True pop artists with their hearts in the garage, Creedence Clearwater Revival sounds a lot bluesier on their debut than later, more popular singles. Yes, John Fogerty’s yowling style singing can be an acquired taste (especially mixed as high as it is), but there’s no doubting his and his band’s committment to rocking in the most focussed way imaginable and in contrast to the flightier members of the San Francisco scene detailed in extended notes by Rolling Stone Consulting Editor Ralph J. Gleason. Not that the band is immune from the extended jamming prevalent at the time and place, “Suzie Q” lasts almost 9 minutes and features two choral breakdowns and lots of piercing lead guitar (again, very prominently mixed). As with the Velvet Underground or Neil Young, the overall effect is of a rather simple majesty.
This first UK Liberty issue comes from Saturday’s Lyminge Jumble Sale haul and, though I’ve been on the lookout for ever, brings my CCR collection to a precise total of one.
Ekolad
farmerglitch
princeasbo
