The Album Review Club - Week #195 (page 1310) - A New World Record - ELO

[RobMCFC]

Ok. I come at this review with little prior knowledge of John J Mellencamp, John Cougar, Johnny Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp or John Mellencamp. Other than his singles that I would recognise if I heard them but be unable to place the artist, I am a blank canvas.

In 1987 when this album was released I was 30 with 3 kids under 10 and a pretty time precious lifestyle which put listening to albums far far further down the pecking order than it had been before or since.
I remember 1987 for the Joshua Tree, for Bad, for Faith and particularly for Prince's Sign o the Times.

In prep for this review, I did read a bit about the artist and he seems to be very sincere about his music, his political beliefs and his values and I was looking forward to hearing that come through on this album, and it did, albeit I thought his lyrics lacked the subtlety of Springsteen at his best. What I really liked was the musical arrangements. From what I read, the band sat down before the album was made and agreed in detail how they would like it to sound. They utterly succeeded. I am a complete sucker for any kind of celtic music so the inclusion of violins, mandolins and accordion were really evocative in lifting the country rock feel. The production created a decent sound stage and I could easily pick out the placement of each instrument. Of the tracks, there were none that annoyed and none that particularly stood out as exceptional - I enjoyed them all. The instrumentation on each was what resonated most. What did strike me was the almost jaunty appalachian rock was in stark contrast to many of the lyrics that addressed social issues in quite a fatalistic way. Compare that jauntiness with the stark folk style of Springsteens masterpiece Nebraska.

I inevitably compared JM and this album to my favourite US singer/songwriters like Springsteen to help me determine a score. So where would I place this against Springsteens best? Not as good but I will give it a 7 which for me is a very high score for an album I haven't listened to before.

Certainly I liked it enough to play it again, probably when I am in a Springsteen mood but want something a little less familiar. I liked it enough to explore some of his other stuff, particularly his work with T Bone Burnett who I have a great affection for.

So for introducing me to something new, thanks @RobMCFC .

No problem, always glad to introduce new listeners to my favourite album.
Also good to know you are interested in exploring his other albums because he's done a lot and there are some crackers. In my opinion, the following are worth listening to:-

1. Scarecrow (1985) - A different sound to Jubilee, but just as rootsy
2. Human Wheels (1993) - A good half-way house between his acoustic and electric approach
3. Mr Happy Go Lucky (1996) - A lot of drums machines/loops - not usually my thing but the way he melds it with the acoustic stuff is brilliant
4. Life, Death, Love & Freedom (2008) - Like most artists, his recent stuff isn't as good as his 80s/90s output, but this is the exception. produced by T-Bone Burnett.
5. Big Daddy (1989) - Similar sound to Jubilee.

 

[RobMCFC]

I thought I recognised this Album before and I've just checked back and it made the Top 100 Bluemoon Albums at 95th! also I recall the opener 'Paper In Fire' being nominated on here before - what a cracking catchy song! definitely a bit of Springsteen in this and throughout , he really does sound like him.
'Check It Out' I think I enjoyed the most, like the rest of the Album just a lovely sound and a quality guitar/music section half way through - Springsteen on good form here, oops. 'Cherry Bomb' another pick -lovely Violin and tempo throughout

Not many Albums you can listen to for the 1st time and enjoy (believe me, i should know) - I can only say it's all just a bit nice and clean for my own personal liking but that's not really a criticism but if i do have to find a negative then it would be that there is nothing ground-breaking here.

It's a very solid 'good'

7/10

You can probably blame me and @OB1 for getting Mellencamp into the albums/songs Top 100!

Glad you enjoyed it.

 

[Saddleworth2]

No problem, always glad to introduce new listeners to my favourite album.
Also good to know you are interested in exploring his other albums because he's done a lot and there are some crackers. In my opinion, the following are worth listening to:-

1. Scarecrow (1985) - A different sound to Jubilee, but just as rootsy
2. Human Wheels (1993) - A good half-way house between his acoustic and electric approach
3. Mr Happy Go Lucky (1996) - A lot of drums machines/loops - not usually my thing but the way he melds it with the acoustic stuff is brilliant
4. Life, Death, Love & Freedom (2008) - Like most artists, his recent stuff isn't as good as his 80s/90s output, but this is the exception. produced by T-Bone Burnett.
5. Big Daddy (1989) - Similar sound to Jubilee.

I hope everyone will be open minded to something they aren’t familiar with when I review my album. It is unquestionably a 10 out of 10 ;-)

 

[RobMCFC]

I hope everyone will be open minded to something they aren’t familiar with when I review my album. It is unquestionably a 10 out of 10 ;-)

I would expect everybody's nom to be 10/10, which is why I thought it was pointless letting us vote for our own.
However, I suppose somebody might want to nominate something from further down their list purely on the basis that it's something different and holds special affection for them, even though there are 40 or 50 albums they like better than it.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I would expect everybody's nom to be 10/10, which is why I thought it was pointless letting us vote for our own.
However, I suppose somebody might want to nominate something from further down their list purely on the basis that it's something different and holds special affection for them, even though there are 40 or 50 albums they like better than it.

The problem I will have with mine is it isn't readily available on streaming sites (not free anyway). Its a live album and either needs to be purchased either in hard media or by download or constructed studio track by studio track for free (which many have done on Spotify). Of course, some of the music connoisseur on here with impeccable taste will already have their own beloved copy ;-)

 

[RobMCFC]

The problem I will have with mine is it isn't readily available on streaming sites (not free anyway). Its a live album and either needs to be purchased either in hard media or by download or constructed studio track by studio track for free (which many have done on Spotify). Of course, some of the music connoisseur on here with impeccable taste will already have their own beloved copy ;-)

I don't know what others think, but this might be an indication that it might not be the best choice. If it's available to listen on Spotify, I'm happy with it, but you might be reducing the number of voters if it's restricted in some way.

 

[Saddleworth2]

I don't know what others think, but this might be an indication that it might not be the best choice. If it's available to listen on Spotify, I'm happy with it, but you might be reducing the number of voters if it's restricted in some way.

It is restricted as a live album but there are plenty playlists with the setlist constructed from studio tracks on Spotify. I am happy to go with that if folks don't have the live album. The music speaks for itself.
Listening to that will inspire some to buy.

 

[Onholiday(somemightsay)]

I hope everyone will be open minded to something they aren’t familiar with when I review my album. It is unquestionably a 10 out of 10 ;-)

I believe I can remain relatively open minded minus the following;

Bono
Morrissey
Hucknell
Geldof
Sheeran

There will be others but these are probably the main protagonists that spring to mind...... ;-)

 

[Saddleworth2]

I believe I can remain relatively open minded minus the following;

Bono
Morrissey
Hucknell
Geldof
Sheeran

There will be others but these are probably the main protagonists that spring to mind...... ;-)

Jeez, I’m in trouble. It was a super group called 2 Red and Ginger Simply Rats.

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

Ok. I come at this review with little prior knowledge of John J Mellencamp, John Cougar, Johnny Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp or John Mellencamp. Other than his singles that I would recognise if I heard them but be unable to place the artist, I am a blank canvas.

In 1987 when this album was released I was 30 with 3 kids under 10 and a pretty time precious lifestyle which put listening to albums far far further down the pecking order than it had been before or since.
I remember 1987 for the Joshua Tree, for Bad, for Faith and particularly for Prince's Sign o the Times.

In prep for this review, I did read a bit about the artist and he seems to be very sincere about his music, his political beliefs and his values and I was looking forward to hearing that come through on this album, and it did, albeit I thought his lyrics lacked the subtlety of Springsteen at his best. What I really liked was the musical arrangements. From what I read, the band sat down before the album was made and agreed in detail how they would like it to sound. They utterly succeeded. I am a complete sucker for any kind of celtic music so the inclusion of violins, mandolins and accordion were really evocative in lifting the country rock feel. The production created a decent sound stage and I could easily pick out the placement of each instrument. Of the tracks, there were none that annoyed and none that particularly stood out as exceptional - I enjoyed them all. The instrumentation on each was what resonated most. What did strike me was the almost jaunty appalachian rock was in stark contrast to many of the lyrics that addressed social issues in quite a fatalistic way. Compare that jauntiness with the stark folk style of Springsteens masterpiece Nebraska.

I inevitably compared JM and this album to my favourite US singer/songwriters like Springsteen to help me determine a score. So where would I place this against Springsteens best? Not as good but I will give it a 7 which for me is a very high score for an album I haven't listened to before.

Certainly I liked it enough to play it again, probably when I am in a Springsteen mood but want something a little less familiar. I liked it enough to explore some of his other stuff, particularly his work with T Bone Burnett who I have a great affection for.

So for introducing me to something new, thanks @RobMCFC .

Great review! I agree about the arrangements and the Appalachian feel entirely.

T-Bone Burnett was the very first artist I ever saw live. That’s because he opened for The Clash and The Who. What a bill that was for one’s first show!

 

[Onholiday(somemightsay)]

Jeez, I’m in trouble. It was a super group called 2 Red and Ginger Simply Rats.

To be fair and much to my dismay, that would probably sell........... :-/

 

[Saddleworth2]

To be fair and much to my dismay, that would probably sell........... :-/

Especially if they included some Smiths covers!!

 

[Saddleworth2]

Great review! I agree about the arrangements and the Appalachian feel entirely.

T-Bone Burnett was the very first artist I ever saw live. That’s because he opened for The Clash and The Who. What a bill that was for one’s first show!

Bloody hell, that is a bit tasty!
I saw him when he was producing and playing with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Love his production and some of his film work

 

[RobMCFC]

Bloody hell, that is a bit tasty!
I saw him when he was producing and playing with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Love his production and some of his film work

He also produced August and Everything After by Counting Crows, which I know you're a fan of.

 

[Onholiday(somemightsay)]

Especially if they included some Smiths covers!!

Think the MODS need to ensure that Simon Cowell never learns of this threads existence - an album of the above lineup would be out by Christmas...........

 

[Marklr]

Do you write for Rolling Stone mate?
I sat down to write my review and just read yours. I seriously need to up my game :-)
Be back in a few hours.

Makes me look as intellectual as Shaun fucking Ryder! I'm, impressed with some of the writers on here. My mind just shuts down and i end up talking shite. I wagged EVERY English lesson from the 3rd year high school on wards. Doh! haha. And my daughter graduated from uni 3 years ago with a First in English. hmmmm.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Makes me look as intellectual as Shaun fucking Ryder! I'm, impressed with some of the writers on here. My mind just shuts down and i end up talking shite. I wagged EVERY English lesson from the 3rd year high school on wards. Doh! haha. And my daughter graduated from uni 3 years ago with a First in English. hmmmm.

It was clearly in the genes mate.

 

[Saddleworth2]

He also produced August and Everything After by Counting Crows, which I know you're a fan of.

Now I did not know that.

 

[Onholiday(somemightsay)]

Makes me look as intellectual as Shaun fucking Ryder! I'm, impressed with some of the writers on here. My mind just shuts down and i end up talking shite. I wagged EVERY English lesson from the 3rd year high school on wards. Doh! haha. And my daughter graduated from uni 3 years ago with a First in English. hmmmm.

Mate there was a girl that moved over from Denmark that was in a higher set for English than me at High School - make of that what you will............ ;-)

 

[FogBlueInSanFran]

Makes me look as intellectual as Shaun fucking Ryder! I'm, impressed with some of the writers on here. My mind just shuts down and i end up talking shite. I wagged EVERY English lesson from the 3rd year high school on wards. Doh! haha. And my daughter graduated from uni 3 years ago with a First in English. hmmmm.

Wow, that first sentence is about the most self-deprecating tag one could put on oneself! It’s also horseshit — you write great reviews, mate. And the encouragement to dig up a spliff for Bad Company was some of the best advice anyone’s given on the thread to date :)