At just under 3 hours long, the recorded performance of the legendary Cream on their reunion tour stop at the Royal Albert Hall in 2005 (actually they played multiple nights, and this footage is comprised of songs from the entire run) is quite the sight to behold. Not only can you watch Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker in high-definition glory, but the band rip through 19 songs that cover just about all of their greatest original material as well as some of the covers they made into their own. Cream originally broke up in 1968, so it was MANY years later that this reunion took place, and though they are obviously much older and the music times have certainly changed, the power trio format dripping with blues, jazz, and hard rock is still in place with these three virtuosos.
To put it mildly, Clapton hasn't showed this much guitar firepower in decades. Just listen to his scorching blues licks on "I'm So Glad", the menacing "Spoonful", and "Outside Woman Blues" to hear a more fiery Clapton than we've heard in some time. Bruce still has that classic voice, as well as his muscular bass style, and he really shines alongside Clapton's searing solos on "Sleepy Time Time". Just about all of Cream's memorable rockers are here, including "N.S.U.", "Badge", "Politician", "Crossroads", and of course the monster hits "White Room" and "Sunshine of Your Love". However, some of the most enjoyable cuts here include the mysterious proto-metal of "Sweet Wine", the blistering "Born Under a Bad Sign", and raucous versions of "Rollin' and Tumblin' " and "Sitting On Top of the World". Throw in Baker's solo spot "Toad" and a few other gems, and you have a wonderful bit of nostagia here from three veterans who proved in 2005 that they could still deliver the goods. Jamming aplenty, so if you love extended improvisations with tons of solos, you'll need to check this one out.
The high-definition picture quality on this Blu-ray is superb, and the audio was recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS-HD, so it's perfect to crank up on your home theater system. Overall, this is a must own for Cream fans, and a perfect snapshot of their reunion tour for those who weren't able to catch them in person.
Track Listing
- I'm So Glad
- Spoonful
- Outside Woman Blues
- Pressed Rat and Warthog
- Sleepy Time Time
- N.S.U.
- Badge
- Politician
- Sweet Wine
- Rollin' and Tumblin'
- Stormy Monday
- Deserted Cities of the Heart
- Born Under a Bad Sign
- We're Going Wrong
- Crossroads
- Sitting On Top of the World
- White Room
- Toad
- Sunshine of Your Love
- Bonus Features-alternate takes, and interviews with the band
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