1x***** 2x****
While there a handful of absolute classics, most of this compilation ranges from listenable to lousy, unlike the essential Volume 1. Speaking of 1, "Suzie-Q" wasn't that exciting to begin with, was another 4 minutes with a bit more noise and dissonance necessary? On the other hand, "Born On The Bayou"***** is powerful in its simplicity because of John Fogerty's delivery. "Pagan Baby"**** has a simple but biting verse guitar riff, that flows well into a solo over the same progression. "It's Just A Thoght"**** is mellow, but is tuneful but fittingly delivered by John. Unfortunately, the brilliant "Effigy" is not included here. "It Came Out Of The Sky" is standard 12-bar blues, "Sweet Hitchhiker" without the hooks, while "Tombstone Shadow" adds John's patented leads. "Don't Look Now" and "My Baby Left" me are pretty standard rockabilly, but while "Born To Move" isn't well executed, it's a decent, catchy attempt at R&B. Then there are the covers, to which CCR's distinctive sound adds unnecessary embellishment and overwhelms the distinctiveness of the originals, and gives a homogenized feel to "Cotton Fields". "Night Time Is The Right Time" and "Midnight Special" are especially egregious with the helium harmonies. These harmonies also make "Molina" totally unlistenable. "Looking For A Reason" is some dopey, flaccid attempt at country.
While there a handful of absolute classics, most of this compilation ranges from listenable to lousy, unlike the essential Volume 1. Speaking of 1, "Suzie-Q" wasn't that exciting to begin with, was another 4 minutes with a bit more noise and dissonance necessary? On the other hand, "Born On The Bayou"***** is powerful in its simplicity because of John Fogerty's delivery. "Pagan Baby"**** has a simple but biting verse guitar riff, that flows well into a solo over the same progression. "It's Just A Thoght"**** is mellow, but is tuneful but fittingly delivered by John. Unfortunately, the brilliant "Effigy" is not included here. "It Came Out Of The Sky" is standard 12-bar blues, "Sweet Hitchhiker" without the hooks, while "Tombstone Shadow" adds John's patented leads. "Don't Look Now" and "My Baby Left" me are pretty standard rockabilly, but while "Born To Move" isn't well executed, it's a decent, catchy attempt at R&B. Then there are the covers, to which CCR's distinctive sound adds unnecessary embellishment and overwhelms the distinctiveness of the originals, and gives a homogenized feel to "Cotton Fields". "Night Time Is The Right Time" and "Midnight Special" are especially egregious with the helium harmonies. These harmonies also make "Molina" totally unlistenable. "Looking For A Reason" is some dopey, flaccid attempt at country.
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