RECORDS
Just got through watching the video of John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good” on TV. The swaggering little brat obviously thought he was pretty cool stuff back then, when in fact, he was beggin” for a swift kick in the behind. Which only makes his invigorating new opus, The Lonesome Jubilee, all the more satisfying.
RECORDS
WHO’S THE BOSS?
JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP The Lonesome Jubilee (Polygram)
Just got through watching the video of John Cougar Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good” on TV.
The swaggering little brat obviously thought he was pretty cool stuff back then, when in fact, he was beggin” for a swift kick in the behind. Which only makes his invigorating new opus, The Lonesome Jubilee, all the more satisfying. No doubt you’ve observed Mellencamp’s steady transformation from rock fool to populist defender (it’d be hard to miss). What you probably haven’t appreciated fully is the genuine depth of his feelings. Well, friends, here’s the perfect opportunity.
The Lonesome Jubilee may be a collection of tunes depicting ordinary folk struggling to survive tough times, but, for us casual listeners, it’s also about learning to shake your wellworn cynicism. While all sorts of good people (Bruce, Steve Earle, et al.) have recently chronicled the non-glamorous life, no one has rendered its frequent heartbreaks and occasional victories with more aching power than Mr. Meliencamp. Naturally, it’s hard to believe any big-deal pop star would really be interested in such a thing, but John boy clearly is. Give him half a chance, and you’ll be convinced.