Cream Singles Collection

Not too far removed from Traffic are Cream (through the Powerhouse / Blind Faith connections). After the passing of Jack Bruce we'll never see Cream perform ever again. I first heard live recordings of them on Dutch radio in late 1966. I didn't hear their debut "Wrapping Paper" until later, but "I Feel Free" made a deep impression. Not the least through the reputations of both Eric Clapton (the John Mayall Bluesbreakers album was hot at the time) and Jack Bruce (during his stint in Manfred Mann he claimed to be the world's best bass player.........). Cream never quite fulfilled its promise, probably due to the pressure of constant touring and the lack of sufficient original material. But listening to all their Dutch/German singles certainly proves they were one of the all-time best bands. Despite strange sidesteps like "Anyone For Tennis" and "Wrapping Paper".

Wrapping Paper / Cat's Squirrel - Polydor Int. 421 059 {1966}

I Feel Free / NSU - Polydor 59058 {1966}

Strange Brew / Tales Of Brave Ulysses - Polydor 59106 {1967}

Sunshine Of Your Love / SWLABR - Polydor 59165 {1967}

Anyone For Tennis / Pressed Rat And Warthog - Polydor 59206 {1968}

White Room / Those Were The Days - Polydor 59235 {1968}

Crossroads / Passing The Time - Polydor 59259 {1969}

Badge / Doing That Scrapyard Thing - Polydor 59206 {1969}

Lawdy Mama / Rollin' And Tumblin' - Polydor DP 1741 {1970}

Rating: *****