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CREAM Fresh Cream & Disraeli Gears (Polydor/Universal) When I was about thirteen I was asked to baby-sit for our friends (Chris & Maxine) next door. They offered me their record collection for the night. Among their many diverse albums there was Best Of Cream an album covered in assorted vegetables. I gave this a try and was instantly blown away by some amazing musicianship and vocals. I didn't know who the hell Eric Clapton (guitarist extraordinare), Jack Bruce (vocals & bass player supreme) and Ginger Baker (King of the drums at this time) were, I just knew I loved what I was hearing. I couldn't play it loud, because of the wee girl in the next room. Since then I have bought every Cream album, plus their separate projects. Over the next twenty or so years I remember some shit-faced nights where I was drunk on some form of alcohol, and drunk on Creams music to boot. Here is a list of my favourite songs from Fresh Cream & Disraeli Gears that still get me high. 'N.S.U. this song is about Clapton's run in with a STD. 'Sweet Wine' well need I say more. 'Spoonful' possibly the most powerful version of this Willie Dixon song I have ever heard; pure blues that hits home every time. 'Strange Brew' I still try to sing along to this. 'Sunshine Of Your Love' first bass lines I ever learned, and the title track of Disraeli Gears. 'Tales Of Brave Ulysses' a Clapton original and one of the most poetic, psychedelic tracks I have ever heard. Shit imagine if Van Morrison had of joined Cream. 'Swlabr' (She was like a bearded rainbow) the original long version has a brilliant solo from Clapton, and was written by Pete Brown who collaborated his writing skills with Jack Bruce on most of Cream's hits. I recently purchased Those Were The Days as my vinyl collection had finally disintegrated, and is too scratchy to enjoy anymore. This compilation box set contains all of the Cream classics plus live tracks, and ad's et al. Simply too good to ignore!Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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