Creedence Clearwater Revival • Absolute Originals
Analogue Productions/Fantasy Records AAPP CCR7
Seven 33-RPM 180 g LPs
Absolute Originals is boxed set containing all seven of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s (CCR’s) studio albums: Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bayou Country, Green River, Willy and the Poorboys, Cosmo’s Factory, Pendulum, and Mardi Gras. The set also contains a 45-RPM EP featuring five tracks including the rare “wide stereo” mixes of Bad Moon Rising and Proud Mary, and a 26-page booklet. The booklet consists of liner notes written by veteran rock writer, Ben Fong-Torres, numerous colour and black and white photos, and production notes written by Steve Hoffman (each record was lovingly remastered by Hoffman and Kevin Gray at AcousTech Mastering).
Each record comes in its own thick cardboard sleeve, complete with the original cover art, and the whole ensemble is stored in a sturdy cardboard box. About the only thing missing is a lyric sheet for each of the albums.
Many of CCR’s songs need no introduction, including their first hit, Suzie Q; their biggest hit, Proud Mary; and other great tunes such as Bad Moon Rising, Down on the Corner, Up Around the Bend, Who’ll Stop the Rain, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, and Someday Never Comes.
Sourced from the original master tapes and with Hoffman and Gray at the helm, it’s no surprise that these albums sound excellent: I have no doubt they have never sounded better. At $250, this set is not inexpensive, but given the quality of the sound and packaging, CCR fans should not miss this one. The Absolute Originals boxed set is limited to 2,500 numbered copies, so get it while you can.