Being a teen in the late ‘50’s & early ‘60’s the group was after my time. Later, as the Viet Nam war was raging & people I knew who came home in body bags, I learned to appreciate their sound along with Bob Dylan.
Maybe it's the major chords that repeat over and over. Even during the chorus - same chords; G-D-C. The drums don't change at all. My band used to play it and "Down On The Corner" (another one I don't like)... But songs like "Effigy", "Ramble Tamble", "Wrote a Song For Everyone" and many others sound "right".
Isn’t that strange how we like & dislike different songs. “Down On The Corner” is one of my favs. I like the beat. It would be a good one to mix for today’s shuffle dance. Also, I like “Lookin Out My Backdoor” I haven’t listened to the tunes you listed. I’m actually not a hard rock fan, but these guys struck a cord with me. Most of the time I’m unable to understand what hard rock bands are singing & the meaning behind the tune. I don’t like the loud squeal effect.
One of my favs mixed for the shuffle dance “Proud Mary”:
"Lookin Out My Backdoor" is another one I don't like. I'm sure all major chords; a bit hokey for me. But let me name some others I like. I love "Sinister Purpose" and "Walk On The Water"... "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" and "Who'll Stop The Rain" are fine songs.
I highly recommend John Fogerty's biography. Hope you listen to those songs and let me know what you think of them!
You are correct. I lived it and had to deal with my family’s grief over my cousin coming home in pieces. Plus, my neighbor’s son coming home in a bag. Funerals are sad, but I believe his was the saddest I ever attended other than my dearest friend’s 10 year old daughter. I sobbed uncontrollably at both.
choppers and napalm 😭 The award winning photo still gives me chills.