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John Mellencamp - Lonesome Jubilee

John Mellencamp
Lonesome Jubilee introduced the world to John Mellencamp ... no more John Cougar, or John Cougar Mellencamp ... it was John Mellencamp thank you very much. John's transformation into a full fledged folk rock (Americana is the term that would later be applied, but at the time this is just roots rock) hero was complete.

While John had maintained his multi-platinum run in the States, here is Canada would find his greatest commercial success with Lonesome Jubilee. His previous three releases, American Fool, Uh-Huh, and Scarecrow all sold in excess of 500,000 copies. That an RIAA gold album from a population literally ten times small than our neighbours to the south. With Lonesome Jubilee he moved over 600,000 and this would be the peak of his popularity at least in terms of commercial album sales.

He's never stopped creating music, and has released another sixteen albums, the last being Orpheus Descending (2023). However for me this was really the point where I stopped paying attention. If I'm being honest Lone Jubilee really was one of those albums that was cool at the time because the music was so different than what was on the charts. "Paper in Fire" and "Cherry Bomb" as well as "Check It Out" and the album's final single in '88 "Rooty Toot Toot" were all really good.

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They were all I'd heard from the album. I mean I liked them, but I never pulled the trigger and bought the album. So for me the best thing about rediscovering John's music (I just recently wrote about Uh-Huh, so I'm kind of dialed in to John right now) was getting into the deeper cuts. The new to me hidden gems. The first side featured most of the radio singles, but it was side two that delivered the nugget I was hoping for: "We Are the People" this is my favourite song on the album. Although I am partial to Hard Times for an Honest Man" is pretty darn good too. I am trying to avoid getting into list mode ... 

The core band who'd been along for the last few albums was still intact:

  • Kenny Arnoff
  • Larry Crane
  • Mike Wanchic
  • Toby Myers

They're still the heart and soul of the band, however, it was the addition of Lisa Germano on fiddle and John Cascella on accordion (melodica, penny whistle, keyboards, sax and clavs) that gave the songs their distinctive feel.

back cover
While other bands were embracing technology John was sticking with the tried and true from what was considered a bygone era, and although he may have been a tad out of step at the time he's having the last laugh as the album sounds and fresh and angry as it did back in 1987.

I don't think he's lonesome at all being in such good company.  

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