"Crossroads" - Cream or Robert Johnson's Original version?

Well, I heard the Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse version first. So I was surprised, and pleased when Cream played it at the Winterland Show I saw. Just maybe I picked up the Robert Johnson lp right before... not sure. The Cream version is just perfect, but so are the others... and I was probably listening to Elmore James at the same time too. It's just a great song, so picking a favorite from just two versions is impossible. The Cream version is simply one of the best things they did. Just shows the the power of the song. When Eric toured with Delany and Bonnie, they did a much slower version, and it only seemed like it was in the set due to popular demand. Still, a good version as well.

I say, this is a moot point, or a SHF rumble....

 

I prefer the original Cream version - and NOT the "watered down" version they did on the reunion tour.

 

Cream's version by far, it just flat out rocks. It's driving blistering drums and guitar really move you. RJ's version is good and I don't have a single bad thing to say about it, but Clapton's version is just better.

 

How about both? Cream if I really have to choose.

 

The versions have different strengths. Sometimes I listen to blues, sometimes I listen to rock.

I do think that Cream's version is one of the best examples of a rock interpretation of the blues, and it has my favorite Clapton solo.

 

Cream!

 

Cream but I like both.

 

wow I can't believe Cream's version is winning

If Clapton could vote on this poll I'm sure he would vote for Robert Johnson's

 

Cream.

 

I had to go with Cream. I have fond memories of hearing that when I was in college back in the late 60s.

 

Robert Johnson
'nuff said

Darryl

 

Well the World is just now catching up with Robert Johnson. His version is still mostly unknown. The Cream version is an old classic now too, and a great piece. Getting some sentimental votes from a lot rockers.

Johnson's version is more adventurous and mysterious to me, and played with an authentic free blues feel; the way the blues were played before they put 'rock time' to it.

 

I much prefer Johnson to Clapton, but if the question is whose version of this song would I choose to put on first I'll say Clapton ... with Tales of Brave Ulysses my favorite track of his Cream output.

 

Nope.

 

I like them both, but the original is my favorite.

 

Cream is unlistenable and excessive, over the top.

Robert Johnson for me, thank you, it's real blues. Even though Robert was hardly the "King of the Blues" he's purported to be, he owes soooooo much to Son House, Charley Patton and others who came before him.

 

Funny that people who like the Cream version generally cite one of two reasons:

• It rocks
• "I remember it from when I was younger"

Robert Johnson for me. A great work of art.

 

Cream!

 

I've heard Cream's version so much on FM radio that it almost sounds clichéd to me.

Robert Johnson's still sounds classic.

I like both, but prefer Robert Johnson.

 

I voted the original. Though I grew up listening to the Cream version, the original Robert Johnson version is just more authentic. The Brits were great but as far as the blues goes, Robert Johnson was the real deal.

 

Bob's version , NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE !

 

Original-Cream.

 

Both are essential. RJ version gives chills down my spine. Cream version makes me want to get up and move.

 

Actually I believe there is a Guitar Player interview from '84 with Tom Dowd (Eric Clapton special issue to be exact) in which he hinted that it was edited.

 

original is much better