unbelievable - that in today's times that this is being debated whether cream and/or clapton are overrated - or trying to compare hendrix to clapton - who was better. just the sheer popularity of these artists, the great records they made and sold in huge volumes, the concerts they sold out, the listening pleasure they provided and continue to do so - says it all. i feel incredibly lucky that i got to experience the mid-60;s into the early 70's that we got listen to all that great music. sorry but none of these artists or groups are overrated. at least not by any measurable standard other than some personal gripe - for some reason. i think that cream disreili gears and wheels of fire are classic albums - as is derek and the dominos layla and other assorted love songs; hendrix put out two classic albums - are you experienced and electric ladyland; and was surely working on a third when he passed away. to close out - i admit cream and hendrix don't get played much in my house anymore - but the layla cd's get played - and clapton has done some recent nice collaboration work with b.b. king and j.j. cale - this music is unspectacular, but still makes quite good listening. i think probably clapton is still revered by many guitarists today. the excitement of all that ground breaking music of the 1960's of which clapton was an important contributor - has long faded away. just look at the most recent music award ceremonies in the states and in england. boy that just says it all.