Live In Europe (Remastered)

Stripped to a power trio, Creedence Clearwater Revival proves you don't need much to be a great rock 'n' roll band; with a few key parts, a group can achieve more than a band with twice the membership. Guitarist Tom Fogerty had quit by the time this was recorded, leaving John Fogerty alone on guitar. He fills the spaces with playing that's pure inspiration and far more nuanced than what's apparent on the studio recordings. The fire behind "Travelin' Band" and "Fortunate Son" is palpable. Drummer Doug Clifford keeps a firm, steady grip, while bassist Stu Cook springs forth to fill in the sound where the second guitar once existed. Only Cook's "Door to Door" and "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" are from the album Creedence was then supporting (Mardi Gras), with plenty of classics—"Proud Mary," "Green River," "Bad Moon Rising," "Lodi"—executed with raw power. The guitar licks on "Commotion" rattle the windows and doors. John Fogerty didn't want to release this album. It's unimaginable why; the sound and performances are top-notch. Essential.