John Mellencamp: “Between a Laugh and a Tear” Deep Cut Friday
.
Here’s a people-first article based on the provided text:
The Hidden Depths of John Mellencamp’s “Between a Laugh and a Tear”
Each week, SPIN dives into the catalogs of great artists, highlighting songs you might not know - the deep cuts that reveal another side of their artistry. This week, we’re focusing on John Mellencamp and a track from his 1985 album, Scarecrow: “Between a Laugh and a Tear.”
Mellencamp, already a rising star by 1985, found significant success with Scarecrow, achieving multi-platinum status. While the album boasted several radio hits, “Between a Laugh and a Tear” didn’t receive the same immediate attention. Though, its poignant lyrics and the subtle beauty of Rickie Lee Jones’ backing vocals make it a standout track.
Interestingly,the collaboration with Jones was born from admiration. Mellencamp, a devoted fan, was reportedly too nervous to meet her in person and opted to have her record her parts in Los Angeles, rather than inviting her to his newly built Belmont Mall Studio in Indiana.
Scarecrow marked a turning point in Mellencamp’s career, finally earning him critical acclaim. The album landed at number three on the Village Voice’s annual Pazz & Jop critics’ poll – a significant achievement, placing him just behind the highly respected Talking Heads and the Replacements.
A reissued version of Scarecrow included a demo of “Between a Laugh and a Tear,” offering a glimpse into the song’s evolution.the song perfectly embodies the duality that often defines Mellencamp’s work – the interplay of pleasure and pain, comedy and tragedy, the highs and lows of life. It’s a testament to his ability to capture complex emotions with a wry and honest touch.
“Between a Laugh and a Tear” may not be the most well-known song in Mellencamp’s extensive catalog, but it’s a beautiful and revealing piece that deserves a place in any fan’s collection.