Sold Date: March 7, 2016
Start Date: February 29, 2016
Final Price: £56.00 (GBP)
Bid Count: 2
Seller Feedback: 4155
Buyer Feedback: 71

"I FEEL FREE" (Jack Bruce /   mPete Brown, 1966)

I feel free, I feel free, I feel free,
I feel free, I feel free, I feel free,
I feel free, I feel free, I feel free.

Feel, when I dance with you, we move like the sea,
You, you're all I want to know,
I feel free, I feel free, I feel free.

I can walk down the street, there's no one there,
Though the pavements are one huge crowd.
I can drive down the road, my eyes don't see,
Though my mind wants to cry out loud.

I feel free, I feel free, I feel free.

I can walk down the street, there's no one there,
Though the pavements are one huge crowd.
I can drive down the road, my eyes don't see,
Though my mind wants to cry out loud,
Though my mind wants to cry out loud.

Dance floor is like the sea, ceiling is the sky,
You're the sun and as you shine on me,
I feel free, I feel free, I feel free.
CREAM: "I Feel Free" / "NSU". 45 RPM, IN MONO.  THE VERY FIRST UK PRESSING,17th DECEMBER,1966.
This very first pressing has a push-out centre, typical of 1960's Polydor pressed singles, there are three connectors attached
to the record's inside rim, not the more common four.  Most record companies in the UK issued push-out & solid centres in equal
amounts. Not forgetting records without centres, Polydor pressed plenty of them, EMI would not start issuing solid centres until
the New Year of 1967....once again in equal quantities.  Only a few individual and extremely limited singles are rare in format,  
on the Cream & Polydor subject, as the very first pressing and unique to late 1966, the maitrix has a remnant of Polydor singles
that dated back to the 1950's decade, I will detail that below under the maitrix number.


THICKLY TEXTURED BLUE & SILVER REACTION LABEL:  591011

MAITRIX:  *P*  591011  A // 1    1    1   /  *P*  591011  B // 1    1   2   1
Pressed by Polydor for Reaction, this is the very first pressing made, there were no earlier pressings than this record, other
than the Test Pressings.   The *P* suffix or a single letter, originated in the 1950's and appeared on Polydor's singles, by the
  end of 1966 it was discontinued, making the ideal identification for the December,1966 first release of "I Feel Free".  
Issued on the previous day, the 16th December, the very first pressings of Jimi Hendrix's debut single,"Hey Joe"/"Stone Free"
also had the same *P* suffix to the maitrix, please see my pictues.


ORIGINAL 1966, REACTION PLAIN WHITE SLEEVE, HARDLY ANY AGEING TO THE ORIGINAL OFF-WHITE COLOUR,
WITHOUT ANY TEARS OR SPLITS.
For a new label with two of the world's greatest bands, The Who and Cream, you would expect to see a printed custom 'Reaction'
sleeve for singles. Robert Stigwood must have believed the bright silver logo and printing were more than adequate, I agree to
an extent, but surely royal blue sleeves with silver logo's would enhance the labels, not rely on them.  The plain white sleeves
meant endless variations, the only consistency was a die-cut centre, Polydor were poised to introduce wavy top opening's for
their own red labels, this is a plain white Polydor unprinted type with a straight / near arched top.
AS REMARKABLE CONDITION AS THE RECORD, JUST A RECORD IMPRESSION, IN NEAR MINT CONDITION.

THE IMMACULATE LABELS ONLY HAVE THE  FAINTEST OF FAINT TRACE OF SPINDLE ALIGNMENT OF ONE PLAY ON
ONE SIDE aND TWO ON THE OTHER, ANYTHING ELSE IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO THE THICK TEXTURING
  THE RECORD IS TOTALLY UNMARKED, WITH ONLY FEATHER LIGHT TO NEAR INVISIBLE HANDLING TRACES.
IN FACT, WHEN I PLACED THE RECORD ON MY TURNTABLE, THE SPINDLE WAS TOO TIGHT AND UNABLE TO SLIDE
DOWN,TRY FINDING THAT FOR A 60's SINGLE!  I WRIGGLED IT DOWN CAREFULLY TO KEEP THAT 'RECORD SHOP'
FEEL AS WELL AS APPEARANCE.  DISCUSSING FACTORY/RECORD SHOP HANDLING IS ABSURD FOR THIS RECORD.
IN OTHER WORDS, INCLUDING THE ORIGINAL SLEEVE, STILL EXACTLY HOW IT LEFT THE 1966 RECORD SHOP AND
  THEY WERE NORMALLY PLAYED IN THE 60's AND SOLD AS BRAND NEW, THEREFORE STILL IN MINT- CONDITION.
  WITH ABSOLUTELY STUNNING MONO SOUND, THE RECORD IS IN MINT- CONDITION.

Even allowing for something of a bias towards Cream, "I Feel Free" and "NSU" are surely one of the greatest ever pair of tracks
issued on a mono 1960's single, as an added bonus this very first pressing happens to be in absolutely stunning Mint condition.
Cream broke new ground in 1966, their individualistic and staggering musicianship was now collectively pooled and they were
without doubt the most formidable trio of all time.  They introduced the sound of blues played in such a unique style, although it
was the music Clapton, Bruce & Baker intended to play, when they performed together it evolved into something that influenced
  everyone who followed in their wake, including even the great Jimi Hendrix.  Their debut single, "Wrapping Paper" did not come
close to being representative of their very special talents, almost  'Barber Shop' vocals revealed their vocal harmony potential
was immense, that was put to the most amazing use for a track that is right up there alongside the very greatest ever recorded in
any decade. In December,1966 they unveiled their stunning "I Feel Free" 7", well and truly announcing Cream's arrival as artists
capable of creating a masterpiece for the 45 RPM format. Following the success of achieving a UK chart position of No.11, Cream
  never looked back, inspired by the success of early psychedelia they would now push on even further into an exciting psychedelic
  blues combination that would become era defining.  From the dazzling brilliance of their debut album "Fresh Cream," issued in the
  same December,1966, they forged their music into the magnificent,"Disraeli Gears," in the summer of 1967.  You really do need to
  look back to see how only months separated that pair of LP's,"I Feel Free" was the track that bridged Cream performing traditional
  blues as power-house rock, such as "Spoonful" etc. into creating music that knows no equal to this very day.  Okay, I have been a
Cream fanatic since 1966, but outside of Jimi Hendrix, try naming two successive albums by one band that were so devastating for
  both the musicianship and the material.  Writing a description after being blown away by a staggering playing, first pressing that
still looks like it was just pressed,does tend to stir emotions and if that transfers here it can't be avoided. The same happened
in 1966, as much as I still sit up to attention when "I Feel Free" gets played on the radio nowdays, nothing equals the sheer
  impact or the massive power generated by the original 45 mono.  They recorded "Wrapping Paper" and "I Feel Free" during the
  recording sessions for their debut album, neither track was included on the UK "Fresh Cream,, but was in America.
 
Paired with a staggering 45 RPM mix of "N.S.U." the single was released in the UK on the 17th December and obviously there were
  huge numbers made, this is the very first made with maitrix digits ending with '//1' on both sides, which makes such fantastic
condition even more remarkable for this record to be so close to brand new, really  a major bonus!  Most original or first issues
  are in a really dreadful state, the mono psychedelic era was not exactly kind to vinyl, if you loved your latest record, the next
stage was wearing it out!  I understand that because I did the same, but I only look for the few that miraculously survived and
were barely even played.  Just one play is beyond my wildest dreams, but here it is, an awesome looking and sounding record, I
have played it earlier and my spindle alignments are undetectable, I will make it only the one more play through for an ultimate
  "I Feel Free" and keep the description minimal as possible.

The labels are in unblemished pristine condition, an unfaded rich blue colour with unscuffed, untarnished,extremely bright silver
  printed titles.   As mentioned, one / two plays was how so many records were bought in an era when records were liberally played
  for customers and shop staff,  the positively still sold as brand new, combined with both sides of the vinyl looking like brand new
  as well, I have no hesitation saying this is a Mint record.
 

  Near silent run-in grooves, which means natural vinyl static in the empty grooves, even that will de dampened after several plays.
Most importantly, starting without any crackles, pops or clicks before and during that amazing acapella intro into "I Feel Free",
  so those glorious harmonised voices with just handclaps are heard in ultra clean, clear sound.  The handclaps leap out from the
speakers with an astonishing impact and immediately indicate by their acute sharpness, these are totally unworn grooves and
what incredible mono sound this is!  The next impact comes when they all explode into full action, just immense, Ginger Baker's
thudding drums and hi-hats create an astounding, real to life sound.   I am aware this is a very well known track but how many
have heard how "I Feel Free" was supposed to sound in 1966 from the original mono mix?  Eric Clapton's guitar tone is here in
'melt in the mouth' audio perfection, Jack Bruce's bass and Ginger Baker's drums form the rest of this magnificent backing, but
this is as much about awesome vocals as the instrumental genius all three possessed.  Eric's solo is purely psychedelia and the
beautiful guitar tone never sounded as stunning as this record has it.  The entire track continues in fantastic sound quality, so I
will let the track finish and indulge myself by detailing the way it was recorded, there was no surface sound even during that
exposed to noise beginning of the vocal sections.


  Collecting Cream for me extends into bootlegs, the entire "Fresh Cream" sessions are available, including unique versions on
acetates cut way before the record's versions.  They recorded "I Feel Free" during the sessions, there are four different takes,
they reveal how they recorded the basic track or the instrumental backing, with just a smattering of 'guide' vocals.  Then very
much like the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and the Beatles with George Martin worked, it took multiple layering of the vocals with
even the hand clap recordings made separately, to be later mixed with the basic backing track, then the magic of "I Feel Free"
was ready to release.  Hearing a song being put together is fascinating and those individual takes are worthy of hearing alone,
  I know not to everyone's taste, but the finished record is indeed a real masterpiece.

After very carefully turning the record over, these run-in grooves are again near silent, so no crackles as Eric Clapton's guitar
plays the wonderful intro to the brilliant "N.S.U." He is joined by Ginger Baker's drums and they are really thunderous in the
45 mix, the track is in simply staggering powerful mono sound, the incredible power of this mastering has been boosted up to a
colossal volume.  This 1966 mix 45 is overpowering to experience, giving the fullest impact to the music as possible, there was
always a perfect balance between the instruments and the vocals on the "Fresh Cream" LP, but this really was something else!
  Eric Clapton's stunning guitar is in astounding sound definition, again, ultra sharpness to Eric's unique guitar tone. Jack Bruce's
bass guitar is massive, with so much volume mastered into the canyon deep grooves, I almost feel like turning my amp down!
  Not for a Cream single, the louder the better for this brilliant song and very importantly, Jack Bruce's massive bass guitar does
not have any distortion, vital to both sides. Worn first pressings deteriorate into a terrible mess, like the A-side, there is no
surface sound beyond natural to 60's vinyl and that means next to nothing, the vocals are magnificent on this track as well and
  I declare this side as a really amazing playing "N.S.U."  
{Roy}
  R & M RECORDS.

My lifetime's love of music and records began at a very young age, the arrival of the Beatles and the 1960's decade
  in general had a very profound effect. It was only natural to bring all my first hand experience of collecting vinyl
  into becoming a professional record seller.  Nearly thirty years ago we entered into the wonderful atmosphere
of record fairs with the highest possible standards set. When the Internet became the world's new market place for
  vinyl, in 2001 it was time to join ebay. Those standards were rigidly adhered to as they will always continue to be,
the basics of honesty and integrity were very much part of the era the music I love originated in, so here is our friendly
and very efficient service we are proud to provide;

EVERY RECORD IS FULLY PLAYED AND COMES WITH A 'NO ARGUMENT' MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
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  FROM THE U.K. "RECORD COLLECTOR PRICE GUIDE" BOOK.
THERE IT CLEARLY STATES "Sound Quality" AFFECTS EVERY GRADING LEVEL AND THAT IS THE ONE
AND ONLY POSSIBLE WAY TO ACCURATELY GRADE RECORDS. i.e. COMBINING A STRICT VISUAL
INSPECTION WITH VERY CLOSELY LISTENING TO EVERY SECOND, UNLESS PERHAPS IN THE CASE
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POSTAGE  COST FOR LP's
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