Cream - Royal Albert Hall - London May 2-3-5-6 2005

Amazon.com

They step onto the stage of London's Royal Albert Hall: Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton. The capacity crowd, which includes Sean Penn and Jude Law, stands to greet them. Thirty-seven years after their farewell concert, the famously fiery Cream did the unthinkable--they reunited. This double-disc collection (and accompanying CD set) captures highlights from the historic four-day engagement, beginning with a buoyant "I'm So Glad" and ending with a triumphant "Sunshine of Your Love." It would be churlish to suggest that Cream appears exactly as they did in the 1960s (Bruce looks a little frail), but the legendary power trio still has the goods. Bruce is still the essence of soul (a particularly rich vocal on "Politician"), while Baker is as irrepressible as ever (a rare vocal on "Pressed Rat and Warthog," percussive tour-de-force "Toad"). Then there's Clapton, who remains as much a master of the guitar as of understatement. "Thanks for waiting all these years," he quips after a slow-burning "Outside Woman Blues," then adds, "We're going to do every song we know." The track listing is, indeed, generous, despite the absence of such Cream classics as "I Feel Free," "Strange Brew," and "Tales of Brave Ulysses." All told, there are 22 songs plus three alternate takes--and not a bad one in the bunch. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

In May of 2005 Cream returned to London's Royal Albert Hall-to the same stage where they had completed what was thought to be their final performance in 1968. It was one of the most eagerly anticipated, hard-to-get tickets in rock history. With the exception of a brief reunion set at their 1993 induction into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame, Cream had not played together in nearly four decades. This DVD documents Cream's momentous London shows. Performances from each of the four nights are featured and much more. Also included are alternate performances and interviews with Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce, and Eric Clapton. Cream formed in 1966 and disbanded in 1968. The band were a prolific and thrilling live act and toured incessantly in their short but remarkable history.Track Listings: I'm So Glad, Spoonful, Outside Woman Blues, Pressed Rat & Warthog, Sleepy Time Time, N.S.U., Badge, Politician, Sweet Wine, Rollin' & 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, Spoonful (Alternate Takes), Sleepy Time Time (Alternate Takes), Badge (Alternate Takes), Sweet Wine (Alternate Takes), Rollin' & Tumblin', We're Going Wrong, White Room, Sunshine of Your Love

Customer Reviews:

Cream-cream of the crop!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-09-12

Don't believe everything you read in these reviews- this is a great DVD!!!!!! Yes, these guys are ALOT older, but man they can still COOK!!!! Clapton is relaxed, and the music just blows you away!!!!!!Think 30 years ago- it's a miracle these guys are still alive much less still cookin'-ENJOY this for what it is!!!!!

These guys can really play!.......2007-09-04

If you came from the era of loud music, psychadellic lights and excitement and remember the 60's and 70's you'll love this! Even if you were born later, this is still a great dvd to watch (who knows, maybe you'll see your parents!) The music is just as much fun today as it was then.

Outstanding!.......2007-08-23

Cream was my favorite band in high school and this production tells me why. Enough said. Love those guys, love their music. Bless them for getting together again. I treasure this DVD set.

Rock Stars are like pro athletes, they should retire by 45.......2007-06-25

I've read some of the delusional, worshipping comments of other's reviews here, and I just think they are all looking at Cream through Rose-tinted glasses. This put-back together band sounds slow,tentative, tired. Jack Bruce looks like they pulled him out of a nursing home to do this. Individually, they can still play, but their cohesion is slow- they are devoid of energy. Just go look at the other DVD, the one from the same place at the end of the 60s, and see the forcefull energy that band fired out there at the end of a comet-like three year run. The before-and-after contrast of 46 years is startling.

Cream's Triumphant Return.......2007-04-01

Crream's triumphant return is brilliantly filmed during their week in Albert Hall. The sound quality and photography is first rate, and the images are well-timed and skillfully directed.

The band itself is in top form and shows its musical age and experience brilliantly. Eric Clapton's guitar playing is as good as you will see or hear anywhere. Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker still are an exciting and stimulating rhythm section, and, in fact, Bruce does his famous duelling with Clapton on some of the numbers here. We see it especially in Sunshine of Your Love. Bruce and Clapton, despite their ages, still manage to sing their numbers with the same kind of verve as they did almost 40 years prior.

Of special interest here is the lack of gimmickry. There are no wah-wah pedals, for example, and no real distortion feedback effects. Stilll, the DVD has much to keep up the interest of the Cream fan who watches it.

No DVD of a live performance is perfect, and there are few but notable letdowns here. For instance, they include the witty but musically weak "Pressed Rat and Warthog" from the Wheels of Fire collection. The version of "Toad" here is rather long, and I'm not a fan of drawn-out drum solos, although Baker is amazingly energetic in this one.

Still, for any Cream fans out there, this is a fine DVD to have. You probably won't watch this just once!

Average customer rating:

Hey y'all hippies out there - this is great!
It's a horrible necessity for a Cream Fan
The DVD is waiting at the "Crossroads"
Here's Mud In Your Ear--But So What
THIS LEGENDARY CONCERT MARKS THE FAREWELL AND END TO ROCK'S GREATEST THREE-MAN BAND EVER.

Cream - Farewell Concert
Starring: Eric Clapton , Ginger Baker , and Jack Bruce (II)
Director: Sandy Oliveri , and Tony Palmer
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ANVQ6E
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Amazon.com

Cream's 2005 reunion (after a mere 37 years apart) was big news and a very hot ticket. But anyone wondering what the fuss was all about is unlikely to get much enlightenment from Cream - Farewell Concert. The trio's (guitarist Eric Clapton, bass player Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker) November 1968 gig at London's Royal Albert Hall, the same venue chosen for their reunion, may have been a spectacular display of their instrumental virtuosity and legendary improvisational skills, but you'd never know it from this sub-par document. The sound has been digitally remastered, but the audio is still a turgid sonic sludge. The visuals are even worse, with director Tony Palmer jerking the camera around as if this were an episode of NYPD Blue, layering the picture with dated and distracting psychedelic light effects, and providing far too many close-ups of Bruce's teeth (and almost no wide shots of the entire band). As for the music, well, it's apparent that these boys really could play; surprisingly, Baker's jazz-inflected drum solo is one of the highlights. But their reliance on extended blues jams ("Spoonful," "Sitting on Top of the World," etc.) belies the fact that despite their dismissal of commercial rock music (cf. Bruce's lofty claim in an accompanying interview that "we wouldn't dream" of trying to write a hit single), Cream's four studio albums contain some wonderful pop songs. Farewell Concert includes "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room," but for a much more satisfying taste of what they were all about, try the CD or DVD versions of Cream - Royal Albert Hall - London May 2-3-5-6 2005 instead. --Sam Graham

Description

On guitar: Eric Clapton. Lead singer and bass guitarist: Jack Bruce. On drums: Ginger Baker. Their motto: "Forget the message, forget the lyrics, and just play." Their name: Cream. For two glorious years, Cream's high-volume blues, jamming and extended solos blazed a path into rock history. But the time to part had come, and all that remained was one wild, unforgettable concert. Now you are there, on November 26, 1968, inside London's illustrious Royal Albert Hall, jammed to its gilded rafters with rock fans ready for the final concert of what many still consider the greatest band that ever played. Includes rare off-stage interviews with the band members. BURST: Five Additional Songs! SONGS: Sunshine of Your Love • White Room • Politician • Improvisations • Stepping Out • Sitting on Top of the World • Spoonful • Toad • I'm So Glad • Improvisations • Crossroads Blues

Customer Reviews:

Hey y'all hippies out there - this is great! .......2007-09-04

A lot of this was before my time, but I do remember the songs once old enough to enjoy. It's a fun "go back in time" rememberance to the way things were back then. Ginger Baker's drum solo will just blow you away - even today!

It's a horrible necessity for a Cream Fan.......2007-06-15

If you were a kid glued to a TV set in the 60's waiting for Beatles,Stones,etc, after suffering thru TopoGigio on the Ed Sullivan Show you'd have some reward. Everytime you watch a modern concert broadcast/dvd and notice that the camera pans to the bassplayer everytime the guiitar player solo's you have this film to thank. Someone did mention this was not atypical. If you were lucky enough to see Clay Cole Show, Pete Seegar's Rainbow Quest, the above mentioned Ed Sullivan Show and others you were treated to professional camera work. If the guitar player turned his back on the camera as George did no harm no foul. I saw Cream at Hunter College then went into the service in 1968 so I was really psyched to see this film after I survived vietnam and seeing it was really a downer. By then you could also see Roy Buchannan on PBS and there they got it right. As a piece of music history I had to give it a 4 because no one knew who they were when they were together and this is a document no matter how flawed.

The DVD is waiting at the "Crossroads".......2007-06-04

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

When the opportunity presents itself to witness one of the most important nights in musical history (November 26, 68) the last thing we should be concerned about is criticizing video director Tony Palmer's camera angles and choice of shots of the band.

The preservation of history and the performance of Cream should outweigh what you have already been told about the quality. While the audio has improved it is not going to sound like a George Martin production. This isn't to make you think twice about the purchase. It is a must own! Cream will always be one of the finest bands to ever assemble. Call them a Supergroup, a power trio, virtuosos, or any other cool phrase, but the letters spell it perfectly C R E A M.

For two years Eric, Ginger, and Jack commandeered the concert stage. They amazed the masses with the ability to take the three minute blues and rock song and extend it until you were sucked in to a tidal wave of sound not wanting to let go.

Cream's ability didn't start and cease with their domination of the concert halls. They had the songs and the rare ability to make a cover sound like they both wrote it and perfected it.

If the entire DVD only contained "Crossroads" it would be worth every cent. Eric's two solos are the standard that all others are judged against.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Here's Mud In Your Ear--But So What.......2007-05-14

"Rockumentaries" were still in their infancy when this concert film (cum interviews) was shot, and it's good to keep that fact in mind when viewing the DVD of Cream's FAREWELL CONCERT. As other reviewers have noted, the sound is quite muddy, the camerawork is fairly primitive, and the interviews are only somewhat informative. But it is CREAM after all, and they were the first and (arguably) the best supergroup.

How to deal with the aural sludge? Well, the technique that works best for me was one I devised when still a mere slip of a teenager (OK, OK, I was never much of slip of anything back then--but you know what I mean). Back in the day, whenever I was at a concert with really bad acoustics, I used to home in on the bass. That was my anchor, and then I found that I could then better pay attention to what the other musicians were doing as well. Usually, it worked like a charm. And it certainly helped in watching this old footage from '69 too.

I gather there'll always be some debate as to whether the group was still at the top of their game for this "farewell" concert. Objectively, I'd have to say that the instrumental work here still seems strong. Jack Bruce's vocals--always a secondary concern, of course--sound more strained than they did on some other live recordings, and certainly moreso than they did in the studio.

As others have noted, the DVD is probably more noteworthy as a historic document than as a source of aesthetic pleasure unto itself. That's not to suggest that it is totally devoid of such pleasure, however. You just have to dig a little deeper to truly dig it.

THIS LEGENDARY CONCERT MARKS THE FAREWELL AND END TO ROCK'S GREATEST THREE-MAN BAND EVER........2007-03-06

I would like to do a follow-up and add to my friend Metamorpho's excellent reviews of CREAM'S legendary albums with the spectacular DVD concert entitled "CREAM FAREWELL CONCERT." I will also do another review on the DVD concert entitled "CREAM REUNION CONCERT" from May 2005 at a later date. In my opinion, I feel that this is the only way to end the CREAM series on a good positive note and not the way CREAM tragically ended at the Royal Albert Hall on 26 November 1968. This one's for you Metamorpho and for the MIGHTY CREAM.

I will be writing a review on the legendary historic farewell DVD concert entitled "CREAM FAREWELL CONCERT" by Rock's greatest three-man band ever assembled. I give you one of England's pride and joy's, the one and only, THE MIGHTY C-R-E-A-M. This legendary DVD film edition is a big improvement as far as film and sound quality is concerned. This legendary film saw its premiere and first day of release in 1969. There exists a perfect video version of this concert but has yet to be released. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary DVD concert or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible. And now, without further delay, it is time for me to take you back in time to the "CREAM FAREWELL CONCERT" from 1968.

CREAM will forever be remembered as being Rock's first true supergroup and for being the greatest three-man band in Rock n' Roll history. Their music style would consist of the blend and mixture of Blues and Rock n' Roll but CREAM would forever change how this mixture would be played. Songwriting credits as well as music differences and tastes were now starting to take a toll on the friendships of all three members especially between bassist Jack Bruce and drummer Ginger Baker. From what I've read in CREAM'S biographies, Bruce and Baker's fights were legendary and its really a wonder that CREAM actually lasted as long as it did. However, the article that came out in Rolling Stone magazine in 1968 in reference to Eric's guitar playing would hurt Eric Clapton so deeply that it would be the final straw and finally draw the curtains to a close of one of Rock's greatest legendary bands of all-time. So the stage was set, the date, 26 November 1968. The place, The Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The occasion, CREAM'S farewell concert to Rock n' Roll.

The complete concert was filmed but only a certain few songs made this DVD edition. The concert begins with the legendary blistering heavy metal (In diapers) Rocker "Sunshine Of Your Love," the groundbreaking CREAM trademark Blues Rocker "White Room," the energetic Rocker "Politician," the Robert Johnson rendition classic Blues Rocker "Crossroads," the breathtaking Blues Rocker "Steppin' Out," the slow smooth soothing Blues Rocker "Sitting On Top Of The World," the slow blistering powerful Blues classic "Spoonful," Ginger Baker's last stand "Toad" and the fast paced Blues Rocker to conclude this DVD concert edition "I'm So Glad." Also included in this DVD concert edition are rare off-stage interviews with all three memnbers that reveal their influences, techniques and feelings of each band member.

Overall, this is one hell of a concert worth seeking and checking out on DVD especially if you are a new and curious listener to the sound and music of CREAM for the first time.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary historic concert on DVD to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music DVD collection. This legendary DVD concert has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. The "CREAM FAREWELL CONCERT" DVD is part of Rock n' Roll history and is one of those priceless gems that you would not want to be without.

In closing, CREAM'S farewell concert performance on 26 November 1968 would mark the end of an era and close the book to one of Rock's most legendary bands ever. OR SO IT SEEMED. CREAM'S music and their influence on Rock n' Roll would be felt to this very day. Other legendary three-man bands that would be born from the same mold and follow in the glorious tradition of CREAM would be legendary bands such as GRAND FUNK RAILROAD and RUSH. CREAM would later receive the highest ultimate honor bestowed upon any great legendary band by being inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame in January 1993. CREAM performed on that magical night and gave a breathtaking performance like they never broke up or left Rock n' Roll. In my opinion, that performance would set the stage, twelve years later in the making. But that, my fellow readers and reviewers, you will have to stay tuned and read further about at a later date. So here's to you Eric, Jack and Ginger. Thanks for the memories. Keep Persevering. Keep The Faith. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. LONG LIVE THE CREAM. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

Average customer rating:

Entertaining 'Anthology' Of Clapton
I love Eric Clapton
our forever man
Quite good
Vintage Clapton....

The Cream of Eric Clapton
Starring: Phil Collins , Ginger Baker , Eric Clapton , Jack Bruce (II) , and Mark Knopfler
Manufacturer: Polygram Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6304926685
Release Date: 1998-04-29

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining 'Anthology' Of Clapton.......2007-09-09

These are videos of the hits of both Eric Clapton and some of the early bands he was in such as "The Yardbirds" and "Cream." It guess you could call this an "anthology" as it shows the famous guitarist-singer from the early '60s through the '80s when this tape was made. Whatever the era, it's simply good rock 'n roll music.

Most tunes, even the very early stuff in which I didn't recognize the ultra-young, thin and beardless Clapton, are still good to hear and his guitar work has always been a pleasure. With each video, Clapton's appearance really changes.

When the video switches to color and to stereo, it really picks up steam. "Layla," "Cocaine," "Forever Man," and a "Tearing Us Apart" were the highlights for me. The latter was a duet with Tina Turner. "Layla" is uniquely done in that they mix several concert tapings into the song, but keep it cohesive.

Eric's appearance changed a lot but not his talent.

I love Eric Clapton.......2007-08-29

This DVD brings Eric Clapton into your living room while he performs his most well known work. He is energetic, creative, and supremely talented. Okay, I am a real fan and I have seen him in concert more times than I can count, but I still like being able to watch him whenever I like. A good concert to go along with this one is his concert for Crossroads where he invites and teams with some of the blues greats.

our forever man.......2005-03-09

'Eric Clapton: The Cream of Clapton' features 17 tracks, reaching back to the mid-1960's for a black and white Yardbirds performance (the feisty 'Louise' from BBC television), and pouring out a fairly generous helping of Cream before turning, for the most part, to Clapton's prodigious 1980's video productions. Unfortunately I've yet to see any footage of Clapton's years with Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominos, and have all but concluded that there simply must be none, of any desirable quality, to avail ourselves of. I suppose everyone was thinking "we'll get around to it sometime", but once Blind Faith disbanded without producing a film record, someone should have had the foresight to commit Clapton and his Dominos to tape. Perhaps the closest we'll get is 'The Concert For Bangladesh' which featured Clapton and the Dominos backing George Harrison and friends.

The larger portion of these live recordings are exquisite and/or unusual performances of Clapton classics. The live concert segments from Cream, though slightly edited, are rather extraordinary, especially the dynamic performances of 'Crossroads' and 'Sunshine of Your Love'. All three members of the band are simply mesmerizing in their intensity. 'White Room' is a bit more bluesy than the pulsating studio version or even the cut offered on the 'Live Cream Vol. 2' album, but who's going to complain about another chance to witness this track live? Unfortunately 'I Feel Free' and 'Strange Brew' are lip-synced television performances, and Jack Bruce has to be one of the poorest lip-syncers around. At one point he simply sticks his tongue out while the vocals continue unabated, mocking the artificiality of the situation. Since Cream was certainly a talented live band one must assume the lip-syncing was a television producers regretable call. Unexplainably, Clapton lip-syncs to 'Strange Brew' (the track is sung by Jack Bruce) while sporting an unbelievable upswept permed hair-do, and in both songs bassist Bruce is playing a standard six-string. It's really best understood as comic relief.

One other captivating track is drawn from Clapton's appearance on the BBC 'Old Grey Whistle Test', as Eric emotes on Bob Dylan's 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' with Yvonne Elliman (who first gained fame cast as Mary Magdalene in 'Jesus Christ Superstar') adding back-up vocals. This 1977 performance is the only 1970's track the video offers, giving us a glimpse of Eric as he battled through years of drug abuse and depression. It's refreshing to see the vitality Clapton regained in the 1980's, but this 1977 performance has an undeniable depth and feel to it, most probably produced by Eric's struggles.

Of the remaining tracks, 'Badge' is the earliest (from 1985), and the MTV video of 'Forever Man' (from 1988) is the latest, so this is where the bulk of the footage is drawn from. There are some interesting performances, including an overheated duet with Tina Turner ('Tearing Us Apart'), and a gently seductive rendition of 'Wonderful Tonight' featuring Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. Clapton is supported by an unending procession of back-up bands, including a reggae outfit underscoring 'I Shot the Sheriff'. And needless to say there is a wealth of guitar virtuosity on display, all of it of the electric variety. There isn't a single occasion where Eric picks up an acoustic instrument. He meanders effortlessly from blues-rock ('Louise') to psychedelia ('Strange Brew'), to electric-blues ('Worried Life Blues'), to classic mainstream rock ('Layla', presented as a video collage from 3 seperate performances), to spiritual ballads ('Holy Mother').

Although this 1989 video was predictably 1980's top-heavy, and although some of the more historic footage is edited, it remains a compelling video documentary of Eric Clapton's amazing career. Along with Neil Young and Bob Dylan, he is unquestionably one of the few 1960's superstars whose talents have proven to be timeless. 'The Cream of Clapton' is an admirable testament to that talent and perseverance. A new copy can be had for $2 plus shipping, so there is no excuse not to own this rewarding piece of rock and roll history.

Quite good.......2002-07-21

As Clapton videos go this one is pretty good -- not as great as Unplugged but better than some of the others from the 70s/80s. Overall a good video for fans, with a nice mix of old and new(er) footage.

Good Points:
- E.C.: Layla, Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight, etc.
- Cream: Strange Brew, Sunshine of My Love, I feel Freee
- Rare Yardbirds footage
- for guitarists, the footage shows his playing (e.g fretting hand) better than many videos.

Interesting:
- Duet with Tina Turner

Not so good points:
- No Blues Breakers footage :(
- Too early for of the 90s blues, Change the World & Nor Tears in heaven
- a few non-descript songs from the 70s/80s(?)

Vintage Clapton...........2001-11-19

This would have been worth it just for the fact it had the original Layla (spliced from several performances, including one with Phil Collins backing up on drums. Now, I do like Clapton's accoustic version, but the original is so different that it is almost like two different songs. Bonus is frankly, everything else-- including 'Cocaine.' I also own 'Chronicles,' which I would also recommend. But to get the old stuff, electronic versions intact, better snatch this up. It is getting harder to find....

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