One-word Review: Amazing.

I just laid hands and eyes on the new Creedence Clearwater Revival box set of 45rpm singles. The set is lovingly packaged — its presentation rivals the now-rare Rhino compilation Beg, Scream and Shout CD set from the 90s — and of course the music (reviewed here) is, well, Creedence singles, which can’t be beat.

Serious kudos to Concord/Fantasy for catering to hardcore vinyl addicts (and just plain ol’ collectors, as this set is quite likely to become a real collector’s item). The included 40-page booklet is more than simply a larger-type version of the one packed with the CD+DVD version of this set; more and cooler photos are lavishy splashed all over its pages. No, the DVD isn’t included in this 45rpm set, but you’ll live.

CCR’s The Singles Collection tops my 2009 holiday gift-giving list; it’s the absolutely perfect gift for anyone you know who owns and uses a turntable.

Just, wow.

About the Author

Bill Kopp

With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.