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Cream — Crossroads
Album: Wheels of Fire
Avg rating:
8.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1614









Released: 1968
Length: 4:12
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy
"Take me, if you please"

I went down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
Down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me
Everybody passed me by

Well, I'm going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
You can still barrelhouse, baby
On the riverside

Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
You can still barrelhouse, baby
On the riverside

You can run, you can run
Tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Run, you can run
Tell my friend boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads
Believe I'm sinking down
Comments (129)add comment
Every second of this is magnificent. I never get tired of listening to this.
Posted 6 months ago by 17watts    [ Reply ]
Listen up, all post-'80s kiddos.  It is very likely you or we or anyone will ever again hear this level of organic, live-and-no-digital trickery musicianship, sound, passion and simple raw fuckin power rock. 
Posted 7 months ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Posted 8 months ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
I saw their final show at MSG in ‘05. As Jackson Browne wrote “eleven on a scale of ten”.
Posted 1 year ago by jamesbowne907    [ Reply ]
 franccc wrote:

How lucky were we to grow up with Cream et al ?  LUCKY !!!




   
Posted 1 year ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
 misterbearbaby wrote:

Bass of The Gods! The break takes my breath away after all the years. Bruce is absolutely ON FIRE; he's all over the neck of that Thumb— totally in control, playing the lead, holding the bassline and perfectly on time with Baker, all at the same time. Amazing.




Not terriby knowledgeable about bass playing, but Clapton truly is God here, esp. on the second solo. 
Posted 1 year ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
10 > bump.  Ain't nothin like EC's second guitar rip and Ginger's drums. 
Posted 1 year ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 BillJ wrote:

Notice that when the song is finished Jack bruce announces over the applause, "Eric Clapton on vocals." Vocals? Well, yeah, but wasn't a little incidental compared to the guitar lead.? One of his best ever, IMHO.



Possibly because there isn't really anything you can say about the guitar.  
Posted 2 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
With this band, Clapton WAS god.  And Cream too.  Off the charts on all the measures. 
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
They were all and each still very earnest, wanting and needing our adulation, when they jammed this frickin' immortal rocking cover!
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

This is one of the few tracks that never ceases to amaze me.  Off the charts hot.   A finely calibrated jewel of a watch that is best appreciated at deafening volume. 




I AGREE! TOTALLY!!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
This is one of the few tracks that never ceases to amaze me.  Off the charts hot.   A finely calibrated jewel of a watch that is best appreciated at deafening volume. 
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
SUPERGREAT!!!! CLASSIC!!!! & ICONIC!!!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by sosumi    [ Reply ]
10, 10, 10  all day a ten... turn it up!
Posted 3 years ago by xerces    [ Reply ]
 ufamsm wrote:

Do we have any foreigners in the audience tonight? If so, please put up your hands… So where are you? Well wherever you all are, I think you should all just leave. Not just leave the hall, leave our country … I don’t want you here, in the room or in my country. Listen to me, man! I think we should send them all back. Stop Britain from becoming a black colony. Get the foreigners out. Get the wogs out. Get the coons out. Keep Britain white … -Eric Clapton, Aug. 5, 1976



To twist Charles Barkley's words a little, just because Clapton can play the guitar doesn't mean he should raise our kids.  He is a hell of a guitar player.  The problem is not so much that he's willing to. talk about things he knows nothing about.  We all do that to some extent (except me and my monkey).  The problem is that people are willing to listen.  Not you or me, but some people.
Posted 3 years ago by Greyerwrit    [ Reply ]
Awesome lead. Thanks Bill for kicking my day off well.
Posted 3 years ago by WilliDoc    [ Reply ]
Super Duper group indeed!
Posted 3 years ago by hdavid7    [ Reply ]
Do we have any foreigners in the audience tonight? If so, please put up your hands… So where are you? Well wherever you all are, I think you should all just leave. Not just leave the hall, leave our country … I don’t want you here, in the room or in my country. Listen to me, man! I think we should send them all back. Stop Britain from becoming a black colony. Get the foreigners out. Get the wogs out. Get the coons out. Keep Britain white … -Eric Clapton, Aug. 5, 1976
Posted 3 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
Can't get any better than this!!
Posted 3 years ago by slates13    [ Reply ]
Double thank you Bill and Rebecca.  
Posted 3 years ago by WeAdmire    [ Reply ]
Demolishes everything in its path. 
Posted 3 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Happy so many people like this.  Personally I don’t come to RP for noodly AOR deep cuts like this... but I am loyal to RP, and I appreciate varied tastes. And I know how where the PSD button is.  
Posted 3 years ago by davidwillis    [ Reply ]
It was inevitable that three mighty talents would not be able to control their egos and just make music. But what music!
Posted 3 years ago by todbothom    [ Reply ]
as our local bishop used to say, "it doesn't get better than this!"
Posted 3 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
 Montreal_Mort wrote:
This was the Jack Bruce band
 
Posted 3 years ago by niggy45    [ Reply ]
As a kid, this was what I thought was the defining lead guitar play (I have a different POV now). It’s an amazing song for a 3 piece but what I focus on now is Bruce’s bass line. It’s frickin amazing
Posted 3 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
How lucky were we to grow up with Cream et al ?  LUCKY !!!
Posted 4 years ago by franccc    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ginger-baker-dead-dies-cream-drummer-1203360690/?fbclid=IwAR0eAU435VIdYJiY2Ocz0xLvzTD9n8k3sY-Evgy9u5s9qMnJENWFFM2enIM

October 6, 2019

Ginger Baker, Drummer for Cream, Dies at 80

He just passed the Crossroads. Goodbye, Ginger. Yes, you might well have been the cream of the crop. Totally, instantly identifiable, even after Cream. Crazy man, absolutely superb talent. Truly RIP.
 
Continued RIP for Ginger...and Kudos to BillG for allowing us HUGE fans (of this tune in particular) to hear this one on the RP Rock Mix.  Nice!  Long Live RP and songs that should rate a 10^10!!
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/ginger-baker-dead-dies-cream-drummer-1203360690/?fbclid=IwAR0eAU435VIdYJiY2Ocz0xLvzTD9n8k3sY-Evgy9u5s9qMnJENWFFM2enIM

October 6, 2019

Ginger Baker, Drummer for Cream, Dies at 80

He just passed the Crossroads. Goodbye, Ginger. Yes, you might well have been the cream of the crop. Totally, instantly identifiable, even after Cream. Crazy man, absolutely superb talent. Truly RIP.
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Where's the 20 button? 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Right? Pretty good little tune  : )
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Not played once since Nov' 2011.  Wha?
Posted 11 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
Totally agree!! 

Bass of The Gods! The break takes my breath away after all the years. Bruce is absolutely ON FIRE; he's all over the neck of that Thumb— totally in control, playing the lead, holding the bassline and perfectly on time with Baker, all at the same time. Amazing.


 


Posted 12 years ago by jr2571    [ Reply ]

Bass of The Gods! The break takes my breath away after all the years. Bruce is absolutely ON FIRE; he's all over the neck of that Thumb— totally in control, playing the lead, holding the bassline and perfectly on time with Baker, all at the same time. Amazing.


Posted 13 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:
My Mom wouldn't like this.  I can relate.  8
 
Maybe you should move out of her basement.  {#Smile}
Posted 13 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
My Mom wouldn't like this.  I can relate.  8
Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Not a Clapton fan, but Cream was a good band.
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
{#Drummer}
Posted 13 years ago by sturgeond    [ Reply ]
Ginger Baker!!!
Posted 13 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 oldslabsides wrote:
eleven.  still.

RAWK
 
And I'll Raise you one!

Oh Yeah!!!! 

Posted 13 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Released 1 July 1968
Posted 13 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
eleven.  still.

RAWK
Posted 14 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]

Eric Clapton and BobDylan - Crossroads, Live (1999)

1999, live at Madison Square Garden, NewYork City
Posted 14 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:

Yeah, you're stuck in the 60s.
 
Good music is good music, no matter when it was made or how long its been.

You don't throw out a Rembrandt because you don't want to be "stuck in the 1600's". 
Posted 14 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
Man, I'm just sorry my volume knob only goes to 10.

As many times as I've heard this, I will STILL turn it up when I hear that opening lick. 
 
In its day, this must have sounded incredible, cuz it still amazes me when I hear it.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
After all these years and thousands of hearings, I still turn this up whenever it comes on.
 
Yeah, you're stuck in the 60s.
Posted 14 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
 von_Hayek wrote:
EC at his best!{#Bananajam}
 
GODLIKE PERFECT 10! {#Dance}

Posted 14 years ago by RobMartin    [ Reply ]
Man, I'm just sorry my volume knob only goes to 10.

As many times as I've heard this, I will STILL turn it up when I hear that opening lick. 
Posted 14 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
GINGER BEAT MAN!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Another song I can't believe I never rated.

With all the different versions of this song around, with or without Clapton, none sounds better than when these 3 guys do it.  Clapton solo is just a tease and a cover version.
Posted 14 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
Little-known fact: Here are the original lyrics. They were considered "too upbeat" by Robert Johnson's publisher:

I went to the crossroads, stomach growling without cease
I went to the crossroads, stomach growling without cease
Asked the Lord above, have mercy now,
Save poor Bob if you please

Standin' at the crossroads, saw some hotcakes lying there
Standin' at the crossroads, saw some hotcakes lying there
Nobody seem to see me, so I scarfed 'em down without a care

Standin' at the crossroads, syrup drippin' from my chin
Standin' at the crossroads baby, syrup drippin' from my chin
I believe in the Good Lord now, tho' I be a man of sin

You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
That I'm feeling kind of overstuffed
Lord, baby I'm sinkin' down.

Posted 14 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
Over the years when people compare rock guitar players it seams I always think of this cut.
   I believe it was recorded at the Albert hall ? anyone!
Posted 14 years ago by parttime    [ Reply ]
Great sets of music this morning, thanks Bill! {#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
I'm not a big fan of the blues but this is one of the most articulate solos on guitar !!

Posted 15 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
 doc_dave wrote:
Apparently Tom Dowd edited this 4:14 version from a much longer tape. If so, he gave it wonderful shape.
 
Original was 14.35; recorded on an 12-track Ampex .. to hear the original "ur-tape" is to become one with the gods.

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
play it Slowhand!!!!!{#Bananajam}
Posted 15 years ago by shawshank    [ Reply ]
 nagsheadlocal wrote:
After all these years and thousands of hearings, I still turn this up whenever it comes on.
 
{#High-five} Damn right!

Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
After all these years and thousands of hearings, I still turn this up whenever it comes on.
Posted 15 years ago by nagsheadlocal    [ Reply ]
EC at his best!{#Bananajam}
Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
 Jakeethan wrote:
Ah what a classic..Ginger's drumming's stunning!
 
Man, there is a great interview with Ginger in the latest Rolling Stone. What an incredibly complex personality! {#Cool}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 stkman wrote:
classic song from the first "Supper Band" saw them when in HS and was blown away, great set after Alberts Born Under a Bad Sign

 

Did they also play the "Last Supper?"
Posted 15 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
Just when I thought to myself that Albert King may have influenced the Cream more than anyone other blues musician, Bill (or Becky?) follows "Born under a Bad Sign" with this piece. {#Cool}
Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
 BillJ wrote:

Notice that when the song is finished Jack bruce announces over the applause, "Eric Clapton on vocals." Vocals? Well, yeah, but wasn't a little incidental compared to the guitar lead.? One of his best ever, IMHO.


 
Dang!  and all of these years I though he was saying "Eric Clapton - the Bobo!"

OK, Mondegreens forever, I know.
IMHO, well OK, not so H .. this is the Quintessential Crossroads other than the Canon by Robert Johnson, of course.

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 doc_dave wrote:
Apparently Tom Dowd edited this 4:14 version from a much longer tape. If so, he gave it wonderful shape.
 



See this ==> https://www.thelanguageofmusic.com/

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 stkman wrote:
classic song from the first "Supper Band" saw them when in HS and was blown away, great set after Alberts Born Under a Bad Sign

 

Dunno, I think this sort of music might be a bit over-the-top for a supper club.
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
classic song from the first "Supper Band" saw them when in HS and was blown away, great set after Alberts Born Under a Bad Sign

Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
I have both versions, this and Robert Johnson's.  They are definitely different with this one being very much a rock/blues and RJ's very acoustic blues.  Just him and his guitar and voice.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]

 

rock'in out!

** 9 **


Posted 15 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
 techer2 wrote:
I would love and appreciate hearing the original work for many of these songs. Not only are they great to listen to, but a little music history lesson is never a bad thing. LOVE that picture! Just makes me want to hear him play that guitar even more.

 
Robert Johnson's 29 known recordings are available on several compilations available at amazon.com. Take your pick.

Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
jhorton wrote:
Puleez, am I the only one that has heard enough blues tonight?
"who."

the only one "who" has heard enough blues tonight.

people are "who." things are "that."

and yeah, you probably are.


Posted 16 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Apparently Tom Dowd edited this 4:14 version from a much longer tape. If so, he gave it wonderful shape.
Posted 16 years ago by doc_dave    [ Reply ]

 Thanks for straightening out the bend in the road this AM ... Now I think I be-  
Goin' down to Rosedale . .. . . .  .. .
Posted 16 years ago by That_SOB    [ Reply ]
Loving this...it's probably what sparked my interest in the blues in the first place. An elderly neighbor heard me listening to it on the radio (back when it was released), thought it sounded familiar, and played a scratchy ol' 78 for me. Changed my life.

Bill, if you're lurking....

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Recordings-Robert-Johnson/dp/B000002757

I'll buy it for ya if you'll play it....{#Yes}
Posted 16 years ago by Panama_Floyd    [ Reply ]

Notice that when the song is finished Jack bruce announces over the applause, "Eric Clapton on vocals." Vocals? Well, yeah, but wasn't a little incidental compared to the guitar lead.? One of his best ever, IMHO.


Posted 16 years ago by BillJ    [ Reply ]
 rickhoran wrote:


I agree with all here about Robert Johnson. Lets show this man some respect. who knows what the "great r-n-r" bands we know would have done without him.

Play the man's music done by him on RP!



 

as of today still no Robert Johnson on RP. yet we hear this again. it would be nice to hear the man that influenced these great bands on this radio station, like Led Zep, Cream, and of course Eric Clapton.


Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
Time to wake up the folks on Alpha Centauri



Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
lordy lordy....January and it took me all this time to get to this point ....SpamNRice mighty str8 forward point you made too...whip it good!!!!also a web site(right!!!) How to change the channel on your radio and live to talk about it!!! lmao!!!
Posted 16 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
I agree - but of course Born Under a Bad Sign is a William Bell/Booker T. Jones song penned for the great Albert King in the late 1960's.
Wooo someones been studying their music history again...or were you there when it was penned?...hey maybe it was written about you!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
I think Clapton was respectful of the early bluesmen. His solo on Strange Brew was a direct lift from Albert King. He studied and learned from them all. He just did his interpretation of the tunes. But yes, it would be nice to hear some original RJ tunes.
Posted 16 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Along with the studio version of Spoonful, Cream's high water mark.
Posted 16 years ago by keller1    [ Reply ]
I agree with all here about Robert Johnson. Lets show this man some respect. who knows what the "great r-n-r" bands we know would have done without him. Play the man's music done by him on RP!
Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
I agree - but of course Born Under a Bad Sign is a William Bell/Booker T. Jones song penned for the great Albert King in the late 1960's.
Puleez, am I the only one that has heard enough blues tonight? All five notes have been used to freaking death, can we please move on??
Posted 16 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
I agree - but of course Born Under a Bad Sign is a William Bell/Booker T. Jones song penned for the great Albert King in the late 1960's.
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
Ah what a classic..Ginger's drumming's stunning!
Posted 16 years ago by Jakeethan    [ Reply ]
denbear wrote:
Still have a vinyl copy of this album with the psychedelic art on the inside cover. Think I'll put it in a frame and hang it on the wall.
You can buy nice frames for record albums. I just put several on the wall in our music/theater room. They look very nice. Can't remember the place - a Google search would probably turn it up.
Posted 16 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest pieces of rock ever!
Posted 16 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
Well, for those of us who don't have that option -- I rely on RP. Now, about that condition of yours that prevents you from switching stations... GET IT FIXED! b17m4p wrote:
If I wanted to hear this song I could go to any station that plays the same 30 classic songs over and over again. Not saying that this on its own makes the song bad (although in my opinion there are other factors that do) , but I would just rather not hear songs like that on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
If I wanted to hear this song I could go to any station that plays the same 30 classic songs over and over again. Not saying that this on its own makes the song bad (although in my opinion there are other factors that do) , but I would just rather not hear songs like that on RP.
Posted 16 years ago by b17m4p    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
ditto.
Posted 16 years ago by dcdog    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
Why are Eric Clapton and coffee alike? Both better with Cream!
PUN! WARNING!
Posted 16 years ago by lordgeezer    [ Reply ]
Still have a vinyl copy of this album with the psychedelic art on the inside cover. Think I'll put it in a frame and hang it on the wall.
Posted 16 years ago by denbear    [ Reply ]
Why are Eric Clapton and coffee alike? Both better with Cream!
Posted 16 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
After all these years -- that guitar WAILS!
Posted 16 years ago by SpamNRice    [ Reply ]
ScottN wrote:
What a classic! The energy is fantastic and the playing superb. I wonder if Ginger can still drum like this in their reunions? The bass/kick drum during the guitar soloes is outrageous!
Having seen the RAH re-union, the answer to your question is YES YES YES! For mine, Ginger stole the show, utterly spellbinding!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
cc_rider wrote:
I like Cream. They did some really nice interpretations of the blues. But it's still 'White Boy Blues'. It's not bad, in fact it's really good, but after hearing Albert King, you can tell Cream is just not THE BLUES. It's not even the virtuostic(?) guitar licks, there's something else about the feel of it. Like they haven't earned it or something, I don't know. When you hear Albert, B.B, Muddy, Lightin', Bessie, et al. you can feel the pain that permeates the blues. It's not about skin color; Robert Cray also lacks that certain something. Stevie Ray showed glimpses of it, especially at his depths. Townes Van Zandt had it. Hank Williams had it. Something about tortured souls, I don't know. There's some essence of the blues that comes through the actual sound. I have no idea what it actually is though. It's easy to hear it, but impossible to explain! Dancing about architecture, I guess. c.
It's interesting that I know EXACTLY what you mean, and yet I hear "it" in Cream (and the rest of your positive examples) where as I know that Cray lacks "it" and I can't hear a Stevie Ray song that doesn't have "it". Our ears are slightly out of phase perhaps.
Posted 17 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
Inamorato wrote:
A great song that I've heard about a thousand times too many.
Can't get enough!!! I've been listening since the 60's
Posted 17 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
This was such a good era for EC & always really liked Cream.
Posted 17 years ago by oldsinger    [ Reply ]
Excellent.
Posted 17 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Gimme "Traintime."
Posted 17 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
I always like Clapton better when he was on the juice. Give that man a spoon and a light.
Posted 17 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
Great God in Heaven this great!
Posted 17 years ago by MtnGoat    [ Reply ]
A great song that I've heard about a thousand times too many.
Posted 17 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
Forget the 11 rating....where's the 15? I got to see EC play in Seattle this March, did this as an encore, and good ole Robert Cray came out and played a solo for this. GREAT stuff!
Posted 17 years ago by heyjoe3577    [ Reply ]
All props to Robert Johnson as the author, but Cream took this and turned into a classic. The interplay of lead guitar, bass and drums are fantastic on this piece, pure rock/blues energy as never heard before (at that time).
Posted 17 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
I like Cream. They did some really nice interpretations of the blues. But it's still 'White Boy Blues'. It's not bad, in fact it's really good, but after hearing Albert King, you can tell Cream is just not THE BLUES. It's not even the virtuostic(?) guitar licks, there's something else about the feel of it. Like they haven't earned it or something, I don't know. When you hear Albert, B.B, Muddy, Lightin', Bessie, et al. you can feel the pain that permeates the blues. It's not about skin color; Robert Cray also lacks that certain something. Stevie Ray showed glimpses of it, especially at his depths. Townes Van Zandt had it. Hank Williams had it. Something about tortured souls, I don't know. There's some essence of the blues that comes through the actual sound. I have no idea what it actually is though. It's easy to hear it, but impossible to explain! Dancing about architecture, I guess. c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I would love and appreciate hearing the original work for many of these songs. Not only are they great to listen to, but a little music history lesson is never a bad thing. LOVE that picture! Just makes me want to hear him play that guitar even more. dionysius wrote:
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
Posted 17 years ago by techer2    [ Reply ]
zaknafein wrote:
Anyone else, when hearing this song, immediately think of Freaks and Geeks?
Sorry, all I can think of is the stellar lead guitar playing, and the thunderous support of Messrs. Bruce and Baker.
Posted 17 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
I agree. I love RJ's originals. Let's hear them! I like the remakes also. Remember that some of us white folks never had the opportunity to hear real blues as we were growing up in the 60's and 70's. Especially if you lived in a small town or rural area. We bought most of our music at Shopko. We were introduced to the blues by Clapton, Zep, etc. so I will always love them.
Posted 17 years ago by bronorb    [ Reply ]
My favorite Cream song
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
Clapton's finest solo from his Cream days, IMHO.
Posted 17 years ago by sharkartist    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
I concur.......btw, same segue today, check the date.......
Posted 17 years ago by SPACEDOG    [ Reply ]
effen awesome.
Posted 17 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
Funny. There's no Robert Johnson on the playlist (and I've tried uploading some), but Bill just played "Crossroads" as acid-washed by Cream, right after "Born Under A Bad Sign." They have Zeppelin's nicely-picked but otherwise boring version of "Travelling Riverside Blues" but not the original. My point being: Let's show some respect, people!
Posted 17 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
kcar wrote:
Some critics commented that Baker wasn't quite up to the playing of Bruce and Clapton in the May 2005 Royal Albert Hall concerts. I'm no drummer but looking at the DVD, I get the feeling that he held on his own. He may not be as fast as he was in the late 60s, but his drumming worked for me.
I agree. Speaking as a drummer who has seen Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson play in their sixties, and from what I saw of Baker on the DVD of the reunion, I can say that - once a drummer, always a drummer, and he brings it not matter the age.
Posted 17 years ago by eskles    [ Reply ]
Love these guys.
Posted 17 years ago by accordionista    [ Reply ]
Those were the days.
Posted 17 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
ScottN wrote:
What a classic! The energy is fantastic and the playing superb. I wonder if Ginger can still drum like this in their reunions? The bass/kick drum during the guitar soloes is outrageous!
Some critics commented that Baker wasn't quite up to the playing of Bruce and Clapton in the May 2005 Royal Albert Hall concerts. I'm no drummer but looking at the DVD, I get the feeling that he held on his own. He may not be as fast as he was in the late 60s, but his drumming worked for me. He easily has most the physical job of the three, so I'm inclined to cut him some slack.
Posted 17 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
ronforchette wrote:
A ripper!
For years, all I could hear was the guitar. What draws my attention now, 30 years and hundreds of listens later, is that amazing bass.
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]