John Fogerty's 'The Blue Ridge Rangers' is an excellent but unusual album

John Fogerty = The Blue Ridge Rangers

As rock and roll entered the late 1960s, many artists were knee deep in psychodelia and intent on pushing music to its cosmic limits. Albums like the Beatles' Sgt Pepper in 1967 showed that almost anything was possible as musical concepts were getting more and more linear. But as surely as all things in life run in cycles, some artists began returning to a simpler approach to music while still standing in psychodelia's shadow.

Out of that return emerged what became known as 'country-rock' music. Ushered in primarily by Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding and Nashville Skyline albums, rock musicians began showing how country music influenced them. It was in this setting that The Blue Ridge Rangers released their first album. 

The Blue Ridge Rangers name is actually a joke. John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame performed the entire album. He played all the instruments: guitar, bass, drums, fiddle, steel guitar, banjo, percussion, triangle and more. When originally released, the only place his named appeared was for the producer's credit on the back of the record jacket. All the songs were traditional country and gospel songs that he did not write. 

This was his first album after the hugely successful CCR broke up in 1972. Faced with making an album on his own, he found a way to make music without having to live up to the lofty expectations that his name produced. The music was the total focus and not the person making it. While he sacrificed commercial success by hiding behind the Rangers' moniker, he produced a gem of an album that is almost forgotten 40 years later. 

The album's high point is his version of the well-known Christian hymn 'Working on a Building (For My Lord).' At his peak, Fogerty's voice was one of the most potent forces in rock and roll history, and he used it with great success on this song. Multi-tracking his vocals so that it sounded like an entire church choir, he effectively communicated the song's message with the passion and fervor one would expect to hear at a revival service. 

His rousing version of Hank Williams' 'Jambalaya (On the Bayou)' was the only hit from the record, cracking the top 20. Kicking off the chorus each time with the cry of 'Well, Jambalie,' Fogerty's vocals made the song his own in a way countless folks who covered the song were unable to do. The song is a good illustration of how an artist can re-interpret a song in a new and vital way while not betraying the song's original essence. In other words, it is completely the opposite of Michael Bolton's assassination of the Otis Redding classic '(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay' a few years ago. 

Musicians are all inspired by someone or something. However, most times, they are unable to directly pay homage to the inspirations that helped mold them into what they became. This album is one of those rare instances where the listener gets to hear the musical influences that helped inspire a great musician to choose the life he chose. And that is pretty neat.

Creedence Clearwater Revival defines American rock and roll

From left:  Tom Fogerty, John Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford

Though its heyday was brief, Creedence Clearwater Revival produced more memorable songs than just about any group in rock and roll history. Led by lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter John Fogerty, the group only released seven albums. However, a staggering five of them were released in 1969 and 1970.

Here is a look at my personal top ten:

'Up Around the Bend' -- Appearing on the album 'Cosmo's Factory,' this song is the walking definition of a toe-tapping hit single. Reaching #4 on the Billboard singles chart, it has all the traits of classic CCR: Fogerty's growling vocals, the whiplash rhythm section of bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford, stinging guitar work, and an infectious beat. If this song does not make you smile, you better check your pulse.

'Have You Ever Seen the Rain?' -- This song hit #8 on the charts and may have the most tastefully performed Hammond organ work I have ever heard. The real intrigue of the song is its melancholy lyrics that Fogerty later revealed were inspired by the group's impending break up. The song appeared on their 'Pendulum' album, which was the last to include all four members of the group. Rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty left the band shortly after its release.

'It Came Out of the Sky' -- An album track from 1969's 'Willy and the Poorboys,' this song is a slice of life from that era. The references to Spiro Agnew and Ronald Reagan may make the song a little dated, but it rocks.

'Fortunate Son' -- Clocking in at only 2:20 in length, this song says more about class warfare than just about any song in the rock era. At the time, it was specifically applicable to those who were and were not serving in Vietnam, but the song's lyrics are so universal that they can apply to many other circumstances.

'Born on the Bayou' -- The opening song on the group's second album, 'Bayou Country,' this tune was the first to introduce their signature swampy sound. It was also the first place I heard the verb 'chooglin' as in 'chooglin' on down to New Orleans.'

'Proud Mary' -- Also appearing on the 'Bayou Country' album, this is the song that even casual fans know even though they usually incorrectly identify it as 'Rollin' on the River.'

'Green River -- The title track from their third album, I've always looked at it as a continuation of 'Proud Mary.' If 'Green River' isn't a brother to that song, then it's definitely a first cousin. It makes another case for utopia by the river side.

'Someday Never Comes' -- This was the group's final top 40 single, but it hardly follows the CCR formula. It is a chilling song of family neglect that is passed down from one generation to the next. Fogerty said later this was written during a tough period in his marriage, and he was just trying to explain his feelings to his kids.

'Bad Moon Rising' -- Old Testament prophecy meets Revelation type imagery in this song. And things aren't looking so good.

'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' -- Though known mostly for its short, tight songs, CCR did have extended jams on their albums. Their version of the Marvin Gaye hit is probably the best example of this and clocks in at a little over 11 minutes.

Johnny Cash TV show a real hidden treasure

A great feeling we all experience is when we stumble across something wonderful without expecting it. It seems we spend a lot of time trying to find things that provide enjoyment or fulfillment, but often we find the best treasures when we are not even trying.

I love music. I love many different genres, and we are all fortunate we live in an area that is so musically diverse. You name it; we pretty much have it here. If a person does not believe this, then he should open his eyes. The MusicTree and Bonnaroo festivals in the coming weeks should provide ample evidence of this.

As for my own recent experience, it began by accident at Cracker Barrel. Like most people who eat there, I was going through the restaurant’s gift shop after eating a meal. I was looking through their DVD section, which is usually a mixed bag. Their selections to choose from are usually pretty random. For example, if a person is looking for Season Three of ‘The Sonny and Cher Show’ then this would be a good place to visit.

However, after looking through their selections, I found a real gem. ‘The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show (1969-71)’ includes some remarkable music. Even though Cash’s television show aired for only a couple of seasons, he crammed many remarkable performances into the show’s history.

If the DVD included only Cash performances, it would be a superior disc. And it definitely provides plenty of those. Well-known hits such as ‘I Walk the Line’ and ‘A Boy Named Sue’ are presented as well as lesser known performances of ‘Hey Porter’ and ‘Man in Black.’

Cash’s impact on country and pop music cannot be overstated, I won’t try to summarize this here. Last month, the Manchester Art Center hosted a tribute to his legacy and his impact is felt on communities like ours all over the world.

What causes this DVD to transcend from being ‘good’ to ‘great’ is the inclusion of guest musicians from all parts of the music scene back then.

From country music, there are performances by legends still at the top of their game. Merle Haggard sings a duet of ‘Sing Me Back Home’ with Cash. Loretta Lynn delivers a lovely version of ‘I Know How.’ Tammy Wynette performs her classic ‘Stand By Your Man.’ George Jones sings a medley of his hits that includes ‘The Race Is On’ and ‘She Thinks I Still Care.’

This is all overwhelming when taking it in one dose. But the greatness does not stop there.

From rock and roll, Creedence Clearwater Revival sings ‘Bad Moon Rising.’ At this point in 1969, CCR was well on its way to claiming the title of top rock band in the world as the Beatles were breaking up.

Cash’s friendship with Bob Dylan brought the legendary singer-songwriter to his show. On the DVD, Dylan sings ‘I Threw It All Away,’ and though it is not one of his major songs, any performance of his at the Ryman Auditorium (where the show was filmed) is of important historical significance.

Neil Young earned a standing ovation for his delivery of ‘The Needle and the Damage Done.’ Cash and Joni Mitchell collaborated on a wonderful version of ‘The Long Black Veil.’

Additionally, the DVD includes Ray Charles singing a version of ‘Ring of Fire’ that brings the house down.

I know this column has sounded like a commercial for this DVD, but it includes music that must be heard. The fact that I stumbled upon it by accident at a Cracker Barrel just adds to the good fortune that I feel for owning it.

John Fogerty’s ‘Wrote a Song for Everyone’ expected this fall

I am really behind the curve on this one, but John Fogerty’s next album, Wrote a Song for Everyone, is due this fall but with an interesting twist. Much of the album will be remakes of classic Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival tunes with various artists.  For example, he will remake ‘Fortunate Son’ with the Foo Fighters and ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ with Bob Seger.  Other artists expected to be on the album are Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, My Morning Jacket, Alan Jackson, Dawes, and Miranda Lambert.  There will be some new songs as well, but I have not heard what they are yet.

John Fogerty hit post-CCR peak with 'Blue Moon Swamp'

John Fogerty's career after Creedence Clearwater Revival broke up may be the most fascinating of any artist who was in a big-name band. In only four years, he wrote more than a dozen bonafide rock and roll classics. CCR released all seven of its albums between 1968 and 1972, and more of the same was expected of him when the band broke up.

However, it did not work out that way. He released two albums and had a third withdrawn from release in the first few years of his solo career. The creative juices were not flowing for a variety of reasons, so it would not be until 1985 that he released his next album. Centerfield has been his most commercially successful solo album, hitting the top of the album chart and going platinum in '85. Still, after the release of the disappointing Eye of the Zombie the following year, he again disappeared for a decade.

As early as 1993, there was word of him working on an album but the years went by with no release. Finally, in 1997, he released Blue Moon Swamp, which is his most artistically satisfying solo album to date.

The song 'A Hundred and Ten in the Shade' may be the best song Fogerty has ever written. Delivered with a slow and swampy sound, its lyrics communicate the isolation and despair a poor person would feel when living in the hot and humid South. Accompanied by The Fairfield Four, it is one of the rare moments when excellent lyrics blend perfectly with its musical arrangement.

Other songs like 'Southern Streamline' and 'Rambunctious Boy' rock joyfully, while 'Swamp River Days' shows how fun reminiscing about the past can be. 'Joy of My Life' is the most straightforward love song Fogerty has ever written, and he plays some tasty dobro on it.

The album won Fogerty his first Grammy, which was for Best Rock Album. However, from a commercial standpoint, it barely made the top 40, but did go gold. Fogerty found himself in the same peculiar position other rockers of his generation face. While 'classic rock' radio stations happily play the old hits, they often will not play newer releases by the same artists. Plus, stations with a format that plays new releases often will not play the older rockers, preferring to play younger artists in the same age range as their listeners.

The bottom line is Blue Moon Swamp is the best solo album from one of the most important musicians of the rock and roll era. It is a 'must have' for any collection.

'Green River' by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a perfect album

When a person refers to art as 'perfect,' the word is used in a subjective way. After all, artistic creations impact different people in different ways. This fact is one of the great elements that stimulate impassioned artistic debate. With this in mind, I believe Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival is a perfect album.

Released in 1969, it was CCR's first album to top the charts, and the band was performing at its peak. John Fogerty (vocalist, lead guitar), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Doug Clifford (drums), and Stu Cook (bass) had been performing for years, and by the point of this album's release, they were as tight and sharp as any band on the planet.

Four songs on the album are still radio staples today. The title song hearkens to the joys of youth, and it comes across as a musical cousin of the band's first big hit 'Proud Mary' (though the lyrics are very different). 'Bad Moon Rising' cloaks itself in apocalyptic imagery and says a lot in only two minutes and eighteen seconds. 'Commotion' also sings of unrest. Songwriter John Fogerty was correct to dip both 'Bad Moon Rising' and 'Commotion' in images instead of specific events when it came to the lyrics. Because of this, the songs are just as relevant today (maybe more so) than they were back then. For example, even though Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's powerful song 'Ohio' strongly delivered the outrage of the Kent State massacre in 1970, the song has lost some of its punch today because that specific event was so long ago.

The last song heard a lot on the radio from this album is 'Lodi.' It is a song about a struggling band playing in a dump and wondering if they will ever make the big time. It is a song every band can relate to, and even a non-musical person like me can relate as well. Haven't we all been struggling at some aspect of our lives and found ourselves somewhere we didn't want to be?

The rest of Green River is full of strong album cuts. 'Tombstone Shadow' is about a whimsical visit to a fortune teller. 'Wrote a Song for Everyone' is a poignant ballad about the inability to communicate on a person-to-person level. 'Sinister Purpose' deals with a Rasputin-like person with evil on his mind. 'Cross-Tie Walker' is a country-flavored delight.

Green River was the second album in a remarkable five-album run for the band. In 1969 and 1970, CCR released five albums all of which made the Top 10 and sold more than one million copies. That is a career for many bands.

Green River is a remarkable achievement. If it is not in your collection, then get it right now. You've lived too much of your life without it already.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's 40th anniversary celebrated with re-issues

A benefit of John Fogerty's re-signing with Fantasy Records is that he appears to be allowing alternate versions of recordings made by Creedence Clearwater Revival to be released. This is especially apparent in the re-issuing of CCR's first six albums to celebrate the group's 40th anniversary.

Today, I picked up Cosmo's Factory, and it includes three bonus tracks not included on the original album plus extensive liner notes by rock critic Robert Christgau.

The three recordings are:

1. A studio version of 'Born on the Bayou' that Creedence recorded with Booker T. and the MGs in 1970.
2. An alternate version of 'Travelin' Band' (most notable for the lack of horns).
3. A live version of 'Up Around the Bend' recorded on the group's 1971 European tour.

I picked this up at Wal-Mart for only $7. If you dig Creedence, this is right up your alley.

New John Fogerty CD is good and completes his return home

John Fogerty's latest CD was released earlier this month and is a return to the stomping grounds where he first made his name. Titled 'Revival,' it is his first new studio album since returning to Fantasy Records, and it is a good rock and roll record.

Fantasy Records is where he first came to prominence as the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, writing and producing such classics as 'Proud Mary,' 'Green River,' 'Fortunate Son,' and 'Up Around the Bend.' However, Fogerty left Fantasy shortly after CCR broke up in 1972 because of numerous disputes and remained estranged from the label until just a few years ago.

However, Fantasy's new owners began working with him to resolve the problems of the past, which culminated with Fogerty re-signing with the label. There is a lot of positive buzz around him right now, and the new album has gotten reviews ranging from 'good' to 'glowing' ('Rolling Stone' magazine review, 'USA Today' feature).

The album covers a lot of subject matter, ranging from semi-spiritual ('Don't You Wish It Was True') to reflective ('Broken Down Cowboy') to foot-stomping rock and roll ('It Ain't Right') to left wing politics ('Long Dark Night' and 'I Can't Take It No More') to nostalgia ('Summer of Love').

It is the best thing he has released since his Grammy-winning 'Blue Moon Swamp' back in 1997 though it doesn't quite reach the heights of that album. However, it is a good one.