Post by jptheprofessor on Dec 20, 2007 17:10:16 GMT -5
JOHN FOGERTY – REVIVAL (Fantasy) On the surface, it would appear that John Fogerty is merely taking a nostalgic trip back to his Creedence days on his latest album, Revival. But after several listens, it becomes clearer that Fogerty is revisiting his past to help listeners deal with the present. The album’s dozen tracks all offer reminders of the types of swamp rock, blues, and honky tonk that made Creedence Clearwater Revival a household word. But besides the obvious sound similarities, Fogerty also captures some of the fire and vinegar of that era, and uses it to address today’s world and political climate. He longs for the simplicity of the past on the light and bouncy opener “Don’t You Wish It Was True,” before symbolically addressing more dangerous times and the need for border security on “Gunslinger.” Fogerty publicly embraces the magic of his famous former band on “Creedence Song,” and reminisces the charged dynamic of changing times on the heavier-rocking “Summer of Love.” In his more outspoken vein, the swamp-rocker “Long Dark Night” openly blasts the Bush White House with open references to ‘Georgie,’ ‘Brownie,’ ‘Rummie’ and ‘Dickie;’ and with a rapid fire rock’n’roll sound reminiscent of “Travelin’ Band,” “I Can’t Take It No More” is Fogerty’s agitated tirade against the Iraq War. Paris Hilton-like primadonnas also earn Fogerty’s wrath on the honky-tonking “It Ain’t Right.” Arranged and produced by Fogerty, the Creedence dynamic is captured throughout the album, from Fogerty’s trademark vocal howl and guitar stylings to the finishing touch of reverb that adorns every song. Revival is John Fogerty unapologetically acknowledging and embracing his past, and tapping the mood and dynamic of that era to address our current troubles and hope for a better future. Ultimately, it’s pure Fogerty from start to end, and fans of classic Creedence should find Revival an invigorating listen.