Anyone for Tennis
"Anyone for Tennis" is a song by the British rock band Cream. It was used as the theme song for the 1968 film The Savage Seven and is titled "Anyone for Tennis (Theme from the Savage Seven)" for the soundtrack album. The subtitle was dropped for Cream's single releases.
"Anyone for Tennis" | ||||
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Danish single picture sleeve | ||||
Single by Cream | ||||
from the album Original Motion Picture Sound Track The Savage Seven | ||||
B-side | "Pressed Rat and Warthog" | |||
Released | May 1968 | |||
Recorded | 1967–1968 | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 2:37 | |||
Label | ||||
Composer(s) | Eric Clapton | |||
Lyricist(s) | Martin Sharp | |||
Producer(s) | Felix Pappalardi | |||
Cream US singles chronology | ||||
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Cream UK singles chronology | ||||
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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 recorded during the sessions for Cream's third album, Wheels of Fire.[1] However, it was released on 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]
Cream mimed the song during their promotional appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in May 1968 with a video middle section in which the band carry tennis rackets.[1]
"Anyone for Tennis" is included on several Cream compilation albums, including Strange Brew: The Very Best of Cream (1983), The Very Best of Cream (1995), and the boxed set Those Were the Days (1997). It is also included in the Clapton boxed set Crossroads (1988).
The stereo recording of this song is encoded with the Haeco-CSG system. It has also been included as a bonus track on some CD releases of Wheels of Fire.
Personnel
- Eric Clapton – lead vocal, acoustic guitar, slide guitar
- Jack Bruce – bass guitar, recorder
- Ginger Baker – drums, percussion
- Felix Pappalardi – viola
References
- Schumacher, Michael (1993). Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton. New York City: Crown Trade Paperbacks. p. 107. ISBN 0-517-88118-7.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
- Viglione, Joe. "Original Soundtrack: The Savage Seven – Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 August 2016.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
- 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.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
- "Cream – Singles". Official Charts. Retrieved 9 August 2016.