Fogerty’s album of covers is a mixed bag

Published 11:30 am Tuesday, August 31, 2010

John Fogerty, the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, on Tuesday releases “The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again,” a sequel to his 1973 solo album.

TRIVIA: Fogerty brought in a few high-profile guests to help out on this covers album, including Don Henley of the Eagles and Bruce Springsteen.

STANDOUTS: Fogerty keeps the repetitive lyrics of “Never Ending Song of Love” from growing dull by slowly building his arrangement of acoustic guitar, fiddle and backing vocals.

FANS DIG: Farm Aid.

ANDY SAYS: Fogerty pays tribute to the greats and the not-so-greats on this outing. He’s at his best when he uses his swampy strum to tackle the work of songwriters such as Buck Owens, Phil Everly or Ray Price. Those highs basically make up for several misfires, including a tired take on John Denver’s often-covered hit “Back Home Again.”

GRADE: B-minus

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com