Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cosmo’s Factory

John Fogerty's songs on Cosmo's Factory are the observations of a man being pushed to the limits of his good will. Fogerty's earliest writing had been scrupulously apolitical, but on the band's fifth album he expands on the social and political commentary that punctuated previous records. "Ramble Tamble" is the story of a band on the run, hounded by political forces that want to put Fogerty and his "Travelin 'Band" out of business. In this context, Fogerty's version of Bo Diddley's oft-covered blues "Before You Accuse Me" takes on new meaning. Even Fogerty's beloved American landscape has turned hostile in "Better Run Through the Jungle" as he sees himself in the sights of "200 million guns," a clear reference to the U.S. population count at the time. Fogerty's only recourse is to "leave the sinkin 'ship behind" and retreat to the rural joys of the redwood forest in the exhilarating "Up Around the Bend." Off the road and away from the strife, Fogerty can put it all in perspective while "Lookin 'Out My Back Door," but he clearly misses the optimism of his earlier vision in the heart-rending lament "Who'll Stop the Rain?" Fogerty can't help but end on a conciliatory note, though, with the spiritual "Long As I Can See the Light." The album also includes an epic hillbilly soul rendition of Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and playful covers of Roy Orbison ("Ooby Dooby") and Elvis Presley ("My Baby Left Me") vehicles.