As the legendary British band Cream Wheels of Fire in 1969 took up, it burned-band, so behind the scenes, ablaze. The musical and personal differences between Eric Clapton (guitar, vocals), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Ginger Baker (drums) took at the time to steady. Less than a year after the band named their last album characteristically "Goodbye" and broke up. On the music of "Wheels of Fire", the internal strife impacted if at all positive. However, this album shows the band at the peak of their creative work. CD1 has been recorded in the studio, CD2 live in Filmore East, New York. The first of the two shows a little tidier and sounds a bit "disciplined" as the psychedelic predecessor "Disraeli Gears", which is, incidentally, also highly recommended. But still there are oblique songs, strange arrangements and lots of blues and rock. The first song, "White Room" is simply a classic. Eric Clapton plays him regularly until today. I particularly appreciate personally the last song of the first CD, "Those were the days" and "Deserted Cities of the Heart", which, good melodies and good instrumental parts come up with good songwriting. CD two presents a different side of Cream: Live was this formation in her element, that's for sure. The musicians sound when played exceptionally homogeneous. Especially the classic "Crossroads", which now includes two legendary guitar solos, this is impressively demonstrated. Legendary is also Ginger Baker drum solo on "Toad", as well as the nearly 15-minute jam on Willie DixonŽs "Spoonfull".
Conclusion: If you hear this CD, who understands quickly why the reunion of the band was (around 30 years after the separation) sold out within hours, and why it will certainly be in 30 years not sold or Nsync Backstreet Boys Reunion! Check it!
