Best Of Cream, Cream
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Best of Cream – Australian Pressing
Artist: Cream
Title: Best of Cream
Format: Vinyl LP
Original Release: 1969
Label: Polydor (International Polydor Production)
Genre: Blues Rock / Psychedelic Rock
The "Deep Dive" Details:
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The "Unique" Australian Front Cover: The Australian release (Catalog: 184 298) is famous among international collectors because it uses a completely different front cover image than the US version. In Australia and the front features a large group photo (which was the back cover in other territories).
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The ARC Artarmon Lacquer Cut: Check the dead wax (runout) for the prefix MX161211 (Side A) and MX161212 (Side B). This indicates the lacquer was cut at ARC (Artarmon, NSW). This specific Australian cut is prized because it was mastered slightly "hotter" (louder) than the European pressings to compensate for the quality of mid-tier Australian turntables in the 60s.
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The Label Variant: Look at the orange Polydor label.
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First Press: Features "International Polydor Production" at the top and credits Phonogram Recordings Pty Limited at the bottom.
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Mid-70s Repress: Simply says "Polydor" and may credit "PolyGram Records Pty Limited."
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Rarity Note: The 1969 original uses a "Matte" label texture; later 70s copies have a "Glossy" label.
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The "I Feel Free" Production Credit: On Side B, look for the credit to the Robert Stigwood Organization (London) for the track "I Feel Free." This specific line of text is a hallmark of the first generation Australian labels.
Keywords: Cream, Best of Cream, Vinyl LP, 1969, Australian Pressing, Polydor, 184 298, Flipback Sleeve, ARC Artarmon, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker.
Tags: 60s Rock Vinyl, Rare Australian Pressings, Blues Rock, Cream Band Collector, Psychedelic Rock.
MINT - sealed
NM - likely never played - almost perfect
VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play
VG - signs of wear, light scratches you can feel
GOOD - surface noise, visible groove wear
POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio
OIS - original inner sleeve





