Check It Out

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Check It Out" by John Mellencamp, a standout track from his 1987 album The Lonesome Jubilee, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, which peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a poignant reflection on life’s struggles and the hope for future generations. In a 1987 interview with The New York Times, Mellencamp revealed that the album, including "Check It Out," was deeply personal, stating, “The Lonesome Jubilee, like Scarecrow and the rest of my best stuff, is about me and my family tree grappling against both the world and our own inner goddamned whirlwind.” The song’s lyrics, particularly the line about “a million young poets screamin’ out their words,” express Mellencamp’s flickering optimism for change, as noted in a 2017 Ultimate Classic Rock article. The track’s Appalachian folk and country influences, marked by instruments like fiddle and accordion, helped define the album’s unique sound, blending heartland rock with roots music.

Another layer of trivia comes from the album’s recording process, which was influenced by personal loss. During the sessions at Mellencamp’s Belmont Mall Studio in Indiana, his uncle Joe passed away from cancer at age 57, an event that cast a somber tone over The Lonesome Jubilee. This emotional weight is evident in "Check It Out," with its introspective look at life’s fleeting joys and burdens. A 1987 Rolling Stone review praised the song’s poignant storytelling, noting its portrayal of characters who “cheat on their lovers and stint on expressing their feelings,” reflecting the album’s blend of fatalism and celebration. Fans on Steve Hoffman Music Forums have also celebrated the song’s enduring appeal, with some calling the album a unified masterpiece for its thematic depth and sonic cohesion.

John Mellencamp, born October 7, 1951, in Seymour, Indiana, began his musical journey at a young age, fronting a soul band by 14. His professional career kicked off in 1976 with his debut album, Chestnut Street Incident, released under MCA Records. However, his manager, Tony DeFries, dubbed him “Johnny Cougar,” a name Mellencamp despised but reluctantly accepted to secure the deal. The album flopped, and MCA dropped him, leaving him wary of the music industry. Undeterred, he signed with Polygram-distributed Riva Records, releasing A Biography in 1978, which gained traction in Australia with the hit “I Need a Lover.” His breakthrough came in 1982 with American Fool, featuring chart-toppers “Hurts So Good” and “Jack & Diane,” cementing his status as a heartland rock icon. Over time, he reclaimed his real name, transitioning from Johnny Cougar to John Cougar Mellencamp, and finally to John Mellencamp by 1991.

Mellencamp’s career has spanned decades, with over 60 million albums sold and a legacy that includes co-founding Farm Aid in 1985. His music, rooted in the sounds of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, evolved to incorporate folk and country elements, as heard in "Check It Out." Beyond music, he’s an accomplished painter, with exhibitions like “Crossroads: The Paintings of John Mellencamp” at IU’s Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art in 2024. Fans can stay connected through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on music, art, and tours. For deeper fan engagement, the John Mellencamp Fans Facebook group offers a space for Zoo Freaks and others to discuss his work, share concert experiences, and celebrate his enduring impact.