Who was shaping the course of music back in 1967, 1968?  OK, Beatles, Stones, San Francisco, LA?  Well, make room for Cream.  Musical virtuosity coupled with intelligent  innovation.  Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce both went onto make continued great music.  The thing is that Eric Clapton only really sounded great when he was just the guitarist.  As a leader, in my opinion, he faded a little.  But couple him with another music personality (Duane Allman, Steve Winwood, Delaney and Bonnie) and you get guitar god making music that lasts.  No coincidence that Tom Dowd was present here.