Centerfield

John Fogerty - Centerfield

Centerfield
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CD Details

Artist: John Fogerty
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2001-04-24
Music Label: Dreamworks
Soundtracks:
  1. The Old Man Down The Road
  2. Rock And Roll Girls
  3. Big Train (From Memphis)
  4. I Saw It On T.V.
  5. Mr. Greed
  6. Searchlight
  7. Centerfield
  8. I Can't Help Myself
  9. Vanz Kant Danz

Music reviews of Centerfield

Music Review: Helped Redefine Fogerty - and change a Decade's Sound
Rating: 4 Stars

I remember back in 1985 when John Fogerty's "Centerfield" album began to climb the charts. I remember when it first appeared in the Top 10 and then inched its way into the Top 5 and then eventually secured the #1 spot. When "Centerfield" did hit #1, it was a surprise to many for what was considered a grass-roots/blues artist to have a #1 album. Now when I look back at it, I really shouldn't be so surprised because it was around this time that the music landscape was starting to undergo some changes. Only a about a year before, Bruce Springsteen had released "Born in the USA". I look at "Born in the USA" as a landmark album for many reasons, but perhaps one of the most important reasons is that it began to shift the sound of the 80s music scene away from synth-pop to a more natural sound. Although when Fogerty's "Centerfield" was released, it still was early in this shift - the timing was still right for such an album. Fogerty puts together an impressive collection of nine tunes that not only would keep his CCR fans happy, but also would reach out to a whole new generation of fans. I also think the success of "Centerfield" continued to boost the trend away from synth-pop that Springsteen had started.

I think there were three reasons why John Fogerty was able to tap into a whole new generation of fans. The first was that MTV actually played John Fogerty videos - including a very entertaining video for "Vanz Kant Danz" that featured a darker look at the "three little pigs" story. The second reason is the song "Centerfield" itself. "Centerfield" was a song that was associated with America's pastime - Baseball. The third reason is that the songs were actually pretty catchy - this is shown in songs like "The Old Man Down the Road" and "Rock and Roll Girls". They might not be the kind of songs you like right away, but after a few listens - they really begin to grab you. Throughout everything, I think Fogerty does a great job at keeping to his CCR roots while at the same time branching out and exploring some new paths.

When "Centerfield" was released, it was 10 years since his last album (the self-titled "John Fogerty" album). Part of the reason why it took so long was that John Fogerty was involved in a legal battle over his music with Saul Zaentz - head of Fantasy Records which had released much of the CCR catalog. Apparently, this became a bitter battle and it really affected Fogerty's perspective on the music industry. The final song on this collection is called "Vanz Kant Danz", but it was originally called "Zanz Kant Danz". It was clear that Zanz was referring to Saul Zaentz when Fogerty wrote the lyrics "Zanz can't dance, but he'll steal your money - Watch him or he'll rob you blind". Fogerty actually had to change the name of the song to "Vanz Kant Danz" on the second pressing of the album for legal reasons. This is definitely the best song on the collection. This is a song where Fogerty really manages to shed his CCR image and really shine on his own. One thing that does remain the same are the very distinctive John Fogerty vocals.

But this wasn't the only reference to this particular feud on this album. Fogerty writes another song called "Mr Greed" that starts out with the lyrics "Mr Greed, why you got to own; Everything that you see?". But Fogerty's disillusionment doesn't just center around his feud with Zaentz. Fogerty realizes he needs to find himself as well - this is demonstrated in the song "Searchlight" in which Fogerty sings "I Walk Along the Rocky Shore, The Place I lost Myself... been Stumblin for all these years".

There are songs that still are going to remind you of CCR. The first two songs do a great job at this. "The Old Man Down the Road": This is a very blusey/Rock type song - and the opening notes do a great job at setting this tone. It was the first single from the "Centerfield" album and was the biggest hit from the album. "Rock and Roll Girls" is a natural follow-on to "Old Man" - in fact it was the second single. It has a similar beat, but I also like how there are some horns integrated into the song.

Perhaps the best song from a lyrical standpoint is "I Saw It on TV". This song explores life from a young man growing up in the 50s and 60s. You'll hear references to "Ike" (Eisenhower), "dream dead end in Dallas" (Kennedy Assassination), "Four Guys from England" (The Beatles), "they showed pictures and counted up the score" (Vietnam) as well as many more. This song often gets lost in the mix - its really good stuff.

There are some other good songs too. "Big Train to Memphis" has a definite country music feel to it. "I Can't Help Myself" has a nice quick bluesy tempo to it. Then of course, there is the legendary title track - which really helped describe a baseball player's love for the game. Like "Vanz Kant Danz", Fogerty is able to show something other than the CCR image. This song was the album's third single and although it didn't chart as high as "Old Man" or "Rock and Roll Girls", it probably is the most remembered track.

When these songs first appeared in 1985, it probably validated the argument "how did this album go to #1 with such a non-80s sound?". Now when I look back at this album, I realize how this album really helped contribute to a change in the music landscape. Plus it made me appreciate what a great artist John Fogerty is. If you are music fan, this is a collection of songs you want to have in your collection.
More Centerfield free music reviews:
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Description of Centerfield

John Fogerty, Centerfield

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