Review – Cream Club Classics

To take a trip through the back catalogue of Cream records and events would be to take a trip through some of the most euphoric, uplifting moments in house and trance music. This is why we’re so happy to release their records and compilations. Quite simply, they are as much a part of the rich lineage of electronic music in this country as we are, which is why this Cream Club Classics album is such an aural treat.

Disc one features some of the greatest, funky, chunky classics from the Cream, with genre defining tracks from Byron Stingly, The Nightcrawlers, Reel 2 Reel feat. The Mad Stuntman, Armand van Helden and a stone-cold classic from Basement Jaxx in the shape of ‘Fly Life’. Add to that more than a fair smattering of phat beats from the likes of The Prodigy (‘Breathe’ is still one of the most intense electronic workouts known to man), Olive and Azzido Da Bass, and you’ve got a cracking opening salvo.

The second disc moves into slightly trancier territory, featuring classics from the likes of Robert Miles, Grace, Kosheen and the Jim Morrison-sampling Fatboy Slim classic ‘Sunset (Bird Of Prey)’, as well as ‘Dark & Long’ by the masters of deep, intelligent and diverse house music, Underworld. One of the strengths of this album is that it doesn’t stick around on one genre for too long – it keeps things fresh and diverse, with both eyes focused on making the listener move to the music.

Disc three kicks off with a real festival classic that is sure to be slaying main rooms and main stages indoors and outdoors this summer, the unforgettable ‘God Is A DJ’ by Faithless. Not enough? Well, then how about more bangers and remixes from the likes of Paul van Dyk, Tiesto, Chicane and a Tristan D remix of the recent hit single from TV Rock feat. Rudy, ‘In The Air’, which quite simply soars!

Compilations are, by their very nature, only as good as the tracks that are on them. This is also true for clubs – you wouldn’t go to a Cream night or one of our nights here at Ministry of Sound if you thought that, frankly, the music was rubbish. Cream has always sidestepped any pretensions, and gone straight for the jugular by consistently producing great nights and great albums. Once again, they do not disappoint. This is a great compilation.

Pre-order Cream Club Classics now!

Ben Stroud

Source: Ministry Of Sound