Premonition
The classic rock & roll of the '60s has been milked fervidly for years now as bands reform, re-record, and license their trademark tunes until the cream is squeezed from each note. Creedence Clearwater Revival's oeuvre may be the one towering songbook from its era left fallow by its creator. Until now. After shunning his classic songs for decades, Creedence chieftain John Fogerty has embraced them as if they're long lost pals.Premonitionpresents 18 live tracks performed last year by Fogerty and a four-piece backing group. While there's a sampling of new material, Fogerty's first live solo album is dominated by songs he recorded in a remarkable burst that ran from 1968-72.Premonitionproves that Fogerty was the Chuck Berry of his period, with classic songs that are simple, yet profound. While most topical material from the Vietnam era hasn't dated well, "Fortunate Son" still pulses like an open wound, perhaps because it wasn't inspired by noble convictions so much as blunt resentment. The majestic "Who'll Stop the Rain," removed as it is from the turmoil that inspired it in the first place, now sounds almost Biblical.--Steven Stolder