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Cosmo's Factory (20 Bit Mastering)

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Cosmo's Factory(1970). Creedence Clearwater Revival's Fifth Album.

In 1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival released Cosmo's Factory, which, along with their previous records, easily reached the Top 5 on the charts riding on the success of Cosmo's Factory's singles, which included four Top Ten singles('Travelin' Band', 'Who'll Stop The Rain', 'Up Around The Bend', and 'Lookin' Out My Back Door'), showing 'Cosmo's Factory' was Creedence Clearwater Revival's biggest success. Creedence Clearwater Revival used John Fogerty's guitar mastery and sneering vocals, Stu Cook's catchy basslines, Doug Clifford's on-spot drumming, and Tom Fogerty's minor rhythm guitar playing to make one of the Late 60's-Early 70's greatest bands, blending influences of R&B, 50's Rock, Progressive Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, and of course, good old Rock 'N Roll! So, is 'Cosmo's Factory' an overblown album by an overrated band, or simply a masterpiece? Read on to find out!

Track Ratings-

Ramble Tamble- "Ramble Tamble" starts off 'Cosmo's Factory' with a rambling(No pun intended) country rocker, using Fogerty's snivelling vocals behind his guitar's western riff, which eventually develops into a Progressive guitar rocker, as CCR jams it out for over 7 minutes to create an excellent Prog/Country Rocker!

Before You Accuse Me- "Before You Accuse Me" echoes back to 50's Rock like Elvis or Buddy Holly, blending a catchy guitar riff with Fogerty's low monotone to make a good 50's rock song.

Travelin' Band- 'Travelin' Band' finds CCR going back to the 50's again, a fast-paced number, much like 'Suzie Q', that blends catchy vocals with Fogerty's spontaneous solos to create an awesome rocker.

Ooby Dooby- "Ooby Dooby" is a cover of the classic 50's rock band Sun's song, and it easily bests the original with Fogerty's addictive vocals and piercing acoustic guitar riffs. Short but sweet!

Lookin' Out My Back Door- "Lookin' Out My Back Door' became a huge hit, and the clever blend of Pop/Country Rock works well. Fogerty's vocals are the main focus here, with his exuberant singing stealing the show, but the pulsing guitar beat backs him up perfectly. A catchy, addictive rocker!

Run Through The Jungle- "Run Through The Jungle" turns out to be a catchy rocker, blending Fogerty's sarcastic vocals and bluesy/country riff along with short solos to create a hit that's worthy of its status!

Up Around The Bend- "Up Around The Bend" reminds me of Queen, as it sounds like Arena Rock, with a piercing electric guitar riff along with a focus on Fogerty's distinct vocals, not to mention the complementary solo! A short but sweet hit that won't fail to please!

My Baby Left Me- "My Baby Left Me" is another Sun cover, and CCR blends a catchy 50's style rocker, yet sadly it's barely over 2 minutes!

Who'll Stop The Rain- "Who'll Stop The Rain" takes influences from Country and Blues, and blends both genres with Fogerty's sugary sweet guitar riff and harmonic vocals to make a catchy hit single that rocks!

I Heard It Through The Grapevine- "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is a cover of the Marvin Gaye classic, and CCR's subtle blend of R&B and Rock, not to mention the forever unforgettable bassline, plus Fogerty's insane guitar work(Most of this song is his jamming out solos, thus the 11 minute time limit) really makes "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" an excellent cover song, and the Progressive Rock aspect makes it better than the original!

Long As I Can See The Light- "Long As I Can See The Light" ends the album slowly, as Creedence Clearwater Revival blends touches of R&B to create a soulful ballad, not to mention an extended horn section!

Overall, 'Cosmo's Factory' definitely lived up to my expectations for Creedence Clearwater Revival, as I found their sheer originality and depth of music(Country, R&B, Soul, 50's Rock, 60's Rock, Progressive Rock), to place them along with The Beatles as one of the best popular bands of their time! From Classic Covers("I Heard It Through The Grapevine", "Ooby Dooby", "My Baby Left Me"), 50's Rock Experiments(Travelin' Band' and 'Before You Accuse Me'), Prog Rock masterpieces("I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "Ramble Tamble"), not to mention the Psychadelic/60's Rock hits("Lookin' Out My Back Door", "Run Through The Jungle", "Up Around The Bend",) and more, 'Cosmo's Factory' has a little something for everybody, and all the songs are classics in my eyes.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO FANS OF ROCK IN GENERAL, COUNTRY, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVIVAL, THE BEATLES, AND MARVIN GAYE! 'COSMO'S FACTORY' IS MY INTRO TO CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL, AND I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED!

Killer Kuts- "Heard It Through The Grapevine", "Ramble Tamble", "Up Around The Bend", and "Who'll Stop The Rain".

Also Recommended-

The White Album- The Beatles
Elvis- Elvis
Bayou Country- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Thanks For Reading!

The sixties were over. The summer of love had passed us like an Italian sports car. Most of the revolutions were left on the road, abandoned. Many of the revolutionaries were dead. But wait... Out in the bayou jungle Creedence Clearwater Revival goes a runnin'. A bunch of skinny, long-haired white boys who had been cuttin' their teeth for the last couple of years, playing and moanin' those southern delta blues with a little country flavor thrown in for grins. OK. So these guys weren't really from any place near Louisiana. And the musicianship level of the band members is probably only adequate by some standards. But the songs... Man, these were some powerful tunes. These guys were definitely tapped into some musical spirit plane at this moment in time. There is not a bad or weak or lame musical moment on this disc. The disc is purely inspirational, non-technical, good-time tunes. These old tunes really benefit from the new 20 bit K2 mastering process. I had to replace the original, thin sounding 16 bit release I've been listening to for the last decade, when I saw the newly remastered version available here on Amazon. I am born again! If you only own one, this is definitely the one CCR disc that you must own. If you have any of the other CCR discs, your collection will not be complete without this disc. Make no mistake, this is classic rock and roll in it's finest hour.

Hatched in drummer Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford's basement (hence the title), Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Cosmo's Factory" was their most successful record during their relatively short (but extremely productive) career as a major American act. It contained a number of classic radio staples, many of which became some of the most recognizable of rock and roll. But "Cosmo's Factory" seems to be more of a medium for singles, rather than an album of related songs; the tracks don't hang together as well as those on "Bayou Country," "Green River," or even "Pendulum," but still this set has its prowess.
CCR stays true to their rock and roll roots of Delta blues and Southern creoles, heard in the opening 'Ramble Tamble' and a few gripping blues standards; 'Before You Accuse Me,' 'My Baby Left Me,' and most notably, an elongated jam of 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' (while 'Ooby Dooby' is less remarkable). The John Fogerty originals here are excellent as always, but they just don't go together--the heartfelt 'Who'll Stop the Rain?' doesn't seem to agree with 'Up Around the Bend,' 'Travelin' Band,' or 'Lookin' Out My Back Door' (all three of which literally define the term "rock and roll"). And then there's the sincere 'Long As I Can See the Light,' which is completely different when compared to something like the trigger happy 'Run Through the Jungle' (which would actually wind up haunting Fogerty's solo career--he was sued by the Fantasy label who claimed his 1985 hit 'The Old Man Down the Road' was a knock-off of the tune heard here).
Though Creedence has always been widely regarded as a singles act, they did in fact manage to create albums that sounded great when viewed as a whole body of work; "Cosmo's Factory" however is perhaps the only CCR offering that doesn't have that charm--this set's appeal comes from the glimmer of each individual song, even if they don't quite hang together.

As a rule, you can't go wrong purchasing any Creedence Clearwater Revival CD. However, Cosmos Factory is undoubtedly their premeire recording. Just reading through the tracks, one would think that its a greatest hits collection. And even non singles like Ramble Tamble are terrific due to the varying mood shifts. John Fogerty really showed the world that he developed into a premiere song-writer with such gems as Looking Out My Backdoor, Up Around The Bend, Travelling Band, Who'll Stop The Rain, and Long As I Can See The Light. And how can we forget the fantastic cover of I Heard It Through The Grapevine with some excellent drumming by Doug Cliford. Heck, Clifford's drumming is awesome throughout this disc as the title represents his abilities. Unless you want to take the quick study and buy Chronicle, Cosmos Factory is the CD you want to start with.

John Fogerty is a living legend. In the short period of time from 1968-1970, he wrote some of rock's most enduring singles. His voice was, and is, instantly recognizable ... it has bite and soul like nobody else's, and I mean nobody.

In Cosmo's Factory, Fogerty's voice is as strong as ever, but his knack for writing infectious melodies was starting to slip ... lyrics aside, there aren't any cuts on Cosmo's Factory that approach "Green River," "Lodi," "Bad Moon Rising," or "Fortunate Son," or "Proud Mary." In spite of this, "Cosmo's Factory" is probably Creedence's best overall effort. Why?

First, although no single track on "Cosmo's Factory" approaches the best of Creedence's earlier albums, it is far more consistent. The album rocks from beginning to end. There are NO weak tracks ... none.

Second, "Cosmo's Factory" is the first (and only) Creedence album to fully realize the terrific musicianship of both Stu Cook and Doug Clifford, who played behind John Fogerty's (very long) shadow in "Bayou Country," "Green River" and, to a lesser extent, in "Willy and the Poorboys." In "Cosmo's Factory," they jump right out in front and right into your face. As good as it is, one wonders how great Fogerty's "Blue Moon Swamp" could have been if Fogerty could have set his differences with Cook and Clifford aside. It would have been an enjoyable ride indeed.

Third, Cosmo's Factory has an edgy, live quality to it that sets it apart from every one of Creedence's earlier albums. It *feels* live. "Ramble Tamble," kicks it all off. Tight. Damn tight. Full of energy. Rock masters at their peak, plying their trade.

Of course, "Cosmo's Factory" is chock full of great singles, including "Travelin' Band," "Who'll Stop the Rain," and "Run Through the Jungle." But "Cosmo's Factory" is also chock full of brilliant re-arrangements of blues standards and other classics. Fogerty's arrangements of "Ooby Dooby," McDaniels' "Before You Accuse Me," and Crudup's "My Baby Left Me" strike the perfect balance between electric blues and rock. Fogerty, Clifford and Cook rip through these classics with precision and energy. And, although I know it is heresy to say so, "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" sounds better here than anywhere else.

Along with "Green River" and "Willy and the Poorboys", "Cosmo's Factory" represents the zenith of a great (and perhaps THE great) American rock band.

Cosmo's Factory takes its name from the recording studio the album was recorded at which was in drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford's house. The album is virtually a greatest hits album with seven songs appearing on the charts. The album again shows how the band can bounce in between styles and move from three minute pop songs to eleven minute jams. "Travelin' Band" is a fiery two and a half minute romp that sounds like something that could have been recorded by a Stax artist. "Lookin' Out My Back Door" is a fun, C&W flavored song that fits in perfectly with covers of "Before You Accuse Me" and "Ooby Dooby". "Run Through The Jungle" is a feedback driven rocker about Vietnam while the dour and pensive "Who'll Stop The Rain" was inspired by the band's performance at Woodstock and about the political unrest in the country. "Up Around The Bend" is soaring rocker and they take the Motown staple "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and remold it into a Fillmore West, Grateful Deadish jam. "Ramble Tamble" is another longish jam that starts off as in a rockabilly sound, moves to a psychedelic like guitar jam in the middle, before returning to rockabilly and is a great showcase for John Fogerty's underrated guitar work. "Long As I Can See The Light" perfectly closes the album in a dirge-like manner. Cosmo's Factory turned out to be the band's last truly great album and major commercial success, spending nine weeks at number one.

This is Creedence clearwater Revival at it's peak. Simply put, there is no filler tracks on COSMO'S FACTORY. This disc runs through the whole spectrum: from rockabilly to dark blues to guitar rock. Commander Fogerty at his autocratic best, with his trusty bandmates lending the musical muscle to get the job done.
From now on, the CCR ship would run stormy waters and lose one,then all of it's crew. For now,however just put on the remastered COSMO'S FACTORY and marvel at how good Creedence could get.

RAMBLE TAMBLE - Like 'Commotion' from 'Green River', this is a comment on the fast pace that we live our hectic lives and the deteriorating world we inhabit. Then the real fun begins as the track opens up into a jam session that starts slow,then gradually speeds up like an engine's pistons pumping. John Fogerty's swamp guitar howls like like a banshee.

BEFORE YOU ACCUSE ME - A song written by Bo Diddley, made into a rollicking Creedence standard. Covered lately by Eric Clapton (among others).

TRAVELIN' BAND - A fast paced screaming rocker with Fogerty's raspy voice going at full throttle. I can imagine the sweat pouring off drummer Doug 'Cosmo' Clifford as he tackled this tune live! All about a rock'n'roll band on tour.

OOBY DOOBY - Written by Roy Orbison and considered by him to be one of his weakest tunes. Creedence redeems it by covering in a swampier style; putting their own brand on the song. I wonder what Roy thought of the new version!

LOOKIN' OUT MY BACK DOOR - A weird dream set to an irresistable country style swing (complete with dobro twang!). There are still those who say that the "dream images " were drug induced. I prefer the G rated version!

RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE - A quick snapshot of what the troops were walking through in Vietnam. Fogerty's harpwork puts an almost demonic edge to these swamp rock proceedings. Song to play on Halloween just around midnight with all the lights out at full blast.

MY BABY LEFT ME - An Elvis cover so authentic you would swear it was recorded not in Cosmo's home studio, but at the legendary Sun studios in Memphis. I love the fact that John says "Hey Blue Boys" just before the instrumental break; just like Elvis said to his Blue Moon Boys way back when.

WHO'LL STOP THE RAIN - A comment on Creedence's set at Woodstock; a set that Fogerty still refuses to let see the light,in disc or video (apparently,he hated their performance). The guitarwork at the end was later worked into one of John Fogerty's solo songs, 'I Saw It On TV' from his epic album 'Centerfield'.

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE - Sorry, Marvin and Gladys; this is the supreme version. John's girl is leaving him for another man and he wants to know why . . .now! An eleven minute blues workout with the positively evil bassline of Stu Cook hovering in the background. The last thing you hear is Cook and Clifford slowly fading away like a retreating monster. classic all round effort from the boys.

LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT - a weary traveller is coming home as long as he has a light to show him the way. Slow soul number with Fogerty showing his versatility with instruments other than the electric guitar.

I am a huge fan of John Fogerty's solo music and his music with CCR. If you enjoy his roots-rock style then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) 24 Hours A Day by The Bottle Rockets
2) Chooglin': A Tribute To The Songs Of John Fogerty
3) Banjos and Sunshine by Sixty Acres
4) Trace by Son Volt

Probably their best album. Has Traveling Band and their incomparable cover of Grapevine. Definitely worth the price.

I tried my best to swim against the tide that declared this Creedence's best album, sitting in the back and shouting "GREEN RIVER! YEAAAAAAAH!" But now it has to happen. After hearing it again and learning how much butt it kicks, I just have to give it a perfect score in spite of every reservation I have about this group (like how they never came up with an original idea). And it's all because of John Fogerty. He was such a good songwriter that he was still able to crank out an uberfantastic pop album that's more or less flawless, even if it brings absolutely nothing new to the table. There's a good reason why seven of these eleven songs are pretty much played every day on every radio station everywhere. And the other four are pretty good, too! I'll be different and discuss those "other four" first. The opening "Ramble Tamble" is one of Creedence's best longer tracks - it starts off as a good boogie-rocker, then spins off into a guitar solo with a shockingly modern tone. The solo never really develops, but I love that guitar tone so much I'm perfectly willing to sit back and let John play. Guitar tone counts for a lot, you know. The other three are just generic blues covers, but good ones. "Ooby Dooby", "Before You Accuse Me", and "My Baby Left Me", to be exact. "Ooby Dooby" has stupid "do-dance-craze-that-no-one-remembers" lyrics, and "My Baby Left Me" has the same melody as "That's All Right", but they're fun and exciting. "Before You Accuse Me", meanwhile, rocks all over the place and is probably my favorite of "what's left". And by "what's left", I mean "everything but the singles and `Ramble Tamble'". Now, for the singles, which you all know and love. "Up Around the Bend" has my favorite Creedence riff ever; "Travelin' Band" is the best Little Richard song not written by Little Richard; "Lookin' Out My Back Door" is a lighthearted country-folk ditty about getting really, really wasted; "Run Through the Jungle" is a terrifying war protest, arguably the group's hardest rocker and one of their greatest songs ever, because of the vocal melody, ominous production, the lyrics, and the cool guitar noise; "Who Will Stop the Rain?" is one of their finest forlorn ballads (rivaled only by that other one with "Rain" in its title, what was it called again? It's kind of a good song, whatever it is); "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" is one of their best cover ever (and I have yet to hear a bad version of that song! It's not possible to make one! Unless you're the Eagles covering it, of course), an eleven-minute jam-on-crack made up mainly of Fogerty's evil hoodoo guitar tone of awesome doom; and "Long As I Can See the Light" is an excellent soul song with a fine horn section and good singing. I know this is one of the most trite rock `n' roll cliches imaginable, but humor me for a minute: if you're gonna get one Creedence album other than Chronicle, pick this up without hesitation.