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Creedence Clearwater Revival reached the peak of the Rock Music World with their fifth release, Cosmo's Factory. This album contains the top selling singles "Travelin' Band", "Up Around The Bend", and "Looking Out My Back Door". In addition, the band's creative abilities hit new highs especially with their 11:05 minute version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". Although John Fogerty still was the main attraction in the band, the other members contributions were much more heavily felt, especially those of drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford. A classic recording that sadly would never be duplicated by this band again!
Ramble Tamble - Superb guitar riffs open this multi- theme piece. A driving drum beat and rapid fire vocals join in the fray. Stu Cook adds a gorgeous bass run and the band falls into the second theme. Here the band jams on a slower more introspective melody. A piano run joins the solid rhythm section. John's solo is nice but repetitive after a while. Perhaps if he varied the solo some more with rapid fire licks this piece might've attracted more attention. Finally we return to the original theme with the rapid fire vocals and intense bass riffs. Finally a solid ending to a great piece of music!
Before You Accuse Me - A low key blues tune. Some nice piano rolls (Tom or John?) compliment the guitars very nicely. Nice finishing drum roll. Good but not up to Eric Clapton's version.
Travelin' Band - Now that's World Class Speed! The debut of the Creedence Horns fits in nicely on this track. Cosmo's drumming drives the song!
Oooby Dooby - Crank the engine! Cosmo is driving the train on this one too! J.C.'s vocal and guitar fit in just fine. Bass run at end completes this perfect cover. Roy Orbison must be giving Creedence the high sign up in heaven.
Looking Out My Backdoor - A nice flavoring of country music. Amusing lyrics set to well crafted music. The guitar solo is on the money and Cosmo's touches are fine too. The changes in tempo at the end make this song my number two Creedence song of all. Some days it is even number one!
Run Through The Jungle - A nice creepy introduction gets me wondering what's on the loose? It's the devil of course. The lyrics further paint a scary scene. Harmonica blasts further enhance the mood. Repeating the opening theme for the close is a brilliant idea. You know you're listening to a great album when this song is among the weakest tracks!
Up Around The Bend - A striking intro, focused lyrics, sharp guitar solo, steady rhythm section, and a superb fade off. Now that's my ticket for a top selling single! Thank you John C. Fogerty.
My Baby Left Me - Opening drum and bass solos add a great opening touch here. Then John breaks into this Elvis tune that would make the King proud. Brief and to the point.
Who'll Stop The Rain? - Where do these great songs end? Beautiful lyrics complimented by a superb rhythm section.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Maybe Marvin Gaye did this song first. But after hearing this searing version I think Creedence Clearwater Revival should be given complete ownership of this song by the Proclamation of Good Music Taste! The guitar solos before the last bit of vocals are executed with ultimate precision. The backing vocals (Sounds like Stu) add to the creepy feeling that everyone knows that you're going to get dumped! The final six minutes of jamming is among the best instrumental passages on a studio recording anywhere! Everybody contributes greatly here but I listen to Cosmo the most on this piece. Not a wasted second on this epic!
Long As I Can See The Light - A very steady performance. John's vocals are extremely well done as he tells his woman, "I'll be coming home soon when you show me you care." The saxophone and organ enhance the mood further. Those primal screams of "Oh Yeah" before the last verse are a great moment in rock. Cosmo's drumming is solid throughout but especially on the last verse. My number three all time Creedence tune!
Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10
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