Album Reviews
Unfortunately the album does not totally hang together, marred by some poor material. They usually compensate for what they lack as composers and songwriters by thorough brilliance of performance. But in some tracks ("We're going Wrong," "Dance the Night Away" and "Blue Condition," among them), the material is too pale to support the heavy instrumental work which makes Cream such an overwhelming trio.
"Strange Brew" stands out as the most complex song and rather an unusual one in that Eric uses reverbto stunningly mean and sensual effectand it is really very far away from the usual blues stylings for which he has been noted. In some places in the song, it sounds like the guitar has been triple-tracked.
"Sunshine of Your Love" (an incredibly strong number) and "Tales of Brave Ulysses" are typical Cream pieces. They are structured on a simple, repeating run of heavily syncopated descending (or ascending) chords. In these songs, and on "Outside Woman Blues," where the chord structure is classic, the beauty of Cream becomes readily evident: Clapton's lines, Baker's dynamics, and, to a slightly lesser extent, Bruce's runs are so simply put together that the listener has no choice but to stand in awe of their precision, grace and exquisite sense of time.
"Swlabr" (pronounced "Slobber"?) and "Take It Back" are also two excellent cuts (these written by Jack Bruce and Peter Brown). Cream's new album is more difficult to get into, and thus more rewarding, then the first one. Fresh Cream was recorded over a year and a half ago, at a time when the group was less than two months old. This new LP reflects a more original direction, greater musical sophistication (the guitar is double-tracked throughout) and the polish of a year together.
Despite their recorded shortcomings, Cream happens to be one of the great modern rock and roll groups. If you aren't already hip to it, pick up on Fresh Cream (Atco 33-206) and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (London PS 492), a highly polished album which features Eric in a strict blues context.
On top of the music in the new LP, there is the cover done in exploding day-glo style. The photo-montage on the back is reflective of the fact that Eric Clapton happens to be a Nikon-freak.
(Posted: Jan 20, 1968)
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- Strange Brew
- Sunshine Of Your Love
- World Of Pain
- Dance The Night Away
- Blue Condition
- Tales Of Brave Ulysses
- Swlabr
- We're Going Wrong
- Outside Woman Blues
- Take It Back
- Mother's Lament
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Your Turn
Review 1 of 1
Seitou writes:
Boring, drawn out, repetitive, overrated.
The songs are okay at first. But then,like a ton of bricks, it hits you: They're hacks using the same three guitar and bass lines over and over.
The vocals have no melody, the song structure boring.
This is the most boring album I have ever listened to.
Aug 1, 2007 22:37:31
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