DCC Cream Wheels of Fire Question

I recently opened a box from our last move and found a bunch of CD's that are still sealed - the DCC Cream Wheels of Fire among them. In my defense for this one, I also have an original US LP that I had gotten used to listening to (and also I forgot that I had these - oops!).

Before I ask my question let me say that I have read through as many threads on the forum (and there are many!) concerning this disc as I could find without finding a definitive answer.

The question - is there any way to tell if I have the version with the bonus tracks without opening the package. One clue that I found stated that there were two versions of the package - one with long box and one without - my copy is obviously the one without the long box.

Any help would be appreciated.

Rich

 

Let me just stand back and look at this.








Okay.

 

Simple answer - No. The same slipcase packaging was recycled for both Japanese (without bonus tracks) and US (with bonus tracks) discs. I have never heard the bonus tracks. I guess that a long box is more likely to be the earlier Japanese pressing, but there were both Japanese and US versions in the later non-longbox packaging. Open it and listen - you know you want to!

 

From the price tag, I would say you bought it at Circuit City?

 

On the positive side - all copies have an extended Passing the Time and a bonus track of Anyone for Tennis.

Passing the Time has a guitar solo restored that was originally snipped. Quite frankly - that extra minute or two has re-defined the track for me. Can't imagine listening to the song without it. Can't imagine why they cut it out (I don't think the extra length would have pushed them over the edge on the vinyl - it ain't that long).

 

It does look like CC doesn't it? It's been so long I don't remember.

 

You are right - I do, but there are many others in the box and I am having a hard time deciding whether to open one, none, or all. If I do decide to open one or (shudder, all) maybe I should start a poll asking for opinions on which one to crack open first.

 

What are the other titles in the box?

 

I will compile a list and get back to you. It looks like there are about twenty or so unopened CD's or box sets. Maybe I will take some pictures too.

There are a few - like a Special Limited Edition Packaging of Elvis Costello's Mighty Like A Rose that I probably will not open because I have the regular release already open.

 

Send me the unopened WOF and I'll pay the sticker price then you can have an unworried mind.

 

Nice. Very selfless of you.

 

Yes, that is a CC price sticker...

 

John- What are the bonus tracks? (Want to check mine when I get home.)

 

Disc One

Bonus track from Wheels of Fire sessions:

10. Anyone for Tennis (2.39)

(Theme from the motion picture The Savage Seven)

Short Box

 

The US CD has 3 additional alternate mixes.

11. Sitting on Top of the World (alt. mix)
12. As You Said (alt. mix)
13. Passing the Time (original version)

They are not listed on the packaging.

 

I bought the long box from SH a couple of years ago when they had an auction here. Needless to say, it's the only longbox I have retained - I always loved the beautiful Atco artwork, and this is the best replication I have seen - the Japanese editions pale compared with this one. Much improved sound also - a real bottom end. Anyone who likes Cream and doesn't have this.....as Molly Meldrum says.....do yourself a favour!

 

Crap: Made in Japan.

 

Indeed! The DCC is worth plopping down some extra dollars for. If you're patient, you'll find a good deal on it.

 

I finally opened my sealed copy of this a couple of weeks ago.

Can't believe what a great album this is (minus some of the live stuff) and it sounds amazing.

Could have/should have been enjoying this one a lot sooner than now.

and it has the three extra tracks. Not essential IMO but it's nice to have them.

 

Simply the best version of WOF. Period!

 

Good to know Steve! Truth be told, I wouldn't have traded this one for a US one anyway.

 

Curious if OP ever opened it?

 

My short box version has a US (Nimbus) disc 1 with the 3 extra bonus tracks, paired with a made in Japan disc 2. First disc has SID codes while the second disc does not. I bought my copy used, so I can't confirm it was originally sold this way. Did they have leftover disc 2's from the first pressing and then coupled those with a US disc? And, how many US plants pressed the revised first disc? I've seen Nimbus and Sanyo, so far. Any major differences between the two?