CREAM best of cream MW8655

The Ultimate Supergroup Collection: ‘Best Of Cream’ (MW 8655/6)

Today’s entry focuses on a generous Japanese retrospective of the world’s first true supergroup. We are looking at the 1977 double-vinyl compilation Best Of Cream, released on the RSO label with the catalog number MW 8655/6.

The Cream of the Crop

While there have been many compilations of the legendary trio—Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker—this Japanese edition stands out for its scope. Released in 1977, this is not the standard single-disc “fruit bowl cover” compilation often found in bargain bins. Instead, it is an expansive double album that digs deeper into their brief but explosive discography, covering everything from their psychedelic pop hits to their gritty blues roots.

The Music

Spanning four sides of vinyl, this collection offers a complete picture of the band’s evolution.

Collector’s Details

For collectors of Japanese vinyl, the packaging of this specific release is the main attraction.

The Cap Obi:
Unlike the standard vertical “sash” obi strips found on most Japanese records, this release features a CAP-OBI. This unique style of obi fits over the top of the album jacket like a cap or a hood. Because these caps were often discarded or easily torn when accessing the record, finding a copy with the Cap Obi intact and in good condition is becoming increasingly difficult.

Pressing:
Manufactured by Polydor K.K. in 1977, this pressing benefits from the high-quality control standards of the Japanese era, offering a quiet and dynamic listening experience for these classic analog recordings.