John Mellencamp – The Best That I Could Do 1978-1988 (Vinyl 2LP)

One of Indiana’s most celebrated sons, John Mellencamp’s music has become a byword for blue-collar authenticity, literate songwriting and heartland rock verity. His lucid style enabled him to crossover during the ’80s from an established cult figure with a fanatical following to a more mainstream entertainer and eventually a superstar in his field. Originally issued in 1997 and available on vinyl for the first time, The Best That I Could Do 1978-1988 is Mellencamp’s first-ever retrospective which traces his beginnings at Riva Records through to his initial heyday. It contains first hit, “I Need a Lover,” huge singles “Jack and Diane,” “Hurts So Good,” “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” and “Pink Houses” plus the then brand-new recording of Terry Reid and Graham Nash’s “Without Expression.”

1. I Need A Lover
2. Ain’t Even Done With The Night
3. Hurts So Good
4. Jack And Diane
5. Crumblin’ Down
6. Pink Houses
7. Authority Song
8. Lonely Ol’ Night
9. Small Town
10. R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.
11. Paper In Fire
12. Cherry Bomb
13. Check It Out
14. Without Expression