Rating: 10 out of 10
After yet another agonizing ten year absence from the music scene, John Fogerty has finally delivered his long-awaited new album, and Blue Moon Swamp proves to be a deserving product of all that time. The record is nothing short of spectacular - it is definitely his finest solo project, and ranks right up with the greatest Creedence Clearwater Revival albums. Last year, there were rumours that this would be a largely country-rock release, and while there are a few rockabilly tracks, others show clear influences of the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, and even Jimi Hendrix! Of course, there are also trademark swampy Fogerty classics, and some moments that bring back strong memories of CCR. The only minor complaint I have is that almost all of the songs have poor, uninspired endings, but that is typical of Fogerty's solo career. This record is sure to give Fogerty back a lot of the attention he lost after disappearing 10 years ago, and hopefully it will encourage him to begin to release more music on a more rapid pace!
Southern Streamline (3:56) - Fogerty's new album starts out with another of his tributes to trains. This pure rockabilly tune is far superior to "Big Train (From Memphis)", and the slide guitar work (which I usually find annoying) is very well done. I love the tempo changes between verses, and the final chorus just begs to be sung along!
Hot Rod Heart (3:26) - John seems to be obsessed with transportation, as he talks about a big Buick convertible in this one. The song slowly builds with a well-executed crescendo before erupting into the blisting guitar break. This is a great track to blast when you're cruising down the highway yourself!
Blueboy (4:04) - In recent interviews, Fogerty has said that in the past few years, he has improved his guitar work, and this song provides ample proof! This song has the sound of a live take (but probably wasn't), and should be amazing in concert. Forget Ol' Dooley - I could listen to Johnny all night long! "Oooh, let the blueboy play!"
A Hundred and Ten in the Shade (4:19) - This bluesy ballad maintains a slow tempo throughout, which is usually the kiss of death in my mind. However, the emotion in Fogerty's vocals and the nice dobro work (which he perfected over 3 years - it proved time well spent!) make the subdued mood work to perfection. The gospel singers also provide a nice background.
Rattlesnake Highway (4:17) - Surprising as it may sound, this tune owes a lot to Jimi Hendrix! I can hear a lot of his style of guitar playing in the riffs, and Fogerty demonstrates that he too is an axe wiz to be reckoned with! I'm not overly happy with the vocals - he seemed to be trying too hard, but that doesn't matter too much.
Bring It Down to Jellyroll (2:37) - The intro is straight from the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman", and this tune could easily have been found on Exile On Main St., but I don't mind - I love the Stones! This is such a fun and catchy tune that I'm already finding myself singing it all the time! Alas, it is too short, but that's always the case with great tunes.
Walking In a Hurricane (3:41) - The intro to the first single is great, and sounds like it should have come from a heavy metal album, but then the song awkwardly switches to the main melody. Aside from this bizarre contrast, the rest of the tune is straight ahead rock and roll! "I'll go walking in a hurricane" to find this song!
Swamp River Days (3:37) - If "Green River" and "The Old Man Down the Road" gave birth to a child, this would be it! The most Creedence-sounding of all the tracks on Blue Moon Swamp, the rhythm is infectious, and Fogerty manages to capture the swampy feel perfectly.
Rambunctious Boy (3:52) - This song songs remarkably like it was recorded by the Eagles in their infancy, and Fogerty even sounds like Glenn Frey! This could become a hit on country music stations, but there's enough rock infused to keep us C&W phobes happy! I think the tune would have been better if he had ended it on his vocals, but the drum work during the fade keep it interesting.
Joy of My Life (3:52) - A very rare love song, he wrote it for his wife Julie. I expected to dislike this tune, but it is one of my favourites on the record! The basic guitar riff is reminiscent of Exile-era Stones again, and Fogerty sounds very sincere in his vocals. He also shows off his new-found skill at the dobro again.
Blue Moon Nights (2:33) - Another rockabilly track that could have been an outtake from the Blue Ridge Rangers album. It looks like Fogerty is trying his best to please all his different flavour of fans. There's nothing wrong with that, we're the benficiaries of some great music!
Bad Bad Boy (4:27) - John decides to end off the album with a hard rocker that once again showcases his improved guitar talents. The vocals and lyrics take a back seat here, and I wish the ending licks would go on for twice as long! Fogerty has said that this will be a great live song at his concerts. You say you don't care for this track? "Shame on you! Shame on you!"
Rating: 10 out of 10
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