CREAM - Wheels of Fire with Eric ClaPTON - France Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP Album

Original Polydor Privilege pressing France, double LP, record one was recorded in the Studio, record 2: Recorded Live at the Fillmore

CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Album Description:

Cream's "Wheels of Fire" is a legendary album that showcases the remarkable talent and virtuosity of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Released in 1968, this iconic double LP continues to captivate audiences with its electrifying performances and diverse range of musical styles. The original Polydor Privilege pressing from France, presented as a gatefold 12" vinyl LP, adds a touch of collectability and charm to this timeless masterpiece.

The album is divided into two distinct parts, each offering a unique listening experience. The first record, recorded in the studio, presents an extraordinary display of the band's songwriting prowess and studio expertise. The second record, recorded live at the Fillmore, captures the raw energy and improvisational genius of Cream's live performances. This combination of studio precision and live dynamism is what makes "Wheels of Fire" a truly exceptional album.

Produced by Felix Pappalardi in collaboration with Robert Stigwood, "Wheels of Fire" features the immense talents of Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass and vocals, and Ginger Baker on drums. Each member contributes their distinctive style, resulting in a harmonious fusion of rock, blues, and psychedelia. The chemistry between these three extraordinary musicians is palpable throughout the album, creating a musical experience that is both captivating and awe-inspiring.

The first side of the album kicks off with the timeless classic "White Room", a song that exemplifies Cream's ability to craft unforgettable melodies and captivating lyrics. From the haunting intro to the explosive guitar solos, Clapton's virtuosity shines brightly. "Sitting on top of the World" follows, with Bruce's soulful vocals and Baker's thunderous drumming driving the rhythm forward. The introspective "Passing the Time" showcases the band's experimental side, incorporating elements of jazz and blues into their sound. "As You Said" closes out side one, featuring Bruce's poetic lyrics and emotive cello playing.

Side two opens with the enigmatic "Pressed Rat and Warthog", a spoken-word piece that adds a touch of psychedelia to the album. "Politician" follows, a bluesy anthem driven by Bruce's powerful vocals and Clapton's scorching guitar licks. "Those were the days" and "Born under a bad sign" continue to showcase the band's ability to effortlessly navigate through different musical styles, demonstrating their versatility as musicians. The hauntingly beautiful "Deserted Cities of the Heart" concludes side two, leaving the listener longing for more.

Side three captures Cream's blistering live performances, featuring two explosive tracks. "Crossroads" is an adrenaline-fueled rendition of Robert Johnson's blues classic, where Clapton's guitar skills reach legendary heights. "Spoonful" takes the listener on an extended blues jam, highlighting the band's improvisational prowess and telepathic musical communication.

Side four opens with "Traintime", a mesmerizing instrumental piece that showcases Clapton's dexterity and control. The album concludes with "Toad", a tour de force drum solo by Ginger Baker. The power and precision of his drumming leave an indelible mark on the listener, solidifying his reputation as one of rock's greatest drummers.

"Cream - Wheels of Fire" is a timeless masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The album's innovative blend of rock, blues, and improvisation remains influential to this day. Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker's exceptional musicianship and groundbreaking performances continue to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

Music Genre:

 Prog Rock, Blues 
Producers: Produced by Felix Pappalardi by arrangement with Robert Stigwood

Album Packaging / Information:

 Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. 

Record Label Information:

 Polydor Priviege 658 099 (658099), LPL 1809

Media Format:

  12" Double Vinyl LP  
Country of Origin  Made in France
 
Band Members and Musicians on: CREAM Wheels of Fire

Track Listing of: CREAM Wheels of Fire
    Side One:
  1. White Room
  2. Sitting on top of the World
  3. Passing the Time
  4. As You Said
    Side Two:
  1. Pressed rat and Warthog
  2. Poitician
  3. Those were the days
  4. Born under a bad sign
  5. Deserted cities of the hear
    Side Three:
  1. Crossroads
  2. Spoonful
    Side Four:
  1. Traintime
  2. Toad

 

Front Cover Photo Of CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album 

 back cover

Photo One Of The Inner Gatefold CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album 

 inner gatefold cover

Photo Two Of The Inner Gatefold CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album 

 inner gatefold cover

Close up of record's label CREAM - Wheels Of Fire 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

"Wheels Of Fire" Record Label Details: Polydor Privilege LPL 1809 , 658 099, G.U., Made in France

"Wheels Of Fire" Record Label Details: Polydor Privilege LPL 1809 , 658 099, G.U., Made in France
 

CREAM (Band) - Selected Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

CREAM - Best of Cream (1969, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Best of Cream (1969, Germany)  album front cover vinyl record

 Polydor 184 298 , 1969 , Germany

The 1969 German release of "Best of Cream" on a 12" vinyl LP encapsulates the brilliance of the iconic British rock band. This compilation album features the best tracks from Cream's influential caree

Learn more
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, Polydor Records) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, Polydor Records)  album front cover vinyl record

 Polydor 2383 119 , 1971 , Germany

In 1971, Polydor released "Live Cream II", a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. The album captured the exhilarating live performances of the legendary rock band.

Learn more
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, RSO Records) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, RSO Records)  album front cover vinyl record

RSO 2479 153 , 1972 , Germany

In 1972, RSO and German record label RSO released "Live Cream Volume II," a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. This electrifying album captured the band's live performances

Learn more
CREAM - Wheels of Fire 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Wheels of Fire  album front cover vinyl record

Polydor Priviege 658 099 , France

The first record, recorded in the studio, presents a display of the band's songwriting prowess and studio expertise. The second record, recorded live at the Fillmore, captures the raw energy and improvisational genius of Cream

Learn more

CREAM: Related Rock Bands and Similar Music

Deep Purple

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals. Deep Purple

Jimi Hendrix

A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. >Jimi Hendrix

Led Zeppelin

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals Led Zeppelin

The Who

Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals. The Who