1985 - SEPTEMBER - Scarecrow - John Mellencamp

Scarecrow by John Mellencamp ​With his eighth studio album, John Cougar becomes John Cougar Mellencamp as he transitions away from his stage name and towards his real name. This also is the album where John Mellencamp transitions towards a purpose of his own. He brings his passion for small towns and small farms to the songs of this album. Mellencamp is maturing into the activist that would characterize his career from this point on. Mellow and reflective, Scarecrow has aged well. Join us as we profile this wonderful album and others from 1985. ​Scarecrow "There's 97 crosses planted in the courthouse yard. 97 families who've lost 97 farms." Mellencamp highlights the plight of the American small farmer in this song. During the Scarecrow tour, Mellencamp would give tickets to the two Senators from the state to spotlight the needs of farmers for help. Grandma's Theme This song starts with Mellencamp's grandmother playing on the autoharp, then transitions into an acoustic guitar. This is how Mellencamp would open the show during the "Scarecrow" tour. Minutes to Memories "My family and friends are the best I've ever known. Through the eye of a needle they'll carry me home." In this song the rebellion and politics are missing, but you still hear heartfelt lyrics and reflection. The story morphs from an older man telling Mellencamp his story on a train, to Mellencamp telling the story to his son. John Cougar Mellencamp - Between a Laugh and a Tear​ Rickie Lee Jones joins in on this reflective deep cut. "Between a laugh and a tear/and that's as good as it can get for us." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: "Golden Girls" (and thank you for being a friend.) "Growing Pains" Kirk Cameron starred in this popular television show from the day. Pat Benatar - Invincible Bruce's pick is all WOMEN POWER -- A song off Benatar's sixth studio album and the theme song from the film "The Legend of Billie Jean." Benatar was one of the few female rock stars in the era. Ratt - You're In Love Wayne is into the Hair and heavy metal bands — Ratt brings in this screamer on the first track from their album "Invasion of Your Privacy." John Waite - Every Step of the Way Rob's a big fan of Waite and his music alone, or with the Baby's or Bad English. Off his album "Mask of Smiles," this was a follow-up from his big hit "Missing You." Waite's distinctive voice is heard in the groups The Babys and Bad English. Glenn Frey - You Belong to the City Written specifically for one of Brian's favorite old shows, television hit "Miami Vice," this song was one of the biggest hits of Frey's solo career. Frey was well known for his work in the Eagles, and many of his songs were prominent in the mid-80's television and movie hits. LAUGH TRACK Cheech and Chong - Born in East L.A. Remember this....remember....it was so cool.....yeah....what are we talking about? Cheech and Chong satirize Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and the mid 80's immigrant issues in Los Angeles. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share. Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform! **NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.