Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival built their reputation on the singing and songwriting of leader John Fogerty, whose soulful and gritty vocals and quick, concise pop sense gave the band a relentless string of Top 40 hits at the turn of 1970s. However, the El Cerrito, California quartet’s debut album begins with a different focus. “Porterville” was the one Fogerty standout, pointing towards the band’s future direction. The remainder of the album features tight ensemble playing on a number of extended jams and well-chosen covers. A bluesy read of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You” kickstarts things, while an eight-minute workout of Dale Hawkins’ “Susie Q” became the group’s first hit. Wilson Pickett’s “Ninety-Nine and A Half (Won’t Do)” plays up their funky R&B side. The production is simple and clear, immersing itself in the simple pleasures of excited guitar tones and a rhythm section that powered like an unencumbered locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition includes four bonus cuts: “Call it Pretending,’ a b-side, two live tracks (eleven minutes of “Suzie Q” and a scathing “Ninety-Nine and a Half”) and a tight early studio version of Bo Diddley’s “Before You Accuse Me.”