Creedence Clearwater Revival - Willie and the Poor Boys

As the third album released in 1969 (still hard to believe that they accomplished this), Willie and the Poor Boys continued their string of hits, this time with "Down on the Corner" (where the album title comes from) and the biting "Fortunate Son". Once again, there are quite a few other moments of greatness in these grooves apart from the smashes.

Logically, the record opens with the tale of Willie and the Poor Boys in the kinda jug-band-ish, good-time-y number, "Down on the Corner". A little too light-hearted to be one of my faves, but far from a bad song. But, man, "It Came Out of the Sky" comes barreling out with a fast'n'furious (and humorous) story of a literal falling star that includes more biting blues riffs and a bit of good-natured political commentary. There is a sweet, harmony-filled, version of Leadbelly's "Cotton Fields", a bluegrass/country-ish harmonica instrumental ("Poorboy Shuffle") and a traditional blues shuffle (also with nice harmonies), "Feelin' Blue".

From there we are treated to Fogerty's most potent political critique - railin' at those who promoted the war but avoided going to Viet Nam - and one of his best drivin' rockers, "Fortunate Son", which was another big hit and one of his most lasting tunes. I don't find the country/gospel-inspired "Don't Look Now" nearly as successful, although the tremelo-filled take on "Midnight Special" (also normally affiliated with Leadbelly) is pretty neat. Obviously emulating Booker T and the MG's, "Side O' The Road" is a take on "Green Onions" and a fun, bluesy jam that previews the fierce rebuke on Nixon, "Effigy", a truly powerful piece of minor-key swamp blues - again a fine bit of songwriting.

While this carries a couple of Fogerty's best moments, it is not nearly as consistent as some of the other CCR records. Still, an admirable outing and well worth owning!