With CCR, guitar rock legend John Fogerty made some of the greatest classic rock songs of all time. But then came that fairly awful last CCR album, MARDI GRAS, where everyone took a turn singing whether they actually could or not, and the band was gone. But then as a solo artist, Fogerty's work has been extremely uneven in quality. Sometimes there was a glimpse of his CCR greatness, but many times there was just so-so quality stuff that just wasn't''t up to snuff. One of the better solo projects of John Fogerty was his Blue Ridge Rangers album that came out in 1973.
The first BLUE RIDGE RANGERS album had John Fogerty playing all of the instruments. The album was entirely comprised of country, rock or traditional music covers. And there was plenty of gems on the album such as the singles "Jambalaya" or "Hearts Of Stone". Album tracks such as the gospel tune, "Workin' On A Building" were awesome standouts as well. It was a great solo project that put a little space between the CCR work by Fogerty and his new solo career. In short, it was a great album.
But now we come to this 2009 mess. THE BLUE RIDGE RANGERS RIDE AGAIN is simply awful for the most part. Instead of the typical swamp rock sound so familiar to John Fogerty, we have a mostly dreadful collection of bad cover versions of John Denver favorites and other country songs. And this time Fogerty got some guest help from Bruce Springstein and The Eagle's Don Henley. But it sure didn't help this awful album very much. To say that this album sucks big time would be to put it mildly.
The album opens with the thoroughly disappointing tune, "Paradise" which pretty much sets the lame crummy country music flavored tone for this album by Fogerty. The cover version of "NEVER ENDING SONG OF LOVE" is a little better. But then there's that questionable judgment to choose to do that late Rick Nelson song, "Garden Party". Why do that song? Even worse, why do a cover of that John Denver song, "Back Home Again"? Why? Why? Why?
Old CCR fans will probably only find his new 2009 version of "Change In The Weather" as the only song that they can probably stand to listen to on album that's mostly pure bad country song cover version dreck. But even "Change In The Weather" is far from a great song here as well. The song also appeared on the old EYE OF THE ZOMBIE album.
And like a few country albums looking to fill some space, the waste of time, country-novelty tune, "Haunted House" is included here as well. That's always a sign of junk. Other than some clever guitar work on the Fogerty version, this song is simply awful. Other country stars such as John Anderson have recorded far better versions of this song years ago.
For heavens sake, if you're a John Fogerty fan, you'll have your heart broken by this album. There's just too little good about it. It's mostly pure crap. It makes MARDI GRAS look like a real gem by comparison. Avoid this new album like the swine flu. Poor+
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Comments (10)
You must have an agenda. Yo... (Below threshold)1. Posted by steve Barnett | October 3, 2009 5:42 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
You must have an agenda. You are so dead wrong. Check out MAJOR reviews. John Fogertys Blue Ridge Rangers record is a masterpiece. Classic American singer songwriter, singing classic American Songs. SIr, It is a masterpiece. I don't know how you could even write such nonsense. Your opinion makes no sense and really you should appreciate what John Fogerty is. That voice of JF on this record is the most beautiful voice I have ever heard on any record of any band EVER.
1. Posted by steve Barnett | October 3, 2009 5:42 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 3, 2009 17:42
2. Posted by Lilly Johnston | October 3, 2009 5:58 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Simply Awful, oh I get it, you are trying to get attention. That is how you get folks to your blog.
I have been listening to the new record over and over. I cannot tell you how I love his voice and the songs on this record. It is a wonderful, wonderful record. I cannot tell you the joy this record has brought me. Thank you John Fogerty for all you have given us over the years. You are the best! Go Johnny go! As far as Mr. Hoosen, you in fact are not very good at what you do, maybe YOU need to get a new career. I think its over for you.
2. Posted by Lilly Johnston | October 3, 2009 5:58 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 3, 2009 17:58
3. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 3, 2009 8:27 PM | Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
Well kids, my opinion is my own you know. I've always considered myself a fan of John Fogerty as well. But I don't care for this album in the least. I've heard far better country from far better artists. And far better John Fogerty than this album. The guitar playing is good. But the song selections are terrible, as well as some of his attempts to be a country singer. But to each their own I guess.
I've done reviews on far better albums than this one so far this year. This is the worst I've heard from such a fine performer this year. If you want an excellent album buy the Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood Live At Madison Square Garden instead.
3. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 3, 2009 8:27 PM |
Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 3, 2009 20:27
4. Posted by Dog_Knows | October 4, 2009 3:33 AM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Wow!
Sucks? Hmmm...
First up... In defending his review, Hoosen states: "Well kids, my opinion is my own you know. I've always considered myself a fan of John Fogerty as well. But I don't care for this album in the least."
Great. Don't listen to it. And yes, most sentient beings understand that Hooson's opinion IS his own, but I don't think he actually read what he wrote. This part: "...if you're a John Fogerty fan, you'll have your heart broken by this album." No, apparently HE has had HIS heart broken by this album.
I'm not sure if Hooson realizes that there are 6.8 billion people on earth. I just love it when some yahoo speaks for the entire world and tells everyone within ear shot what the entire world will think of any giving artist or creative work.
Hooson should seriously get a tight grip on himself. What truly "sucks" is when some person tries pissing in someone else's cereal.
Next...
4. Posted by Dog_Knows | October 4, 2009 3:33 AM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on October 4, 2009 03:33
5. Posted by Guy Michaud | October 4, 2009 9:47 AM | Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Anyone can be a critic. There will only ever be one John Fogerty. When my foot starts to tap, and I catch myself trying to sing along, I know your article is crap, because you're dead wrong.
5. Posted by Guy Michaud | October 4, 2009 9:47 AM |
Score: 0 (2 votes cast)
Posted on October 4, 2009 09:47
6. Posted by oger Igland | October 4, 2009 3:46 PM | Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
It`s difficult to understand what Paul Hooson talks about here,he`s probably tries to make a joke !!!!!!! ( must say I hope so )
Fogertys new album is the best country/roots album I`ve ever heard !!!!
6. Posted by oger Igland | October 4, 2009 3:46 PM |
Score: -1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on October 4, 2009 15:46
7. Posted by bryanD | October 5, 2009 6:56 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
To be fair to John Fogerty, the last CCR album, Mardi Gras, was made post-John from CCR cutting room scraps by the remaining Wee Three, probably at the behest of Beezelbub, a'la Cain and Abel, who dangled the prospect of attracting freelancers like Clapton and Bloomfield and the birth of a John-less supergroup album next, as was the style at that time, what with all those label spin-offs needing product. Heady times! And Doors, Hendix, Janis slots needing refilling!
Needless to say, [fart noise].
And to Pauls's detractors: Please, peepuhl! CCR had 6 or 8 great songs and a bunch of pretty good ones. But The Band put out better stuff without always falling back on the easy bar band crutch or so much filler material. Also: Dave Edmunds does a better John Fogerty than John Fogerty does.
7. Posted by bryanD | October 5, 2009 6:56 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 5, 2009 18:56
8. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 6, 2009 1:41 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
BryanD....You're absolutely right about Dave Edmunds. His ROCKPILE album with "I Hear You Knocking" is a rockabilly masterpiece. Who knew that a Welsh singer could do American roots rock n' roll better than anyone?
8. Posted by Paul Hooson | October 6, 2009 1:41 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on October 6, 2009 01:41
9. Posted by King Creole | October 6, 2009 6:44 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Not awful, but not as good as the first BRR. Don't think John's heart was that into it. He needs to worry less about production and more about creating a little excitement. That first CCR album was cut in a day and understandingly with plenty of production flaws, but it still sends tingles down my spine.
The Band? Good stuff, but I like to jump up and down or slap the dashboard when I rock n roll.
And Dave Edmond's voice better than Fogerty's? You're kidding right? Edmonds is all echo chamber. It's like Marshall Crenshaw's cranked to 11. No way those guys could sing something as ballsy as Born on the Bayou.
9. Posted by King Creole | October 6, 2009 6:44 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on October 6, 2009 06:44
10. Posted by Jay Journeyman | October 7, 2009 1:43 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
That someone did great things is not a guarantee of future success. Fogerty failed with this album. Any male who would sing a woman's song like "Heaven's Just A Sin Away" has lost his judgement. The failure of this album is entirely a failure of song selection.
10. Posted by Jay Journeyman | October 7, 2009 1:43 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on October 7, 2009 13:43