In the mid-sixties, one of the first major classic rock supergroups was formed - a little band called Cream. The band took former Yardbird Eric Clapton, and equally-notable bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker, and combined their music-making abilities. Although the band's days together were short lived, they made some excellent music together - and this album is where it all began. Read on for my review of the band's debut album, Fresh Cream.

As I previously stated, this is Cream's first album. On this album, the band hasn't quite found its sound yet - but they still manage to shell out a number of good tracks. Eric Clapton, although he is obviously the most popular member of the band, didn't contribute a single track to the lineup, oddly enough. Despite this, his guitar playing is excellent here. Baker and Bruce, who do contribute a few tracks, also play very well. In addition to the band's own tracks, there are also a few cover songs, the most popular one of which is I'm So Glad. But perhaps the most memorable track on the album is Toad, the closing track. This is an instrumental which consists almost entirely of a drum solo. It's one of the first major drum solos in rock history, and it's an excellent one. Ginger Baker deserves some major credit for this one. Overall, this album lacks the polish of, say, Disraeli Gears, but it's still excellent. So what if there's no hit single here? Every song is great.

Now, a brief note about the album itself. The original UK pressings of the album omitted I Feel Free but contained Spoonful, while on the US pressings of the album it was vice versa. This CD reissue of the album has BOTH of these tracks, so you won't have to buy two separate CDs for the sake of a single track. In my opinion, this was a VERY smart move by the record company.

Cream's music is nothing short of excellent, and it really shows here. Although this isn't their finest work, it is still a great debut album, and every band's gotta start some place! If you're a fan of classic rock, by all means pick this album up. You'll be doing yourself a real favor.