Cream: “Strange Brew” (1967)

Cream explores the outer fringes of strawberry fields with blue cheer.

Kronomyth 1.5: You rode upon a steamer to the violence of the sun

Released a few months after “Strawberry Fields Forever,” this single became the new standard-bearer of the psychedelic rock movement. Strange Brew had its origins in the blues (specifically, Albert King), Tales of Brave Ulysses in pop music (The Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Summer in the City”). Along with Jimi Hendrix, Cream was taking listeners on a drug-fueled fantasy ride to new vistas in a flying machine made from old parts. Structurally, both songs are poems set to music. (“Strange Brew” was written by husband-and-wife team Felix Pappalardi and Gail Collins. Collins shot Pappalardi to death in 1983, one of the many strange tragedies that seemed to follow Cream.) Artist Martin Sharp, who created the distinctive covers for Disraeli Gears and Wheels of Fire, wrote the poem that became “Tales of Brave Ulysses.” So, you had this marriage of the musical and literary arts with psychedelic drugs tossed into the mix, which ushered in a new era of music that would soon morph into progressive rock. For my money, “Strange Brew” is Eric Clapton’s best vocal; his out-of-this-world falsetto makes the underlying groove so much funkier. As for Tales, it’s just a total head trip. If I were making a list of the best singles ever, this would have to be near the top of the list.

Original 7-inch single version

A1. Strange Brew (Felix Pappalardi/Gail Collins/Eric Clapton) (2:46)
B1. Tales of Brave Ulysses (Eric Clapton/Martin Sharp) (2:48)

The Players

Ginger Baker (drums), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals), Eric Clapton (guitars, vocals). A1 produced by Robert Stigwood & Ahmet Ertegun, B1 produced by Felix Pappalardi.

The Plastic

Released on mono 7-inch single on May 26, 1967 in the UK (Reaction, 591015), the US (Atco, 45-6488), France (Polydor, 421 147) and Germany (Polydor, 59106) with regional picture sleeve. Reached #17 on the UK charts.

1. Re-issued on 7-inch single in 1984 in the UK (Old Gold, OG 9424).