Javier’s English Corner

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was an American roots rock band who gained popularity in the late 1960s and early ’70s with a string of successful songs from multiple albums released in 1968, 1969 and 1970. Before their break-up in 1972, this band earned their golden place in the history of modern popular music with songs such as Proud Mary, Have you ever seen the rain, Sweet Hitch-Hiker, Bad moon rising or Down on the corner. They had a distinct sound that has withstood the three decades which have gone by since their split-up.

I have chosen to post Proud Mary, the band’s first big hit back in 1969, which has been covered by over a hundred artists, including Ike and Tina Turner’s successful version from 1971. You can enjoy the song now or go here for a listening comprehension activity.

Here we have another music genius I had not posted anything about yet, the one and only Ray Charles. It is very hard to choose only one song, as I love all of them, even when he covers another artist’s material. In a way, he makes every tune special with his personal and original way of singing and piano playing. Ah, well, I’ve decided to post Unchain My Heart, one of his most popular hits.

If you like movies, I suggest you see Ray, the biopic about Ray Charles’ life, with an amazing Jamie Foxx playing the main role. His performance is simply uncanny, he could not be any closer to Ray Charles as a young man. If you don’t believe me, you can check out some interviews with the real Ray on YouTube and judge for yourself.

As usual, you can play the song below or click here to access a listening comprehension exercise.

Here is another favourite song of mine, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, by the great Eric Burdon and The Animals. Quoting from Wikipedia, “The Animals were an English music group of the 1960s known in the United States as part of the British Invasion. Known for their gritty, bluesy sound and deep-voiced frontman Eric Burdon, as exemplified by their signature song “The House of the Rising Sun”, the band balanced tough, rock-edged pop singles against rhythm and blues-oriented album material. The Animals underwent numerous personnel changes and emerged as an exponent of psychedelic rock before dissolving at the end of the decade”.

The song I have chosen has been covered by a great number of singers, but I would rather have Eric Burdon’s version any time. You can watch the video below or do this listening comprehension activity. I hope you enjoy it.