Cream & Creedence Clearwater Revival

Okay. You'd expect a group called Cream to have at least one cat in it, right? Wrong. I couldn't find one actual cat listed in the credits on this album, which contains some of the most significant recordings of the 1960s. Sure, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker are all cool cats as far as hipness goes, but I was a bit disappointed, all the same. Then, I remembered that my GramCat loved Cream--the kind you listen to, as well as the kind that comes in a saucer--and listening to this album, I could see why. 

First of all, even as young as Clapton is on these early cuts, he makes his guitar serve as a whole ensemble of different instruments. He even uses feedback like a master, especially on "SWLABR." Although I didn't understand some of the references ("Anyone for Tennis," for example), I felt sure that "Tales of Brave Ulysses" was about a hero-cat.

"Spoonful" was especially fun to purr along with, and I couldn't help but fantasize about my own favorite kind of spoonful (pictured at right).
Finally, Clapton's rendition of Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" is sublime! He's played it several times since this early recording, but I'd venture to say never better than this. Lap up some Cream and decide for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdwVVI4B3oY

Almost every song of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Chronicle album is surely written for cats. Consider these examples: "Run Through the Jungle" (about our wild ancestors), "I Put a Spell on You" (now massage my ears), "Lookin' Out My Back Door" (at all the pretty birds I'm going to eat), "Long As I Can See the Light" (it's still naptime), and "Someday Never Comes" (because today is always the only day). 
No wonder this is another of my GramCat's favorites. This music just doesn't go out of style. Whether you're an old cat or a kitten, CCR will revive you and set all 16 of your toes a-tappin'.
Peace out!