Rating: 9.5 out of 10
With the breakthrough single "Proud Mary", this was the album that opened the world's eyes to Creedence Clearwater Revival. People experienced a taste of Creedence that was still raw with energy. John Fogerty's songwriting was showing improvement, but the music was still centerstage, culminating in the electrifying anthem "Keep On Chooglin'". The swampy, southern sound belied the band's California roots, and Bayou Country was the ideal name for this collection of songs. Creedence proved with their sophomore effort that they would be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
Born On the Bayou (5:12) - Vintage Creedence, and one of the group's signature songs. Fogerty's voice is harsher than sandpaper and the guitar breaks are just as powerful, if not very flashy. The rhythm section provide excellent support, as usual.
Bootleg (2:59) - You'd think this gritty little tune was called "Boolay"! I particularly love the beginning of the break in the middle - very evocative and emotional, as well as the up-beat fade-off. Are we certain they weren't from Louisiana?
Graveyard Train (8:34) - Honestly, I find this song too long, too slow, and too repetitive. Hearing the same beat and bass line for eight minutes can get boring. Having said that, there are several redeeming aspects - an excellent harmonica break in the middle, and the lyrics tell one of the scariest tales in rock - rivaling "Hotel California". I'll probably be turned to stone for saying unflattering things! Take me to the station!
Good Golly Miss Molly (2:39) - A rollicking take on the Little Richard classic. Fogerty demonstrates his rapid guitar-playing skill, and Doug Clifford gets a workout on the skins! A good time had by all, but this charged tune seems almost out of place considering the rest of the album!
Penthouse Pauper (3:36) - For a while I couldn't believe John Fogerty had actually written this! I felt that the lyrics were akin to something an old blues master would sing, but the song almost rocks too hard to considered a full-blown blues tune. I'm not complaining, though! Let's go, Stu and Cosmo!
Proud Mary (3:05) - Arguably the most recognizable CCR song in the world, and later butchered mercilessly by Tina Turner. Fogerty's lyrics suggest additional song-writing excellence in the future, and this was perhaps the first "mellow" CCR tune. And remember, the words "working", "burning", and "turning" shalt henceforth be pronounced "woikin", "boinin", and "toinin".
Keep On Chooglin' (7:40) - Where do I begin? First off I'll concede that this is my favourite Creedence song of all (but every one is excellent in some way). But why? Is it the searing guitar riffs that always send me into a frenzy, or the superb harmonica interlude, or John's occasional primal screaming, or the fact that the song never lets up it's pure rocking atmosphere, or the stupendous, raw ending? All the above. 'Nuff said.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
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