No.686: “Scarecrow” by John Cougar Mellencamp (1985)
The American Fool album from '82 with its breakthrough hit ‘Jack And Diane’ notwithstanding (see entry earlier), John Mellencamp/Cougar/whatever hit his stride with this album mostly based around small town life in the USA. very popular in his native U.S., his lyrics didn’t transpire to the UK market such as, say, Springsteen’s did and hence he wasn’t massive over here despite numerous No.1’s on the Billboard charts. Here’s Mellencamp’s homage to American rock music of the sixties:
No.685: “Short Stories” by Jon and Vangelis (1980)
A rather unorthadox team-up between the mystical lead vocalist from Yes with former Aphrodite’s Child keyboard wizard Vangelis produced this debut album full of dreamy, intricate electronic music. The duo went on to record a further three albums and their song ‘State Of Independence’ was covered by Donna Summer as an international hit as well.
…And entirely by coincidence, Jon Anderson returns here again with his main band Yes’ late nineties album The Ladder.
Progressive rock never ages or dies in the world of Yes and this is a fine example of their craft. Here’s the 10-minute title track:
Not as obscure an artist as you might think when you discover that Terry Reid was very nearly the first choice as lead vocalist for Led Zeppelin. That, however all fell through and Mr. Reid returned to the realms of jobbing singer-songwriter. But he made a few albums over the years and what an amazing voice the guy had…
Oh good stuff. Just trying to figure out which album you were referring to…John Mellencamp!
I’m banging these discs on and hoping to catch any comments along the way!
No.682: “L.A. (Light Album)” by The Beach Boys (1979)
By 1979 The Beach Boys were almost a spent force with main songwriter Brian Wilson and even lead singer Mike Love having departed the band, leaving Al Jardine and new vocalist Tom Johnston to pick up the remains. But, the band was rescued by a wonderful song on this record called Lady Lynda, which was built around Bach’s ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’ (apparently) and it became a very big hit. The album did have other moments though, in particular Good Timin’ and Sumahama.
No.681: “Sweet Warrior” by Richard Thompson (2007)
yet another album from Richard Thompson, they’re coming thick and fast at the moment. This one is notable for the very amusing single ‘Dad’s Gonna Kill Me’, performed here from the BBC2 music programme Later…With Jools Holland:
Last one for now… No.680: “Rum, Sodomy & The Lash” by The Pogues (1985)
The irrepressible Shane McGowan and his ever-merry troupe of jovial minstrels with their first album proper. This was a heady blend of post-punk attitude blended seamlessly well with traditional Irish ditties to provide a sound unequalled by anyone else except in the rooms of Dublin’s Temple Bar district.
Good stuff mate, though I never got to see Fringe. Here’s a different version of the song, from their second album incidentally:
Aw missed it bud, but yes they are doing a big tour again this year I see, but they’re really half a band now. Saw them in 2003 with Jon Anderson and the late great Chris Squire in the band. Though it was a shame Rick Wakeman wasn’t with them then too.
