Would you believe me if I told you that until a few months ago I didn't know that Eric Clapton was part of Cream? I'm such a music terd! Seriously, I'm shocked at how little I DO know about music when I listen to these albums and start writing about them. But anyway, now I do know Clapton was part of this band, and that's that.

This album was released in the heart of that psychedelic rock movement of the late 60s, and you can both see and hear those influences on this album. The cover art is vibrantly coloured and features a collage of illustrations that point clearly to the psych-rock era. And when you listen to the album, the tracks all incorporate the typical psych-rock rounds of wailing guitars with a full, complex, layered sound (at least during the climax). Disraeli Gears differs from other albums I've listened to from this time period because  you can hear the heavy blues and jazz sound, which creates a diversity that is unique from other albums of the time. On "Blue Condition", you can hear the blues piano and even a slow variation on some of the typical blues guitar riffs. And again, "Outside Woman Blues" has a really blues-y sound (clearly, look at the title!).

I think what is most interesting about this album to me, is that I don't recognize any of the tracks! Most of the other albums I've listened to by major artists (Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc.), I recognize at least some of the songs, or the sound. But the only thing I recognize about Cream is Eric Clapton's distinct voice, and occasionally,  the sound and style of his guitar playing (which has clearly changed quite a bit since 1967).  Okay, no, that's not 100% true. But there is only one track I recognize, and I think its just the main riff of "Sunshine of Your Love", but nothing else.

Cream has a unique sound. Its a bit more grungy, heavy and layered and has less of the classic, psychedelic-rock  sound. I like it, but I think it will take a few more listens for me to love it.

Track Listing

Side One

1. Strange Brew
2. Sunshine of Your Love
3. World of Pain
4. Dance the Night Away
5. Blue Condition

Side Two

1. Swlabr
2. We're Going Wrong
3. Outside Woman Blues
4. Take it back
5. Mother's Lament