TS: Cream's version of "Crossroads" vs the Allman Brothers'

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(And you can't pick someone else's version. )

I'm pondering this. I'm leaning towards the Allmans now - maybe even preferring their version of "I Feel Free" to Cream's - but that may just be because I'm listening to them at the moment. They definitely seem to have the edge in terms of vocal range and dynamics. The song in their hands seems a little more faithful to the original blues spirit, more plaintive. It's actually kind of motorik too in a way I find really effective. At the same time, there has to be something to be said for Cream's bombast. Broheems to thread?

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Thursday, 3 June 2004 02:22 (twenty-one years ago)

No, it's defintely Allmans all the way on this one. I think Cream has the edge with "Spoonful" though - the solo clinches it.

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Thursday, 3 June 2004 02:56 (twenty-one years ago)

The Allmans had keyboards, which may not have been their focal point, but that added dimension, plus stronger vocals and the sheer wowness of Duane and Dickey leads me to believe that they were the the superior band.

― jim wentworth (wench), Thursday, 3 June 2004 03:24 (twenty-one years ago)

let's compromise: the derek and the dominos version

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Thursday, 3 June 2004 04:18 (twenty-one years ago)

Is that on an album?

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Thursday, 3 June 2004 13:02 (twenty-one years ago)

I always liked Clapton's version on The Secret Policemen's Ball .. but I haven't heard it since 1986, so it could well be shit(e).

― dave225 (Dave225), Thursday, 3 June 2004 13:07 (twenty-one years ago)

The Allmans motorik is dissipated by the two drummers, the effect is like a car with training wheels

― dave q, Thursday, 3 June 2004 15:00 (twenty-one years ago)

the derek and the dominos version is on the clapton box set (and it is pretty damn good)

― mookieproof (mookieproof), Thursday, 3 June 2004 16:25 (twenty-one years ago)

I don't know anyone who listens to either one of these! My version is better.

― elmo james (ddduncan), Thursday, 3 June 2004 22:07 (twenty-one years ago)

hmm .. I don't know the Allmans version of this, Sundar. I take it this is from that Dreams box? I've actually never heard that! (I saw you listed it over in the "What are you listening to?" thread.) I guess I always assumed it was filled largely with album tracks; although .. (checking track listing) .. wow, yeah, there really are a lot of rareties on that first disc. I've always wanted to hear that Allman Joys and other pre-Allmans stuff. Man, I suppose I should plunk down for this.

As far as the two bands are concerned ... I love Cream, but I'm definitely more of an Allmans guy these days. I do love the Cream live "Crossroads" though; for Clapton's celebrated solo, but also for the way Bruce's bass rolls and tumbles all over the place, the whole thing building in intensity. It sounds heavily edited on Wheels of Fire, when it snaps from the solo back into the verse. At the concert they probably played it for a half hour.

― Broheems (diamond), Thursday, 3 June 2004 22:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Hey, yeah, it's from Dreams - I was actually quite surprised by how little album material there is on that one. Do you know of a good recording of the extended version of Cream's "Crossroads"?

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Friday, 4 June 2004 21:10 (twenty-one years ago)

i HATE cream with a passion (well, actually, i moderately enjoy some of their psych stuff, but the blues covers, ugh) so, the allmans, even though i've never heard it.

― amateur!st (amateurist), Friday, 4 June 2004 21:15 (twenty-one years ago)

I mentioned somewhere before that my favourite Cream stuff is actually the light pop songs like "Badge".

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Friday, 4 June 2004 21:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm curious why you hate them with a passion though, and whether it ties into your Zeppelin issues.

― sundar subramanian (sundar), Friday, 4 June 2004 21:23 (twenty-one years ago)

no, like i said, i really just hate the blues covers i heard. not on any kind of principle, just that they sound so limp and uninspired.

i have sort of set any opinions about l.z. aside, i don't really want to have an opinion on them nor do i want to hear them.

― amateur!st (amateurist), Friday, 4 June 2004 21:28 (twenty-one years ago)

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