The great, ageless roots rocker John Fogerty — singer, songwriter, lead guitarist and producer of Creedence Clearwater Revival — is back with his most iconic album since the days of Creedence, as accessible as Centerfield but much more timely and pointed. On this one Fogerty makes it clear he has Something to Say.
Déjà Vu All Over Again, the album, opens with "Déjà Vu (All Over Again)," the song, an acoustic guitar and backbeat folk-rocker evocative sonically and thematically of his anti-Vietnam War classic "Who'll Stop the Rain," holding the current troubled times up to the mirror of our Southeast Asian adventure and finding disconcerting similarities:
"One by one I see the old ghosts rising
Stumblin' cross Big Muddy
Where the light gets dim
Day after day another Momma's crying
She's lost her precious child
To a war that has no end"
Once again, Fogerty wants the rain stopped. Though undeniably political and topical, Fogerty is the kind of artist who paints a picture universal enough to touch pro- and anti-war partisans alike: who cannot feel a parent's anguish at the loss of a child? Who doesn't feel the stab in their secret heart of war without a clear path to resolution?
After this cautionary rumination, Fogerty moves into a sprightly, infectious pop-rocker that draws equally from Southern soul and country to create an absolutely irresistible confection, "Sugar, Sugar," balancing the encroaching shadow of "Déjà Vu" with sweet light.
Fogerty and band — Kenny Aronoff on drums, Paul Bushnell bass — rip through riff-rocker "She's Got Baggage," and frankly, at his age who doesn't? not that you could tell from the youthful energy of the song or Fogerty's undiminished, inimitable voice. "Radar" returns Fogerty to his psychic ancestral home, the swampy South, for an organ and chanted singalong number worthy of the Sir Douglas Quintet.
Article comments
1 - Sean
Damn, linked to by Instapundit yet no comments yet. Olsen has apparently said all that need be said.
I should add, for some reason, that I have lived in both Porterville and Lodi.
2 - Sean
Yet still no comments yet still no comment yet still.
3 - Eric Olsen
Thanks Sean, so what do you think of the album? Or of Fogerty? Or of Creedence? Waht do you think about his participation in the Springsteen pro-Kerry tour?
4 - Eric Olsen
It's always suprising how few comments most music posts - especially reviews - get.
Why do you think that is?
5 - Sean
Eric, I haven't listened to the album yet but am always interested in what Fogerty does. And Creedence? Come on, Who doesn't love CCR? I grew about 20 miles from El Cerritos, which is where CCR came from. And my older brothers used to play them when I was a kid back in the early 70's so I grew up on them. In my opinion, they are one of the essential forefathers of one of the only musical movements worth a damn these days, "alt.country," "Americana," or "roots" music, whatever you call it. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
About the politics, I suppose given that one of Fogerty greatest compositions "Fortunate Son" says pretty much all that need be said about the unfairness of and resentments caused by the draft or the Vietnam War, his support for Kerry is kind of a natural fit. I used to be pretty far left myself. Springsteen's politics have always been obvious to anyone who bothered to listen. Though as "the little guy" with my one puny vote (neutralized, incidentally, by my staunchly Republican wife) I kind of resent performers trying to have disproportionate influence on the outcomes of elections--and yes I also resent the influence of corporations and most PAC's.
So, long story short, I'm happy to see Fogerty out there making music. Makes me feel not quite my 36 years.
As for your other question, I think it's probably because most people don't have anything intelligent or insighful to add. Rock music is not really an intellectual artform, it's visceral so it's not surprising that few people are able to articulate themselves on the "why's" and "how's" of it. Just a thought.
By the way, I've been reading your reviews for a while now and admire just how prolific and interesting your reviews are. You are quite the polymath!
6 - godoggo
I went to college with a guy who claimed to be the third fastest beer drinker in Lodi.
7 - Chuck
Fogerty has always been one of my favorite music artists. However, his politics suck, and he just doesn't take the time to find out what's going on. My better favorite is Lynard Skynard, now these guys were tough!
Chuck
8 - Eric Olsen
thanks Sean, I appreciate the kind words.
Chuck I agree that what I've heard of his politis are simplistic, but at least he handles it musically like an artist, speaking to universal feelings and situations rather than pinning it down to specifics and demonizing individuals like so many are now doing
9 - Thad Anderson
"However, his politics suck, and he just doesn't take the time to find out what's going on."
John Fogerty's politics "suck"? John Fogerty's been writing songs about "what's going on" since long before our current President showed any interest in politics.
I take it you are against blue-collar workers ("The Working Man"), against the civil rights movement ("Wrote a Song for Everyone"), for a prolonged Vietnam War ("Who'll Stop the Rain"), and for Washington insiders getting special treatment from the draft board and at tax time ("Fortunate Son").
10 - southerner
For chrissakes, it's Lynyrd Skynyrd. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF IT.
11 - southerner
And might I add the irony of listening to "Nobody's Here Anymore" after buying this album from the iTunes Music Store and downloading it to my iPod.
Guess technology can't be all bad.
12 - Endicott
A fine review, I bought the album last week and it's quite good. Fogerty was on PBS's Austin City Limits the other night and did a wonderful set. His politics? Seems to be a very common-sense fellow and I don't think he's inclined to comment publicly on issues unless he's really, really moved by something he sees and then just has to get it out of his system. Look at the huge catalog of his work and see how little of it is political comment. Granted, a ton of cultural comment, but political, no, he doesn't use his position to preach. Good album, don't miss it.
13 - Eric Olsen
thanks Endicott, much appreciated, I don't tink people would be particularly noticing his "political" content - really just the title track on this album, and that is more observational than partisan - if it weren't for his appearance on the Springsteen tour, which IS overtly political
And good point about "Nobody's Here Anymore," Southerner - we're discussing it on the Internet as well. I think the Internet is a wonderful communcation tool, but like anythign else it can be used as a substitute for "real life," and as such be a pernicious influence.