Even though most of the material in this collection has previously been released, there are still enough reasons why you should get this set. It includes everyone’s all-time favorite Creedence Clearwater Revival songs plus lesser known B-sides, and every song a CCR beginner needs to know and hear about this great and truly classic band.
 
There are stories behind every CCR song. Yeah, any song has a story, more or less. But I am talking about songs so memorable that you will remember them for a long time, and lyrics that you understand from your heart, or you even can relate to. From the Louisiana Bayou, the Apocalypse, to an ordinary man who is drafted to war, these four guys from Northern California sing about a wide variety of issues, feelings and themes, which appeal to people with all kinds of different backgrounds and demographics.
 
John Fogerty sings his heart out. His distinctive and powerful voice is perfect not only for pure masculine rock songs but also for Americana songs inspired by soulful blues and down-to-earth county music. The backing vocals of Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford support John’s lead in an outstandingly harmonic and fitting way.
 
Considering their short active years, it is impressive that CCR created so many diverse and catchy hooks and tunes. When I hear a CCR song, my mind goes back to the past and thinks about what I was doing at the time I heard it for the first time. The sound quality of these 2 discs is great. To reflect the original recordings, most songs in this collection are released in the original mono sound. Listening to them will be like taking a stroll down memory lane.
 
Even though the bonus DVD contains only four music videos, they are never-before-seen and a treat for long time CCR fans. Unfortunately, the image and sound quality of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is poor. The picture is grainy, the camera shaky, the sound not clear, and after the guitar solo, the song is suddenly cut off. But it is better than not seeing it at all. The other three videos have a much improved sound quality.
 
Do you own just a couple of CCR songs or perhaps only a movie soundtrack featuring CCR (e.g. the Forrest Gump album)? If so, get this set. Are you an aspiring musician? If so, get this set. Are you interested in the history of rock music? If so, get this set. Are you a CCR fan who already possesses every album possible and with $30 to spare? If so, get this set. Okay, I think you get my point, which is that this is a great opportunity to appreciate their diverse and timeless sounds. This set makes me love Creedence Clearwater Revival all over again. Highly recommended.