John Mellencamp before he sold out to Chevy and those lame Pro American songs.

I grew up in this neck of the woods - Indiana is an awful place, really.

My great uncle William founded the Indiana State Farmers' Bank - I can't say how many foreclosures were managed by him and his people, but karma is absolute, so I don't need to count.

AliGator wrote:

Not a bad comparison, except this came out in 1985, while the album Blood and Roses was included on ("Especially For You") was released a year later.

According to The All Music Guide, The Smithereens were formed in 1980. Does anybody know if Blood & Roses was a long-time staple of their live shows before they ever recorded it?

I definitely agree. Never really cared for JM before this came out, but this disk, along with Lonesome Jubilee and Big Daddy, was a very impressive stretch of of albums, and he really became a much more accomplished songwriter.

SCJoniguy wrote:

I remember thinking that Mellencamp had ripped off The Smithereens with this song. Blood and Roses, anyone?

Note from the midwest: Don't get me started on NON-agricultural subsidies and corporate welfare.
Very good song.
hcaudill wrote:

This song has nothing to do with agriculture subsidies. I don't agree with them either because they tend to only aid the big corporate farms and further the demise of the family farm. I understand the family farm is done and that is a shame. Growing up and working on a farm taught me the meaning of hard work and responsibility. Those who didn't grow up on a farm (i.e. Washington D.C.) have absolutely no concept of the amount of work required and the small rewards reaped.


hcaudill wrote:

That’s ludicrous. I have never heard such an accusation before and I have been following him for most of his career. If you are going to make such a bold statement, the least you can do is cite a credible source or two. I am sure he has cheated on his previous wives, but that is a far cry from abusing them.

By the way, an excellent song. I grew up on a farm and can sympathize with all the farmers who worked their tails off only to loose everything.



forge wrote:

Never cared for Mr. Mellencamp.

I was a senior in high school when this album came out. My friends and I loved it and saw the tour for this album twice. Ah, what good times.

At the Madison WI concert, my friend friend made a dash for the stage. He was literally picked out of the air by a big bouncer as he flew to the stage.

Dan

Pretty good song, but don't get me started about agricultural subsidies.

Drunkenlilacwine wrote:

I half-agree - I'll definitely give you "bitter" on this one. Great song, though.

This record proved that Mellencamp was a force to be reckoned with...lots of folks haven't ever gotten over his pop beginnings, but that's their problem. This album and much of what came after it is excellent stuff and certainly justifies John being labeled as more than just 'the poor man's Bruce Springsteen'.

arrrrhhhhh nooooooooo John mellonhead!


hate it hate it hate it!

Note to the feller or gal that wants Miles Davis taken off the station 'cuz he hits girls - John Mellencamp's wives both left him 'cuz he hit them too.

Just FYI and stuff.

Drunkenlilacwine wrote:Yes - that, and it rocks.

Drunkenlilacwine wrote:

Yes. Bitterweet.

Great song. Nice to hear it here.

I love this song. Very bittersweet.