Revival

iTunes Review

John Fogerty established his career in the late-‘60s and early ‘70s as one of the era’s most concise social commentators, packing thoughtful ripostes into the three-minute magic of Creedence Clearwater Revival tunes such as “Fortunate Son,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain” and “Lodi” among the many. For years, Fogerty, the victim of ill-advised contracts, would not perform Creedence tunes and the only clue to his past was the stylistic consistency he brought to his current work. He now plays those older Creedence tunes and has re-signed to the record label that first brought him if not his fortune then his fame. 2007’s Revival is Fogerty’s most overt nod to his legacy. The sound is pure classic rock, stark, spare guitars stretched over sturdy grooves of perfectly locked-in bass and drums. The album sounds much like those old CCR albums, as if the playing was happening right there in the living room. ‘Don’t You Wish It Was True” features tight harmonies and Fogerty’s signature guitar tone. “Creedence Song” makes self-references to his music’s place in people’s lives, while “Long Dark Night” takes direct aim at world issues, naming names and casting blame. Fogerty’s always been a sentimentalist and a traditionalist aching for a past that has at least existed in part because he willed it to be.