Creedence Clearwater Revival - Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits
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Free Music Notes for Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits
Free Music Review: Music is back
Hit: 5 Stars
Music is Back
" Someone told me long ago, there's a calm before the storm, I know; it's been coming for some time," as John Fogerty once said in one of his many songs. Credence Clearwater Revival listed their greatest hits in one cd, which was called Chronicle Volume 1. This release has succeeded in the past; it might have a tremendous impact with all the fans.
This rock and roll CD has numerous songs that made history during the 60's and 70's. Even though these songs are old they have never gone out of style. The way in which the songwriter composed the songs, using new techniques makes it hard to classify them as "old." Credence was often compared to other big groups such as The Beetles and the Rolling Stones. This cd completes all the requests from fans and they are always looking for good quality. Their music continues to influence today's youth because older music is returning and is sometimes used in films.
The way in which they played the guitar and the way the vocalist showed his dedication in his songs made me feel like a watching them live. Their songs made me remember my childhood and everything that was happening to me as I was growing up. After listening to them over and over again I felt as if I could relate to them and their songs. It gave me a sense of confidence and comfort when I listened to their lyrics. I feel a bigger connection with them because they transmit more emotions than any other group under the same genre.
One of the songs that works the best is "Have you ever seen the rain;" this song makes me remember the things that were going on around me. There's a specific line in the song that gives me hope to go on when I'm having problems: "When it's over, so they say, it'll rain a sunny day," shows that there is always a better day. The song Up around the bend lets a person's imagination fly to a different world. "Fix your mind on a crystal day, always time for a good conversation, there's an ear for what you say." "We are going up around the bend."
The track that least grabbed my attention was "Déjà Vu" (all over again), because it's not a song that I expected from the songwriter. Perhaps something more is missing in order for it to appeal more to me. The song was more complicated to understand because it lacked examples of what he was feeling or what things he had already experienced. "Day by day I hear the voices rising, started by a whisper like it did before: day by day we count the dead and dying, ship the bodies home while the networks all keep score," this song is not clear to what situation he is referring to, which makes it harder to understand. And the song is very confusing with the words that he decided to use.
The people who will buy this cd are those who are true fans of rock and roll and the history that Credence has given in many of their releases. I am one of those fans that found all of the songs very pleasing with all the good work in this material. My prediction is that their music will live forever because it's the history of many people and they will be here to stay today and tomorrow.
Many people have said, " This collection is as golden as golden can be - brilliant , emotionally captivating songs infused with gritty soul that have not merely survived the decades but shine as brightly now as in the late 60s and 70s. This is the most authentic rock 'n roll you'll ever get." they will soon be ready for their new release. A lot of their fans will continue to love their music and make lots of noise just like today. The audience and all the true fans will expand their music to many places. And they will make it grow in every single place on earth.
Free Music Review: The Dude Abides
Hit: 5 Stars
By 1970, rock 'n roll in it's purest form was on the verge of joining the endangered species list. Granted, the term had become much more inclusive by then, referring to more or less the entire spectrum of pop music, epitomized by The Beatles in the UK and The Beach Boys in the US. The grittier, less refined elements which had defined the rock music of the 50s and 60s had become less prominent, but it was not ready to fade away just yet. It still had two very popular bands as proponents. In England, that band was The Rolling Stones. In America, it was Creedence Clearwater Revival.
CCR was from the San Fransico area, but their sound was hardly indicative of this (nor were their haircuts or wardrobes). A few of their first singles - covers of "Susie Q" and "I Put A Spell On You" - contained a few psychedelic flourishes, and big hits like "Fortunate Son" and "Who'll Stop The Rain?" tapped into the protest mentality of the late 60s. But John Fogerty and company were not ones to wear flowers in their hair. Musically, Fogerty's vocals and guitar bore no trace of his California origins, and drew instead from the swamp, country, and rockabilly sounds of the American South and the heartland. Although this was hardly the formula for cool in the age of flower power, Creedence collected seventeen top 40 hits in a mere five years.
Chronicle Vol. I contains all twenty of their top 100 chart entries, thirteen of which made the top ten, among which there is not a single #1 (CCR's seven biggest hits all reached #2). All of the classics that are familiar to anyone who has spent more than a day in America are there, as are less familiar classics such as the country-flavored "Lodi" and "Lookin' Out My Back Door", the sweet pop tunes "Hey Tonight" and "Sweet Hithchiker", the inspired rock of "Commotion" and "Run Through the Jungle", and the plaintive closer "Someday Never Comes". Also featured are the band's versions of "Susie Q" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". The former is certainly worthy of inclusion, but fans wanting a concise and complete collection would have been better served if "Born On the Bayou" were in the place of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". Granted, the latter was released as a single to coincide with the 1976 pressing of Chronicle, after the band broke up, but two things: 1)This song is not most famously associated with Creedence, and 2)This version is 11 minutes long. Sure, "Born On the Bayou" was not a chart single, but it is one of their best and most enduring tunes, as well as the one that first defined CCR's unique sound. But it is a rule of compilations that they fall just short of being perfect. Thankfully, this unfortunate omission is included on Chronicle Vol. II, which is a fine collection itself, and further evidence that Fogerty was a well-oiled songwriting machine who was rarely low on steam.
Strangely, the legacy of Creedence Clearwater Revival has not been quite as durable as that of The Byrds or The Beach Boys. They surely influenced a number of subsequent bands, but their name is not dropped as often, and they are not very closely associated with a particular style of modern music, like The Byrds are with jangle pop. They probably got a bit of a boost when they were touted as The Dude's favorite band in the 1998 movie "The Big Lebowski", but other than that, Creedence's cred is minimal. But as Bruce Springsteen said when he spoke at CCR's Hall of Fame induction, "they weren't the hippest band in America, just the best". Listen to Chronicle Vol. I, and you'll find it tough to argue with The Boss.
Free Music Review: It Ain't Me-It Ain't Me-I Ain't No Fortunate Seer.........
Hit: 5 Stars
Many people don't know that your illustrious Seer was born on the bayou. Totally true story. I am the 7th son born on the 7th month on the 7th day at the 7th hour. My Metamama cried when I was born "This one will be a hellraiser-Oh Lordy!". But, as all my dedicated fans know by now- she was wrong. I am a heaven-raiser- and hopefully a good one at that. Still- it took alot of side-stepping to get out of that swamp to become the Seer that you all know and love today. Being reflective takes hard work- and ambition. Sort of like Creedence - my home town boys. At least my Metamama liked them. Why shouldn't she? They weren't related. :)
What I really loved about Creedence is that they defied the conventions of their time. While others tended towards studio production lucidity - Creedence decided to keep it raw and real. There is no mystery to the sound here. It is straight ahead swamp rock-blues power packed into mostly a 3 minute window. How they were able to do this with so much economy is discussed - even today- amongst erudite Seer circles. But, they did it and, as simple as it was, it works- song after song after song. Everyone of these songs is memorable - and competent. Are they the greatest musicians that ever lived? No. But did they know how to do things right for them? Definitely. And I think that is why, in large part, that they created the legacy that they did.
You can see the progression in these tunes. Not in leaps and bounds - but subtle as you proceed. "Suzie Q" and "I Put a Spell On You" are rough takes - but it is that undeniable quality that propels these songs to swamp magic. They get a little better as we go along in production - but not by much. Why spoil the formula? "Proud Mary" with that simple strumming riff. It's so elementary but so alluring. And I don't believe Creedence ever copied from another song. Each one was totally original by itself. You could have a song with a blistering, intense lead like "Travelin' Band" and then one with a slow, bluesy feel like in "Long As I Can See the Light". Everything here borrows from different genres - blues, country, southern streetcorner sounds, sweeping bayou intonations, rock and roll intensity. It is the feel of the songs that is so real. They do not compromise and include alien instruments. No. This c.d. is very real and this band is what I'd like to hear when I go down to the local bar for a beer. Uncomplicated and great!
I could give you a run-down of all the songs included here. But it would prove nothing. If you haven't heard these songs somehow since they were released then someone in your life has been negligent. Perhaps you! And, if so, emergency therapy is needed. I could do it - but be forewarned- a small charge will be excised. Get this. Creedence - a legendary pure American rock band. So classic- and so good to hear after all the overly-produced stuff from the last 30-40 years.
Gotta go. I hear the phone ringing and it's probably Metamama calling to wish her son happy holidays. That, and to chide me, yet again, for not joining Creedence way back then when they asked me. With parents there just are some things they never let you forget. Oh well.....
And I wonder, still I wonder - Who'll stop the Metamorpho?
Free Music Review: music that stands the test of time with a vengeance
Hit: 5 Stars
Creedence Clearwater Revival made so much good music that they could never put all their best hits on just a single CD; their fans will be happy to know that there's a second Chronicle CD with hits as well as quite a few more CDs of their tunes to boot! John Fogarty's vocals are never less than perfect--and wow, how he could write a song! Creedence Clearwater Revival performed with a style and a sound all their own; and their music sounds just as good today as it did when it was originally released. In addition, the quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and that artwork is very well done.
"Susie Q" starts the album with a great number; these guys do this without ever missing a beat! The music is great for dancing or listening even today; and that's terrific! The band also does an outstanding cover of "I Put a Spell on You;" they put their stamp on this number by changing some of the keys and adding a few subtle tempo changes during the song. "I Put a Spell on You" is awesome! "Proud Mary" is one of their best ever; and I could never tire of hearing Creedence Clearwater Revival perform this number without ever letting go of a single superfluous note! "Proud Mary" is a major highlight of this CD.
"Bad Moon Rising" gets its strength from fine music and singing; I really like this tune and it deserves its place on this album. "Green River" features the band in their natural element--singing and playing great rock and roll music with maybe just a little touch of country in that guitar arrangement. "Green River" rocks! "Down on the Corner" was always one of my favorite numbers by this group; this leaves nothing to be desired--the music is all THAT good. In addition, listen for the classic, ferocious "Fortunate Son;" what a great tune! Creedence Clearwater revival really shows them how it's done with numbers like these.
"Travelin' Band" has a great beat that rocks hard; and there's yet another jewel in "Who'll Stop the Rain." "Who'll Stop the Rain" has a masterful arrangement and this is Creedence Clearwater Revival at their finest. "Up Around the Bend" is another rockin' tune; and I really like "Lookin' out My Back Door." Great!
"Long as I Can See the Light" has a most sensitive arrangement that works wonders for this ballad; and there's quite a strong, memorable rendition of "I Heard It through the Grapevine." "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" impresses me greatly; they bat this straight out of the ballpark! "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" really rocks great and the CD ends strong with Creedence Clearwater Revival doing "Someday Never Comes." "Someday Never Comes" blows my mind and it leaves me wanting more!
Creedence Clearwater Revival will always be one of the very best rock bands ever; and albums like this one prove it. This is a must-have for their fans; and anyone just discovering their artistry would do well to add this CD to their collections. This is rock and roll in all its glory, occasionally mixed with awesome rockabilly and/or Southern rock. It just doesn't get better than this.
Free Music Review: Rock 'n Roll, Blues and Country Influenced - and fun too!
Hit: 5 Stars
My first introduction to CCR was "Cosmos Factory", released in the dark ages of 1970. What a great introduction to CCR. Fully 7 of the 11 songs from that album are represented on this collection of greatest hits. CCR released 7 original albums, and though "Chronicle" includes 20 songs from those albums, someone later decided to release a "Chronicle II" that included another 20 CCR songs, including two more of the "Cosmos Factory" songs.CCR had a very unique sound, owing in part to John Fogerty's unusual, yet very listenable, voice. CCR has been called rockabilly by some, but I prefer to see CCR as part of the diversification of rock music that led to the popularity of groups such as The Eagles. Yes, there is some influence of what was once known as Hillbilly or bluegrass, but there is just as much influence from rock and roll and country. There may even be a flavor of folk music.
Sometimes the music sounds almost like classic rock and roll, as you listen to songs such as "Proud Mary". Other times the sound is almost contemporary with the early 70s in songs like "Who'll Stop the Rain". Other times the music seems to transcend all genres in songs like "Up Around the Bend", which starts out like a hard rock song, and then reveals a country base in the harmonies and the lyrics.
Then there are blues-influenced songs like "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and "I Put a Spell on You". "Run through the jungle has influences that might remind you of Jimi Hendrix, yet blues are also evident. The lyrics will recall images of the Viet Nam war. Another Viet Nam war related song is "Fortunate Son".
Occasionally CCR's lyrics create odd mixtures. "Looking Out My Backdoor" has lyrics that would fit well with many of the psychedelic songs of the era, yet is played with a country-rock style. These contradictions are part of what made CCR are great and novel group.
I enjoy music that creates a trend, without trying to do so. A true artist is one who does what they want to do for themselves. When they become successful, that is fine, but they do so on their own terms. CCR was such a group. This CD collects some of their better known songs, and is a great addition to any collection. However, please keep going after you've bought this one. You will find that there is a lot of good music left on their albums. Enjoy!