reDiscover Cream’s ‘Live Cream’
1970’s Live Cream was an unashamed ‘cash-in’ following the demise of the band two years earlier, but unlike so many post-break-up albums it stands the test of time as a genuine example of a band at the peak of their (considerable) powers. Record buyers at the time thought so too as it peaked at No.4 on the UK chart and at #15 on the Billboard album chart.
It features four live tracks recorded during the band’s tour of America in March 1968 and a studio version of the traditional blues tune, originally recorded by Buddy Moss in 1934; Cream’s take on ‘Lawdy Mama’ was recorded in New York in May 1967. Both Count Basie and Louis Armstrong covered the song in the 1940s. ‘Lawdy Mama’ was adapted by Bumble Bee Slim as ‘Meet Me In The Bottom’ which was subsequently covered by The Rolling Stones.
The four live tracks on the album of which Rolling Stone magazine said, “An excellent album” and “well-recorded, controlled, and tense; the timing of the band can capture the listener with an excitement that has nothing to do with nostalgia,” are ‘NSU’, ‘Sleepy Time Time’, ‘Sweet Wine’ and the classic Muddy Waters’ tune ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin’.
All four songs were recorded in San Francisco, three at Winterland with ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin’ coming from the band’s set at The Fillmore on 7 March 1968. All four songs highlight the intricate interplay between the three musicians that were at this point road-honed to perfection. One thing that make these tracks so special is the tone that Clapton coaxes from his guitar, pure and clean, and full of the kind of dynamics that made him god.
Explore our dedicated Cream Artist Page
UK English
joseph kronberg
May 2, 2016 at 9:26 pm
Because of your background picture, and the color of the print, I could hardly read the story. Since you are trying to appeal to baby boomers, you should seriously consider a redesign on your webpage where you concentrate on ease of reading rather than an image you want to project.
Attila Danicska
May 2, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Absolutely agree with joseph.
Gustavo
May 3, 2016 at 1:27 am
It is, indeed, almost unreadable. But here goes a tip that shouldn’t be necessary: select the text as if you wanted to copy it. Then it will become easely readable 😉
Moysten Gorjus
May 2, 2016 at 11:25 pm
I’m sure it’s fascinating but it’s illegible. Web-designers sort it out. It makes you look like amateurs
Chuck Nyren
May 2, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Live Cream is brilliant.
Kelvin
May 10, 2016 at 7:43 pm
Absolutely no problems viewing this on an iMac. Keep up the good work and please don’t make unnecessary changes just to satisfy a few moaners! Perhaps they need to change their hardware!
Mike K
May 10, 2016 at 11:30 pm
No problem on any of three devices, two Apple on PC. Perhaps these gents need a visit to their optician? I am 59 and wear glasses and this was all crystal clear to me.
Terry
May 12, 2016 at 4:14 am
I see nothing illegible. (Of course I might not see it if it isn’t there). 🙂 But, seriously, this page is quite legible. The text is not printed on the background image: it is black text on a white overlay.
John
May 4, 2019 at 3:03 am
No problem reading it on my phone