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Willy and the Poorboys - another lyrical masterpiece from John Fogerty, but the music on this album just isn't as good as Green River on the whole. However, Doug Clifford continues his emergence as a superb drummer, foreshadowing the brilliance of his work on the next album, named after him. We also see the first Fogerty-penned instrumentals on this album. One interesting thing is how symmetric the two sides of the album are. What I mean is that the first song on each side is a hit single, the second is f ast paced with country tinges, the third is a folk song, the fourth is instrumental, and the fifth is long and slow.
Down on the Corner - A superb tale that showcases the CCR rhythm section. I doubt any other song can capture the essence of a street corner band like this one. Obviously a great choice to lead off the album. The lyrics flow together like they were meant for each other.
It Came out of the Sky - If you want to jam, listen to the version of this song on Live in Europe. Unfortunately John's lead guitar is turned down and twanged up on the studio version. It's a good thing John made the first four songs "fun" songs, because the rest of the album is gloom and doom! Lots of historical references snuck into a funny song.
Cotton Fields - A superb version of a traditional song.
Poorboy Shuffle - John (or Willy) showcases his talent on harmonica while Tom, Stu and Doug (Poorboy, Blinky, and Rooster) follow along on a kalamazoo(what?), gut bass, and washboard. CCR is a street corner band, for one song at least!
Feelin' Blue - Not one of my favorite CCR songs, but still interesting. The guitar and vocals by John are quite distinctive. I don't know who's supposed to be feeling blue here, but apparently they are a deep shade if "up in a tree, there's a rope a hangi n' just for me."
Fortunate Son - I just continue to like this song more and more every time I hear it. John's vocals are incredible and sincere, and you just know he means what he's saying, unlike some rock stars who pretend to engage in "rich bashing." The furious vocals are driven along by Doug and Stu's pounding rhythm, and John's guitar licks, while short, are poignant and well placed.
Don't Look Now - John gets out his crystal ball and looks toward a cloudy future in this song, seeing how people expect someone else to carry the load. Not one of my favorite songs musically but the lyrics save the day.
The Midnight Special - I have always wondered why people like this song so much, and I still haven't really found the answer. Why would a radio staion rather play this than "Commotion", "Bootleg", or "Someday Never Comes"? I guess it's just a traditional song t hat everyone knows, and of course CCR does a bang-up job, as with all of their covers. The vocals are a little irritating at times though.
Side O' the Road - Stu Cook really gets a workout on this number, playing the deep rhythm. John showcases his considerable guitar talent, which he is often maligned for.
Effigy - I still haven't really convinced myself of what this song is about, but I like it nonetheless. Very good guitar work and drumming. For some reason I compare this song to "Hotel California", but with worse singing. I wish it wouln't have the world's longest fadeout though! That guitar should be full volume all the way!
Overall Rating: 8.25 out of 10
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