"Disraeli Gears" is the second studio album by the British rock band Cream, featuring the singles "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love," along with their B-sides "Tales of Brave Ulysses" and "SWLABR." The original 11-track album was remastered in 1998 and later released as a two-disc Deluxe Edition in 2004.
Early demo sessions took place on March 15, 1967, at London's Ryemuse Studios, yielding rough versions of tracks like "SWLABR," "Blue Condition," and "We're Going Wrong," along with three other compositions. After the band completed their first American tour, they recorded a cover of "Lawdy Mama" at Atlantic Studios in New York City. The bulk of the album was recorded at Atlantic from May 11 to 15, 1967, under the production of Felix Pappalardi and engineering of Tom Dowd. The sessions were efficient, taking only three-and-a-half days, and included new lyrics for "Lawdy Mama," transforming it into "Strange Brew." The recording atmosphere was relaxed, with notable visitors present, although some tension arose due to differing expectations about the band's musical direction.
Musically, Disraeli Gears showcases a shift from blues roots to more psychedelic sounds, with notable tracks like "Tales of Brave Ulysses," "SWLABR," "World of Pain," and "Dance the Night Away." The album features a more democratic vocal distribution compared to the previous album, with Eric Clapton taking lead on several tracks, while Ginger Baker sang lead on "Blue Condition." The songs are primarily short and self-contained, lacking the improvisation typical of the band's live performances.
The cover art, created by Australian artist Martin Sharp, reflects the album's sound through a psychedelic collage. The title "Disraeli Gears" originated from a malapropism related to bicycle gears, suggested by a roadie. Released on November 2, 1967, the album achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on various charts and earning accolades.
The Deluxe Edition includes the complete album in mono and stereo, along with demos, alternative takes, and live session tracks, featuring an outtake of "Blue Condition" with Clapton on lead vocals and previously unreleased demos.
