“Spoonful”  is a blues song written by Willie Dixon and first recorded in 1960 by Howlin’ Wolf.  Called “a stark and haunting work”, it is one of Dixon’s best known and most interpreted songs.  Etta James had a pop and R&B record chart hit with “Spoonful” in 1961, and it was popularized in the late 1960s by the British rock group Cream.  (More from Wikipedia)

 

As was often true throughout the British Invasion, the British and American releases of Fresh Cream were different.  “I Feel Free” is not on the U.K. version even though it was the band’s first single in Britain, while “Spoonful” is omitted from the original American release – happily it is included on my copy, since it is one of my favorite Cream tracks.  “Spoonful” is also a standout, extended live track on Wheels of Fire.  

(May 2014)