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Cream - The Alternative Album (1967)

Track listing:
  1. Lawdy Mama 2:04
  2. Rollin' and Tumbling 4:39
  3. Sweet Wine 3:09
  4. Cat Squirrel 3:12
  5. The Coffee Song 2:49
  6. Toad 4:22
  7. You Make Me Feel 2:44
  8. Wrapping Paper 1:07
  9. Fallstaff Beer 1:02
  10. I Feel Free 3:10
  11. White Room 4:15

Notes

Recorded between 1966 and 1967.
This is an entertaining collection of outtakes, alternate takes, and odd mixes from the period when Cream was recording its debut album, FRESH CREAM. The sound quality is wildly variable.

On "Lawdy Mama" and "Rollin' and Tumblin'," Ginger Baker's drums and Jack Bruce's bass are largely inaudible. Some of the performances, "Cat Squirrel," in particular, are a little unfocused, and there are moments, as on "Wrapping Paper," where the songs stop before they're supposed to. Overall, however, this is a fascinating glimpse of the genesis of a great band. Hardcore fans will delight in the inclusion of a Falstaff beer commercial done in the style of "Sunshine of Your Love."