Released 1968 (1968) (US) Recorded 1968 Length 2:37 | Format 7-inch 45 rpm Genre Pop rock | |
B-side "Pressed Rat and Warthog" | ||
"Anyone for Tennis" is a 1968 song by the British rock band Cream. It was the theme tune to the 1968 film The Savage Seven.
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Background
Guitarist Eric Clapton wrote the song for the 1968 film The Savage Seven. It was his second collaboration with lyricist Martin Sharp (their first was "Tales of Brave Ulysses"). According to biographer Michael Schumacher, Clapton was unable to find a melody that suit him, despite expending considerable time.
The song was recording during the sessions for Cream's third album, Wheels of Fire. However, it was released on the The Savage Seven soundtrack album and as a single instead. Backed with "Pressed Rat and Warthog", it reached number 64 on the American Billboard Hot 100 in May 1968 and number 40 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1968.
AllMusic writer Joe Viglione feels that "The song is interesting" and that it "is the only track of real note" on the soundtrack, but that it is "no 'Tales of Brave Ulysses' or 'White Room'". H
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.