Cream

If it weren't for this band, heavy metal & hard rock may never have existed. Formed in the mid-60's, the world's first "power trio" consisted of musicians already renowned for their heavy blues prowess: Jack Bruce, on bass, from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and Manfred Mann; and Ginger Baker, legendary drummer and future member of Blind Faith (and, as it turns out, Masters of Reality.) Oh...and some bloke named Eric Clapton. I think he later did a movie soundtrack...or something.

"Fresh Cream"

  1. "I Feel Free" (2:55)
  2. "N.S.U." (2:47)
  3. "Sleepy Time Time" (4:22)
  4. "Dreaming" (2:01)
  5. "Sweet Wine" (3:20)
  6. "Spoonful" (6:31)
  7. "Cat's Squirrel" (3:07)
  8. "Four Until Late" (2:10)
  9. "Rollin' and Tumblin'" (4:43)
  10. "I'm So Glad" (3:59)
  11. "Toad"--instrumental (5:11)
  12. "The Coffee Song" (2:47)
  13. "Wrapping Paper" (2:22)

Okay, I guess I've always meant to get some Cream albums in my collection sooner or later, being a classic rock fan and all...I was actually looking for the song "Toad" on Audiogalaxy (R.I.P.) for a collection of drum music I was making, but couldn't find a decent version due to AG's stupid filters, so I was forced to actually BUY the freakin' thing. (Imagine that!!) It took some searching before I scored a used copy from Second Spin, and by some miracle it had two bonus tracks on it (which AREN'T on the newest remastered version, believe it or not!) Usually when I order from there, I get screwed over...

Anyhow, this doesn't feature the best of Cream's work, but it's still got some nice tunes on it. In particular, "I Feel Free", which retains its power and timelessness despite being overexposed in that dumb Buick commercial (or whatever the hell car it was selling...) "Spoonful", "Rollin' & Tumblin'", and "Cat's Squirrel" are all terrific renditions of blues standards (and the latter is basically instrumental, except with Jack singing, "Alright alright alright alright alright" in the middle.) It does have some groaners, though, especially the poppy songs "Sleepy Time Time" and "Four Until Late". Well, whaddaya want for a record released way back in 1966...(which knocks out The Doors' debut as the oldest album in my collection!)

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