sparkospunky's Full Review: Strange Brew: Very Best of Cream by Cream
Strange Brew: The Very Best Of Cream is a "posthumous" compilation of material from each of their albums, and also contains one hit single. The album was released originally in 1983, some fifteen years after the "death" of Cream; hence, my "posthumous" reference. Seriously, the band was together for way too short a time; they formed in the summer of 1966 and broke up in the late fall of 1968. Even though their career was short, they produced some powerful rock n' roll, and sort of created a blueprint for the three-piece bands that were to follow.
Cream was:
Eric Clapton, guitars and vocals
Jack Bruce, bass guitar, harmonica and vocals
Ginger Baker, drums
The tracks on the album, and my interpretation of each, are as follows:
1. Badge--This tune was co-written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, who managed to remain friends even though Eric stole George's wife, Patty Boyd. The tune starts with a stuttering bass line by Jack Bruce, and the piano joins to form the rhythmic foundation of the song. The guitar chords which introduce the solo are played by George Harrison, and they convey his musical signature as much as anything he's ever played. Clapton plays a soulful, emotionally charged solo, and he does a good job on lead vocals, even though I always thought his early vocal efforts were a little weak.
2. Sunshine Of Your Love--This was Cream's monster hit, and it remains a rock n' roll anthem to this day. The trademark guitar riff is doubled by the bass guitar, and the tom-tom heavy drum line compliments the driving riff. Jack Bruce shows why he is regarded as a great rock n' roll vocalist, and Clapton contributes a tasteful guitar solo.
3. Crossroads--A great cover of the classic piece written by legendary master bluesman Robert Johnson. Cream really jumps on the tune and their version gives each musician a chance to strut his stuff. Jack Bruce plays an exceptional part; it clearly demonstrates his theory of using the bass guitar as lead instrument, a theme which recurs in Cream's music, and which paved the way for bass players in the decades that followed.
4. White Room--A classic Cream song, with distinct psychadelic lyrical imagery. Jack Bruce again shines with a powerful vocal performance, and Eric Clapton uses his wah-wah pedal to really make his solo something special.
5. Born Under A Bad Sign--Another classic blues number done with that distinctive Cream style. The players really demonstrate their blues backgrounds, and Jack Bruce shows us how an English lad can sing the blues. The guitar riff, doubled by the bass guitar and aided by the drum shuffle, give this song a laid-back feel.
6. SWALBR--These initials stand for "She Walks Like A Bearded Rainbow". I don't really know what that means, but the song is really outstanding. The rave up at the intro settles into a bluesy, loping verse, which is destroyed by the reintroduction of the rave up. The contrast is nice, and actually sounds like parts of two songs melded into one. I know I keep talking about Jack Bruce's vocals, but he could really sing, and this song is no exception. Eric Clapton's solo is intense and arching, and probably double-tracked in parts. It's really a fine, albeit brief, piece of work.
7. Strange Brew--This song is blues with a heavy dose of rock n' roll. Jack Bruce pumps out another strong vocal effort, this time testing the high end of his range. A rapping drum lick starts it out, and Eric Clapton ornaments the song with some guitar licks that are just right. The bass line is melodic and almost another lead instrument, in that inimitable Jack Bruce style. The guitar solo makes it clear that Eric Clapton is a blues player, first and foremost.
8. Anyone For Tennis? (The Savage Seven Theme)--Acoustic guitar, flute and a hint of strings dominate this song. Alternative percussion is substituted for drums, and Jack Bruce plays one of the more subdued bass lines you'll ever hear him play. This one is not very characteristic of Cream's style--it was written for a movie, which smacks of commercialism to me.
9. I Feel Free--A song that is somewhat reminiscent of the "doo-wop" style of music. Vocals and claps start it out before the band settles into their groove. The vocal harmonies are good, mainly because harmonies are rare in Cream's music. Jack Bruce's bass line is superb and Eric Clapton plays some fine sustained-note solo licks. This one is also a little atypical of Cream's music.
10. Politician--A really scathing commentary on all things political, set against a rather dark-sounding guitar-bass riff. The drum beats opposes the riff that Clapton and Bruce have set up, and the effect is really physical in terms of reaction--it really roils the stomach and affects the listener, at least me, anyway. Otherwise, the song is bluesy and features some good guitar work by Clapton.
11. Tales Of Brave Ulysees--This song has always reminded me of White Room, maybe because both tunes have similar chord progressions and use the wah-wah pedal on the electric guitar. They are also similar because of the vivid lyrical imagery which they create. Jack Bruce again is strong vocally, and all of the musicians show why they could make so much music with three pieces.
12. Spoonful--Cream puts their spin on this ancient blues song by revered bluesman Willie Dixon. Jack Bruce does triple duty on this one--his bass line is solid, his vocals again show his blues prowess, and his harmonica gives the song that Mississippi delta blues feel, by way of London, England. Even though this is pure dirty blues, the arrangement is intricate, and the group uses dynamics to good effect. This is really a good song with which to close this definative compilation.
Okay, I know that some of you are die-hard music mavens--you wouldn't own a "greatest hits" album under any circumstances. Personally, I like them, but this one is a "must-have"--it really gives you a great idea of what this band was all about.
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