Review Summary: A spectacular album. This album shows stellar musicianship from three great musicians. Eric Clapton shows his guitar virtuosoity. Jack Bruce shows his overall talent and song writing ablity. And Ginger Baker shows his versatility
This is my favorite album of all-time. This album is the three greatest musicians in the world at the time doing what they do best. There is an obvious evolution from Fresh Cream and Disreali Gears on this album. DO NOT go by the Rolling Stone review of this album. It does not give the album justice. Here's my opinion...
IN THE STUDIO
White Room-A classic. Very frequently played on the radio. Excellent use of the Wah-Wah pedal on Eric Clapton's part. The words were written by Pete Brown about his new apartment and Jack Bruce wrote the music about a bicycling tour. Excellent way to start of an album. 5/5
Sitting on Top of the World-A Chester Burnett cover. Cream did a good job on this song. Eric Clapton has one of the greatest guitar sound i have ever heard showcased in this song. Bruce does a good job on vocals and Ginger Baker's drumming really creates a bluesy feel. 4.5/5
Passing the Time-Probably the only time you'll ever hear the calliope outside of a carnival. Opens up with an odd time signature and changes to a slow pace with blow away vocals from Jack Bruce. The pace speeds up again for the chorus and then fades back into the verse. Intersting and VERY inventive 5/5
As You Said-Jack Bruce's moment in the spotlight. Playing every instrument except the drums. Sounds very much like a folk-type song. Not an incredible song, But still a good mix of the cello, acoustic guitar and good vocals by Jack.3.5/5
Pressed Rat and Warthog-What a great song. It really personifies the 60's. Hard, fastpaced yet very diversified music with absolutely strange vocals. The vocals were done by Ginger Baker. Defineatly an underrated song 5/5
Politician-This song has a very ominious tone. Well sung by Jack. It's a very good song. Very bluesy feel it's sure to have you nodding you head by the end 4/5
Those Were The Days-One of the songs that sets Cream apart from their contemporaries. This song showcase the fourth member of Cream, Felix Pappalardi, whose play the Swiss handbells on this piece. Very strange lyrics highlighted with stellar music. Very addictive and unique 5/5
Born Under A Bad Sign-A cover of Booker T. Jones and William Bell. It sounds very good. Clapton's guitar sounds untouchable. Bruce sings this very well. And Baker's drumming is top notch. Certainly a highlight of the album 4.5/5
Deserted Cities of the Heart-By far the greatest song on the studio album. Very fast and intense music. Strong vocals and musicianship from Jack Bruce. Felix Pappalardi plays the viola during the breaks giving it an incredible tone and originality. Clapton's solo is top-notch. His guitar is screaming with one of the best tones you will ever hear 5/5
LIVE AT THE FILLMORE
Crossroads-A cover of Robert Johnson. This song was rearranged by Eric Clapton. This a hard-driving revamped blues song. It is easy to see why people say Clapton is God as he unleashes two incredbile solos. This is also voted one of the greatest BASS performances ever. As Jack Bruce holds down the bluesy feel while improvising wildly. I wish i could have been there. No doubt about it this song is a 5/5
Spoonful-A cover of Willie Dixon. Very slow yet powerful. Even though is stretches over sixteen minutes, give it a listen. It keeps its intensity and power over the 13+ minutes of soloing 4/5
Traintime-A very well done bluesy song. It's real hard to describe. Jack Bruce shines on harmonic. Ginger Baker does a very good job drumming. Creating the feel that a train is coming at you. 3.5/5
Toad-Don't let the 16 minutes intimidate you. Very strong. This song is all Ginger Baker as he pounds his kit solo for a quarter of an hour. This song NEVER gets boring. It stays strong fast and intense for the entire time. Show just showing versatile a drummer he is. The length is kind of annoying, but if you can really apprecaite music you'll love every second of it 4/5
