You Don't Owe Me

Background

“You Don't Owe Me,” coupled with "Back in the Hills," was the fourth 7" single John Fogerty released as The Blue Ridge Rangers and the first with original material. It also marked a shift to a more Creedence Clearwater sounding material. "You Don't Owe Me" begins with the same guitar chord as that which opened "Bad Moon Rising". The 45 rpm was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. Fogerty plays all the instruments by himself. The single was released in September 1973. It didn't chart. 

In the interviews at that time, John Fogerty brought up a possibility to release a follow-up to the first Blue Ridge Rangers album. It's likely that "You Don't Owe Me" was one of the candidates considered for the LP. Fogerty went on strike in early 1974 and the album never materialized. (Melody Maker, September 8th, 1973)

Collector's notes

The songs on the 45 rpm have never been released on an official album. They're only available as a second-hand 7" vinyl single.

The single was released with different cover sleeves in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The US version didn't have a cover sleeve (Peter Koers, Green River, 1999).  

The official US single (Fantasy F710) is in mono. The promo version (F711) is in stereo (Robert Aerts). 

Live versions

John Fogerty has never played the song in concerts.

Critical reception

"John Fogerty uses once again that mesmerising shuffle and tarts it all up with more of his immaculate guitar playing. not only the tone is perfect, but the substance is exactly right also.  --- He plays just the right notes and just the right number of notes too. --- John writes lyrics that lend themselves well to rock 'n' roll - sound great with just a touch of echo to elide them - and he knows what to leave out of the arrangement as well as what to put in. Perhaps it's all a bit dated to an audience reared on Sweet, Bowie, Roxy Music and the like." -The Sounds, UK, October 20th, 1973.  

"Talking of the Fogerty family, here comes the lone Blue Ridge Ranger himself, riding out of the sunset with his third and best single so far - "You Don't Owe Me". The reason for this is 'cause Johnny Ranger has stopped fooling about with that album of Country Hall of Fame hits and gotten down to writing both sides (now). Reverting back to his "Bad Moon Rising" feel, Fogerty hasn't sounded as good as this in two years. --- Now if only he could get together with brother Tom, Stu and Cosmo... Wishful thinking? I'm not so sure." -The New Musical Express, 1973. 

Thanks to Robert.

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