We carefully package every order to help ensure your records and media arrive safely. Orders are typically processed promptly, and tracking information is provided once your shipment is on its way.
Shipping costs and delivery estimates are calculated at checkout based on your location and selected shipping method.
We want you to shop with confidence. If there's an issue with your order, we're here to help.
New, unopened items may be returned in accordance with our Return Policy. For complete details, including return eligibility and timeframes, please review our full Return Policy before making your purchase.
Whether you're buying your first record or adding a rare pressing to your shelves, understanding editions, formats, and release details can help you make informed collecting decisions. At Vibin' Vinyl, we believe collecting is about more than just owning the music—it's about appreciating the artwork, packaging, mastering, and history behind every release.
Looking to expand your collecting knowledge?
Explore our Collector's Guide for tips, format guides, and collecting advice.
Personnel: John Mellencamp (vocals); Larry Crane (guitar, harmonica, background vocals); Mike Wanchic, Mick Ronson, Andy York (guitar, background vocals); Lisa Germano, Miriam Sturm (violin); Kenny Aronoff (hammered dulcimer, vibraphone, drums); John Cascella (accordion, keyboards, background vocals); Carroll Sue Hill, Moe Z. (keyboards, background vocals); Brian Bekvar, Eric Rosser, Jay Ferguson (keyboards); Robert Frank, Toby Myers (bass, background vocals); Chocolate Perry, Willie Weeks (bass); Tom Knowles, Rick Shlosser, Dane Clark (drums); Dave Parman, Sarah Flint, Pat Peterson, Crystal Taliefero (background vocals).
Producers include: John Punter, Steve Cropper, John Mellencamp, George Green, Don Gehman.
Engineers include: John Punter, Bruce Robb, Dee Robb, Don Gehman, George Tutko.
Includes liner notes by Timothy White.
All tracks have been digitally remastered using HDCD technology.
Personnel: John Mellencamp (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Larry Crane (guitar, harmonica, background vocals); Mick Ronson, Mike Wanchic, Andy York (guitar, background vocals); Kenny Aronoff (hammer dulcimer, vibraphone, drums, background vocals); Lisa Germano (violin, fiddle); Miriam Sturm (violin); John Cascella (accordion, keyboards); Crystal Califero (accordion, background vocals); Moe Z, Carroll Sue Hill (keyboards, background vocals); Eric Ivan Rosse, Jay Ferguson, Brian BecVar (keyboards); Rick Shlosser, Tom Knowles, Dane Clark (drums); Crystal Taliefero, David Parman, Robert Frank , Pat Peterson, Toby Myers, Sarah Flint (background vocals).
Liner Note Author: Timothy White .
Recording information: Air Studios, London, England; Belmont Mall, Nashville, TN; Cherokee Studios, LA, CA; Criteria Studios, Miami, FL; The Shack, Brownstone, IN; TRC Stdios, Indianapolis, IN; TRC Studios, Indianapolis, IN.
Photographer: Paul Jasmin.
Ever since he burst out of Indiana in the mid-'70s, The Artist Formerly Known As John Cougar never allowed success to smother his humble beginnings as an Indiana boy done good. This inevitable best-of follows him down the long, strange road of his career. Mellencamp's initial success came via a bar-band anthem ("I Need A Lover"). He then turned his attention towards writing about life in the Midwest ("Small Town" and "Pink Houses"). Along the way, the self-named "Little Bastard" embraced roots music by incorporating fiddle and squeezebox into his sound ("Paper In Fire"), setting the stage for the later success of alt-country acts such as Uncle Tupelo and The Jayhawks. Always a fan of late '60s rock and soul, Mellencamp paid homage to the T.A.M.I. shows of his youth in "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A." and added a cover of Terry Reid's obscure "Without Expression" to this package of otherwise previously released material.
