Anyone for Tennis
"Anyone for Tennis (The Savage Seven Theme)" | |||||||
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Danish single picture sleeve | |||||||
Single by Cream | |||||||
B-side | "Pressed Rat and Warthog" | ||||||
Released | 1968 | (US)||||||
Format | 7-inch 45 rpm | ||||||
Recorded | 1968 | ||||||
Genre | Pop rock | ||||||
Length | 2:37 | ||||||
Label | Atco | ||||||
Writer(s) | Eric Clapton, Martin Sharp | ||||||
Producer(s) | Felix Pappalardi | ||||||
Cream singles chronology | |||||||
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"Anyone for Tennis (The Savage Seven Theme)" is a 1968 song by the British rock band Cream.
Background
Guitarist Eric Clapton wrote the song for the 1968 film The Savage Seven.[1] It was his second collaboration with lyricist Martin Sharp (their first was "Tales of Brave Ulysses").[1] According to biographer Michael Schumacher, Clapton was unable to find a melody that suit him, despite expending considerable time.[1]
The song was recording during the sessions for Cream's third album, Wheels of Fire.[1] However, it was released on the The Savage Seven soundtrack album[2] and as a single instead. Backed with "Pressed Rat and Warthog",[3] it reached number 64 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in May 1968 and number 40 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1968.[4]
AllMusic writer Joe Viglione notes "The song is interesting, but no 'Tales of Brave Ulysses' or 'White Room'".[2] He adds, however, "the Felix Pappalardi production of Cream['s song for the soundtrack] is the only track of real note."[2]
Cream lip-synched the song during their promotional appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in May 1968[1] with Clapton playing a ukelele.
Personnel
- Eric Clapton - Lead vocals, acoustic guitar, slide guitar
- Jack Bruce - Bass guitar, recorder
- Ginger Baker - Drums, percussion
- Felix Pappalardi - Viola
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Schumacher, Michael (1993). Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton. New York City: Crown Trade Paperbacks. p. 107. ISBN 0-517-88118-7.
- 1 2 3 Viglione, Joe. "Original Soundtrack: The Savage Seven – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
- ↑ Roberty, Mark (1993). Slowhand: The Complete Life and Times of Eric Clapton. New York City: Crown Trade Paperbacks. p. 40. ISBN 0-517-88118-7.
- ↑ "Cream – Singles". Official Charts. Retrieved 9 August 2016.