It's time to get out of your seat and travel to your local music store as quickly as possible because Creedence Clearwater Revival have issued thirty of their singles in a new two-disc box set.
Creedence Clearwater released a number of well produced, creative, commercially successful, and highly enjoyable studio albums during the course of their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career. It was their single releases, however, that initiated and maintained their mass popularity. They placed 19 songs on The American charts from 1968-1972, and they remain some of the best known tracks in rock history. Even casual rock fans are familiar with songs such as “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Down On The Corner,” “Travelin’ Band,” and “Fortunate Son” among many others.
The Singles Collection gathers all of their hits, some B-sides, and even a few rare singles that have faded from history. The album remains true to the intent of the original releases as they retain their original mixes and mostly mono sound.
Early non-charting releases “Porterville” and “Call It Pretending” and late career issues “Revolutions Per Minute” parts one and two are resurrected to bookend the album.
I have always found it amazing that Creedence Clearwater never had a number one hit in The United States. They cracked the top four seven times and reached number two with five of those but the top spot always eluded them.
Still when you listen to their catalog of singles back to back it is one of the most powerful and enjoyable of all time. “Run Through The Jungle,” leads to “Up Around The Bend,” which becomes “Lookin’ Our My Back Door,” and onward to “Sweet Hitch-Hiker.” And that does not even scratch the surface.
There are several nice bonuses included in the set. A four song DVD presents some pre-MTV promotional videos. While Creedence is a band I would rather hear than see, this short set is historically interesting.
Article comments
1 - Jenna
David, fine review and absolutely agree with you - CCR ARE musically thrilling and spectacular. Great lyrics, musicians - one of the v best bands.
Just got in and am tempted to head out again to buy this CCR's Singles Cltn, but will hang on till tomorrow. The compilation CCR Cd I made for our London - Devon car journeys just about done to death, so this flag up is really welcome.
2 - Tony
Hi, David
A nice review indeed! CCR's singles did indeed capture the power and essence of the band
John Fogerty has a keen sense of the power of singles, as in great hooks, straighht-to-the-point lyrics to get your message stated and have the listener wanting more, then get the hell out of there....all in (mostly) under three minutes!
I read somewhere that John once commented "Singles are the only game in town" and on that basis, CCR were among the best players of the game!
Cheers
Tony
3 - JC Mosquito
I recently got a deal at iTunes and downloaded the complete CCR catalog for a fraction of its usual cost. Just a heads up for the thrifty consumer.
4 - David Bowling
I have alot of Creedence on vinyl but you have me curious if I have the whole catalogue?
5 - JC Mosquito
Well, the CD reissues have bonus tracks. As well, I should make a correction, it's studio albums, but not including Mardi Gras, nor the live ones. Still, a pretty good deal for less than ten bucks.