Continuing a countdown of my favorite albums of 1985…
#9 – Scarecrow – John Cougar Mellencamp
Here’s another album I don’t know by heart, but know well enough to give it a spot on this list.
John Mellencamp (still using the Cougar for this release) is one of those artists I enjoy and admire but not enough to consider myself a dedicated fan.
He has released 11 studio albums since the last one I listened to — 1996’s Mr. Happy Go Lucky. And I love that album. I have no idea why I didn’t seek out the one that followed it, not to mention ten more after that.
The six albums released over the decade prior to Mr. Happy Go Lucky are all excellent, with 1987’s The Lonesome Jubilee and 1993’s Human Wheels topping my personal list. But Scarecrow is the album that kicked off that winning streak.
This is a collection of infectious heartland rock songs, best known for hit singles ‘Small Town,’ ‘Lonely Ol’ Town’ and ‘R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Salute to 60’s Rock).’ Those are certainly the most recognizable tracks, but everything here has a similar rootsy appeal.
Lyrically, Mellencamp mines somber territory, exposing the rotting foundation of the American dream. Even the jauntiest cuts deliver tough messages. He has always had a knack for working his social advocacy into his music without sounding preachy or pedantic, and this is the album where he made that his central mission.
She calls me up and says baby it’s a lonely ol’ night
I don’t know I’m just so scared and lonely all at the same time
Nobody told us it was gonna work out this way
No, no, no, no, no
I guess they knew we’d work it out in our own way
[Chorus]
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Can I put my arms around you
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Custom made for two lonely people like me and you
[Verse 2]
Radio playing softly some singer’s sad sad song
He’s singing about standing in the shadows of love
I guess he feels awfully alone
She says I know exactly what he means
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And it’s a sad, sad, sad, sad feeling
When you’re living on those in-betweens
But it’s okay
[Chorus]
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Can I put my arms around you
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Custom made for two lonely people like me and you
[Bridge]
She calls me Baby
She calls everybody Baby
It’s a lonely ol’ night but ain’t they all
[Chorus]
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Can I put my arms around you
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Custom made for two lonely people like me and you
[Outro]
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Can I put my arms around you
It’s a lonely ol’ night
Custom made for two lonely people like me and you
Yeah, like me and you
Yeah, like me and you
Meet Me In Montauk 
This was Amy’s favorite Mellencamp album, and it’s a good one, though, like you, my favorites were Lonesome Jubilee and Human Wheels.
I ADORE this album and likely wore the grooves out of its vinyl. Yet I, like you, haven’t sought out most of Mellencamp’s music. I guess my college years were the ones where I made a concerted effort to seek out music, so this week is going to be a great trip down memory lane.