Sometimes I think I live on Planet Nostalgia. I saw Cream live in a smoky bar in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1969. I don’t remember much other than they played really, really LOUD and Ginger Baker put on an incendiary 10-minute drum solo. But I’ve been a fan of Clapton and Winwood from Traffic, Blind Faith, Cream, and their solo careers. Actually, I think the enigmatic Steve Winwood is the greater artist. His Arc of the Diver is one of the greatest albums ever. But this set of two DVDs contain some of their best work: just listen to “Forever Man,” “Presence of the Lord,” “Well All Right,” “After Midnight,” “Double Trouble,” “Can’t Find My Way Home,” “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” and “Cocaine.” Terrific stuff! Yes, there are annoying continuity problems, but you can just play the DVDs on audio if that’s a problem. There’s also a CD version. If you grew up with this music, this concert will beam you right back to Planet Nostalgia like it did to me. GRADE: A-.
My brother, a HUGE Cream fan, will be impressed. He almost flew into New York from Oregon for their reunion a couple of years back.
Your brother will love this DVD set. The concert on the first DVD was excellent. If you’re a fan of this music, you’ll appreciate the extended guitar solss. The second DVD includes interviews and additional concert footage, including a couple bonus songs. BEST BUY has LIVE FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, both the DVD set and the CD, on sale this week.
My list keeps growing.
Patti, have you noticed that since you started blogging your list keeps growing faster? Mine sure did.
News Update: I just noticed that the local PBS station (channel 13, Patti) is showing the concert next Thursday night (May 28) from 8 to 10 so Check Your Local Listings!
Many times our local PBS station lags your CHANNEL 13 by a week. I get the TV listings in the Sunday NY TIMES and it’s rare that our PBS station and yours are on the same schedule. But thanks for the heads up!