Now showing on Netflix, this jaw-dropping awesome documentary makes the case for Creedence Clearwater Revival as one of the greatest ever American Rock bands.
The second half of the documentary is CCR’s searing hot 1970 concert at the Albert Hall, held just four days after Paul announced the Beatles had disbanded.
The unmistakable voice of John Fogerty. His equally distinctive guitar playing is enough to place him in the top echelon of performers. The fact he wrote virtually all of the band’s original material is all the more amazing.
Like George Harrison’s long-simmering resentment of John and Paul, it was inevitable that tempers would flare within CCR. Fogerty’s bandmates rebelled against his dominance. Most notably Tom Fogerty, who resented being in his kid brother’s shadow.
With John deserving his share of the blame, Creedence Clearwater Revival suffered one of the most acrimonious breakups of any major band. This isn’t even touched upon in the documentary, which is just as well.
CCR wouldn’t endure like the Grateful Dead did, but perhaps a better comparison is the Who, another band dominated by a singular talent. The friction between the Kinks brothers, Ray and Dave Davies, also comes to mind. But when CCR was on top, as the documentary proves, they were as good as it got.
P.S. I often send alternative versions of blog posts to my pal Denro:
Re: Not CC Rider
Netflix documentary on CCR. All bow down for what was, for a time, America’s greatest band. Burned so hot they had to burn out.
Thanks, Doug. I will definitely check it out.