Live Cream (Volume II)

Unlike LIVE CREAM VOLUME I, this sampling of the band's live performances features less obscure numbers from the Cream catalogue. These recordings were taken from 1968 live performances at the Oakland Coliseum and San Francisco's Winterland theatre, and display the infallible, blues-, rock-, and jazz-influenced chemistry for which the band is famous. Included in this set are the epic "Tales of Brave Ulysses", the wah-wah-laden "White Room", and the psychedelic glory that is "Sunshine Of Your Love".
The only time Cream indulges in its improvisational side is during a 15-minute instrumental version of James Bracken's "Steppin' Out". Starting it out as a swinging shuffle, the gifted trio eventually launches into a mini-showcase of its playing ability that was indicative of the creative atmosphere encouraged during live performances of those times. While the first volume of LIVE CREAM may be a better example of Cream's overall technical prowess and brilliant interplay as a trio, VOLUME 2 is no less compelling, and includes some of the band's biggest hits to boot.|