(Was Clapton God?)
I've been enjoying a Eric Clapton kick of late. Surprising, because up until recently considered him epitome of the lazy and boring waste of talent. What was the appeal?
The '461 Ocean Blvd' album in my uncle's record collection was the worst offender, especially irritating to me as a kid into the Clash. "I Shot The Sheriff" was about as unconvincing an outlaw anthem as they come. Co-option of Bob Marley and reggae by boomers always came off so poseur.
The mediocre mid-80's Phil Collins team-ups--ended in seeming surrender--man actually titled his final album of the period "Journeyman". And then of course, 'Unplugged' "Layla"...awful!
Not even the Lethal Weapon score and multiple iconic use by Scorsese could make him interesting to my ears or cool at all.
Then a few years ago, I bought the deluxe version of Cream's 'Disraeli Gears'. Wow! Power Blues, eclectic psychedelica, with a late 60's pop sensibility ("Sunshine of Your Love"). Amazing, epic stuff that grooved. Later I came to like 'Fresh Cream' even more--"I Feel Free", "Spoonful" both hooked me.
However, it's with Derek & the Dominoes that Clapton's greatest legacy lies. We all know the story behind the songs--from an unrequited love for Patti Boyd, the wife of his best friend, George Harrison (bros before hos, E.C.!), came the pouring out of love songs so fierce and powerful in their intensity, that it's heartbreaking. The album is alive with a passion and desire that few artists have captured since. Listen to "I Looked Away", "Bell Bottom Blues", "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" and be blown away by the raw emotion in the singing and playing. Listen to "Layla" again for the first time, and try to not be moved by the earnest yearning in the wailing solo. "Anyday' wonderfully captures the exuberance and joy of a crushing infatuation.
If Clapton had died right then, succumbing to the crippling heroin addiction that shut him down for years, he'd probably still be rightfully revered, secure in his place alongside (well, right below) Hendrix in the rock legend pantheon/ hierarchy. As is, he'll have to be content standing in the shadow of Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen's flash.
(I've really come to love the 'Blind Faith' record--"Presence of the Lord", "Can't Find My Way Home", "Sea of Joy", "Had To Cry Today" are aging particularly well; his first eponymous titled solo record is also interesting in an almost 'All Things Must Pass/Cosmic-American way, especially the Delaney Bramlett mix--"Easy Now", "Lovin You Lovin Me", "Don't Know Why", and "Let It Rain" are all favorites (you can feel The Band influence)
Any other fans? How does he rate with you?
I've been enjoying a Eric Clapton kick of late. Surprising, because up until recently considered him epitome of the lazy and boring waste of talent. What was the appeal?
The '461 Ocean Blvd' album in my uncle's record collection was the worst offender, especially irritating to me as a kid into the Clash. "I Shot The Sheriff" was about as unconvincing an outlaw anthem as they come. Co-option of Bob Marley and reggae by boomers always came off so poseur.
The mediocre mid-80's Phil Collins team-ups--ended in seeming surrender--man actually titled his final album of the period "Journeyman". And then of course, 'Unplugged' "Layla"...awful!
Not even the Lethal Weapon score and multiple iconic use by Scorsese could make him interesting to my ears or cool at all.
Then a few years ago, I bought the deluxe version of Cream's 'Disraeli Gears'. Wow! Power Blues, eclectic psychedelica, with a late 60's pop sensibility ("Sunshine of Your Love"). Amazing, epic stuff that grooved. Later I came to like 'Fresh Cream' even more--"I Feel Free", "Spoonful" both hooked me.
However, it's with Derek & the Dominoes that Clapton's greatest legacy lies. We all know the story behind the songs--from an unrequited love for Patti Boyd, the wife of his best friend, George Harrison (bros before hos, E.C.!), came the pouring out of love songs so fierce and powerful in their intensity, that it's heartbreaking. The album is alive with a passion and desire that few artists have captured since. Listen to "I Looked Away", "Bell Bottom Blues", "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" and be blown away by the raw emotion in the singing and playing. Listen to "Layla" again for the first time, and try to not be moved by the earnest yearning in the wailing solo. "Anyday' wonderfully captures the exuberance and joy of a crushing infatuation.
If Clapton had died right then, succumbing to the crippling heroin addiction that shut him down for years, he'd probably still be rightfully revered, secure in his place alongside (well, right below) Hendrix in the rock legend pantheon/ hierarchy. As is, he'll have to be content standing in the shadow of Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen's flash.
(I've really come to love the 'Blind Faith' record--"Presence of the Lord", "Can't Find My Way Home", "Sea of Joy", "Had To Cry Today" are aging particularly well; his first eponymous titled solo record is also interesting in an almost 'All Things Must Pass/Cosmic-American way, especially the Delaney Bramlett mix--"Easy Now", "Lovin You Lovin Me", "Don't Know Why", and "Let It Rain" are all favorites (you can feel The Band influence)
Any other fans? How does he rate with you?
