Telling Zombies from Cream

Two British invasion bands that broke up in 1968, both musically outstanding and now regarded as icons of their era.  Both ended too soon, one in a classic drug-fuelled self-immolation, the other so the lead singer could become an insurance clerk.  In many ways they are similar, but also different.

Herewith the Eisengeiste guide to telling the difference between Cream and The Zombies:


Group founded:

• Zombies - 1961
• Cream - 1966

Dominant aesthetic:

• Zombies - haunting proto-psychedelic pop
• Cream - power psychedelic power blues

Defining album:

• Zombies - Odessey and Oracle (listen here)
• "[A]n achievement to rival anything the summer of love produced."  - The Guardian
• "[A] beautifully arranged, harmony-drenched pristine pop paean to memory, the changing of seasons, the passage of time and lost love."  - The New York Times
• Cream - Disraeli Gears (listen here)
• "[A] quintessential heavy rock album of the '60s." - Allmusic.com
• Surprisingly hard to find another killer quote.  So here's another thing:  when Black Sabbath's first album came out, Robert Christgau called it "Cream, but worse."

Key strengths:

• Zombies - hauntingly beautiful melodies and outstanding vocal performances
• Cream - power, skillful musicianship, power, power, power, and then also power
• Baker:  “The last year with Cream was just agony. It’s damaged my hearing permanently.”

Biggest hit:

• Zombies - She's Not There (#2 in U.S., 12/12/64)
• Cream - Sunshine of Your Love (#5 in U.S., 8/31/68)

Other great songs:

• Zombies - Time of the Season, Tell Her No
• Cream - Strange Brew, Tales of Brave Ulysses

But I suggest you also listen to:

• Zombies - Summertime
• Cream - White Room

The band owed a lot to:

• Zombies - The Beatles (and vice-versa).
• John Lennon offered to manage them after they split with their agent.
• Cream - Buddy Guy, Hendrix
• [Hendrix] got up and played Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor”. Even today I don’t know many people who can play that. It’s a very, very tough piece of music. But Jimi did it and then he put the guitar behind his back and I thought, “My god, this is like Buddy Guy on acid.” - Clapton

Group broke up (for the 1st time):

• Zombies - 1968
• Cream - 1968

Group broke up because:

• Zombies - Couldn't sell records, lead singer apparently interested in insurance.
• Cream - "I was calling home...and saying, 'Get me out of here – these guys are crazy. I don’t know what’s going on and I’ve had enough.'"  - Clapton

Heartwarming reunion:

• Zombies - Shepherd's Bush / March 2008
• Cream - Albert Hall / May 2005

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

• Zombies - no, a travesty of justice
• Cream - yes, inducted in 1993, with an inspiring speech by Clapton and a too-brief, tantalizing, reunion performance

Epic talent that would help define his instrument for a generation to come:

• Zombies - none
• Cream - Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker
• "If you listen to 'I'm So Glad' on Goodbye, you really hear the three guys go – and Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker were a couple of jazz guys, pushing Clapton forward. I once read that Clapton said, 'I didn't know what the hell I was doing.' He was just trying to keep up with the other two guys!"  -Eddie Van Halen

People in the band prone to sudden violent outbursts

• Zombies - none known
• Cream - Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker

Members of band likely to murder one another if left alone:

• Zombies - none we are aware of
• Cream - Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker

Refer all further questions to this man:

Ginger Baker attacks documentary filmmaker Jay Bulger, breaking his nose.