Strange Brew

The Zoo Crew is spinning the psychedelic grooves of "Strange Brew" by Cream, a standout track from their 1967 album "Disraeli Gears", and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its trippy energy. This song, which hit number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, has a wild origin story. It started as a cover of the blues track "Lawdy Mama," recorded during Cream’s first U.S. trip in April 1967 at Atlantic Studios with Ahmet Ertegun. Producer Felix Pappalardi, alongside his wife Gail Collins, took the second version of "Lawdy Mama" and reworked it overnight, adding new lyrics to create the pop-infused "Strange Brew." Eric Clapton noted in interviews that Pappalardi’s transformation kept the song’s original groove while giving it a McCartney-esque pop flair. Interestingly, Clapton’s guitar solo is a near note-for-note lift from Albert King’s "Oh Pretty Woman," a nod to his blues roots, with some critics calling it an homage, while others dubbed it a playful parody. The track’s reverb-heavy sound, as Rolling Stone pointed out, marked a departure from Cream’s typical blues style, making it one of their most experimental cuts. Fans on Reddit have praised its witchy funk, with many citing it as a gateway to the psych-blues magic of "Disraeli Gears."

Another tidbit that’ll blow the Zoo Freaks’ minds is the song’s recording timeline. Cream laid down most of "Disraeli Gears" in just three-and-a-half days at Atlantic Studios in May 1967, under tight visa constraints, as engineer Tom Dowd recalled. "Strange Brew" was the first track completed, setting the tone for the album’s blend of blues and psychedelia. Clapton, who took lead vocals—a rarity since Jack Bruce usually fronted the band—sang in a falsetto that added to the song’s eerie vibe. Posts on X from users like @thelegendsofmusic highlight how Cream mimed "Strange Brew" on the German TV show Beat Club in 1967, giving fans a rare glimpse of their early promotional efforts. The song’s creation wasn’t without critique; Melody Maker at the time felt it wasn’t Cream’s strongest single, expecting something more groundbreaking. Yet, retrospectives like AllMusic’s rave about Clapton’s “stunningly sensual” guitar work, cementing "Strange Brew" as a definitive Cream record.

Cream, the British supergroup behind "Strange Brew," was formed in 1966 by three virtuosos: Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Clapton, already a blues guitar prodigy from his time with The Yardbirds and John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, was drawn to the idea of a power trio that could fuse blues with rock’s raw energy. Bruce, a classically trained bassist and vocalist from Scotland, had crossed paths with Clapton in various London jazz and blues outfits, including the Graham Bond Organisation, where he also met Baker, a fiery drummer known for his jazz-influenced style. Baker, who’d played with acts like the Alexis Korner band, proposed the idea of Cream, envisioning a group where each member’s ego and talent could shine. As Bruce later shared in a 2008 Classic Rock interview, the band’s chemistry was immediate, though their clashing personalities—especially between Bruce and Baker—fueled both their creative fire and eventual breakup. Their debut album, Fresh Cream, dropped in 1966, but it was "Disraeli Gears" that catapulted them to international fame, with its psychedelic edge resonating across the U.S. and beyond.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Cream’s world, the band’s legacy lives on through various online hubs. The official website for Cream’s catalog and updates is Cream Records, where fans can explore reissues like the "Disraeli Gears" Deluxe Edition. On social media, check out the official Cream Facebook page for archival photos and fan discussions. Instagram’s @creamtheband shares throwback visuals and performance clips, while the @Cream_Records X account posts about remasters and vinyl releases. Fan communities thrive too—join the Cream Fan Club on Facebook for lively debates about the band’s best tracks, or visit Eric Clapton’s official site for his ongoing projects, as he’s the only surviving member still active. Another great fan resource is Discogs, where collectors swap notes on rare pressings of "Disraeli Gears." These platforms keep the Cream spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak looking to geek out over "Strange Brew" and beyond.