“SWLBR” is another one of my personal favorite songs, but if I was going to pick a single favorite track from this album it would be the one that follows it. “We're Going Wrong” has some of the same haunting qualities to it's vocals as “Dance the Night Away” and “World of Pain.” with the same mystic flavors as well, but with one distinction: This track is far more visceral and primal with it's jungle-esque drum work, surging style and sense of mystery.
The guitar work begins quite simply, but its minimalism is exactly what is needed to put the emphasis on the pounding drums and Bruce's vocal work. As it builds, it seems to sink deeper, becoming more and more pushed before pulling back nearly to silence again. As the song builds again, the effect is heightened by Clapton's minimal, fuzzed out lead work, providing subtle melody as they move towards a pounding finale.
The band returns to more well known territory with their take on Blind Willie Reynolds “Outside Woman Blues.” Although it's a pretty straight forward blues track, the riff between verses, doubled on bass, has both a hard rock touch and a progressive rock twist adding some unique color.
“Take it Back” is probably the song closest to Cream's first album, although that could be debated. A bit of a swinging blues stomp, the group channels their inner bar band with Bruce wailing on harmonica and the track is complete with background cheers. This song really demonstrates that although they are exploring new territory on this album, they haven't forgotten where rock and roll, British blues and their own band, began. The album closes with an interesting sing along with exaggerated British accents and tinkling piano.
Although perhaps not the one of their easiest tracks to listen to or one of the band's most rockin', “Mothers Lament” does have a uniquely corny and amusing British charm and ends what is actually a relatively dark album, with a lighthearted note.
There's more to this work than just the music in my mind though. Here are a few interesting historical tidbits that add to the albums legend and make it all the more complex by giving you a glimpse at some of the details surrounding its production.
Although it has its roots in the blues, it's a very psychedelic album that fits in well when it was released -- after the infamous "Summer of Love." It was actually recorded in April and May of the same year though, before the Monterey Pops of June 1967 and the epic Hendrix performances for which that show is known.
Article comments