John Fogerty – Déjà Vu All Over Again (2004)

It is extremely feasible of any project John Fogerty has been associated "Deja Vu All Over Again" may be the one that even the hardcore fan isn't impacted on the first listen the same level as they will be during subsequent. While "Eye Of The Zombie" was met with a certain amount of hostility (Unjustly) those were from the critics poison pen and not the typical Fogerty/CCR fan.
As the consumer gives Fogerty's release from 2004 a larger workout on the CD Player suddenly their initial reaction increases between 1 and 1.5 stars. In it's disjointed fashion you need to comprehend what is going on and its contents can't be heard with half an ear and the TV on.
An interesting note is how Fogerty used a beloved baseball reference for the title track. "Déjà vu All Over Again" is one of several famous quotes from legendary catcher Yogi Berra. A Hall of Famer that played with the New York Yankees. The track with a bit of "Who'll Stop The Rain" poses the all too similarities between Vietnam and Iraq. "Sugar-Sugar In My Life" mixes a country and folk feel. Fogerty was approximately 59 years old when the record was released so how about some of the critics that wanted to swoop down like a vulture on pray pay homage to how his voice has held up through the rock and roll battles. "She's Got Baggage" has been referred to by many as Fogerty plays the Ramones. A bit of fun as some punk/new wave sounds emanate from the speakers. "Rader" could be a Dire Straits tune. Fogerty is certainly covering the rock and roll years as the journey unfolds. "Honey Do" is a take off on the legendary Carl Perkins track "Honey Don't." "Nobody's Here Anymore" can be the strongest cut on the album. It offers success on two levels. For those that like the mixture of Fogerty's music and lyrics the tune will be a keeper and for those that are analytical in their song interpretation listen to the loneliness in the vocal inflection. John's been at this a long time and has seen a plethora of friends in the entertainment industry leave the earth far too early. "I Will Walk With You" could be easily placed in the realm of the genius from Paul McCartney with the Beatles ("Blackbird"). "Rhubarb Pie" gives the feeling of a bunch of friends gathered together with acoustic guitars. "Wicked Old Witch" is "Green River" slowed down a notch and well done in its modern day construction. "In The Garden" ends the festivities as Fogerty shows for a guy nearing sixty he can still rock out!
Fogerty invited Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) to play on the CD and at times if the drums are familiar it is Kenny Aronoff. He was John Mellencamp's drummer for numerous years and his ten page resume includes the Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion tour, Bob Dylan, Meatloaf, and Stevie Nicks to name a few.

Please note that this is an old but good rip (without log), made with an old version of EAC, and coming from my archives on external hard disc.

Personnel includes:

John Fogerty - Vocals, Guitar, Organ, Bass Guitar, Percussion
Kenny Aronoff - Drums
Benmont Tench - Organ
Jerry Douglas - Dobro
Alex Acuna - Percussion
Paul Bushnell, Viktor Krauss - Bass Guitar
Bob Britt - Electric Slide Guitar
David Santos, Bob Applebaum – Mandolin

Tracklist:

01. Deja Vu (All Over Again)
02. Sugar-Sugar (In My Life)
03. She's Got Baggage
04. Radar
05. Honey Do
06. Nobody's Here Anymore
07. I Will Walk With You
08. Rhubarb Pie
09. Wicked Old Witch
10. In The Garden

All Songs Written By John Fogerty
Arranged & Produced By John Fogerty
Recorded At NRG Recording, North Hollywood, CA
All Tracks Mixed By Bob Clearmountain at Mix This (Except Track 03 Mixed By Eric Valentine)
Mastered By Bob Ludwig At Gateway Mastering & DVD, Portland, ME

Sound Quality: 8/9