CCR’s first six albums were reissued individually with bonus tracks, and
this tidy case brings them all together with the addition of their
seventh, 1972’s Mardi Gras, in facsimiles of the original vinyl release
sleeves. Taken as a whole, the music offers a chronological account of
consolidation, rather than any radical creative progression.
John Fogerty’s winning formula of uncomplicated riffs and melodies
punctuated by rousing choruses briefly made Creedence the
biggest-selling band in the world and, while each album has its merits,
there are weak spots which should advise buyers that this is a box aimed
squarely at completists.
Mardi Gras, as yet not reissued separately, is clearly the poorest
relation, coming a full two years after its predecessor. Kid brother Tom
Fogerty had left, while bassist Stu Cook and drummer Doug Clifford
contribute lead vocals and songwriting for the first time – often to
less than spectacular effect. Only the crunchy Sweet Hitch-Hiker and the
mournful Someday Never Comes (both from JF’s pen) live up to previous
glories, and the break-up followed soon after.
