Music From The Past

By Austin Metz
Editor in Chief

I have a top five list that I keep. There are days when it changes but overall, I like to keep a list of the top five bands I would want to see in concert, if they were their prime.

This next album, “Cosmo’s Factory,” is by one of those bands. I don’t know what it is about Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and John Fogerty, but the sound of John Fogerty’s guitar makes me want to stomp my feet and bounce around.

Considered to be one of CCR’s most famous albums, “Cosmo’s Factory” is one album that actually lives up to all the hype.

Comprised of 11 songs, the list of songs on the album read more like a 1970s top 10 chart than the back of one album.

“Travelin’ Band,” “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” “Run Through the Jungle,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” want me to keep going?

Each song brought something to the table, and each song packed lyric sent a message. “Run Through the Jungle” speaks of Vietnam; “Travelin’ Band” talks about life on the road for a musician and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is CCR’s 11 minute version of the Motown classic.

Comprised of John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook and Doug Clifford, CCR changed music forever.

Musically, “Cosmo’s Factory” was not overly complex. It revolved greatly around the voice and guitar of John Fogerty but it also displayed a sound that belonged more in the swamps of the south than in western California.

It was dirty, nasty, raw and yet beautiful. As you listen to each song, you can almost picture yourself sitting on a back porch looking out at the swamp, alligators and snakes slithering together in the muck.

The songs made the listener think about what was being said and did so with that unique southern drawl.

As I said earlier, if I had a chance, I would love to see this band in its prime. The music is so flawless and powerful.

Although my blogs typically focus on a single album, consider this a little bonus material.

If you get a chance, find three other songs. “Bad Moon Rising,” “Suzie Q” and “Green River.” Pair these songs with “Cosmo’s Factory” and you have all that is Creedence Clearwater Revival.