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Though the comparison has often been applied to him unfairly, it's fair to say that
Scarecrow is to John Cougar Mellencamp what
Born in the U.S.A. is to Bruce Springsteen: a hugely popular hit that solidified both his fan base and his critical reputation. The one important difference is that
U.S.A.'s message was largely misinterpreted (Ronald Reagan co-opted the title song in a manner that's tragically ironic), while
Scarecrow's ode to Mellencamp's native Indiana comes through loud and clear. Shortly after the release of this album, Mellencamp got involved in the Farm Aid benefit-concert series, and his concern for that lifestyle is evident on songs like "Small Town," "Rain on the Scarecrow," and "Rumbleseat"; other songs ("Lonely Old Night," "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.") are straight from the heart(land).
--Randy Silver
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