An idiosyncratic blog dedicated to the precursors, the practioners, and the descendants of power pop.
All suggestions for postings and sidebar links welcome, contact any of us.
Thursday, March 08, 2018
Thursday Essay Question
If you don't like these two songs by John Mellencamp you don't like rock-and-roll as a form.
In total agreement, Steve. I've been a fan since his eponymous 1979 album. I love how this guy was considered a joke -- Johnny Cougar, fer chrissakes! -- who turned out to be this creative, talented guy. Some vindication for those of us who got on the train early.
Also, check out "What If I Came Knockin'?" When he trails off into "Fa la la la," it's friggin' genius.
He's much mellower now musically, but still doing great stuff. This coming from a guy who's had the whole rocker-goes-acoustic thing up to here.
Two things. One is that Mellencamp has always had a knack for songs such as these two. Simple, straightforward, 4-4 story songs with melody, hooks and attitude, with the attitude being that of an outsider.
Second, I too experienced the same shit Mellencamp went through. I was teaching at UMass back in 1980 when my first child was born. As new parents, my wife and I needed more money than I made as a Ph.D. candidate, so I called up my manager back in New York, who told me that he could get me a job at one of the alphabet Radio Nets as an engineer. "Great," I said. "But you're going to have to change your name," my manager said. "Why?" I asked. "Too Jewish," he told me.
So in Summer 1981 I became Markie Cougar, and found myself at ABC Radio Networks. After a few years, though, I discovered that my fellow techs respected me and depended on me, but I no longer respected myself. So I started referring to myself as Mark Cougar Rosenblatt, and by the mid-late 1980s, I dropped the Cougar entirely and became Mark Rosenblatt. Again. And I never looked back.
When American Fool came out in the early 80s, I thought it was OK, but nothing great. Around that time, I heard him do Free's "Fire and Water" live, and was blown away. Killer stuff.
Oh yes!! I just downloaded this song! Paid with this: http://www.digitalgp.co.uk/ . I don’t have to worry about security issues with this as my charges go directly to my mobile phone bill xD I have to thank you though. I would probably never have bought it had you not mentioned it in your blog! I knew about it before, but I couldn’t remember its name :3
In total agreement, Steve. I've been a fan since his eponymous 1979 album. I love how this guy was considered a joke -- Johnny Cougar, fer chrissakes! -- who turned out to be this creative, talented guy. Some vindication for those of us who got on the train early.
ReplyDeleteAlso, check out "What If I Came Knockin'?" When he trails off into "Fa la la la," it's friggin' genius.
He's much mellower now musically, but still doing great stuff. This coming from a guy who's had the whole rocker-goes-acoustic thing up to here.
And he puts on a great live show also!
ReplyDeleteCaptain Al
BTW, folks -- a killer Weekend Listomania goes up tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteTwo things. One is that Mellencamp has always had a knack for songs such as these two. Simple, straightforward, 4-4 story songs with melody, hooks and attitude, with the attitude being that of an outsider.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I too experienced the same shit Mellencamp went through. I was teaching at UMass back in 1980 when my first child was born. As new parents, my wife and I needed more money than I made as a Ph.D. candidate, so I called up my manager back in New York, who told me that he could get me a job at one of the alphabet Radio Nets as an engineer. "Great," I said. "But you're going to have to change your name," my manager said. "Why?" I asked. "Too Jewish," he told me.
So in Summer 1981 I became Markie Cougar, and found myself at ABC Radio Networks. After a few years, though, I discovered that my fellow techs respected me and depended on me, but I no longer respected myself. So I started referring to myself as Mark Cougar Rosenblatt, and by the mid-late 1980s, I dropped the Cougar entirely and became Mark Rosenblatt. Again. And I never looked back.
So John, I KNOW what you went through.
When American Fool came out in the early 80s, I thought it was OK, but nothing great. Around that time, I heard him do Free's "Fire and Water" live, and was blown away. Killer stuff.
ReplyDeleteDamn! I slept on "Again Tonight" all these years. No more. Thanks! This is why I love this blog and others like it.
ReplyDeleteOh yes!! I just downloaded this song! Paid with this: http://www.digitalgp.co.uk/ . I don’t have to worry about security issues with this as my charges go directly to my mobile phone bill xD I have to thank you though. I would probably never have bought it had you not mentioned it in your blog! I knew about it before, but I couldn’t remember its name :3
ReplyDelete