Customer Reviews

BAD MOON RISING. The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have to give the author credit for writing a book about this band, one of my favorite groups. This story should have been written some time ago. The book for the most part is well researched and fairly even-handed. People who might not know much about the band other than their (or more truthfully, Fogerty's) hits will be very surprised at how interesting and sad this story is. The biggest flaw I have with this book is that their is no John Fogerty interview for this book. To get Fogerty's side he uses past magazine and interviews in those articles and he uses them well. But since this is a complex and emotional story that is largley he said/they said, for me this is a vital missing element.Fogerty comes very badly in some sections of the book and while what was written and said may or may not be true, I feel it comes off very one-sided.Cook and Clifford (who came across to me as very ungrateful. I mean, John Fogerty was primarily the reason the band reached the heights they did. If it wasn't for him, they would not be where they are today)however, did give interviews for this book and at times while they are respectful, a good portion of the time they spent criticizing Fogerty's personality, methods, etc. ( again, if Fogerty is that bad, why do Cook and Clifford trying to get him to come back and re-form the band? It's obvious they can't make it on their own). Also, as Creedence Clearwater Revisited, the songs they play in concert, except "Suzy Q" and "I heard it Through the Grapevine" are all John Fogerty songs. The same John Fogerty they complain about. Cook and Clifford don't even sing their own songs off Mardi Gras ( they may be greedy, but they're not stupid. They know who made the money for them). It's these sort of contradictions that I wish the author would have expanded on and it's these things are why I think the book comes off as a bit one-sided. Overall, though, the author does a solid job of writing on this subject and since this is the only book written on Fogerty and the band, I recommend it.

A band that generated almost as many lawsuits as hit singles, Creendece Clearwater Revival became a mainstain of both FM and AM radio during the 60's and 70's. John Fogerty's solo career has continued successfully and the remaining band members (John's older brother Tom died in 1990) have resumed touring as CCR Revisited. While they've managed to put some of the past difficulties with their old label behind them (via the lawsuits), Stu Cook, Doug Clifford and John Fogerty have never been able to settle the issues that tore this seminal rock band apart.

Bordowitz does a fine job of detailing the conflicts and legal tensions that caused the band to implode. Although they all contributed to the sound of the band (and the break up), Fogerty (naturally) got the lion's share of praise because he wrote, sang and produced the songs for the band. A musical polymath, Fogerty has never been able to distance himself from the emotional turmoil that their success generated.

The trouble with any nonfiction book about a band is that it's always going to be second hand information and interpretation despite the wealth of interviews included here. It's clear that whatever happend between the members was due to very complex dynamics. The author does a very good job of distilling the essence of the conflict between the four members. None of the band members are portrayed as saints and John Fogerty comes off as enormously talented but every bit the control freak.

We'll never really know what went on within CCR except that it's clear that the very thing that drove them also tore them apart. The author manages to convey the conflicts through older and recent interviews with the participants. Sadly, Tom Fogerty isn't around any longer to shed any additional insight into what occurred.

The most heartbreaking and powerful chapter details the band's induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. John Fogerty made it very clear to musical director Robbie Robertson he wasn't going to perform CCR tunes with his old bandmates. It's sad because it was a shared moment of glory when Fogerty, Cook & Clifford could have put their difficulties behind them. Fogerty performed with the house band after Bruce Springsteen inducted them into the hall of fame.

The book is very fair balanced and the many rare photos (of the band at Tom Fogerty's wedding and performing at their high school reunion) add a nice perspective to the band's story. John's views are expressed via independently published interviews. Still, considering the "myth" that has grown up around the band, it is refreshing to hear both Cook and Clifford's point of view in addition to the three Fogerty brothers (non performer Bob is quoted as well).

It's a perfect companion to Craig Werner's CCR: An Oral History. Taken together, these two books convey the importance of CCR to music and also the difficulties that guarenteed they wouldn't remain together more longer.

This book gives a very good account of the history of one of America's Greatest Rock N Roll bands. The story really unfloded itself AFTER the band broke up. Its so sad that with so many rock n roll bands having reunions years after breaking up, this will never happen with the surviving members of this band. It would be nice to hear more from John's point of view as the book somewhat sides with Stu and Doug. Whereas Stu and Doug were a very talented rhythm section, how often has one heard original material from these guys? John Fogerty has proven with his solo releases that he was the straw that stirred the Creedence Drink. None the less, John could have been a little more diplomatic about things particularly at the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame Jam. If anything, this book will have you thinking, What If at many critical junctures. Just try to overcome the slight bias against John and you will find this book very informative

Having previously heard much of what was written here, I can't say that I really found a lot to be surpised about in this book. Anyone that doubts that John Fogerty was CCR all by himself should do a personal reality check. John wrote or arranged all of the music you've been hearing for the past 35 years, and for the most part kept Clifford, Cook, and his own brother Tom along because no one would have paid to see a one man band, no matter how talented. Then, instead of being grateful that they were given first class seats on the gravy train, Doug, Stu and Tom stab John in the back by backing Fantasy Records after John figured out he was being screwed six ways to Sunday. So can anyone really blame John for his animosity? I honestly can't say I blame him for refusing to play with Doug and Stu at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame ceremony. He'd carried them for years before that. It was about time he put them down. Don't get me wrong, John's no saint, but he's not the arch-villain that Doug, Stu and Tom's family make him out to be, especially considering that Doug and Stu are still making a living off of him to this day.

If Mr. Bordowitz had considered whom he was targeting this book toward, he might have published an excellent biography of CCR. As it is, however, there are so many completely unnecessary reprinted reviews by critics that they become irrating after about half way through the book. His chronicle of each single and album release is always followed by countless reviews from critics telling the reader what is already common knowledge to even the slightest music fan...CCR was the best ever American rock and roll band. And when the the members split and released solo efforts, we already knew that all but John's recordings really sucked (at least commercially). Not having direct cooperation from the principles involved in this greatest of all American tragedies seriously hurts this recounting of their careers. There are obvious holes in the details involving certain situations that could only be explained by those involved, and without reading between the lines, some may become lost in trying to interpret what is written. All in all, Mr. Bordowitz's chronicle of CCR is a compilation of interviews and printed records involving CCR since their beginnings, all of which is common knowledge to some while totally foreign to most...It is these people who will get the most from this book. Others who have been able to keep up with CCR through the years will not find anything of value here. For any CCR fan, this is a valuable historic reference to have. Especially considering that there is so very little published about these people. It does, at least, bring it all together...even if it doesn't answer all of the questions. It is very difficult not to play the Monday morning quarterback after reading this book. It seems that there were so many situations that could have been resolved with so little effort from all of the parties involved. What happened to CCR is a true tragedy, and a lesson that should be studied by anyone involved in the music business. Mr. Bordowitz, I do appreciate and commend your efforts in bringing this together.

I've just finished this book and I have to say, if you can read it with the understanding that the writer is ABSOLUTELY biased against John Fogerty, you can gain some insight into the band and their ups and downs. I was already disappointed with Fogerty's behavior at the infamous Hall of Fame ceremony (barring the other members from playing with him on stage) before even purchasing this book. But between this book, and reading "Up Around the Bend: The Oral History of Creedence Clearwater Revival", a new perspective began to emerge.

In 1983, after winning a major court battle (one of many they would face), Fogerty was in a good enough frame of mind to invite his former CCR band mates Stu Cook and Doug Clifford to play with him on stage at their high school reunion. Lines of communication were open and who knows what could have happened in the years to come. About a year later, Fogerty releases his solo album CENTERFIELD, which features the song "Old Man Down the Road" and these are Cook's comments about the album according to this book:

"Don't get me wrong. I wish him well. But if he was going to copy an old Creedence tune, he should have picked 'Proud Mary' instead of 'Run Through the Jungle.'"

Fantasy music executive Saul Zaentz (Fogerty's old nemesis) decided to sue Fogerty for basically plagiarizing himself, claiming "Old Man Down the Road" is a direct copy of "Run Through the Jungle". This is no coincidence. Zaentz had claimed the lawsuit was Doug Clifford's idea. Clifford denied this in a court of law. Yet according to the "Oral History" book, Clifford admits to telling Zaentz that he thought the new Fogerty song was "Run Through the Jungle" with different lyrics. What I think happened is Cook and Clifford heard the record, were disappointed that they weren't invited by Fogerty to contribute and they reacted with claims of plagiarism. My theory of their disappointment is supported by further comments by Cook in that same interview regarding CENTERFIELD:

"If we weren't good enough to play in his band, and this is what he's come up with by playing all the instruments himself, I am glad I didn't play on this album."

Sour grapes indeed. At worst, Cook and Clifford went to Zaentz and played the song, giving him the idea to sue. At best, they supported the notion that Fogerty was plagiarizing the original song. Fogerty was found not guilty after a long-running trial (anyone with a good ear can hear the difference between both songs), but the damage was done.

The point is, with their involvement in the plagiarism claims fresh in his mind (as well as other conflicts), it's now a little easier to understand why Fogerty was not happy about playing with those guys at the Hall of Fame. I still believe he should have been the bigger person and let them play. But at least I understand his point of view.

The problem with this particular book is the writer Hank Bordowitz takes a few unfair shots at Fogerty, while praising Cook and Clifford. He suggests that Cook and Clifford have enjoyed more success as Creedence Clearwater Revisited than Fogerty has as a solo artist. Because their concerts sell more tickets than Fogerty's (in Latin America, where Fogerty hardly ever plays). Because, as the book puts it, at Fogerty's concerts audiences sway but don't really dance, yet at Revisited's concert they dance on the seats (nevermind that you can easily find footage online of people dancing at Fogerty concerts). Oh, and none of Fogerty's last few solo albums have sold as well as Revisited's album (nevermind that Fogerty's albums featured ALL NEW songs compared to Revisited's album of, well, Fogerty's old Creedence classics). Bordowitz also implies a carelessness from Fogerty toward his own brother's death (Tom Fogerty, the other member of CCR). Fogerty could have handled that situation better, but the writer goes too far here. We all handle tragedy our own way and I'm sure Tom's passing tore John up inside.

If the swipes at Fogerty weren't enough, the writer downplays the guilt of the other members. The plagiarism issue is a perfect example. Bordowitz KNOWS Cook and Clifford were involved. Yet, he only hints at the suggestion. Contrast that with how many times he reminds us of Fogerty's guilt in the Hall of Fame debacle.

There's really no need for the writer to take cheap shots at Fogerty. He tells a good enough story that we can judge on our own. Fogerty has made some jerky moves over the years. But he also got a VERY raw deal! Despite Bordowitz best efforts, I have become more sympathetic to Fogerty and less so to Stu Cook. I did not expect to feel that way.

There are some interesting aspects to the book. The reason I give it 3 stars is because the actual facts included are intriguing, and this book will have to do until a better one comes along. A book that does the research, tells the story straight, and let's us judge for ourselves. The greatest rock band in American history deserves no less.

Let me start by saying that this book is definitely a must have for any CCR/John Fogerty fan, or for anyone who wants to read "the saddest story in Rock And Roll". I just want to set the record straight for all of the reviewers that seem pissed off that there wasn't an interview with John in the making of the book: John wanted nothing to do with the book. Hank B. didn't just go and interview Stu and Doug and just leave John out of it. John didn't want to be interviewed for the book. And it's not like Stu and Doug do all of the talking in the book. There are tons of quotes from interviews that John has done over the years. Also, I don't really see how this book seems so one-sided to some people. When certain incidents are brought up in the book, both sides of the story are told. Let me just end by saying that this is one of the greatest biographies I've ever read.

If one is a Creedance fan this is the book for them even if it is unauthorized. Being such an ardent fan of John Foggerty I was truly disappointed that he was such a "butt-head" when his brother was dying.
It was fascinating reading into the history of one of the greatest groups ever assembled - their music will live on forever!!!
Darlene C.

This book gives a badly neede history of one of the greatest bands of the modern rock n roll era, Creedence Clearwater Revival. Although the book is somewhat slanted against John Fogerty, it gives some accurate interviews behind the scenes of a fine band that unfortunately broke up before it had to. Very often rock bands do not last as egos are very fragile and there is so much pressure to keep on performing. This is fully detailed in this biography. The writing style of the author does not bother me as it did others who reviewed this work. This is a good choice for those who want to understand what happened behind the scenes of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The book is written ok but I wish he would have spent more time on the making of the albums. He zips through that period rather fast. I see reviews blaming either side but Fantasy is the one to blame. If they would have given them a better contract when they became successful then alot of the pettiness wouldnt have been there. It is a sad story.

Is this the saddest bio I have read of a rock group? No, that would belong to Badfinger. But you will get frustrated reading it because if the two sides would have stopped bickering and tried to be supportive they could have reunited or at least got along. I can see both sides to the story but just when the one side quiets down the other one says something disruptive.

I'm happy that we have the music that they made...that is the important thing.