Rating: 9 out of 10
It's obvious what this manufacturing plant produces - big hits! The album, which was #1 for 9 straight weeks, spawned 3 Top 5 songs in the US and contains many of Creedence's best-known and most famous tunes. On the popular compilation Chronice: The 20 Greatest Hits, 7 of the 11 tracks are included! The only other album with more than 2 contributions was Green River with 4. This was also CCR's longest album at 43 minutes, largely due to the infamous "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and lesser-known "Ramble Tamble". Most of the other records were less than 35 minutes. John Fogerty's song-writing continues to shine brightly, despite the presence of four songs written by others. In general, the band sounds like they had a great time making this music! The future success of America's favorite band seemed secure...
Ramble Tamble (7:08) - No, this song is not called "Down the Road I Go"! This is really three songs in one, but the first and last are much alike. The frantic opening bit slows down to the extended middle section. I think the gradual evolution of the rhythm is absolutely brilliant, but when it reaches it's peak, the band stays with it for a bit too long. The song finally reverts back to it's beginning for another round of rapid playing by all. This song, lost amidst the countless hits here, doesn't get the respect that it deserves!
Before You Accuse Me (3:23) - The first of the album's four cover songs is perhaps the last blues-type Creedence. Fogerty's skilled guitar playing is backed by delightful piano. I've heard several other versions of this song, but none were this enjoyable!
Travelin' Band (2:05) - CCR's fastest song passes by much too quickly! My mother once asked me why they didn't do more break-neck speed songs when they were so good at it - good question! This also features the first saxophone in any Creedence song, and it blends right into the frantic pace of the other instruments.
Ooby Dooby (2:04) - Another short, fast-paced tune, this time a cover of a Roy Orbison song. Fogerty's rockabily licks and Doug Clifford's rapid drum sequences are magnificent. The late Mr. Orbison surely must have been proud of this tribute.
Lookin' Out My Back Door (2:29) - With such crazy lyrics, I sometimes think Fogerty was on LSD when he wrote this! A very country-influenced single, it has always been one of my favorites. Excuse me while I look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn. (my mother used to think it was "happy preachers dancing all alone"!)
Run Through the Jungle (3:03) - Fogerty gives us another taste of how raspy his voice can be, which wasn't present much on the two previous records. He puts down his guitar for a harmonica (not present in enough songs, in my opinion). A very creepy and heavy song that sounds quite unique (like "Green River").
Up Around the Bend (2:37) - I think this is the perfect song to hear while driving, with it's quick tempo and carefree lyrics. Fogerty's guitar blends in between lines expertly, the rhythm section keeping the pace. The "do do doo do" chant at the fade-off is unique to Creedence - other songs just repeat the chorus over and over.
My Baby Left Me (2:15) - Their take on the Elvis standard shows the band having more fun. I especially like the beginning, with the brief drum and bass solos. Fogerty's vocals are filled with appropriate emotion and tone. The ending is a bit weak and plain though.
Who'll Stop the Rain (2:25) - The first of CCR's famous "rain" song pair. Wars could be started on debates over which is better - I'm staying neutral! Fogerty's anti-war lyrics and Doug Clifford's drumming are both magnificent. In his book of 1000 best singles, rock critic Dave Marsh lists this as #27. Who can argue with that?
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (11:02) - In the same book, Marvin Gaye's original is placed at #1. Come on! This extended cover is hundred of times superior! (MG is rolling over...) The first time I "hoid" the whole thing I fell in love! After Fogerty's angry, gravelly vocals are over, everyone plays phenomenal music during the 6-minute jam, although the last minute of fade-off is kind of boring. A few words can never hope to do justice for this tremendous epic.
Long As I Can See the Light (3:31) - Alas, the slow song curse rears its ugly head yet again. I find the tempo agonizingly drawn out, although the slow sax is soothing and Fogerty's voice and lyrics are powerful as always. Sometimes the truth hurts.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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