Cream FRESH CREAM Debut Lp UK 1st press Stereo MINT

	£		122
	$		162

Cream - Fresh Cream

Stunning MINT condition original 1966 debut LP

Was available in Mono or Stereo, but once you hear the staggering stereo split of Claptons Guitar and Jack Bruces Bass, then you will realise this is the only way to hear this record

Recorded July 1966

Record Label : Reaction

1st pressing: matrix Numbers 594001 A-1 / 59400 B-1

THESE NUMBERS INDICATE THIS AS A TRUE FIRST PRESSING

Fresh Cream was Cream's debut and the first of their three consecutive fantastic albums made while they were together. Although this is clearly their best blues statement with covers of Willie Dixon's "Spoonful" and the oft-covered Muddy Waters classic "Rollin' And Tumblin'", the album also points to the excellent songwriting of Disraeli Gears and the extensive jamming featured on Wheels Of Fire.

While there's no instant classic like "White Room" or "Sunshine Of Your Love" present here, Jack Bruce's collection of originals here are among the best he'd pen for the band whether it was the blues of "Sleepy Time Time", the excellent pop of "I Feel Free" and "Dreaming" or the short jamming "N.S.U.", which would lead to the improvisation of their live shows exhibited on Wheels Of Fire and their live albums. Bruce's bass playing is also very innovative throughout the album and he plays a mean harmonica on "A Cat's Squirrel" and "Rollin' And Tumblin". Ginger Baker's drumming is very powerful and innovative throughout, particularly on his compositions "Toad" and the excellent "Sweet Wine". While Eric Clapton didn't write any tracks here, his playing is outstanding, particularly on "Spoonful" and the Skip James tune "I'm So Glad". The band's performances of the cover tunes are very powerful with Jack Bruce truly making "Spoonful" his own with his excellent vocal performance. Simply a stunning debut from one of the best bands from the '60s.

The Sleeve on this LP is just incredible. laminated only on the front side, and made very thin, I am amazed at how near perfect this is. Usually they are creased all over, and dirty and grubby. This one is as good as you could ever expect to find this sleeve. The laminated front has no major blemishes at all. totally flat and uncreased. no errant thumb marks on the opening edge. No lines, folds or marks of any description. If I was to be ultra picky there is a very very tiny line or two vertically down for quarter of an inch from the top, but hardly worth mentioning. i just know the new owner will be totally delighted with this sleeve. The back of the cover is clean, very clean without fingermarks, or grubby stains etc. a truly staggering example of this cover, which has very clearly been extremly well looked after, and bearing in mind this LP is 38 years old, it is as I said previously an "Incredible " find

The labels are just as perfect as the sleeve. One look at them will tell you this has had no more than a couple of plays in its life. Unworn spindle hole, and only the barest trace of any spider lines, and indeed you really have to search under light to see anything. These will also confirm the absolute minimal of plays.

The Vinyl gleams just like new, and certaily plays like new.as the stylus touches down on the vinyl there is silence all the way in on the run in groove. The Lp explodes into life with the superb NSU, a track that highlights the superb guitar playing of one Eric Clapton. The solo on this track leaps into the left speaker channel, whilst the bass thudsa long from the right side. Behind all of this is the tireless drumming exhibition of Ginger Baker.

dead silent linking grooves all the way through tis album ensures that it's Mint status is well founded. Side 1 finishes of with the world famous Spoonful, another track which explores the full width of the Stereo experience, particularly the harmonica solo.

Side 2 is far more bluesy, with a Muddy waters track " Rollin' and Tumblin'".

I cannot begin to describe in full just how superb this LP is in the context that at 38 years old it should not be this good, but it is just fantastic, and must have been owned by someone who really didn't appreciate this type of music otherwise it surely would be worn out.

The vInyl easily grades Mint, whilst the Sleeve at worst is NMINT.

If you want the best copy of this LP that money can buy then look no further. I stand by my reputation as a seller of Quality Rarities. Please see my feedback for those that have been delighted with my records. I recently sold a Beatles Stereo Please Please me for £1200 as Mint- and the feedback was superb