TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : Excellent Good Fair Poor : COMPACT DISCS
“Disraeli Gears.” Cream. RSO. AAD (analog original). The group, featuring guitarist Eric Clapton, drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, was a pioneer in blues-based, power-trio rock. This 1967 album, with its strong rock feel, was the band’s second and probably its best, though guitar fans still rave about Clapton’s great solos on the third album, “Wheels of Fire.” Much of “Disraeli Gears” sounds dated, but the instrumental virtuosity--the band’s strength--is still impressive. A persistent problem with this CD is the sound, which isn’t nearly as full-bodied as it should be and is also infested with fuzziness and hiss.