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Rating: It had been ten years since old John made any noise, caught up as he was in family problems, legal battles with Creedence's record label, and various vicissitudes, and at that time we missed him.
In an era of pure hedonism, of appearing more than being, and of banal and plasticized musical productions, this album fell upon us like a genuine breath of fresh air, for those who had enough of the sugary tunes of Spandau and Durans, listening to tracks like "The Old Man Down the Road," "Rock and Roll Girls," "Searchlight," and the other little gems present in this album was like salvation.
The album opens with a track that would become a "must" at his concerts, "The Old Man Down the Road," the old man at the end of the road, seen as something we all must confront sooner or later to settle accounts. A song that immediately sets the coordinates of the album, simple and direct rock 'n' roll.
"Rock and Roll Girls" was the single, finally one of those classic Creedence tracks that could be heard on the radio, three minutes of healthy and pure fun.
In this album, Johnny also gives excellent examples of country ("Big Train From Memphis," dedicated to Elvis).
"I Saw It On TV" is perhaps one of his most beautiful pieces, with an intro that recalls "Who'll Stop The Rain," a sweet ballad with a delightful vocal performance.
With "Mr. Greed" it's hard and pure rock, while "Searchlight," which opened the B-side of the vinyl, is another track that harks back to Creedence.
"Centerfield" is the most fun track on the album, fast-paced with great guitars always in the spotlight, "I Can't Help Myself" is perhaps the only weak moment of the album, not too convincing, while "Vanz Kant Danz" is the complaint and invective against Saul Zaentz, manager of Fantasy Records, against whom John was indeed engaged in decades of legal battles, eventually won.
If it were released today it would probably be a good rock 'n' roll album among many, but in evaluating it, one must also understand the era in which it was released.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
06 Searchlight (04:26)
CHORUS:
Oh the midnight, need a searchlight.
Oh the midnight, need a searchlight.
I walk along the rocky shore, the place I lost myself;
I search the water, look in the sky, I hear the cries for help.
I trace my footsteps down to the sea, but then the path disappears;
Here in the darkness, I'm runnin' blind,
Been stumblin' for all of these years.
CHORUS
What was the demon that made me run, can I ever hope to understand?
I hear my voice, echoes on the wind; I try to reach out with my hand.
Without a light, I might be here forever, lost for all eternity;
There in the darkness, slippin' through my fingers,
The face that smiles back is me.
CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS
07 Centerfield (03:51)
Well beat the drum and hold the phone,
The sun came out today.
We're born again, there's new grass on the field.
Roundin' third, and headed for home,
It's a brown eyed handsome man,
anyone can understand the way I feel.
(Chorus)
Ooohh Put me in coach, Im ready to play-today
Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today,
Look at me, I could be Centerfield.
Well I spent some time in the Muddville Nine,
Watching it from the bench.
You know I took some lumps, when the mighty Case struck out.
So say "Hey Willy," Tell the Cobb, and Joe DiMaggio,
don't say it ain't so,
you know the time is now.
(Chorus)
Got a beat-up glove, a home-made bat,
and a brand new pair of shoes.
You know I think it's time to give this game a ride.
Just to hit the ball, and touch 'em all, a moment in the sun.
It's gone and you can tell that one good-bye.
(Chorus X2)
09 Vanz Kant Danz (05:18)
(was originally "Zanz Kant Danz")
CHORUS:
Vanz can't dance, but he'll steal your money,
Watch him or he'll rob you blind. (X 4)
CHORUS
Out in the street a crowd is gatherin',
Pushed down by the heat of the building, they're wantin' to dance.
Makin' their way up the street, a boy with a pig and a radio;
Little Billy can work on the crowd, put 'em into a trance,
For the little pig Vanz.
CHORUS
You're watchin' 'em dance, not a care in the world;
So Billy and Vanz get busy, they're makin' their move;
The little pig knows what to do, he's silent and quick, just like Oliver Twist;
Before it's over, your pocket is clean,
A four-legged thief paid a visit on you.
CHORUS
CHORUS
CHORUS
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