Cream: Farewell Concert

It took Cream (guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker) the better part of 40 years to reunite. But hey, better late than never, especially if their 2005 shows in London and New York help lessen the disappointment of Farewell Concert, the trio's November 1968 gig at London's Royal Albert Hall. Whether or not this performance offers up a spellbinding display of the band's instrumental chops and renowned improvisational skills is up for grabs, since what we hear sounds dreadful—an indistinct, distorted sonic sludge (not improved by the DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1 sound). Director Tony Palmer was either stoned, self-deluded, or both, as the jerky camera moves, dated and distracting psychedelic light effects, and almost total lack of wide shots of the group onstage are painful to behold. Musically, the band concentrates on lengthy blues jams ("Spoonful," "Sitting on Top of the World," etc.) instead of some of the terrific pop tunes such as “Badge,” although their two biggest hits—"White Room" and "Sunshine of Your Love"—are here. Clapton is reportedly less than thrilled that Farewell Concert has finally seen the light of day, and a single pass through this unwatchable, unlistenable disaster suggests why. Not recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)