And if you really want anger, and want to hear what John Fogerty would sound like auditioning for the Ramones, give a listen to "I Can't Take It No More." It's your basic scream of rage at George Bush, telling him that he (the singer) can't take any more of his lies, and calling him on how his daddy bought him his deferment from the Vietnam war and he's just another spoiled brat.
Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the great pure rock and roll bands of the late '60s and early '70s, with a unique and instantly identifiable sound. When John Fogerty went off on his solo career, it turned out that sound was his. (He even went to court to prove it when a former record company accused him of plagiarizing from one of his songs that they owned). But on his new recording, not only has he proven that at 62 he's still a mighty force to be reckoned with, he also has some new tricks up his sleeve musically.
John Fogerty's Revival disc is an amazing release. There's enough of his old sound for people to recognize him, but they'll sure do some double takes at some of the songs. No matter how you look at it (or listen to it, I suppose), it's the best rock and roll release I've heard in years.
Article comments
1 - Jon Sobel
I might just have to buy this on the strength of your review! It's interesting that you found the politically directed anger surprising, though... remember "Fortunate Son?" That was a very angry anti-war song, and could have been written just for Shrub!
2 - JC Mosquito
Just caught Fogerty on Letterman - yep - might have to buy this one too. He looks & sounds just like... John Fogerty - go fig.
3 - John Tonin
Although Revival has its moments it ultimately fails to satisfy. John Fogerty has turned up the volume and gain on his guitar sound but has lost the ringing melody that was a feature in almost every great Creedence song. His guitar playing here sounds tired and uninteresting. There are some nice songs but for the most part I think he would benefit by collaboration with an outside producer like Nick Lowe or Jeff Lynn or Tom Petty. These guys would make sure to reference the magic that was John Fogerty's Creedence legacy.