Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Bayou Country
If you had only ever heard the original pressings of CCR’s sophomore album you’d likely think this was a lousy recording and not worth consideration as a record for good sound. But when I shot out two copies of the record I own, an original Hollywood pressing and a 1983 reissue, I learned otherwise.
The mastering on the original was just plain “UGLY!” The bass is terrible and Fogerty’s voice is unlistenable. Meanwhile the ’83 reissue has tight, punchy bass and an open, full bodied analog sound with great vocal presence. Best of all, the reissue has all the heft and grittiness you would want in a CCR record.
This ’83 reissue will show you that Bayou Country can sound great, and any CCR fan, especially audiophile fans, should ignore the original pressings and seek out this very well done reissue.