Rock: well recorded bass...60s/70s

Jack Bruce once said (on film) "Cream was actually an Ornette Coleman band, with Eric as Ornette--but neither Ginger nor I told Eric."

FWIW, I liked Blue Cheer but understand why they weren't everyone's cup of tea. Sort of proto-punk in a way.

I wouldn't throw Cream in with Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, etc. but they certainly had songs with a nod in that direction--As You Said, Passing the Time, Deserted Cities of the Heart, for instance. The use of orchestration and time changes is consistent with Progressive Rock. But they still had their bluesy/jazzy feel so the overall effect is different.