Cosmo's Factory

by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Overview

Throughout 1969 and into 1970, CCR toured incessantly and recorded nearly as much. Appropriately, Cosmo's Factory's first single was the working band's anthem "Travelin' Band," a funny, piledriving rocker with a blaring horn section -- the first indication their sonic palette was broadening. Two more singles appeared prior to the album's release, backed by John Fogerty originals that rivaled the A-side or paled just slightly. When it came time to assemble a full album, Fogerty had only one original left, the claustrophobic, paranoid rocker "Ramble Tamble." Unlike some extended instrumentals, this was dramatic and had a direction -- a distinction made clear by the meandering jam that brings CCR's version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" to 11 minutes. Even if it wanders, their take on the Marvin Gaye classic isn't unpleasant, and their faithful, exuberant takes on the Sun classics "Ooby Dooby" and "My Baby Left Me" are joyous tributes. Still, the heart of the album lays in those six fantastic songs released on singles. "Up Around the Bend" is a searing rocker, one of their best, balanced by the menacing murkiness of "Run Through the Jungle." "Who'll Stop the Rain"'s poignant melody and melancholy undertow has a counterpart in Fogerty's dope song, "Lookin' out My Back Door," a charming, bright shuffle, filled with dancing animals and domestic bliss - he had never been as sweet and silly as he is here. On "Long as I Can See the Light," the record's final song, he again finds solace in home, anchored by a soulful, laid-back groove. It hits a comforting, elegiac note, the perfect way to draw Cosmo's Factory -- an album made during stress and chaos, filled with raging rockers, covers, and intense jams -- to a close. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	02/21/2025
Label:	Universal Import
UPC:	0888072672666

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Creedence Clearwater Revival   Primary Artist
Booker T. & the MG's   Primary Artist
John Fogerty   Saxophone,Lead Vocals,Piano,Guitar,Vocals
Stu Cook   Bass,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Tom Fogerty   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm),Vocals (Background)
Doug Clifford   Drums,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

John Fogerty   Lyricist,Producer,Audio Production,Recording Producer,Arranger,Composer
Dick Penner   Composer
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup   Composer
Booker T. & the MG's   Performer
Eugene McDaniels   Composer
Joel Selvin   Liner Notes
Alan Penner   Composer
George Horn   Remastering
Norman Whitfield   Composer
Allen R. Penner   Composer
Robert Christgau   Liner Notes
Larissa Collins   Art Direction
Wade Moore   Composer
Didi Zill   Photography
Rikka Arnold   Project Assistant
Geoff Gans   Design
Ron Rafaelli   Photography
Jennifer Peters   Project Assistant
Bob Fogerty   Cover Photo,Photography
Sam Moore   Composer
Bill Belmont   Project Assistant
Chris Clough   Producer,Audio Production,Reissue Producer
Barrett Strong   Composer
Creedence Clearwater Revival   Performer
Ellas McDaniel   Composer
Wayde Lee Moore   Composer
Bo Diddley   Composer