American Dream: The Mainman Recordings 1976-1977

A landmark archival release compiling the earliest recordings of John Cougar Mellencamp - before the arena anthems, before the fame. Signed by legendary Bowie manager Tony Defries, the young Johnny Cougar cut his teeth on heartland rock, classic covers, and original compositions that would define a career spanning decades.

About the Artist

Johnny Cougar - later known as John Cougar Mellencamp - is one of America's most enduring rock icons. This 2CD set captures his formative years under the MainMan label, featuring both his debut album Chestnut Street Incident and the follow-up The Kid Inside, alongside rare bonus material long thought lost.

Why You'll Love It

Includes 10 previously unreleased recordings, the never-before-on-CD US Male EP, and covers of Bowie, Roy Orbison, Ray Charles, Elvis and The Doors. Complete with new sleevenotes and previously unseen imagery from the MainMan archive - essential for any Mellencamp fan or serious rock collector.

Tracklist

CD 1 - Chestnut Street Incident / US Male EP / Out-Takes

1. American Dream
2. Oh Pretty Woman
3. Jailhouse Rock
4. Dream Killing Town
5. Supergirl
6. Chestnut Street
7. Good Girls
8. Do You Believe In Magic?
9. Twentieth Century Fox
10. Chestnut Street Revisited
11. Sad Lady
12. 2000 A.D.
13. Lou-ser
14. Hot Man
15. Kicks (Gulcher Version)
16. Skin It Back (Acoustic Version)
17. The Man Who Sold The World
18. Little Heroes
19. Hit The Road Jack
20. Kicks
21. Jailhouse Rock (Demo Mix)
22. Chestnut Street (Alt. Version #1)
23. Chestnut Street (Alt. Version #2)
24. Sad Lady (Alt. Mix)
25. The Man Who Sold The World (Early Version)
26. Little Heroes (Early Version)

CD 2 - The Kid Inside / Out-Takes

1. Kid Inside
2. Take What You Want
3. Cheap Shot
4. Sidewalks And Streetlight
5. R. Gang
6. American Son
7. Gearhead
8. Young Genocides
9. Too Young To Live
10. Survive
11. Last Of The Big Time Spenders
12. I Need Somebody Baby
13. The Whore
14. When I Was Young
15. Skin It Back (Instrumental)
16. I Just Wanna Be Black
17. Gearhead (Alt. Electric Version)
18. I Need Somebody (Demo Mix)
19. I Just Wanna Be Black (Demo Mix)

Product Details

SOUTHBOUND