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Bayou Country is Creedence Clearwater Revival's second album, featuring their hit song "Proud Mary." With its blend of rock, blues, and country, the album captures the band's distinctive sound and style and remains a cultural artifact of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Description & Collectors Information: Rare French issue of Bayou Country with a different album coverBayou Country was CCR's second album and established the band's distinctive sound and style. The album was recorded in just three days in the fall of 1968, and its raw energy and stripped-down production captured the essence of CCR's live performances. Bayou Country was also significant because it marked the beginning of CCR's collaboration with producer and engineer John Fogerty, who would go on to produce all of the band's subsequent albums. The opening track on Bayou Country, "Born on the Bayou," sets the tone for the rest of the album with its swampy guitar riff and driving rhythm section. The song's lyrics, which evoke the mythology of the American South, reflect John Fogerty's fascination with the region and its music. "Born on the Bayou" was also notable for its use of the electric guitar as a lead instrument, a departure from the dominant role of the saxophone in R&B and soul music of the time. The album's second track, "Bootleg," is a bluesy rocker that showcases John Fogerty's guitar playing and his ability to craft memorable hooks. "Graveyard Train" is another blues-influenced track, with its chugging rhythm and spooky lyrics that evoke the image of a train carrying the dead to their final resting place. But the most famous track on Bayou Country is undoubtedly "Proud Mary." The song was originally written by John Fogerty as a response to the rhythm and blues classic "Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina Turner. CCR's version of the song features a propulsive rhythm section and Fogerty's blistering guitar work, as well as his distinctive vocal style. The song's lyrics, which describe a journey on a riverboat, are full of vivid imagery and metaphors that capture the spirit of the American South. "Proud Mary" was a massive hit for CCR, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the band's signature songs. The song's success can be attributed in part to its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, but also to its cultural significance. "Proud Mary" was released at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and the song's celebration of the Mississippi River and its role as a symbol of freedom and possibility resonated with audiences across racial and cultural divides. |
Music Genre: American Roots Cajun Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "Proud Mary Bayou Country" was produced by: John Fogerty Album Front Cover: Basul Parik Album Back Cover: Malcolm Barker |
Record Label & Catalog-nr: America Records AM 6048 |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Full-Length Long-Play Gramophone Record180 grams vinyl LP Album weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: Made in France |
Band Members and Musicians on: Creedence Clearwater Revival Proud Mary Bayou Country |
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Complete Track Listing of: "Proud Mary Bayou Country" |
The Songs/tracks on "Proud Mary Bayou Country" are
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Proud Mary Bayou Country" Dark Blue Colour America Records Record Label Details: America Records AM 6048
"Bad Moon Rising" was written by John Fogerty and released as a single in April 1969. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the charts for 16 weeks. The song's catchy melody and memorable lyrics made it an instant classic, and it has since become one of the most recognizable rock songs
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The album title itself is a testament to the band's relentless work ethic. "Cosmo's Factory" refers to the Berkeley warehouse where CCR honed their craft through countless rehearsals. Drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford's nickname for the space speaks to the band's dedication, a quality reflected in the album
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The album's standout track is undoubtedly "Susie Q," a cover of the Dale Hawkins classic. CCR's version of the song features a slowed-down tempo and a heavier groove, with Fogerty's vocals and guitar work providing a haunting and intense atmosphere. The song was a huge hit for the band, reaching #11 in the US
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The album's title track, "Green River," is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the simple joys of life in the countryside. The song's catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythm provide the perfect backdrop for John Fogerty's distinctive vocals, which are at once plaintive and soulful.
- Green River (Europe) - Green River (USA)
"Mardi Gras" is the final album by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). The album was released on April 11, 1972, by Fantasy Records. The album was recorded after the departure of CCR's primary songwriter and lead vocalist, John Fogerty.
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At the tail end of 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) released their sixth studio album, "Pendulum." While one of their lesser-known albums today, its release signaled a pivotal turning point in the history of the band and their unique swamp-rock sound.
- Pendulum (Germany) - Pendulum (USA, Fantasy Records)
Bayou Country was CCR's second album and established the band's distinctive sound and style. The album was recorded in just three days in the fall of 1968, and its raw energy and stripped-down production captured the essence of CCR's live performances.
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"Proud Mary" and "Born on the Bayou" are two of CCR's most iconic songs, and both are known for their distinctive sound and catchy hooks. "Proud Mary" is a fast-paced, upbeat tune that features a memorable guitar riff and a driving rhythm section. The song's lyrics tell the story of a riverboat captain
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"Who'll Stop the Rain" is a reflective, introspective song that features lead singer John Fogerty's distinctive vocals and haunting harmonies. The song's lyrics describe the experience of being caught in a rainstorm, and the sense of despair and hopelessness that can come with it.
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The album opens with "Down on the Corner," a lively and upbeat track that showcases the band's tight harmonies and driving rhythm section. The song's catchy melody and sing-along chorus made it an instant hit, and it remains one of CCR's most popular tracks to this day.
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