I'm not one to shout out songs to the band. I'm more of the monosyllabic "yeah!" or "woo hoo!" variety than one that sets forth demands. Yet I was a little worried; Los Lobos has a big repertoire at this point, and I wasn't sure if the greasier, more obscure numbers would show up in the band's warm-up set for John Mellencamp at the Auditorium Theatre last night. Mellencmp's followers are a tad more mainstream, and I was ready to holler out for "Don't Worry Baby" if I didn't hear it. That song changed my life, man. Well, I heard it along with a pile of other Mexican-infused ravers and rockers. Los Lobos, despite an epic catalogue and history, still sounds as fresh and exciting as the roots rock bar band that barnstormed Southern California punk clubs in the early 80's. And the sound at the Auditorium was excellent: big and loud yet discernable.

Mellencamp worked through an excellent set of hits and newer numbers that truly galvanized his sound. Big slices of country, blues, folk, and old time rock 'n' roll -- all sung with his mid-west American pride -- had the crowd on its feet the entire time, singing loud and proud. Mellencamp's abbreviated band sounded outtasight and the man played as if he were still a cougar.