CREAM disraeli gears MP2241

Cream’s Psychedelic Masterpiece: ‘Disraeli Gears’ Japanese Reissue (MP 2241)

Today’s entry features one of the most influential albums in the psychedelic rock canon. We are examining the 1974 Japanese Repress of Disraeli Gears by Cream, released on Polydor as part of the “British Rock Series” with the catalog number MP 2241.

The Power Trio at Its Peak

Released during the “Summer of Love,” this album captures the legendary trio—**Eric Clapton**, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker—moving away from pure blues into a more colorful, psychedelic sound. Produced by Felix Pappalardi, it features the band’s most enduring hits, including “Sunshine Of Your Love,” “Strange Brew,” and “Tales Of Brave Ulysses.” The cover art, a fluorescent collage by Martin Sharp, is as iconic as the music itself.

1974 “British Rock Series” Specifics

Manufactured by Polydor K.K., this specific pressing is interesting for a few collector details:

- Price Revision Sticker: This copy features a sticker updating the price to ¥2,300. This is a common artifact from the 1974 era, reflecting the price hikes that occurred in the Japanese record industry following the oil crisis.
- Inclusions: The release includes a lyric insert and features Japanese liner notes printed directly on the back cover.

It is a classic analog pressing of the album that solidified Eric Clapton’s status as a “Guitar God.”