Molina

Background

"Molina" is an album track on Pendulum, the sixth long-player of Creedence Clearwater Revival. 

Besides the regular guitar, drums, bass lineup, this rocker features a rhythmic accompaniment on an electronic piano and a sax solo - both played by John Fogerty. "Molina" is usually considered one of the few love songs in the catalogue of Creedence Clearwater.

"Molina," backed with "Sailor's Lament," was released as a 45 rpm single in various countries in 1972 except the USA.  It reached #32 in Germany. 

Trivia

The sax solo after the pseudo-ending of "Molina" is missing on some Creedence Clearwater compilation albums. 

Collector's notes

The "Molina" b/w "Sailor's Lament" single was released with a similar cover sleeve in Germany in July 1972. It was different from the one launched in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. The single was not released in the USA (Peter Koers, Green River, 1999).  

"Molina" was released in Singapore on an EP where other two tracks were "It's Just a Thought" and "Ramble Tamble". 

An EP including "Hey Tonight", "Chameleon", "Molina" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" was released by Melodiya in the Soviet Union in 1974. 

Live versions

Creedence Clearwater never performed the song live in concert. Neither has John Fogerty done it during his solo years.   

Critical reception

"Another Little Richard-type rocker which has John and Tom pumping out some really uninhibited guitar figures that leads into another dash of John's basic yet effective sax playing. A truly timeless track which personifies their brilliance." -Roy Carr, The New Musical Express, December 1970 

"That sterile perfection mars "Molina," which appears to have been intended as a rocker in the "Travelin' Band" genre." -Jon Landau, The Rolling Stone, February 4th, 1971.  

"---wonderful hilarious saxophone solos." -George Starostin.

Fans' views

"So, was there a real life Molina? Sounds like she "borrowed " the sheriff's car, ran a red light, and spent the night in jail, but I've never heard what or who the inspiration for the song lyrics was. Great, old time rock n' roll song with an almost primitive feel."

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