I was discussing this page with an old friend recently who told me that I didn’t have to write about bands that were cool but that I should write about bands that I thought were great. It was then that this band’s name cropped up and so I guess this is an attempt at a review is for her. I doubt that she will ever read this review but all I can say is that I truly love this band.

The band that I have been wilfully obscure about so far was one of the first and best super groups to come out of the sixties. Although they only had a two-year life, they managed to put out three albums before calling it a day. Featuring three very talented musicians they combined blues with pyschadelic pop and even roped in George Harrison in to co-write one of there songs. The band’s name was Cream and the song that gets me going is the live version of Crossroads. Now, before anybody can even think to make a bad joke about a certain soap opera, let me explain the background to this song. It was first written by the famous blues man Robert Johnson and is reportedly about old Bob wondering down two a crossroads late at night and meeting old Nick. Now the devil being the kindly soul that he is offered to teach Robert Johnson the secret of the blues and teach him how to play the guitar like a demon in exchange for his soul. Well what was the man to do? Luckily for the world at large (although possibly not Mr Johnson) a bargain was struck and Johnson duly became world famous despite him being dead and minus a soul.

I suppose the next question is why do I love this song and why does it get me dancing around the kitchen on a Friday night? Well the first part of the question is easy: I love it because it gets me dancing round the kitchen on a Friday or any day of the week even when I’m completely shattered from work. The second part is harder. What is it about a four and bit minute song that makes me want to make a fool out of myself? Is it that fantastic guitar line that just sticks to my head while at the same time sounding both relaxed and urgent at the same time? Is it the feeling that if you closed your eyes the musicians could be behind you playing their hearts out for you and only you. Or maybe it’s the way that after a improvised lead break after each verse they snap back into the next verse in a way that just seems so natural and right that you want to cry? It’s all of those things but also it’s something else. I love the way the song has been mixed. Jack Bruce’s bass is at the top, laying down a solid but melodic bass line that would make any bass player sick with envy. Then Eric Clapton’s guitar adding spikes of excitement and that sense of urgency and finally Ginger Baker’s drums which are quietly understated and the backbone of the piece.

With the benefit of history it’s easy to say thank God they split when they did, especially after looking at Eric Clapton’s solo career. What was the man thinking when he recorded his version I Shot The Sheriff? And can anybody ever forgive him for Layla? Every time I hear that song I automatically think of sleazy advertising execs from the 80’s. Anyway as great songs go this is a must. There’s no two ways about it, if you don’t like this song then you have no taste, if you haven’t heard it then go and find a copy as soon as possible.

Oh yeah, I listened to this song about eight times while I wrote this review. Do you think I’m slightly obsessed? Please feel free to answer.