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Bayou Country showed the world that Creedence Clearwater Revival was not just another San Fransisco Flower Power Band that would be forgotten a decade later. Much of the raw energy from their debut album carries over to this collection of swampy tunes. In addition, John Fogerty's songwriting abilities are more polished. The lyrics are more descriptive and thought provoking. Whereas musically, the songs are stuck on a few chords at best, John Fogerty did write some amazing hooks particularly on "Born On The Bayou" and the world renowned "Proud Mary". There are only seven songs on this collection and this definitely brings the grade down. Maybe if the band chose two shorter songs as opposed to the repetitive and somewhat annoying Graveyard Train, the grade would be higher.
Born On The Bayou - The opening first note tells me that great things are about to come. Then that mysterious opening riff with the opening drum beats puts me into a frenzy. John Fogerty's voice arrives on the scene pleading with the big man to take him back to his childhood. We have the first guitar solo, captivating yet very focused. John returns with more yearnings for the good old days. At this point, I start to reflect on my childhood. Another strong solo and the song repeats some more. All the while the band is reinforcing the haunting yearning theme. The fade off leaves me wanting more especially with the extra touches Stu Cook and Doug Clifford add. A true classic piece and my number one CCR tune of all!
Bootleg - A nice compliment to the previous number. The tone is definitely more lower keyed. The Fogerty's blend their guitars quite nicely. The words tell you old J.C. was becoming quite a songwriter.
Graveyard Train - Eight minutes of the same bass line and a droning C7 chord is not easy to endure. However, John Fogerty's superb vocal delivery and excellent harmonica playing make this song worth the listen. You have to wonder how this record would have sold with "Bad Moon Rising" and "Sinister Purpose" instead of this number.
Good Golly Miss Molly - On the surface, you would think that this song just doesn't belong! Hey I rhymed! However, J.C.'s swampy guitar licks and Cosmo's driving drumming put some teeth into this Little Richard tune.
Penthouse Pauper - Definitely the second best tune on this record. And boy does it have competition! The changes in rhythm are done masterfully by all especially Stu! But what really grabs me here are J.C.'s delivery of some amazing lyrics. And if they were some ball players Creedence would never be no second string!
Proud Mary - You would have to be living under a pretty big rock not to have heard this tune. The guitars blend in perfect harmony on this one especially during the solo. Whereas Tina Turner's version is interesting in a completely different way, there's nothing quite like the original. Just smooth and easy rolling on a river.
Keep On Chooglin' - This "piece" has without a doubt the best harmonica solo on any Creedence record. The guitar solos and mesmerizing drumming are excellent too. However, there is a limited melody, sparse lyrics, and no chord changes (F7 all the way) throughout. Whereas this number isn't for everyone, it definitely has a place on this album as it further demonstrates that Creedence can make music both short and to the point as well as long with improvisation.
Overall Rating: 9 out of 10
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