Published on Mar 1, 1998
Back in 1967, the formation of Cream was big news. Three of
Britain’s best-known musicians, including two former members of
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, had assembled to form what was
considered the ultimate power trio. Guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist
Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker were one of the top stories in
the world of rock.
Now, 31 years later, their debut
Fresh Cream sounds incredibly dated, and I find myself
wondering as I listen to it in the halls of the Pierce Archives
what the big deal was really about. What was supposed to be a
showpiece for all three musicians is more of a half-baked
mish-mash.
For a group that was so rooted in the blues, thre isn’t that
much of it here. But two of the blues numbers, Robert Johnson’s
“Four Until Late” and Muddy Waters’s “Rollin’ And Tumblin'” are the
standout pieces on this album. The other number, “Sleepy Time
Time,” pales in comparison. But I wonder what would have happened
had Cream made this album more blues-oriented rather than drifting
towards some of the psychedelia that they performed elsewhere.
And even a few of the more rock-oriented numbers aren’t
half-bad, like Bruce’s “N.S.U.” The cover of “Cat’s Squirrel,” a
song which apparently all British bands in the ’60s had to cover,
has some interesting moments on it as well, though I admit I prefer
Jethro Tull’s version.
But for the most part, these numbers fall a bit flat – this was
still a band looking for its direction and voice. Clapton still did
not have the confidence in his singing that he needed (and would
eventually gain, as heard on songs like “Badge” off
Goodbye). One other problem is there seemed to be
uncertainty in the musicianship as well. One critic, whose name
escapes me, claimed that Cream was nothing more than a showpiece
for three virtuoso musicians. There was no band, just three lead
instruments. In the case of the music on
Fresh Cream, even the leads were weak. Baker’s drum solo
piece “Toad”, well… let’s just say the princesses looking for a
prince should move to the next lily pad.
Even some of the song selection is questionable. I admit I’ve
never been a fan of Skip James’s “I’m So Glad,” but one wonders why
Cream chose a song so damned simplistic in structure and lyrical
content. C’mon, these guys were better than the material they chose
– even originals like Bruce’s “Dreaming” suck.
Blasphemy! – I can hear the call going out now. No, just truth.
Fresh Cream might have been innovative and exciting in 1967,
but in 1998, it’s sour and curdled. These three proved at many
other times in their career together just how talented they really
were; this debut album just isn’t the right vehicle for them.