LISTEN TO BOOMTOWN RADIO! “ALL the Music That Matters for the Generation That Created Rock 'n' Roll”

The Essential Boomer LP Collection: Disraeli Gears (1967)

While their first album, Fresh Cream, delighted critics and the select few who were in rock’s then-vanguard, it was Cream’s second album, Disraeli Gears, that really propelled them to worldwide fame. Backed by the powerhouse single, “Sunshine of Your Love,” the album reached the Top 10 in the band’s native UK, the US, Australia, Finland and other countries. It sold so well that Cashbox magazine named it the top-selling LP of 1968.

It didn’t hurt that the psychedelic artwork and hot day-glo pink cover caught record-buyers’ eyes rather easily in those days.

The album was recorded in the US After the band had wrapped up their first American tour. They used Felix Pappalardi, who also contributed two songs he had written with his wife: “Strange Brew” and “World of Pain.” Atlantic Records president, Ahmet Ertegun was also in attendance for the sessions which took a mere three days! There’s a reason the band laid down those tracks so quickly. Their U.S. visas expired the same day they wrapped up production.

Besides the hit single, “Strange Brew,” “Tales of Brave Ulysses,” “SWLABR” (which co-composer & band member Jack Bruce says stands for “She Was Like a Bearded Rainbow”) and most of the other tracks got significant airplay on the then-emerging FM ‘underground’ rock stations that were springing up in America’s major radio markets.

If you’ve always wondered what the title meant, drummer Ginger Baker says it came from one of their roadies who was talking about buying a racing bike and totally mangled the phrase for a part of the bike: derailleur gears in front of Baker and fellow band member Eric Clapton. The two thought it was hilarious and that’s how it became the name of one of rock’s greatest albums. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Pop Up Player

Latest Posts–Music

  • Performing Nitely at the Saints & Sinners Cocktail Lounge...
    Girls, don't all rush them at once......
  • Happy Birthday, Disney World
    It was 54 years ago this week (October 1st) that Florida gained the attraction that has now come to define the state as Walt Disney World opened for the first time.Initially, just one theme park…
  • How The Kinks Got Their First Hit
    The Kinks needed a hit. Their first two records had both stiffed. Leader Ray Davies knew they weren’t going to get that many chances. So, for their third attempt, he tried something completely different. The…
  • The Album That Made the Rolling Stones the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band
    Let's take a look at the Rolling Stones’ 7th or 9th studio album (depending on whether you live in the UK or US). While it seems to have performed like most of their previous albums –…
  • Story Behind the Song: "Come Softly to Me"
    “Come Softly to Me” is a rock & roll classic. It’s been covered by a multitude of artists including Fleetwood Mac’s Bob Welch & Christine McVie. The original was recorded in the fall of 1958…
  • Brothers in Rock
    We’re all part of the great big rock & roll family, but today, let’s look at some of the actual brothers who have made up some of rock’s biggest acts... Everly Brothers – Of course,…