Cream — Those Were the Days
Album: Wheels of FireAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1053
Length: 2:53
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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When the city of Atlantis stood serene above the sea,
Long time before our time when the world was free,
Those were the days.
Golden cymbals flying on ocarina sounds,
Before wild Medusa's serpents gave birth to hell
Disguised as heaven.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Those were their ways, miracles everywhere, are they now?
They're gone.
Those were their ways, yes they were, those were their ways.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Tie your painted shoes and dance, blue daylight in your hair,
Overhead a noiseless eagle fans a flame.
Wonder everywhere.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Those were their ways, miracles everywhere, are they now?
They're gone.
Those were their ways, yes they were, those were their ways.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Long time before our time when the world was free,
Those were the days.
Golden cymbals flying on ocarina sounds,
Before wild Medusa's serpents gave birth to hell
Disguised as heaven.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Those were their ways, miracles everywhere, are they now?
They're gone.
Those were their ways, yes they were, those were their ways.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Tie your painted shoes and dance, blue daylight in your hair,
Overhead a noiseless eagle fans a flame.
Wonder everywhere.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Those were their ways, miracles everywhere, are they now?
They're gone.
Those were their ways, yes they were, those were their ways.
Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Comments (206)add comment
And coincidentally, from the very same year:
Musicianship to the max. We fiends for furious and original rock and roll will likely never see the likes of them again.
kingart wrote:
What he said. Quint-essential. Or however Funk and Wagnall's splits it up. Listen up...
A 6?
Who was 20 then but 70 now and in poor health of ear and soulfulness? I'll bestow a 10 just to spite you.
A 6?
Who was 20 then but 70 now and in poor health of ear and soulfulness? I'll bestow a 10 just to spite you.
Who was 20 then but 70 now and in poor health of ear and soulfulness? I'll bestow a 10 just to spite you.
When Clapton Mattered
I gave this a 7? That was almost certainly when I was being adjusted for new ears and listening skills. No other trio in the history of r & r ever got more from 3 instruments and 1 voice than these dudes. (Although in this track they also add a xylophone or some such.) Holy fuck, Batman. That's a bump.
miahfost wrote:
Bro, do you even listen to music when you're listening to music?
You have to be pretty stoned to like this crap.
Bro, do you even listen to music when you're listening to music?
Yes, the drums in this are truly special, and very Moon-ish... Sometimes, it's just so good to pull out these old jams and crank them up!
Why so many great RnR drummers from England?
maybe something in the water? The same stuff that make English people teeth so bad?
maybe something in the water? The same stuff that make English people teeth so bad?
I think I'm having a flashback.
kcar wrote:
Amazingly, this is the first time I've heard this and I'm a Cream fan! Great drumming and guitar solo. And Jack had such a great voice.
Agreed, the drumming is really creative. Like this in spite of the old technology (not so good) recording. The drums especially lack the punch of modern mics and digital recording. But the musicianship transcends those limits!
Amazingly, this is the first time I've heard this and I'm a Cream fan! Great drumming and guitar solo. And Jack had such a great voice.
Agreed, the drumming is really creative. Like this in spite of the old technology (not so good) recording. The drums especially lack the punch of modern mics and digital recording. But the musicianship transcends those limits!
miahfost wrote:
You have to be pretty stoned to like this crap.
1wolfy wrote:
Amazingly, this is the first time I've heard this and I'm a Cream fan! Great drumming and guitar solo. And Jack had such a great voice.
great Cream song that was not played much on the radio
Amazingly, this is the first time I've heard this and I'm a Cream fan! Great drumming and guitar solo. And Jack had such a great voice.
Woooo-fukkin-Hoooooo!!! Pound em Ginger 😜
A trio that got more energy out of their 4 instruments — guitar, bass, drums, vocal — than seems possible.
Wow. I've being saying "wow" about that entire album since 1968.
I'll say it again. We need a Play It Again button.
great Cream song that was not played much on the radio
Jack Bruce... vocals... R.I.P!!!
Baker was in a league all his own.
Thank you! 
Two great eclectic Cream songs from the same album in one day !! And three with Badge tossed in.
Nothing but smiles ...
They have stood the passing of time very, very well.
Nothing but smiles ...
They have stood the passing of time very, very well.
It is a true fact that the chemical composition of Ginger Baker's blood is identical to that of methedrine.
unclehud wrote:
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
This is funny, since they were young farts when this tune came out.
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
This is funny, since they were young farts when this tune came out.
Thanks for the memories. Introduced to this by a ginger kid from up the street.
terrapin52 wrote:
Yeah, complete w/ the Wee Folk dancing around 23" pieces.
This reminds me of "stonehendge"' by spinal tap.
Yeah, complete w/ the Wee Folk dancing around 23" pieces.
I own Wheels of Fire in vinyl. I must have repressed this cut. The drumming is superb, but the tune is S-B. Clapton lights up, but then the silly voice comes back. Is that Jack Bruce?
Yeah baby. Guitar R n R.
Who is that god on guitar?
Who is that god on guitar?
Power Trio Alert!
This reminds me of "stonehendge"' by spinal tap.
Oh, man, those were the days of Ginger Baker!
almith wrote:
...BTW..I like this.
Some. Of you people. Are real idiots
If you are offended. Then its you
If you are offended. Then its you
...BTW..I like this. unclehud wrote:
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Yeah really stoned. Like anyone could play like Clapton in "those days"!
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
Yeah really stoned. Like anyone could play like Clapton in "those days"!
miahfost wrote:
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
You have to be pretty stoned to like this crap.
Not really, but it helps to have heard it a half-million times while pretty stoned. This is the old fart's anthem: Those were the days, yes they were, those were the days.
miahfost wrote:
Perhaps, but I started getting into Cream when "Sunshine of Your Love" came out. I was in high school and I loved most of their stuff.
I was "soaking up" music like a sponge. I guess you had to be there at the time.
You have to be pretty stoned to like this crap.
Perhaps, but I started getting into Cream when "Sunshine of Your Love" came out. I was in high school and I loved most of their stuff.
I was "soaking up" music like a sponge. I guess you had to be there at the time.
love those bells
I think I was in 5th grade when this came out...I couldn't quit looking at the album cover
I think I was in 5th grade when this came out...I couldn't quit looking at the album cover
The older I get the better it it si, but some acid would help!
You have to be pretty stoned to like this crap.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Really, some parts of this song sound like a parody - especially the falsetto bits - but it's fun anyhow.
Cream had some great moments for sure; not sure this is one of 'em.
Really, some parts of this song sound like a parody - especially the falsetto bits - but it's fun anyhow. Jeff09 wrote:
Wasn't it the first double album to go platinum?
Wheels of Fire...one of the great rock albums!
Wasn't it the first double album to go platinum?
My favorite track on this album is "Traintime." If someone has that digitally, please upload it. Thanks.
gatorade wrote:
Alive, yes. Tuned in, no. Bad timing I guess!
To those who give this low ratings/comments....were you alive when Cream hit the scene?
Alive, yes. Tuned in, no. Bad timing I guess!
To those who give this low ratings/comments....were you alive when Cream hit the scene?
Ginger!
bluedot wrote:
For some reason I think this is my older brother's favorite song! He even flew to England to see them. I don't get it.
I love this amazing song. 10.
For some reason I think this is my older brother's favorite song! He even flew to England to see them. I don't get it.
<...........diving for headphones.........>
I love this amazing song. 10.
Some. Of you people. Are real idiots
If you are offended. Then its you
If you are offended. Then its you
Still love Ginger's work. I works for me.
Wheels of Fire...one of the great rock albums!
More Cow bells please
keller1 wrote:
Sarah Palin reportedly made eight figures on her autobiography. Your point would be?
....ummm moot.
Sarah Palin reportedly made eight figures on her autobiography. Your point would be?
....ummm moot.
birdland wrote:
Criticism, actually. It was about criticism.
No, it was about my profile. If you want to have a critical discussion we can do that. Otherwise, it is highly questionable just who the "troll" actually is here.
Criticism, actually. It was about criticism.
No, it was about my profile. If you want to have a critical discussion we can do that. Otherwise, it is highly questionable just who the "troll" actually is here.
birdland wrote:
keller1: Arguably the most overrated Chartered Accountant/Wannabe Rock Star ever.
Got any empirical evidence on that? Otherwise it sounds like somebody just shooting their mouth off.
keller1: Arguably the most overrated Chartered Accountant/Wannabe Rock Star ever.
Got any empirical evidence on that? Otherwise it sounds like somebody just shooting their mouth off.
dBdwg wrote:
Hey Keller, Ginger just called poolside from his mansion, he says you hurt his feelings.
Sarah Palin reportedly made eight figures on her autobiography. Your point would be?
Hey Keller, Ginger just called poolside from his mansion, he says you hurt his feelings.
Sarah Palin reportedly made eight figures on her autobiography. Your point would be?
birdland wrote:
Trolling,
Classic case.
Look in the mirror, sport. My comment was about the music.
Trolling,
Classic case.
Look in the mirror, sport. My comment was about the music.
birdland wrote:
Chartered Accountant/Wannabe Rock Star
"Self realization" through a creepy little dig at somebody else's profile.
Chartered Accountant/Wannabe Rock Star
"Self realization" through a creepy little dig at somebody else's profile.
keller1 wrote:
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
Hey Keller, Ginger just called poolside from his mansion, he says you hurt his feelings.
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
Hey Keller, Ginger just called poolside from his mansion, he says you hurt his feelings.
8-10 ??
Well, guess what?! I like this song. I always have - from the day I first bought it from some long-defunct discount chain in southern California as a mere pup of a 10th grader. I was so desperate to get that thing home and play it that I could barely see straight. I still remember the excitement of that day as though it was yesterday. And though, like many who've posted below, I liked some of the other tracks more - "Crossroads", of course, is still the greatest Clapton solo I've heard personally - I like the TTWTD solo and overall sound very much. The bells probably sound corny to many but I like them. I'm surprised by the '6' average. I gave it an 8, myself.
bluedot wrote:
Haha. I remember having this exact same argument in high school in 1970. The thing about Ginger Baker's drum sound was that he was pioneering a style based on DOUBLE BASS DRUMS. That's why he sounded like that. He's actually an excellent drummer. He had a cool group called the Ginger Baker Trio in the 1990's which included Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden. More jazz than rock...
Louis Bellson "pioneered" double bass drums when Baker was still in diapers.
Haha. I remember having this exact same argument in high school in 1970. The thing about Ginger Baker's drum sound was that he was pioneering a style based on DOUBLE BASS DRUMS. That's why he sounded like that. He's actually an excellent drummer. He had a cool group called the Ginger Baker Trio in the 1990's which included Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden. More jazz than rock...
Louis Bellson "pioneered" double bass drums when Baker was still in diapers.
lemmoth wrote:
That's what's great about RP —- there isn't another outlet in the universe that plays as wide an assortment of anything that falls roughly into the "rock and roll - broadly defined" label.
You may not be happy for a few songs, but I personally have never felt the urge to tune out........ya never know what you are going to miss.
Love my RP
Love my RP too! Keep the variety coming, Bill!
That's what's great about RP —- there isn't another outlet in the universe that plays as wide an assortment of anything that falls roughly into the "rock and roll - broadly defined" label.
You may not be happy for a few songs, but I personally have never felt the urge to tune out........ya never know what you are going to miss.
Love my RP
Love my RP too! Keep the variety coming, Bill!
Cream had some great moments for sure; not sure this is one of 'em.
Easily my least favorite Clapton solo of all time. 'Generic' is the kindest thing I can say. Fortunately, there are so many good ones that the bad taste is soon gone.
jnhashmi wrote:
That's what's great about RP —- there isn't another outlet in the universe that plays as wide an assortment of anything that falls roughly into the "rock and roll - broadly defined" label.
You may not be happy for a few songs, but I personally have never felt the urge to tune out........ya never know what you are going to miss.
Love my RP
Jesus - Tori Amos, Cream, Bjork. Ew. I am so outta here right now. I love RP, but somebody let me know when Bill spins some Patty Griffin, R.E.M. or Neko Case or something again...
That's what's great about RP —- there isn't another outlet in the universe that plays as wide an assortment of anything that falls roughly into the "rock and roll - broadly defined" label.
You may not be happy for a few songs, but I personally have never felt the urge to tune out........ya never know what you are going to miss.
Love my RP
Rock On!
THOSE were the days indeed!!!!!!!
Dog_Ear wrote:
Just send Bill YOUR playlist -and he'll play everything YOU want to hear.
...... or NOT.
Just send Bill YOUR playlist -and he'll play everything YOU want to hear.
...... or NOT.
Museum rock.
keller1 wrote:
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
If you had managed to play with Clapton you could have been overrated too.
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
If you had managed to play with Clapton you could have been overrated too.
This now reminds me of Flight of the Conchords.
jnhashmi wrote:
Just send Bill YOUR playlist -and he'll play everything YOU want to hear.
Jesus - Tori Amos, Cream, Bjork. Ew. I am so outta here right now. I love RP, but somebody let me know when Bill spins some Patty Griffin, R.E.M. or Neko Case or something again...
Just send Bill YOUR playlist -and he'll play everything YOU want to hear.
Drummercide.
smdeeg wrote:
What the HELL! You should be ashamed of yourself there Viv515. How can you insult ST by comparing their work to this pretentious crud?!?!?
Hmm, 40 something year-old slightly alternative rock (for its time)! What makes it pretentious? I guess a lot of people didn't mind it anyway as I think it was a really top selling double album!
What the HELL! You should be ashamed of yourself there Viv515. How can you insult ST by comparing their work to this pretentious crud?!?!?
Hmm, 40 something year-old slightly alternative rock (for its time)! What makes it pretentious? I guess a lot of people didn't mind it anyway as I think it was a really top selling double album!
DeeCee1109 wrote:
Those were the days!
Agreed . . . Back in the day it was all good . . . 
Those were the days!
keller1 wrote:
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
At least it sounds like he's playing real drums, as opposed to sounding like a drum machine.
That said, It does sometimes seem like the beat is lost in all those drum rolls
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
At least it sounds like he's playing real drums, as opposed to sounding like a drum machine.
That said, It does sometimes seem like the beat is lost in all those drum rolls
jagdriver wrote:
I concur, although I'm a Cream fan. Much of his drumming sounds like what you would hear from a high school marching band.
Haha. I remember having this exact same argument in high school in 1970. The thing about Ginger Baker's drum sound was that he was pioneering a style based on DOUBLE BASS DRUMS. That's why he sounded like that. He's actually an excellent drummer. He had a cool group called the Ginger Baker Trio in the 1990's which included Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden. More jazz than rock...
| keller1 (In A Gadda Da Vida, Baby) |
|
I concur, although I'm a Cream fan. Much of his drumming sounds like what you would hear from a high school marching band.
Haha. I remember having this exact same argument in high school in 1970. The thing about Ginger Baker's drum sound was that he was pioneering a style based on DOUBLE BASS DRUMS. That's why he sounded like that. He's actually an excellent drummer. He had a cool group called the Ginger Baker Trio in the 1990's which included Bill Frisell and Charlie Haden. More jazz than rock...
Jesus - Tori Amos, Cream, Bjork. Ew. I am so outta here right now. I love RP, but somebody let me know when Bill spins some Patty Griffin, R.E.M. or Neko Case or something again...
Umm, no! Not even with bells, Bruce, Baker or Clapton! However the funny lyrics rate it a 5!
| keller1 (In A Gadda Da Vida, Baby) |
|
I concur, although I'm a Cream fan. Much of his drumming sounds like what you would hear from a high school marching band.
Cream was one of the best concerts of their time. Jimmy Page even was floored seeing them live. I personally love all of their work.
And to the haters out there - you don't matter.
And to the haters out there - you don't matter.
Wheels Of Fire the studio album is excellent. I don't understand people who don't love Ginger Baker's drumming - even though listening now I think that the drum sound he has is a bit tinny on this and other tracks - as though the technology wasn't so good then - maybe it could go a re-master, with this corrected.
Check out the dvd of Cream's recent(ish) Albert Hall concert. Jack Bruce's bass playing is awesome - you know you are listening to a mature virtuoso - and his voice was ok as well - even though he looks rough. Clapton and Baker were playing catch-up with Bruce in those gigs.
smdeeg wrote:
What the HELL! You should be ashamed of yourself there Viv515. How can you insult ST by comparing their work to this pretentious crud?!?!?
What the HELL! You should be ashamed of yourself there Viv515. How can you insult ST by comparing their work to this pretentious crud?!?!?
birdland wrote:
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
Ginger Baker. 
Arguably the most overrated rock drummer ever.
sporkster wrote:
I'm 52. It sucked in the day, and it sucks now.
What the eff is this?
I'm only 29. A generational thing?
I'm 52. It sucked in the day, and it sucks now.
funkaholic wrote:
Yep! And I love every studio track from their first three releases, this one included.
I have a lot of Cream in my regular DAP rotation and it is interesting to note (no pun intended) how little one hears Clapton's influence in many of the studio recordings. On this LP, I think Felix Pappalardi really made his presence known and perhaps overshadowed EC at times.
What a band! One of the most unique sounds ever.
Yep! And I love every studio track from their first three releases, this one included.
I have a lot of Cream in my regular DAP rotation and it is interesting to note (no pun intended) how little one hears Clapton's influence in many of the studio recordings. On this LP, I think Felix Pappalardi really made his presence known and perhaps overshadowed EC at times.
Misterfixit wrote:
Ay Carmaba indeed!
I also heard futurama as soon as the bells kicked in.
Picture of bender anyone?
Over in the land of Futurama
A certain composer named Tyng
Decided to create some music drama;
Made Bells Sing
Saying 'Ay Carmaba'
A certain composer named Tyng
Decided to create some music drama;
Made Bells Sing
Saying 'Ay Carmaba'
Ay Carmaba indeed!
I also heard futurama as soon as the bells kicked in.
Picture of bender anyone?
zlsdad wrote:
Agreed . . . Back in the day it was all good . . .
Gets a 7 although it hasn't aged well, but it was better in its day.
Agreed . . . Back in the day it was all good . . .
Holy shit, get with it.
Clapton's Premier Supergroup of the Sixties.
sporkster wrote:
Clapton's Premier Supergroup of the Sixties.
sporkster wrote:
What the eff is this?
I'm only 29. A generational thing?
What the eff is this?
I'm only 29. A generational thing?
This is fine, but the child-like-minds are at it again.
zlsdad wrote:
Gets a 7 although it hasn't aged well, but it was better in its day.
So true. This was unique in its time. Sounds pretty dated now.
Gets a 7 although it hasn't aged well, but it was better in its day.
Needs less cowbell.
Actually, interesting track I'd never heard before, from a legendary band.
Thanks Bill! :)
What a band! One of the most unique sounds ever.
Cream/Clapton/Baker were the primary influence
for about a gazillion garage bands.
In "The Day" there were just a few musical influences that had come before. It was all new
and WONDERFUL. . .. --ton's god !
--ton's god !I love good Cream but this ain't it.
Viv515 wrote:
I know I'm going to get nailed for this, but...
I thought this was Spinal Tap when I first heard it! :)
What the HELL! You should be ashamed of yourself there Viv515. How can you insult ST by comparing their work to this pretentious crud?!?!?
where did i put that bong?
sharkartist wrote:
It's missing Cowbells! 
Cream.... those were the days indeed. I don't care what the naysayers below have to say, Baker's drumming (and the use of tubular bells) and Clapton's soloing... come on what's missing?
Isn't it obvious?
It's missing Cowbells!
Cream.... those were the days indeed. I don't care what the naysayers below have to say, Baker's drumming (and the use of tubular bells) and Clapton's soloing... come on what's missing? This song is one of my favorites from this record and has been since it was released. 
Ginger Baker.
Sour Cream...refried beans, rice, Guacamole, jack cheese, salsa, salad, chicken!...Tortilla!
Cream had their moments, but let's face it, this ain't one of 'em.
Over in the land of Futurama
A certain composer named Tyng
Decided to create some music drama;
Made Bells Sing
Saying 'Ay Carmaba'
"Those were the days...
YES THEY WERE.
Those were the ways...
YES THEY WERE."
No way do people actually take this crap seriously.
If not for Clapton, this would be utterly worthless.
I know I'm going to get nailed for this, but...
I thought this was Spinal Tap when I first heard it! :)
DUDE, WAKE ME UP WHEN THIS SONG IS OVER.
Keith_Eel wrote:
MY GOD....CLAPTON IS GOD!
I say again. HE should have been on that helicopter.
peyotecoyote wrote: 
not really sure why
Bizarre is the word, cthonically affable is another one.
What is this painting and where did you get it?
not really sure why Amazon wrote:
Yes, Tales of Brave Ulysses 
CLASSIC ROX
"The first rock song about Greek mythology" you say, Bill?
Thus, THIS song is what MUST be called
-- wait for it --
CLASSICS ROCK
Yes, Tales of Brave Ulysses CLASSIC ROX
peyotecoyote wrote:
What... an... utterly bizarre picture. Looks like a cross between a squid and Jabba the Hut.
not really sure why
I took a "magic marker" and colored in the white areas of this ablum cover, you know "back in the day"
eastcoast wrote:
I don't think just becuase Ginger Baker plays an instrument should entitle him to sing but hey everyone was stoned backed then and he probably sounded good. This does not detract from the emmense talent of the band, just an observation that Ginger Baker can not sing.
Back then, whether someone could sing or not wan't that important. It was the sound.
Why is Eric Clapton like coffee? Both were better with Cream. Nyuk nyuk!
rgr0707 wrote:
Does anybody has a time machine I can borrow 
I think you forgot to include a picture of a cat.
Those were the days