They cover the Little Richard classic “Good Golly Miss Molly.” John’s vocals can’t hit the high notes, nor does he try, but the low gruff end sounds good, and his guitar replaces Little Richard’s piano.
Another original that sounds like it could have been a cover is the Chicago blues-inspired “Penthouse Pauper.” John’s guitar playing is fantastic as he alternates firing off notes and bending them notes to his will. The song fades out and I am compelled to hit repeat it. This song could not have been too long. Considering I have never heard this song until this assignment, I can only summarize that there has been something wrong with if every single programmer at every single classic rock station I have ever listened to because everyone should know this Creedence song alongside all their other hits. If you don’t, consider your life incomplete.
Creedence takes us down the Mississippi as they tell the classic tale of “Proud Mary.” They take the beginning of this song and do it nice and easy and then do the finish the same way. John’s guitar solo was intended to emulate Steve Cropper of the MGs. The single was the band’s first top ten hit. It was paired with “Bayou Country” and reached #2 on the charts, which is as high as they ever got. In fact they have the most #2 singles of any artist that never had a #1,
The album proper closes with dirty blues rocker “Keep on Chooglin’” that offers some great advice passed on by many musicians over the years, before and after: “You got to ball and have a good time.” While John gets to shine with his great guitar work and harmonica solo, here and throughout, it’s easy to overlook the talents of the rest of the band. They are consistent and unwavering regardless of the song’s length as they allow John to venture out and soak up all the limelight.
Article comments
1 - JANK
For Born On The Bayou alone CCR should be revered. Masterful! There is a subtly at play in the song especially during the bridge with Fogerty's spoken asides and the languid, deceptive way he brings the guitar melody back in before the final chorus.