The Golliwogs - Pre-Creedence - VG+

Nice VG+ copy! EARLY Creedence before the fame!

The Golliwogs' Pre-Creedence (1975) is a compilation album that captures the early work of a band that would soon evolve into the legendary Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). Here's an overview:

Background and Context

Pre-Creedence is a compilation album released in 1975, featuring songs recorded by The Golliwogs between 1964 and 1967. The Golliwogs were the precursor to Creedence Clearwater Revival, featuring the same lineup: John Fogerty (vocals, guitar), Tom Fogerty (guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums). During this period, the band was still honing their sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and R&B, with a focus on catchy melodies and tight arrangements.

The album was released after CCR had already disbanded, providing fans with a glimpse into the early development of the band’s sound before they achieved international fame with hits like "Proud Mary" and "Bad Moon Rising."

Musical Style and Themes

The music on Pre-Creedence showcases a band in transition, moving from the British Invasion-influenced sound that was popular at the time to the more distinct swamp rock style that would define CCR. The songs are characterized by jangly guitars, vocal harmonies, and straightforward rock rhythms. Lyrically, the tracks often explore themes of love, youth, and social issues, though they are generally more conventional than the socially conscious and often dark themes of CCR’s later work.

Tracklist

1. "Don't Tell Me No Lies" - A catchy, upbeat track with a strong pop sensibility, featuring vocal harmonies and a prominent guitar riff.
2. "Little Girl (Does Your Momma Know)" - A lively, danceable song with a rhythm and blues influence, showcasing the band's early pop rock style.
3. "Where You Been" - A slower, more reflective track that hints at the deeper, more soulful direction the band would later take.
4. "You Came Walking" - An energetic rock song with a driving beat and jangly guitars, typical of mid-60s rock and roll.
5. "You Can't Be True" - A ballad with a melancholic melody, highlighting John Fogerty's emerging talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
6. "You Got Nothin' on Me" - A bluesy track with a rawer, grittier sound, indicating the band’s move towards the swamp rock style that CCR would popularize.
7. "Brown-Eyed Girl" - A straightforward rock tune with a catchy chorus, not to be confused with Van Morrison's famous song of the same name.
8. "Fight Fire" - A more aggressive track with a strong beat and urgent vocals, reflecting the band's growing confidence and energy.
9. "Walking on the Water" - One of the standout tracks on the album, this song foreshadows the sound of CCR, with its swampy, blues-infused rock and evocative lyrics.
10. "Fragile Child" - A softer, more introspective song with a focus on melody and harmony.
11. "Stagger Lee" - A cover of the traditional folk song, given a rock and roll twist with a driving rhythm and punchy guitar work.
12. "Porterville" - Another track that strongly hints at the future CCR sound, with its storytelling lyrics and rootsy, swampy feel.
13. "Call It Pretending" - A soulful, mid-tempo track with an emphasis on vocal expression and emotional delivery.