January 13, 2020

1967 - November: Cream “Disraeli Gears”

28 minutes

Cream was the original rock supergroup. Drummer Ginger Baker, Bassist Jack Bruce, and guitarist Eric Clapton were already recognized for their individual talent, and the name of the group would reflect their status as “the cream of the crop.” DIsraeli Gears is their second studio album, and was the album that would propel them to fame in the United States.

Cream was considered not only a supergroup, but was a proto-progressive band, a jam band, and perhaps an early heavy metal band due to their penchant for recording at high volume.

The group was formed by Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton wanted Jack Bruce to join. Surprisingly, Bruce was invited to join. Baker had fought with Bruce and thrown him out of an earlier band, but they decided to try to work together. They made it as a group for four albums before egos and disagreements would drive them apart.

We hope you enjoy this exploration of the psychedelic rock of Cream.

Sunshine of My Love

This song was written at sunrise, and has one of the most famous starting riffs in the rock genre. This was the second single of the album, and is dedicated to Jimi Hendrix.

Strange Brew

This was the first single from the album, and hearkens back to the blues style that Clapton played in The Yardbirds.

SWLABR

The song is an acronym: She Was Like a Bearded Rainbow," and is a psychedelic song. It was the B-side for "Sunshine of My Love."

Tales of Brave Ulysses

Another psychedelic track, this was co-written by Eric Clapton and Martin Sharp, who drew the cover art for the album. It hearkens to the mythology of Odysseus, also known as Ulysses

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Magical Mystery Tour” by The Beatles

The Beatles produced a movie that accompanied the album of the same name, and it was a hit on the charts in 1967.

STAFF PICKS:

“Soul Man” by Sam and Dave

Bruce's presents a tune from “The Sultans of Sweat.” Sam and Dave met in Miami when both were performing on the gospel circuit. This song was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. This is their biggest hit, their first gold record, and led to the name of this genre, “Soul Music.”

“Georgia Pines” by The Candymen

Rob brings us a song by the group that began as the back-up band for Roy Orbison. They started out in Dothan, Alabama as “The Webs,” but changed their name when they landed the gig with Orbison. After their breakup, their front man would join a little session band in Atlanta known as “the Atlanta Rhythm Section.”

“How Can I Be Sure” by The Young Rascals

Brian's staff pick is the second hit by the Yong Rascals, following up for "Groovin'". Many would cover this song, including David Cassidy and Dusty Springfield in the 70's.

“Let It Out” by The Hombres

Wayne's staff pick was the #12 hit in November 1967. With its distinctive spoken lyrics, this song by the one-hit wonder, “The Hombres” would be covered by several bands as well.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

"Maroc 7" by The Shadows

This surf-style instrumental takes us out for the week.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings