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From the Vault...
05/28/2006
#996 |
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info
John Fogerty
"Blue Ridge Rangers"
© Fantasy Records
Year of Release: 1973
Rating:
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track listing
Blue Ridge
Mountain Blues
Somewhere Listening
(For My Name)
You're The Reason
Jambalaya
(On The Bayou)
She Thinks I Still Care
California Blues
(Blue Yodel #4)
Workin' On A Building
Please Help Me
I'm Falling
Have Thine
Own Way Lord
I Ain't Never
Hearts Of Stone
Today I Started
Loving You Again
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John Fogerty
"Blue Ridge Rangers"
The Blue Ridge Rangers was John Fogerty's first solo album of his
career, after the breakup of Creedence Clearwater Revival. It was released in
1973, and it is truly one of my all-time favorite albums. Many believe that
Fogerty's comeback album in 1985, Centerfield was his first solo
release, but before he took a very long hiatus from the rock n roll world,
he had a total of only 2 solo albums, from 1973 to 1975. Fogerty was in battle
with his record company, and he would become disillusioned to record for the
next 10 years. After Centerfield (1985), Fogerty has released 3 studio
albums, and one live album, and it's great to have him back -- his solo albums
are as superb as those of the band that made him famous, CCR.
The album kicks off with "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues," a song that
could have easily fit the
O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack. (Actually, all of the songs
on this album could easily fit.) Gospel at its finest is heard on "Someone
Listening (For My Name)". "You're The Reason" is one song I keep
playing (and singing along with), over and over again, with no tiredness. Hank
Williams' "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" would be the album's hit when
released in 1973, as Fogerty's version is easily a fine recording. And another
song I can keep listening to, over and over again, (and singing along with as
well), is George Jones' "She Still Thinks I Care."
The true bluegrass blues spirit is heard on "California Blues (Blue Yodel
#4)." And another great gospel song is "Workin' On A Building;"
as like many songs on this album, is never tiring. Fogerty's version of Hank
Locklin's "Please Help Me I'm Falling" is another great song I love to
play and sing along to. Good 'ol Gospel Country is the style of "Have Thine
Own Way Lord." Fogerty shines as a Country performer on Mel Tillis' "I
Ain't Never." "Hearts Of Stone" is best remembered by The Fontane
Sisters for me, yet Fogerty's version definitely has the Elvis Sun sound.
The album's closing number is a great version of George Jones' "Today I
Started Loving You Again."
This is one album that is a MUST... It's one of those albums that you
just can't get enough of. You can play it numerous times in your home, in your
car, anywhere you have the desire to listen to true Country, Rockabilly, and
Gospel styles. Creedence fans should be aware, that this album is definitely
NOT a Creedence-styled album. Fogerty's next solo release, the
self-titled John Fogerty definitely has songs in the style of CCR,
as if they never split. Even after Fogerty's return in 1985, and afterwards,
his solo albums have absolutely been worth purchasing. His latest release,
Deja Vu All Over Again is a good album, but maybe not as outstanding
as previous solo releases. All in all, John Fogerty's solo releases are great
albums. It will be interesting to see if Fogerty releases an all-Gospel album.
Many artists who favor the Country style started out in Gospel, and/or has
Gospel music as one of their favorite styles. Elvis started out in Gospel, and
released Gospel albums during his career. Fogerty has recorded some great
Gospel tunes on some of his solo releases. It would be great to hear a true
Gospel album by him. Blue Ridge Rangers has Gospel, as well as
Country-related styles, and it is certainly an album any Country fan will enjoy
listening to, over and over again.
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Fantasy Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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