Creedence Clearwater Revival 77
A very fine debut album filled with raw energy. The focal point of
this album is the guitar playing of both Fogerty brothers with John
playing some incredibly mesmerizing solos. John Fogerty's
song-writing at this point is very ordinary as there are some good
ideas here which seem to lack some finishing touches. However, this
record is fairly special because except for maybe Suzie Q this album
is somewhat obscure and has a nice psychedelic aura.
Bayou Country 86
This second album definitely opened the world's eyes to Creedence.
Proud Mary is the big single here but Born On The Bayou is the real
gem on this collection. Only five other tunes on this album and
Graveyard Train is a bit to repetitive for me. However, John
Fogerty's song-writing ability takes a big step forward as this record
is a very worthy buy.
Green River 82
The parade of chart topping singles come rolling along here. Bad Moon
Rising, Lodi, and the title track all are winners. The lesser known
tunes are pretty good too. John Fogerty proves to be a voice for the
working people of the United States on the standout Wrote A Song For
Everyone. There is very limited improvisation here as all the songs
are under five minutes and are neatly structured. Whereas I miss this
aspect, Creedence shows that the short structured approach is a fine
alternative.
Willy And The Poor Boys 87
Oh what diversity on this superb collection. Country and Calypso
influences are present here as this band grows even further. They
even do a street corner instrumental jam which has yet to be
duplicated. The political commentary continues as well on Fortunate
Son as John Fogerty lashes out how money influences who lives and
dies. An album that has just about something for everyone.
Cosmos Factory 91
Creedence reaches the top of the Rock N Roll Mountain on this disc.
Whereas John Fogerty is the driving influence at this point in the
band's history, the other band members, especially drummer Doug
Clifford make notable instrumental contributions. The eleven plus
minute version of I Heard Through The Grapevine is simply awesome.
You have short songs, long songs, blues, rock, country, and even an
Elvis cover. The premiere Creedence Album to own.
Pendulum 72
Its phenomenal that a 72 was the low point in this band's original
record collection. Many bands don't reach a 72 for their high!
Anyway, this album stands out as Creedence's Joker because of a weak
guitar sound, some questionably arrangements, and an overuse of the
organ as the dominating instrument. Have You Ever Seen The Rain is a
beautiful song and there are a few other decent songs here as well.
However there is one noise fest (feast ?)of a number in Rude
Awakening #2 which really shows you that song-writing was not at a
premium. Still worthwhile for completists and if you get it cheap.
Mardi Gras 85
This is without a doubt one of the overlooked records in the history
of contemporary music. Tom Fogerty quit the band before this album
and John Fogerty agreed to allow the other band members to write and
sing. Whereas the music influence here is a little to heavily in the
country area, the overall result is quite good. Stu Cook's vocal
abilities due leave alot to be desired but he contributes some nice
tunes particularly Door To Door, an interesting story of the life of
a salesman. Doug Clifford adds some pleasant vocals to his
contributions which have some bouncy rhythms. And John's
contributions are grade A. My main problem with this album is the
song sequence as Sweet Hitch A Hiker, probably the best song on the
album is all the way at the end. Otherwise, there are several spunky
little tunes here which conclude the fine collection of this band.