Creedence Clearwater Revival built their reputation on the singing and songwriting of leader John Fogerty, whose soulful and gritty vocals and quick, concise pop sense gave the band a relentless string of Top 40 hits at the turn of 1970s. However, the El Cerrito, California quartet’s debut album begins with a different focus. “Porterville” was the one Fogerty standout, pointing towards the band’s future direction. The remainder of the album features tight ensemble playing on a number of extended jams and well-chosen covers. A bluesy read of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell On You” kickstarts things, while an eight-minute workout of Dale Hawkins’ “Susie Q” became the group’s first hit. Wilson Pickett’s “Ninety-Nine and A Half (Won’t Do)” plays up their funky R&B side. The production is simple and clear, immersing itself in the simple pleasures of excited guitar tones and a rhythm section that powered like an unencumbered locomotive. The 40th Anniversary Edition includes four bonus cuts: “Call it Pretending,’ a b-side, two live tracks (eleven minutes of “Suzie Q” and a scathing “Ninety-Nine and a Half”) and a tight early studio version of Bo Diddley’s “Before You Accuse Me.”