Random Shuffle: 01/08/07 - Page 2

I live in Bloomington, Indiana which is ground zero for John Mellencamp. I can’t go an hour without hearing him on the radio. When he performs in the area it is a state-wide event. He’s essentially the patron saint around here and it has completely ruined him for me.

I’m sure there are similar folk in other places saying the same thing about their cities heroes. There have to be at least a few people in New Jersey who can’t stand Springsteen, and probably more than a handful of kids in Athens, Georgia who have had enough of REM. Hometown Heroes aren’t always welcome by everybody.

Before moving here I really liked Johnny Cougar. He writes catchy, home-grown tunes and seems to have a great deal of character as a person. He was a mainstay on '80s MTV and I am most definitely an MTV generation kind of guy. I’ll never forget those floating, gloved hand claps in his “Jack and Diane” video nor the strangely out-of-place scantily clad lady in the video to this song. I always loved blaring his songs at top volume out of my K-car and I dug it when he scratched F-ck racism on his guitar for his session on Unplugged.

So I kind of hate that moving local has ruined him for me. But my wife is nearly completed with graduate school and we’ll probably be moving soon. Maybe when we’re miles from Indiana and home base for Mellencamp, I can pull out my old copy of Scarecrow and once again become a fan.

“Always On My Mind" – Willie Nelson
From Always On My Mind

I am unashamedly a gigantic fan of Willie Nelson. The man knows how to write a song that would break the heart of a billy goat and can sing an old standard like it is brand new. This song holds a special place in my sentimental heart and if you look closely you just might see a tear rolling down my cheek when it plays.

Article Author: Mat Brewster

Mat Brewster is a periodic ex-pat wondering if he'll ever find a home. You can find him musing on pop culture, and obsessing over concert bootlegs at The Midnight Cafe.

Visit Mat Brewster's author page — Mat Brewster's Blog