Fogerty’s Factory
BMG, 2020
9/10
A family affair, here the legendary John Fogerty and his kids, Shane, Tyler and Kelsy, collaborate where they revisit some of Forgerty’s greatest tunes, as well as some surprise interpretations, while self-quarantining during the pandemic.
The family starts with the 1985 smash hit “Centerfield”, where Fogerty’s aged voice still sounds as gritty and warm as ever as his kids offer warm instrumentation, and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” has the entire family playing guitars as this campfire-esque version mirrors the greatness of the original recording.
Although there isn’t a bad tune to be found here, naturally, their version of “Lean On Me” is particularly powerful and relevant in these turbulent times, while the soothing “Blue Moon Nights” is a breezy and highly melodic strummer where Fogerty tosses in some intricate solos. Another excellent cover is Arlo Guthrie’s “City Of New Orleans”, where the quartet offer a soulful rendition of a classic folk tune.
Of course “Bad Moon Is Rising” is present, and it’s a fantastic, playful, raw version that’s quite possibly one of the best versions in recent history, and “Don’t You Wish It Was True”, one of the more modern Fogerty tunes in attendance, exits the listen with his children harmonizing and contributing their respective talents with much poise.
What began as simply the Fogerty’s playing songs to spread the joy that music has brought to them lead to a series of Youtube videos that amassed millions of views. This turned into a digital EP, and now in full album form with a vinyl release coming in early 2021. I’d say Fogerty and family used their quarantine time wisely, and if you hear this nostalgic and spontaneous album, I think you’ll agree.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; The Textones- Old Stone Gang