Disco de Creedence Clearwater Revival: “Chronicle”

I bought this CD half-heartedly, just for old time's sake, apprehensive that the music might have gone stale. Wow! I couldn't have been more wrong! All the old magic is still there, but the sound captivated me more than most contemporary rock. I now realize how unique this band was and that there has been nothing even vaguely similar on the radio for many years now. Their songs are powerful, melodic, soulful and captivating, perfectly delivered by that VOICE (John Fogerty) and the harmony vocals. There's the wistful yearning of Have You Ever Seen The Rain, the spooky unease of Bad Moon Rising and the funky, bluesy rendition of I Heard It Through The Grapevine. There's also the catchy Down On The Corner with its swaying rhythm. Every one of these songs is a winner, but I must point out my other favourites like Proud Mary, Hey Tonight, Up Around The Bend and of course the divine Lodi, a lament of a disillusioned rocker on the road. 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 early 70s. This is the most authentic rock 'n roll you'll ever get.

No anthology can really do justice to CCR. Like The Beatles, Stones, Who or any other band from that era, CCR is best appreciated by a quartet of classic albums; Bayou Country, Green River, Willie & The Poorboys and Cosmos' Factory. Still, this is a great overviw of the band's essential singles and album tracks. What's missing are some important songs (Effigy, the scorching version of Good Golly Miss Molly and It's Just a Thought among many others) but hardly essential for the novice or casual CCR fan.

This fine collection's flaw is the sound quality. The original mastertapes sound like they weren't used on some of these tracks. The entire CCR catalog (with the exception of Live Europe which is available as part of the boxed set)has been remastered with stunning results. The sound quality here is tinny and flat by comparison. The "sound" of any CCR recording is as essential as the song itself and, in that regard, this collection is definitely lacking.

John Fogerty's songs have stood the test of time. Born on The Bayou, Down on the Corner, Who'll Stop The Rain and many of his other songs still retain the freshness they had decades ago. Hopefully Fantasy will remaster this collection. I'd recommend purchasing the quartet of albums mentioned previously. Additionally, Fogerty's first solo album (entitled John Fogerty)and available as an import has a number of moments equal to his best CCR songs. In fact, most of Fogerty's solo recordings although not as essential as CCR, are important and strong albums (the exception is the misguided Eye of the Zombie).

This disc contains EVERY single that charted (including b-sides) during CCR's brief career. As such, it makes it an indispensable part of any serious music fan's collection. Beginning with their first million-seller "Susie-Q (Part I)" through their 11-minute version of the Motown classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (released in 1976, three years after the breakup of the band, when it peaked at No. 43), CCR put out a string of hits unparalleled by any other artist of the era. With John Fogerty's gift of melding a variety of influences into a truly American brand of rock 'n' roll, coupled with his signature guitar sound and smooth as sandpaper vocals, CCR produced such classics as "Proud Mary," "Green River" and "Travelin' Band." Although CCR never had a No. 1 single, they did reach the No. 2 spot five times. In addition, eleven of their singles sold more than a million copes and five sold over two million! As further testimony to their popularity, CCR did something few bands other than the Beatles had accomplished--many of their b-sides also charted, including "Lodi" (No. 52), "Commotion" (No. 30), "Fortunate Son" (No. 14), "Who'll Stop the Rain" (No. 13), "Run Through the Jungle (No. 48), "Long As I Can See the Light" (No. 57--it went to No. 20 in the UK!), and "Hey Tonight" (No. 90). If you're going to own only one CCR album, this is it. Chronicle Two contains no hits, but plenty of strong album tracks (including part II of "Susie-Q"). ESSENTIAL

What can I say?. Creedence Clearwate Revival are rock and roll gods. This 20 song collection has the best of the best all put together. One rocking ride from start to finish. Many people have called this southern fried rock band the 'Backwoods Beatles'. They couldn't be more correct. Lead singer and writer John Fogerty is a genius. He was the master at crafting hook filled rock songs. "Proud Mary", "Born On The Bayou", "Bad Moon Rising" and others are pure rock and roll classics. There are other tracks on here that were hits, but not as well known or as often played. Those songs being "Commotion", "Sweet Hitchhiker",

"Hey Tonight", and "Lodi". Fogerty's voice had a very distinct wail to it. You instantly knew who it was when they started singing. His guitar playing is nothing short of brilliant, Yet, he never gets the credit for it that he deserves. There's even a nice remake of Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". I think Marvin would be pleased. Volume 2 of hits is great as well, but does not feature as much essential material. This album is for rock and roll lovers. Because this is, pure and simple, real rock and roll. A band with great music to be treasured for years and years to come.

My father is not a huge fan of rock and roll. He is an avid jazz fan who sees rock as a simplified form of his favorite genre. My father loves CCR. I remember the first time he played this compilation, and sitting amazed as I listened to John Fogerty send forceful grit flying from the speakers. To me, no American band can match Creedence Clearwater Revival's groove, melody or intensity. This collection provides 20 examples of their fine work.

CCR is perhaps the most concise band in history. The vast majority of the songs on this album clock in at under three minutes, yet never suffer from underdevelopment. It's been said that great bands build their style around their limitations, and CCR embodies this doctrine fully. Nearly every song begins with an insanely catchy, simple riff, while the rhythm section pounds out a tight groove, waiting for John Fogerty to command the world to listen to him. With the exception of the extended piece, "I Heard It Through The Grape Vine," the songs never stray from these basic elements, and that's a good thing.

Most of the songs here are justifiably common fare on classic rock radio, but these songs are so raw and elementally good that I will never tire of hearing them. Fogerty is a tremendous lyricist, and his topics range from love to life on the river to politics without ever sounding like products of their times. There is no pretention, no attempt at stardom, nothing trite in these songs, just the gritty sound of honest Americans. CCR shares stylistic element with the Rolling Stones, but to me is the far better band, obtaining a more serious, intense sound.

This album is probably the best compilation I have heard, and an excellent introduction to this truly classic band.