Live in Europe:Creedance Clearwater Revival. (Fantasy Import)

Reviewed by David MacLennan.

Creedance Clearwater Revival were the greatest rock 'n' roll band America has, or will ever, produce. They kicked off 1969 with the unforgettable 'Proud Mary' (described by one Zimmerman, as the best song of that year, and since recorded by everyone from Ike and Tina Turner to Andy Williams) and followed this with a series of classic singles and albums, nearly all of which earned platinum discs for sales in excess of $5 million, before they split up in 1972.

CCR's distinctive sound was largely due to lead guitarist/vocalist and songwriter John Fogerty. His distinctive vocals and guitar style, and his flair for writing simple, yet highly effective songs, sustained them throughout their career. Straight toward pop/rock? Sure, but in the best traditions of pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. And it wasn't all just commercial pop either. Longer tracks such as "Graveyard Train", "Effigy" and others proved that there was more to CCR than catchy songs like "Bad Moon Rising" (still their best single). From blues, through country-rock, to straight down-the-line R & B—CCR did it equally well.

Which brings me to "Live in Europe". Looking at the track listings, any CCR freak (myself included) could be forgiven for thinking that this album (a double, incidentally) would be The Most. Just about every one of their best numbers are there, from "Susie Q" from their first LP. to "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" off the last. Taking in things like "Lodi", "Bad Moon Rising" and "Keep on Chooglin' " on the way.

Well I hate to disappoint you folks, but "Live in Europe" just doesn't live up to expectations. The fact that it was recorded after rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty (John's brother) left them is bad enough; his rhythm playing was vital to CCR's overall sound: play the live versions of "Lodi", "Born on the Bayou" and "Keep on Chooglin' " then play the studio versions and you'll see what I mean—and his absence takes the wind out of the album in many ways.

Add to this the fact that the album is rather badly recorded and the fact that John Fogerty's lead work, instead of the pure, ringing sound of the original versions, sounds distorted and fuzzy, then what you are left with is an album that does not do CCR, in concert, full justice.

The concert they did at the Fillmore West that was shown on TV here last year was much more like it. If they had recorded a live album then (around 18 months prior to "Live in Europe") it would have been one of the best live LPs ever made.

Tracks like "Travellin' Band". "Sweet Hitch Hikerr" and "Commotion" come off quite well, but others, notably "Born on the Bayou". "Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary" are very disappointing. This is, especially true of "Keep on Chooglin' " their finest number and the finale to their act, On the TV concert it was pure dynamite (and how!!) but here.,..well, sadly, its just not up to scratch.

However, despair not CCR fans of VUW this album aint a total bummer. Taken as a whole, in fact, it is quite good. It rocks along quite strongly through all four sides (especially side 3) and John Fogerty's raucous vocals and tight guitar work are as good as they have ever been. Once you get used to the idea of no rhythm guitar it doesn't sound too bad at all. (A good idea is to grab a guitar and add your own rhythm part while its playing) The fact that all the good numbers are on it means that it could hardly be a complete washout, and indeed, this it the case. In short I would recommend this album to any CCR fan, despite its inadequacies though if you are like me you will have to play it a few times to get used to it, On a 10-point scale I'd give it seven out of ten.

As a final postscript a quote from Roy Carr's NME Review of this LP says it all for CCR.

"On their own ground, Creedance could not be bettered, their music is timeless, their contribution to rock music securing them immortality. They haven't been surpassed."

Good gawd y'all, I do believe he's right! And anyway, CCR aren't dead yet! Lend an ear to the last two singles by John Fogerty on his own and you too will loudly proclaim: "Creedence lives!"