TCCDM Pulls One Out..."Nothin' Matters And What If It Did" - John Cougar (1980)

"Nothin' Matters And What If It Did" - John Cougar (1980)

"Nothin' Matters…" was John Cougar Mellencamp's fourth album and one I enjoy quite a bit.  With his large catalog, this and his previous self-titled album (aka) "I Need A Lover" (1979) are still my favorites.  Not commercially his best stuff, but the ones I spin the most often.  And by a large margin.  I've had the two CDs forever and last week when I wasn't finding anything deep or psych-bent...there this square was.  And with absolutely nothing else tugging at my sleeve.

Before JCM fell into a dangerous bucket of self-importance, he was still a smart-ass, but a little more fun.  More tongue-in-cheek.  And maybe more vulnerable.  Both albums are smile-makers and muscle-flexors with a little less posturing.  But what do I know?  I don't know anything.  There were plenty of good songs on good albums yet to come from this guy, but nothing as satisfying.  For me, anyway.  As for "Nothin' Matters..." and his "John Cougar" album, both are considered weak and a big pass for many fans.  Yet, these are the very squares I gravitate to when I want to hear Mellencamp.

"Nothin' Matters..." - John Cougar (back)

"Nothin' Matters..." - John Cougar
(lyrics sleeve front & back)

Favorites include:
"To M.G. (Wherever She May Be)"
"Don't Misunderstand Me"
"Hot Night in a Cold Town"
"Wild Angel"

This copy is on the Riva label that Rod Stewart's manager, Billy Gaff, founded.  Look for the #26 printed on the label left of the title.  It denotes a PRC-Compton pressing and that's the one you want.  Two fun throw-away songs are listed on the label…"Cry Baby" and "Peppermint Twist"…. but are not mentioned on the jacket or inner sleeve.  Both are less than 30 seconds with the former being the more entertaining.  Also, a custom lyric sleeve is included which is always a cool thingie.  The lady on the album cover is Edith Massey…best known as The Egg Lady from John Water's cult film "Pink Flamingos".

Riva  label

Cat #
RVL 7403
SIDE A  DEADWAX
RVL-7403-AS  PRC-C 2-1-1    
SIDE B  DEADWAX
RVL-7403 BS  PRC-C1-1-1

"Don't Misunderstand Me" - John "Cougar" Mellencamp

TRACKS:
A1  "Hot Night in a Cold Town" 3:47
A2  "Ain't Even Done With the Night" 4:38  
A3  "Don't Misunderstand Me" 3:33
A4  "This Time" 4:18
A5  "Make Me Feel" 4:04
B1  "To M.G. (Wherever She May Be)" 4:50
B2  "Tonight" 3:17
B3  "Cry Baby" 0:24
B4  "Wild Angel" 3:13
B5  "Peppermint Twist" 0:28
B6  "Cheap Shot" 3:00

PERSONNEL:
John Mellencamp - vocals, guitar
Mike Wanchic - guitars, b-vocals
Larry Crane - guitars, b-vocals
Robert "Ferd" Frank - bass, b-vocals
Doc Rosser - piano
Steve Cropper - producer
ADDITIONAL:
Rick Shlosser - drums
Ed Greene - drums
Jeff Baxter - pedal steel guitar
Dave Woodford - saxophone
Kenny Aronoff - vibes
John Barlow Jarvis - piano
Susan Duitch Helmer - b-vocals (A4)

Good stuff.

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