Classic Rock Album of the Day- Creedence Clearwater Revival- Cosmo Factory (1970) *****
Outside the Beatles, probably not one other band has crowded in such a short period of time such great and amazing songwriting skills and hit making than the iconic band CCR. This band pretty much defined my early teens, as they took good old fashioned rock and roll, a touch of blues, and added a rural sensibility that had massive appeal nation wide. As far as I am concerned Country Music wouldn't sound like it does today without CCR, and to a certain additional degree, The Eagles.
Many of us in this age group spent countless hours singing along with such great tunes that dominated even AM radio at the time. CCR was unique in how it blended, or maybe arguably blurred the lines between genres. The Fogerty Bro's were genius in giving what almost seems to be a soundtrack to the Vietnam War, and phenomenon of hippiedom leaving left the west coast, and permeating into suburban and rural America. And don't get me started on the band's knack for appeal. Hell, even my mother liked this band. How can you not.
I had previously reviewed my favorite CCR LP, Willy and the Poor Boys, and with its subsequent release Cosmo's Factory the band made a massive statement that there would be no lull in their creativity and ability to connect with their fan base. What I love is stylistically these albums are very similar, though enough difference to the tell that the band was still growing in ability. Their music is not complex at all, but with just enough hook, a boatload of soul, and the ability to hit what America wanted at the time? It was just what the doctor ordered. And I am sure you probably know.... Like Willy, there is no filler on this LP. Just classic rock and roll and a sound that has not been replicated on vinyl in heart, soul, and genre bending excellence.
Fun Fact: 6 songs from this LP charted in the Top 5 on the Charts. Amazing. The kind of chart dominance only seen normally by the Beatles.
Side 1-
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Ramble Tamble- Fine rendition of a blend of styles, including Rock-a-billy, blues, and country. Some absolutely beautiful melodic almost psychedelic like dual guitar blending, that only CCR could pull off with success. Their sound had an aura around it, that was magical. The fact that Ramble Tamble wasn't listed a single, (too long?) was incredible. How the song decrescendos while speeding up, and morphing into a country like finish? It was a unique touch. 5
Before You Accuse Me- Maybe the most pure blues number on the LP. Great job, but when you realize how great this song is, and still maybe the weakest song on the album. I'll say it again- Magic. 11
Travelin' Band- Rollicking rocker that gets hit out the park again. This one might have some of Doug Clifford's best drum work, and mashes up with a searing guitar and sax solo mid point. 6
Ooby Dooby- 50's rockabilly cover classic, where the band give homage to their musical roots. Many might not know that CCR's roots go back to the '50's. And they didn't forget that aspect of their repertoire 10
Lookin' Out My Back Door- Band's just showing off at this point, out C & W-ing the best of that genre at the time. 8
Run Through the Jungle- What a great tune. Perfect mix of blues and rock, with a foreboding tone. Some great jamming just south of Grapevine territory. 4
Side 2-
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Up Around the Bend- Great opening riffs that just in their listen harkens me back to 1970. Great Great Rock song. The layered chording John Fogerty is bad ass. Song is as great and fresh as it was 50+ years ago. 1/2 (tie)
My Baby Left Me- Another pure, pure and hard core Rock-a-billy number that sure could have been released as a hit in 1958. Has that "That's Alright Mama" Elvis feel to it. 9
Who'll Stop the Rain- Beautiful, almost ballad like, ultra simply played song, that is highlighted by JF's bellowing voice, with absolute perfection in the harmonies. When I was young, this one was a little too soft for my tastes. In retrospect, and as an older listener.... This song in its essence is genius and one of the best cuts on the album. 1/2 (tie)
Heard it Through Grapevine- Here, the same band that does blues, rockabilly, rock, and country decides to do a masterful rendition of this Motown Hit. This one, and it is long at 11 minutes contains some of the best jamming sessions that the band gave in their brief career. To this day, I got to give props to the Fogerty Brothers, it took balls to do a cover that what really wasn't in a style that they were used to. But honestly their version, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight and the Pips are very different in sound. 3
Long As I Can See the Light- Slow rolling bluesy sax filled ballad. Boots Randolph was popular at the time, and JF did a nice job of capturing the moment in his own unique and spectacular way. Best sax work in their JF's career IMO. 7
Outside the Beatles, probably not one other band has crowded in such a short period of time such great and amazing songwriting skills and hit making than the iconic band CCR. This band pretty much defined my early teens, as they took good old fashioned rock and roll, a touch of blues, and added a rural sensibility that had massive appeal nation wide. As far as I am concerned Country Music wouldn't sound like it does today without CCR, and to a certain additional degree, The Eagles.
Many of us in this age group spent countless hours singing along with such great tunes that dominated even AM radio at the time. CCR was unique in how it blended, or maybe arguably blurred the lines between genres. The Fogerty Bro's were genius in giving what almost seems to be a soundtrack to the Vietnam War, and phenomenon of hippiedom leaving left the west coast, and permeating into suburban and rural America. And don't get me started on the band's knack for appeal. Hell, even my mother liked this band. How can you not.
I had previously reviewed my favorite CCR LP, Willy and the Poor Boys, and with its subsequent release Cosmo's Factory the band made a massive statement that there would be no lull in their creativity and ability to connect with their fan base. What I love is stylistically these albums are very similar, though enough difference to the tell that the band was still growing in ability. Their music is not complex at all, but with just enough hook, a boatload of soul, and the ability to hit what America wanted at the time? It was just what the doctor ordered. And I am sure you probably know.... Like Willy, there is no filler on this LP. Just classic rock and roll and a sound that has not been replicated on vinyl in heart, soul, and genre bending excellence.
Fun Fact: 6 songs from this LP charted in the Top 5 on the Charts. Amazing. The kind of chart dominance only seen normally by the Beatles.
Side 1-
--------------
Ramble Tamble- Fine rendition of a blend of styles, including Rock-a-billy, blues, and country. Some absolutely beautiful melodic almost psychedelic like dual guitar blending, that only CCR could pull off with success. Their sound had an aura around it, that was magical. The fact that Ramble Tamble wasn't listed a single, (too long?) was incredible. How the song decrescendos while speeding up, and morphing into a country like finish? It was a unique touch. 5
Before You Accuse Me- Maybe the most pure blues number on the LP. Great job, but when you realize how great this song is, and still maybe the weakest song on the album. I'll say it again- Magic. 11
Travelin' Band- Rollicking rocker that gets hit out the park again. This one might have some of Doug Clifford's best drum work, and mashes up with a searing guitar and sax solo mid point. 6
Ooby Dooby- 50's rockabilly cover classic, where the band give homage to their musical roots. Many might not know that CCR's roots go back to the '50's. And they didn't forget that aspect of their repertoire 10
Lookin' Out My Back Door- Band's just showing off at this point, out C & W-ing the best of that genre at the time. 8
Run Through the Jungle- What a great tune. Perfect mix of blues and rock, with a foreboding tone. Some great jamming just south of Grapevine territory. 4
Side 2-
------------
Up Around the Bend- Great opening riffs that just in their listen harkens me back to 1970. Great Great Rock song. The layered chording John Fogerty is bad ass. Song is as great and fresh as it was 50+ years ago. 1/2 (tie)
My Baby Left Me- Another pure, pure and hard core Rock-a-billy number that sure could have been released as a hit in 1958. Has that "That's Alright Mama" Elvis feel to it. 9
Who'll Stop the Rain- Beautiful, almost ballad like, ultra simply played song, that is highlighted by JF's bellowing voice, with absolute perfection in the harmonies. When I was young, this one was a little too soft for my tastes. In retrospect, and as an older listener.... This song in its essence is genius and one of the best cuts on the album. 1/2 (tie)
Heard it Through Grapevine- Here, the same band that does blues, rockabilly, rock, and country decides to do a masterful rendition of this Motown Hit. This one, and it is long at 11 minutes contains some of the best jamming sessions that the band gave in their brief career. To this day, I got to give props to the Fogerty Brothers, it took balls to do a cover that what really wasn't in a style that they were used to. But honestly their version, Marvin Gaye, and Gladys Knight and the Pips are very different in sound. 3
Long As I Can See the Light- Slow rolling bluesy sax filled ballad. Boots Randolph was popular at the time, and JF did a nice job of capturing the moment in his own unique and spectacular way. Best sax work in their JF's career IMO. 7