Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is the seventh and final studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in April 11, 1972. The group disbanded after Mardi Gras was released.
==Production==
Previously, bandleader John Fogerty sang all lead vocals and composed nearly all the band's original material. Older brother Tom Fogerty had departed after a dispute which was in large part caused by the elder Fogerty's desire to play a larger creative role.
For Mardi Gras, remaining members Stu Cook and Doug Clifford shared the writing, singing, and production duties. Fogerty contributed only three original songs, and sang a fourth lead on a cover of the early 1960s standard "Hello Mary Lou". Clifford and Cook each wrote and sang the lead vocals on three songs. The album was a commercial success peaking at #12 and going gold. The album contained two Top 40 singles, both of which were contributed by Fogerty: the raucous "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" and the wistful swan song "Someday Never Comes".
All songs were recorded in January 1972, except "Door to Door" and "Sweet Hitch-Hiker" which were recorded in the spring of 1971.
Recording sessions for Mardi Gras were fraught with conflict. According to Cook and Clifford, it was Fogerty's idea for all members to contribute songs equally, despite their reservations. They believed Fogerty was bitter over Tom Fogerty's departure and their own requests to have additional say in the group's musical decisions. Both also believed Fogerty was looking for an excuse to break up CCR to pursue a solo career. When Clifford and Cook at first demurred at the idea of having to supply two-thirds of the album's material themselves, Fogerty threatened to quit the band outright. Fogerty also refused to contribute any instrumentation to Cook and Clifford's songs, except for guitar. Mounting financial and legal woes compounded the fragile situation and CCR disbanded shortly after the Mardi Gras tour ended.
Mardi Gras was remastered on 180 Gram Vinyl by Analogue Productions in 2006. The album was re-released in remastered format as a Japan exclusive in January 2011. A remastered version of the album had previously been featured internationally on the 40th anniversary CCR box set, but not as a stand-alone album.
==Track listing==
===Side One===
Lookin' For a Reason (John Fogerty) - 3:28
#Take It Like a Friend (Stu Cook) - 3:00
#Need Someone to Hold (Stu Cook & Doug Clifford) - 3:00
#Tearin' Up the Country (Doug Clifford) - 2:14
#Someday Never Comes (John Fogerty) - 4:01
===Side Two===	
#What Are You Gonna Do? (Doug Clifford) - 2:53
#Sail Away (Stu Cook) - 2:29
#Hello Mary Lou (Gene Pitney & Cayet Mangiaracina) - 2:14
#Door to Door (Stu Cook) - 2:09
#Sweet Hitch-Hiker (John Fogerty) - 2:59
==Personnel==
Doug Clifford - drums & vocals
Stu Cook - bass, rhythm guitar, lead guitar, piano, vocals
John Fogerty - lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals
==Navigation==
Category:Studio Albums
Category:1970s Album