The Lonesome Jubilee [Remaster] (CD - 1987)

Personnel: John Cougar Mellencamp (vocals, guitar); Larry Crane (guitar, steel guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica); Mike Wanchic (guitar, banjo, dobro, dulcimer); Kenny Aronoff (hammered dulcimer, vibraphone, percussion); Toby Myers (banjo, bass); Lisa Germano (fiddle); John Cascella (accordion, melodica, keyboards); Pat Peterson (percussion, background vocals); Crystal Talifero (background vocals).

Personnel: John Mellencamp (vocals); Larry Crane (guitar, mandolin); Mike Wanchic (guitar, background vocals); Lisa Germano (violin); John Cascella (pennywhistle, accordion, Farfisa, Hammond b-3 organ); Kenny Aronoff (vibraphone, drums); Toby Myers (bass guitar, background vocals); Crystal Taliefero, Pat Peterson (background vocals).

Audio Remasterer: Bob Ludwig.

John Mellencamp's fascination with the American heartland came into full flower on Scarecrow, but with its follow-up, The Lonesome Jubilee, he began exploring American folk musics, adding fiddle, accordions, and acoustic guitars to his band, which allowed him to explore folk and country. The expansion of his band coincided with his continuing growth as a songwriter. Song for song, The Lonesome Jubilee is Mellencamp's strongest album, the record where he captured his romantic, if decidedly melancholy, vision of working-class America. He may recycle the same lyrical ideas as before, but he captures them better than ever, and his music is richer, which gives the album resonance. Again, there are a few moments where Mellencamp's reach exceeds his grasp, but "Paper in Fire," "Check It Out," "Cherry Bomb," "Empty Hands," and "Hard Times for an Honest Man" make the record his best. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

With 1985's SCARECROW, John Cougar Mellencamp established himself as an uncompromising artist fully in control of his professional and artistic pursuits. With THE LONESOME JUBILEE, however, he set out to paint his masterpiece. Fully embracing the aesthetic found on the classic hits "Pink Houses" and "Jack and Diane," the Indiana native explores rock's rootsier elements, while forgoing the poetic aspirations of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan in favor of simpler, straight-from-the-gut lyricism.

In the process, Mellencamp created the trademark working-class pop hybrid that defined his brand of "heartland rock." Backed by folksy fiddle and accordion, jangling power-pop guitars, and a pounding beat equal parts Memphis soul and Rolling Stones, the singer repeatedly explores the twin themes of broken dreams ("Paper in Fire," "The Real Life") and simple pleasures ("Cherry Bomb," "Rooty Toot Toot"). Simultaneously an arena-ready Grand Statement and a Saturday night hoe-down, THE LONESOME JUBILEE goes a long way towards fusing the rebel spirit and brash roar of no-frills rock & roll with the emotionally direct twang of the best country music.

With 1985's SCARECROW, John Cougar Mellencamp established himself as an uncompromising artist fully in control of his professional and artistic pursuits. With THE LONESOME JUBILEE, however, he set out to paint his masterpiece. Fully embracing the aesthetic found on the classic hits "Pink Houses" and "Jack and Diane," the Indiana native explores rock's rootsier elements, while forgoing the poetic aspirations of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan in favor of simpler, straight-from-the-gut lyricism.

In the process, Mellencamp created the trademark working-class pop hybrid that defined his brand of "heartland rock." Backed by folksy fiddle and accordion, jangling power-pop guitars, and a pounding beat equal parts Memphis soul and Rolling Stones, the singer repeatedly explores the twin themes of broken dreams ("Paper in Fire," "The Real Life") and simple pleasures ("Cherry Bomb," "Rooty Toot Toot"). Simultaneously an arena-ready Grand Statement and a Saturday night hoe-down, THE LONESOME JUBILEE goes a long way towards fusing the rebel spirit and brash roar of no-frills rock & roll with the emotionally direct twang of the best country music. minimize