B100: #65 “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Not another trip to Manchester in my B100 favourite tunes rundown, but rather the Southern states by way of San Francisco, it’s “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Absurdly prolific and hugely popular around the tail-end of the 60s, Creedence Clearwater Revival are often somewhat overlooked when telling the story of that time.  Hailing from San Francisco but with a Southern blues and country rock sound, Creedence sold more records in the USA in 1969 than any other band (even the Beatles), helped no doubt by releasing three albums that year following their 1968 self-titled debut; Bayou Country, Green River and Willy And The Poor Boys.  Two more albums followed in 1970, a level of productivity to shame even Guided By Voices: Cosmo’s Factory and Pendulum, the latter of which features my favourite Creedence track “Have You Ever Seen The Rain”.

A wonderfully yearning song with an intro motif reminiscent of Glen Campbell’s majestic “Wichita Lineman”, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” also recalls Neil Young while its subtle organ flourishes help to anchor its melancholic feeling in a similar manner to the Flying Burrito Brothers.  Basically, it’s just a beautiful tune.  Released as a single in early 1971, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” just grazed the UK top 40, reaching number 36.  Creedence did have a UK number 1 hit with “Bad Moon Rising” in 1969, while “Proud Mary”, “Travellin’ Band” and “Up Around The Bend” also broke the top 10.   Frontman John Fogerty’s brother Tom left the band after recording the “Pendulum” album, with just 1972’s “Mardi Gras” LP following before Creedence dissolved completely due to internal band and record label tensions, perhaps unsurprising with such an abundant work schedule.

VIDEOS AND OTHER STUFF

• “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” lyric video on YouTube
• “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” 1971 video
• Other great Creedence songs include: Born On The Bayou, Bad Moon Rising, Down On The Corner, Fortunate Son.
• “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” is featured on my B100 Spotify playlist
• Also featured on my 379: Rock Spotify playlist

NEXT: NUMBER 66