Cosmo’s Factory
Cosmo’s Factory

Cosmo’s Factory

Thursday Throwback is a weekly colour scheme inspired by an iconic album cover of yesteryear. This week’s throwback is the 1970 album “Cosmo’s Factory” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The colours are as follows:

Colours HEXRGBHSBCMYKLAB
Colour 1#AB1834  171, 24, 52349, 86, 67  0, 85, 69, 3237, 57, 24 
Colour 2#D29D41  210, 157, 65 38, 69, 82 0, 25, 69, 1768, 10, 54
Colour 3#F7D305 247, 211, 5 51, 98, 97 0, 14, 97, 3 85, -3, 85 
Colour 4#C8D1DA 200, 209, 218  210, 8, 85 8, 4, 0, 14 83, -1, -5
Colour 5#264D6E 38, 77, 110 208, 65, 43 65, 29, 0, 56 31, -2, -23 

In the annals of rock music, some albums stand as timeless testaments to the spirit of an era. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Cosmo’s Factory” is undoubtedly one such masterpiece. Released in 1970, this iconic album not only solidified CCR’s status as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time but also left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. “Cosmo’s Factory” was Creedence Clearwater Revival’s fifth studio album. 

The album featured an eclectic mix of blues, rock, country, and R&B influences, showcasing the band’s versatility and musical prowess. From the infectious grooves of “Travelin’ Band” to the haunting introspection of “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Cosmo’s Factory” spawned a string of hit singles that dominated the airwaves. The album topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, cementing CCR’s status as global superstars. “Cosmo’s Factory” is brimming with classic tracks that have stood the test of time. From the swampy blues-rock of “Run Through the Jungle” to the rollicking energy of “Up Around the Bend,” each song is a testament to the band’s songwriting prowess and musical ingenuity.

The album also features memorable covers of rock ‘n’ roll classics like “Before You Accuse Me” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” showcasing CCR’s signature style and their ability to that style to familiar tunes.

While the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Cosmo’s Factory” has rightfully earned its place in rock history, the album’s iconic cover art also plays a significant role in its enduring legacy. 

The name of the album was a nod to the band’s rehearsal space. It was a warehouse in Berkeley, California, where they honed their sound and was dubbed “The Factory” by drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford because frontman/lead guitarist John Fogerty insisted on practising there almost every day.

It was fun, because John was more of an introvert, and I was an extrovert. I was the guy in school that could make the teachers laugh. When the others tried, they got sent to the dean. John knew the press would be all over us for the album, so he said that he would name the album after me, and that I would have to deal with it. He wanted the pressure off of him. It was our biggest album ever, and I tell people that they named it after me so it had to be a hit [laughter]. That’s a joke!

Doug “Cosmo” Clifford (interview in “Goldmine” magazine, 2013)

The cover photo was taken by Bob Fogerty, brother of John and rhythm guitarist Tom. A handwritten sign stuck to the support post at the left of the photo reads “3RD GENERATION,” which is a reference to the liner notes of the band’s debut album. It reads: “Creedence Clearwater Revival is an excellent example of the Third Generation of San Francisco bands”. The making of the cover for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Cosmo’s Factory” is a testament to the band’s DIY ethos and artistic vision. From the concept and photography to the design and execution, every aspect of the cover art reflects the spirit of CCR’s music and the era in which it was created. 

Over the years, “Cosmo’s Factory” has continued to resonate with audiences of all ages, inspiring countless musicians and earning praise from critics and fans alike. Its timeless appeal lies in its consistent songwriting, capturing the essence of a bygone era while remaining relevant to contemporary listeners.

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