Rating: 9 out of 10
These songs were recorded during CCR's September 1971 tour of Europe, when there were only three members (Tom Fogerty had already left). It was released in 1973, after the Breakup. This is a very good demonstration of the band's supreme ability to perform live music, but there are some annoying moments of feedback and muffled guitar throughout. An interesting point - each of the seven studio albums is represented by at least one song! I have basically just given my opinion on the sound and music quality of the performances themselves, noting any changes to the studio recordings (not many!). The times are from the first note to the last, and don't include intervals between songs.
Born On the Bayou (4:35) - An excellent, slightly faster performance of the Creedence classic. The sound is almost identical to the original, except for some subtle, but interesting guitar changes.
Green River/Susie Q (4:10) - I think the muffled guitar suits the mood of the song, unlike some others on the album. After the normal "Green River" fade-off point a nice guitar riff effortlessly transforms the beat to the familiar "Susie Q". A soaring lick finishes off the combined (and all-too-brief) gem.
It Came Out of the Sky (3:05) - John Fogerty informs us that poor Jody bought a stamp collection with his $17 Million! A great rendition of the rollicking tune. The music break in the middle is different and the ending is refreshing.
Door To Doot (1:54) - For some reason (probably because it was written by Stu Cook), this song is not available on the CD version. The song is much clearer, and Stu's voice sounds better than on Mardi Gras, and so this is a far superior recording.
Travelin' Band (2:01) - Very similar to the original, but without the saxophone of course! Good, frantic song.
Fortunate Son (2:24) - Fine performance, but the guitar sounds muffled to me, which disrupts the song.
Commotion (2:19) - Even faster than the original! The instruments all sound great.
Lodi (3:04) - Fogerty finally admits that this is a "sad, sad song about a bad, bad photographer!" Great version, especially the superb vocals. Nice ending guitar licks as well.
Bad Moon Rising (2:02) - Almost identical to the album cut, but again the guitar sounds fuzzy.
Proud Mary (2:45) - Too much audience cheering at the beginning, and the guitar is too rough. Fogerty also plays only every second note during the musical break. The original was much better.
Up Around the Bend (2:38) - I'm sorry I ever heard this performance of one of my favorite songs - the audience interference during the start and especially the middle break is maddening, and I think Fogerty sounds like Axl Rose! The only highlight is the guitar work.
Hey Tonight (2:10) - From my reviews you know that I don't really like the album version, and this is much better because the music isn't as screechy. Also a faster pace and a good ending.
Sweet Hitch-Hiker (2:43) - Another inferior performance, mainly because my favorite part of the song - the guitar lick in the middle - is missing due to the presence of only one guitarist. Nice ending, though, and the crowd still chants "Creedence!" after it.
Keep On Chooglin' (12:13) - This exemplary and extended performance of my favorite Creedence tune surpasses even the infamous "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" is length! I can't believe the band still had this much energy left to play! The first 4 1/2 minutes are quite similar, but then the beat abruptly changes, and we are treated to a slow, 2-minute harmonicanized version of "Pagan Baby" that is worth the cost of the album alone, in my opinion. Then the guitar returns with renewed fury, and veers away from the original numerous times. I'm almost thankful when it ends, because after 12 minutes, I'm exhausted! You have not lived until you've heard this!
Rating: 9 out of 10
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