Creedence Clearwater Revival, Willy and Poor Boys (1969)

Where bought? Rise in Worcester. £10. I now realise this low price for a new record is all part and parcel of John Fogerty's lack of control over his own back catalogue, and Fantasy Records' ongoing exploitation of it. So I am a bit sorry about owning this, on some level.

'America's Beatles' claimed Tom Scharpling of Creedence Clearwater Revival and if that comparison is made because both groups established a solid back catalogue of clear-eyed transcendent pop songs that sounded as if they had always existed then I agree wholeheartedly. In truth, I simply think John Fogerty is the best songwriter of the 60s, and I am not exactly unsold on the music he has produced since.

Though Fogerty would eventually grouse long and hard about money in the public eye, it is at least different to George Harrison's sour anti-tax rants because the Fog is moaning about money and reputation that did not wash up on his shore. I mention money, and by extension class, here for a reason: The Beatles were never really concerned with social class, and their two chief songwriters had an above-average upbringing given the social conditions of Liverpool in the 40s and 50s.

Fogerty, however, in that blue-collar American way that can be either incredibly off-putting or magical, has that concern that is writ large all over this record. It flies in the face of LA glamour and cocaine excess; a hardworking band putting out something like their 4th full length set in a year, and it probably being their best one to boot.

I love it from top to tail. Maybe 'Proud Mary' (not here) is their absolute king moment but 'Down on the Corner' runs it mighty close. The cover of Leadbelly's 'Cotton Fields' isn't overly reverential but is attached by a spirit that runs deeper than mere mimicry. The two angry songs - 'Fortunate Son' and 'Effigy' - blazed new ground for the band, quite dangerous territory I'd imagine too.

Recorded perfectly and played by a band that knew what being an ensemble was all about, this is one of my favourite records of all time. It's annoying to know that J Fog isn't getting the cheques, but you can't take it with you and this record is a million times better than anything the people who ripped him off did (wild considering it was his own damn band).