Classic Rock Bottom

ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 354 JOHN FOGERTY - CENTERFIELD (1985)

Disclaimer: All info that does not reside in my brain is gathered from wikipedia.com (mostly because Jon can't stand it) unless otherwise noted.

Everybody knows John Fogerty.  Of course, he had a huge career in the late 60's leading Creedence Clearwater Revival.  But he released this nifty little solo album in 1985 and got himself a number one solo hit.  He also got a Double Platinum album.  Three very respectable singles were release, Centerfield (#44), Rock And Roll Girls (#20) and The Old Man Down The Road (#10).  Actually, Centerfield was the b-side of the album's second single, Rock And Roll Girls.  Betcha didn't know that! And now you hear that every time you go to a baseball game. 

The single The Old Man Down The Road was actually released as the lead single in late 1984.  Fogerty was sued by Saul Zaentz, who owned Fantasy records and the publishing rights to all of Fogerty's CCR material, because Zaentz said the song was basically a copy of Run Through The Jungle.  Fogerty prevailed and was awarded attorney's fees.  The final track on the album also generated a lawsuit, again by Saul Zaentz, this time for defamation.  It was originally titled Zanz Kant Danz but changed to Vanz Kant Danz in an effort to avoid the lawsuit.  Every pressing after that point has the song re-titled.  And by the way, it's a stinging song.  I can imagine the smoke coming out of Zaentz' ears when he heard the track. 

The entire album is quite good and the whole story of Fogerty and Zaentz is a tremendously entertaining read, so I suggest that you read it if you ever get a chance.  As far as this album, I suggest you pick yourself up a copy soon if you don't already have one.

Side One:

1. The Old Man Down The Road

2. Rock And Roll Girls

3. Big Train (From Memphis)

4. I Saw It On T.V.

5. Mr. Greed

Side Two:

6. Searchlight

7. Centerfield

8. I Can't Help Myself

9. Vanz Kant Danz

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This is a fine album. 

But I have something to admit......

See, I had this on vinyl when it came out.

Then I got the CD whenever.

However......

I have never picked up the remastered version. Why is that? Can someone explain? I can't. I'm happy with what I got, I suppose. 

Its OK Jon, its just a simple oversight, you can fix it and move on...

The album is really good, top to bottom not a bad tune on it, and yes its a very thick reminder of what CCR could've been, but it should be, right?  I mean Fogerty is CCR, and this is CCR with electronic drums...  Cook can whine all he wants, this is the songwriting that made them superstars.  I remember when Steve Perry's first solo album came out and Schon criticized him for writing a Journey record.  Not sure what he expected!  Perry's signature is all over Journey I'm sure you cant just turn that off...  its probably the biggest reason people are still clamoring for more music from him, but back to Fogerty...

Radio plays a ton of tracks from this album still, Old Man, Centerfield, Rock and Roll Girls (which I love!!), Searchlight, Vanz Kant Danz.  For all the piss and vinegar in that song its a fun listen!

This is a must have, simple as that and if someone doesn't have the remastered edition, well they need to fix that right away!

I will NOT move on. I will......IMMORTALIZE IT!!!!!

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