The Ten Best Albums of 1966

Number 5

Fresh Cream – Cream

Released on December 9, 1966

Side One:

1. I Feel Free

2. N.S.U.

3. Sleepy Time Time

4. Dreaming

5. Sweet Wine

6. Spoonful

Side Two:

1. Cat’s Squirrel

2. Four Until Late

3. Rollin’ and Tumblin’

4. I’m So Glad

5. Toad

Cream was the first great supergroup. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker were each well known from their earlier work with bands like the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, the Graham Bond Organisation, and Blues Incorporated. When the three of them got together and created their amazing blend of blues, proto-metal and psychedelia, they proved to be greater than the sum of their parts. Fresh Cream, the band’s first album was a great mix of new songs and classic blues including covers of songs by such luminaries as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Skip James, and the legendary Robert Johnson. The album presents some of the greatest guitar work of Clapton’s career. Look for the solos in Sleepy Time Time, Sweet Wine, Spoonful, and especially Muddy’s Rollin’ and Tumblin’. I Feel Free and Spoonful were both represented on the song list, but also check out the screaming roller coaster ride of N.S.U. and Eric Clapton’s beautiful rendition of Robert Johnson’s Four Until Late. Just a great, great album.

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Thank you for your interest.