Very Best of [Import]

Cream | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Polydor
• ASIN: B000F4LGDQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,158 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The groundbreaking work of this British psychedelic-blues supergroup deserves more thorough study, but this 20-song compilation provides a useful overview for newcomers. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker--virtuosos all--expanded the parameters of rock by incorporating a jazz sensibility into their distorted blues jams. This compilation mixes their odd original hits with a number of souped-up blues covers. The live version of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" remains one of the greatest blues workouts a rock band has ever produced. Since Cream released only four albums, this set includesv most of the highlights, and it illustrates how Cream cast the seeds of heavy metal. -- Marc Greilsamer

Product Description

International slide-pack series, 'Just the Music.' Does not contain liner notes. 20 tracks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE ULTIMATE SINGLE-CD COMPILATION OF CREAM!, December 2, 1999

By 

B. Garvalov (Munich, Germany/ Sofia, Bulgaria) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Very Best of Cream (Audio CD)

Here is the finest of Cream - the 60s' mythical trio which gave rock a new definition and took blues as far as it has ever been taken. Eric Clapton's virtuoso guitar, Jack Bruce's mesmerising musicianship, Ginger Baker's guru drumming - it's all in this album, all at its best! Included are epic tracks like "Sunshine of Your Love", "I Feel Free", "Spoonful", "Strange Brew", "White Room", "Badge"... a non-stop succession of the cream of Cream, the 19 best studio recordings, topped up by the legendary live rendition of "Crossroads". It is remarkable that, untypically, the producers have made an honest effort to include all the best songs in the compilation, not leaving ground for "The Vey Best, part 2". The only problem with this release is it's so good (and that includes, at least to my ears, the sound quality) it will instantly make you want to buy all of the original albums - and that might as well be a wise decision. However, if you're quite sure you only want one CD by Cream, then, undoubtedly, this is it!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Blues Pop Here., January 5, 2007

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SUPPORT THE ASPCA. "PILUM THROWER!" (?????) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Very Best of Cream (Audio CD)

Jack Bruce's thumping vocals, Clapton's legendary blues guitar & Ginger Baker's fine drumming made for the finest Rock trio ever. I "Feel Free," has stunning vocals, snare drumming & Eric Clapton at his improvising best. "Strange Brew," has simple delivery, Clapton's falsetto singing & multiple guitar licks made for a sinister trance like tune. In the "White Room," the large array of instruments used alone make this an amazing tune.

For me, Baker's drumming is what held this song together. In "Crossroads," Clapton demonstrates why he is a blues master. Robert Johnson would be proud. "Sunshine Of Your Love," is their most popular song for a reason. Here Rock, Blues & pop sparkle into a love song that most music fans of any generation could appreciate. Clapton's base is an octave lower, which gave great depth to his riffs. Simply, a great group.

60 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'M SO GLAD I OWN THIS, February 24, 2000

By 

J. Humphreville "Compulsive CD Buyer" (Antioch, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Very Best of Cream (Audio CD)

I am 19 years old and therefore can not say I ever saw Cream Live on stage in person. However, I can say that this band, and I speak as a musician and a classic rock dj, is the most talented rock band ever who are only challenged by that of Rush. Eric Clapton, who I feel did nothing noteworthy after 1971 shines in this band. Jack Bruce, the bassist, is underrated. He sang and wrote most of the songs. Ginger Baker. Have you ever seen a crazier drummer. He took double bass rock drumming to where it is today. Now personally, I say that every Cream song is great and should be heard. Hwever, those who have only heard the legend and are curious should pick this cd up. It has all the best. "I Feel Free", which is currently a car commercial, is a great tune. It seems simple but there is far more than meets the eye. "N.S.U." speaks for so many people with just one line: "The only time I'm happy's when I play my guitar." How about the classic tunes from the Disraeli Gears album. "Strange Brew" is an interesting venture into a new realm for the band. And are any other ten bass hits(7 notes) in music more memorable than the intro to "Sunshine Of Your Love". The dueling vocals on this tune and Baker's odd drumming make this track still amazing to this day. "Tales Of Brave Ulysses" has become a recent favorite of mine. The lyrics and the melody(which will appear later in the album as well) just work too well together. "White Room" What many consider to be Cream's masterpiece. I love the intro. Bruce's voice never sounds as good. The melody from "...Ulysses" comes back for this tune. A true CLASSIC. I love "Crossroads". It is a great tune with a great repeating riff. "Anyone For Tennis" is at the end of the band's career. It is an odd song(drugs) but is fun to listen to nonetheless. Baker's conga playing and Clapton's accoustic set the scene on this one. Mind you, there are many more tunes on this cd that are worth listening to. After hearing this, you will want to buy all the Cream you can find. Box Set, live cds, anything. Well, i reccomend it all. But if you want the best on one cd or are a new fan, Pick this one up. If you are a metal or hard rock fan and want to see where it began, check out this cd. They were heavy before you could be heavy. Cream may have only been around for a little over 2 years, but the impact made will last forever.