joshua Nefsky   Photography
George Green   Composer
Bob Ludwig   Mastering