Slowhand [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Clapton had already established himself as a guitar legend by the time he released Slowhand. His heroin habit long behind him, Clapton's songwriting mastery was fully evident on the album, particularly in the stunning ballad "Wonderful Tonight." It fully actualized all of the potential hinted at in his earlier "Promises," and Clapton trusted himself enough to slow things down. Some of his most expressive guitar work can be found throughout this album, not just within "Wonderful." Ironically enough, Slowhand is probably best known for the hit "Cocaine." Built upon a simple repeated riff, the song had Clapton's trademark smooth voice with its wear around the edges, and yet another stellar guitar solo. Flashy runs and licks were never the most integral part of Clapton's catalog, his blues background being the primary source for his sound. Slowhand, with its phrasings, both guitar and vocal, established Clapton as the possessor of one of the most extensive vocabularies in rock. --Steve Gdula

Tracks:

Cocaine
Wonderful Tonight
Lay Down Sally
Next Time You See Her
We're All The Way
The Core
May You Never
Mean Old Frisco
Peaches And Diesel

Amazon.com essential recording

Clapton had already established himself as a guitar legend by the time he released Slowhand. His heroin habit long behind him, Clapton's songwriting mastery was fully evident on the album, particularly in the stunning ballad "Wonderful Tonight." It fully actualized all of the potential hinted at in his earlier "Promises," and Clapton trusted himself enough to slow things down. Some of his most expressive guitar work can be found throughout this album, not just within "Wonderful." Ironically enough, Slowhand is probably best known for the hit "Cocaine." Built upon a simple repeated riff, the song had Clapton's trademark smooth voice with its wear around the edges, and yet another stellar guitar solo. Flashy runs and licks were never the most integral part of Clapton's catalog, his blues background being the primary source for his sound. Slowhand, with its phrasings, both guitar and vocal, established Clapton as the possessor of one of the most extensive vocabularies in rock. --Steve Gdula

Customer Reviews:

Give a big hand for slow hand.......2007-02-17

This is, in my personal opinion, by far the best Eric clapton album. We all have our own choice of music & albums of favourite Rock stars are no different.

The album starts with Cocaine. I never get tired of listening to cocaine -the best song on this album - great tunes, amazing vocals. wonderful tonight is my next favourite - the classic Hit that you will occasionally hear in soap operas. If you are on the romantically inclined side, you will love this love song. "Lay down sally" is another big hit song and I dont have to say more. "Next time you see her" is one of those repetitive catch-line songs that you cannot get enough out of and you find yourself singing the line over and over again when you are at work.

You have to have an acquired taste to enjoy "We're all the way". "The core" - Eric comes out with his strong guitar skills on this one. Its simply awesome. It also has very nice vocals of Marcy Levy. "May you never" and "Mean old frisco" are good songs if you are in the right mood - listening to good songs mood! "Peaches and diesel" is a Rich guitar/ drums instumental piece which at first sounds like "wonderful tonight" but its really not and it just sounds wonderful.

I have been listening to the vinyl format of this album but I recently switched to CD. I do have to confess that I like listening to vinyl because I think certain albums sound much better on vinyl but thats just me. vinyl or CD, there is a reason why Eric clapton is nicknamed "slowhand". Dont take my word for it. listen to the album and you will find out that I was right afterall!

The definition of "mediocre".......2006-07-16

I have been a Clapton fan for several years, but I only recently bought a copy of Slowhand, widely considered to be one of Clapton's best solo records. I, however, fail to see the big deal: Outside of Cocaine, Lay Down Sally and The Core there really isn't much of interest here. Wonderful Tonight was the fourth hit, but I always found it to be a bore. The same can be said for Next Time You See Her, We're All the Way and Peaches & Deisel. I guess Mean Old Frisco and Next Time You See Her are decent tunes, but this is too much of a soft-rock album for me.
If you want good Clapton, get Fresh Cream, Disraeli Gears, Wheels of Fire, Layla, Blind Faith, 461 Ocean Blvd., Unplugged or the B.B. King duets album. Steer away from this one!

Wherein We See That 461 OB was no fluke, and that EC will endure.......2006-04-18

The young Eric Clapton is a bluesy, psychedelic hell hound. On his best middle period work though-- like here-- he finds a more sustainable groove for the long haul, his playing shifting from explosive to tasteful. The two best records of this period are 1974's 461 Ocean Boulevard (really quite good) and this one, Slowhand. (The follow-up, Backless, is really just a touch off this and is quite underrated.) Clapton entered the 70s like a lion, and exited like a lamb... but manages to make the transition with grace and swing.

In the 60s the Slowhand nickname was ironic, like calling a fat guy "Slim." But by the time of this record's release, Clapton had indeed become a slow hand on guitar-- not that he lost his edge, but he learned how to be just as poignant on his instrument, without having to turn all the way up or play super-fast. Here, unlike say his Cream stuff, Clapton shows how less can be more.

JJ Cale's "Cocaine" is a solid riff rocker that finds an insistent, repetitive groove, and provides a platform for some of Clapton's most explosive playing on the record. "Lay Down Sally" is probably the purest distillation of the vibe of this album, with its breezy feel, gently chugging guitars, and airy vocals. Indeed in the mid-70s one of Clapton's biggest areas of growth was in becoming a singer, adding the voice of his singing to the voice of his guitar as a signature of his recorded work. His singing voice suited to-- and indeed probably helped facilitate-- the more molasses approach the records began to take, and it all comes together in the radio-friendly bounce of this song.

"Wonderful Tonight" was nice when they played it at your wedding. At the time SLowhand came out, it seemed too mellow for Clapton, too poppy. But now it has become part of his "old stuff," and endures. And the simple guitar figure that he plays on the intro and in the verse, and off which he solos, says everything it needs to without one wasted note.

"The Core" may well be, as another writes here, the best tune on the album. Less well known because it was too long to be a single, but it combines the harder rock edge with the groove of "Cocaine," and features Marcy Levy (who went on to becme part of the vocal duo Shakespeare's Sister) to good effect.

"Mean Old Frisco" is a slow blues that shows Clapton is still a bluesman at heart, and "Next Time You See Her" is an easy-listening kissing cousin to "Lay Down Sally."

Back before CDs, I always had a cassette with this record on one side, and 461 Ocean Boulevard on the other, and I'd make sure to take it with me on a spring drive or a day at the beach. Highly recommended for such settings.

very slow.....and...boring!.......2006-02-25

I don't understand why many people entitle this album: "the best of Eric Clapton".For me,Slowhand is simply a "flat" album.....If you want the best Clapton's albuns, buy the following:Eric Clapton
Live -The Rainbow Concert
There's one in every Crowd
Money and Cigarettes
Behind the Sun
Journeyman
live-24 nights
Pilgrim
Rush
One more car, one more rider.
layla

Clapton's best work .......2006-02-06

JJ Cale's rocker "Cocaine" starts this masterpiece off and the mellow "Peaches and Diesel" ends it with soothing effect. "The Core" however is the highlight of this CD, IMO. Of course, "Wonderful Tonight" is a mainstay of FM stations and deserves recognition. "Lay Down Sally" is the silliest song Clapton has ever done IMO. Maybe it would have something to do with the fact that I broke up with my wife (who was named Sally) about the time the original vinyl version came out.

Average customer rating:

Eric Clapton's Best Album
Slowhand SACD Review
A good surround recording, but not spectacular.
Give EC A Hand
SACD review

Slowhand
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Cocaine
Wonderful Tonight
Lay Down Sally
Next Time You See Her
We're All the Way
Core
May You Never
Mean Old Frisco
Peaches and Diesel

Customer Reviews:

Eric Clapton's Best Album.......2007-03-16

This Album and his hit from the 90's "Journeyman", showcase this blue guitarist at his all time finest. Many big hits on this song including Cocaine, Lay Down Sally, and Wonderful Tonight. Just about all his radio hits from the '70's are here save Layla & I Shot The Sheriff.
However, my personal favorite is Track 6: "The Core". Clapton's mastery of the guitar, musical composition, and vocals really shine in this almost 9 min long beauty. The interlude extended solo sounds like something you'd hear live - not on an album cut. Enjoy!

Slowhand SACD Review.......2005-07-22

Finally, Slowhand comes to hi-resolution format. I have heard multiple CD versions from the original to the Gold Disc to the remastered, but this new SACD version just blows the rest away.

Slowhand has always been my favourite Clapton album over the years. Classic Clapton originals like Lay Down Sally and Wonderful Tonight define his style and songwriting capabilities and singing. His voice has an aching and tender reach on the ballads, and yet bluesy growl on the fast tracks.

From 461 and Slowhand, Clapton began to rely less on his guitar prowess on albums, but move towards stronger songwriting and singing to establish his albums, and Slowhand is the best example of it. And yet, his taste for covers cannot be faulted either.

Dusting off JJ Cale's Cocaine and William's We're With YOu All the Way shows how he can choose the right material to augment his own songs, until they blend into a seamless piece of excellent work.

Ending the album with an instrumental ballad that recalls the piano coda to Layla, Slowhand remains his best and most focused work over the years. And throw in a great guitar jam in the epic Core, you get a Clapton masterwork that is as timeless now as it was commercially and critically successful during its original release almost 30 years ago.

Listening to the 5.1 mix by the original producer, Glyn Johns did a superb work. Although some has commented the mix sounds muddy, its actually not and its true to its original sound. Its natural and spatial mix and creative surround mixing by Johns gives this classic a new dimension that was not there before.

The electric solos now sound more alive and kicking and even the tender fender licks that kick off Wonderful Tonight sounds so much there and enveloping. Its the drums that has a tendency to sound muddled underneath and the strong bass levels that gives the muddy impression. BUt '70s recordings tend to be presented in such fashion and listening it over again, the surround mix is just perfect and natural. Compared to the bright but not as creative surround mix of 461, this is far superior in the end.

A compulsory purchase and listening for every Clapton fan.

A good surround recording, but not spectacular........2005-05-25

This is without a doubt Eric Claptons best album. After a couple of mediocre lps, Theres one in every crowd, E C was here, and No reason to cry where Eric was going in a more ambitious direction with special guests in his band and bigger productions (which is not always a good thing), Clapton decided to go back to a simpler low key approach. And it worked. Keeping his vocals to a minimum and letting his guitar do more of the talking, he came up with a beautifully solid and laid back sound, similar to his 461 Ocean Boulevard album which was his other classic. The classic Cocaine, Lay Down Sally, and The Core to name a few, this is a real feel good lp. Sometimes simpler is better. I'm sorry to report however that the SACD version of the album did disapoint me. The new surround mix was done by the original producer Glyn Johns, and you would think that since he handled the original recording, that he would really go all out on the remixing into surround on this LP. Unfortunately no. Don't get me wrong, this is a decent sounding mix. Clean and spacious but it could have been more dynamic. It sounds a little flat. Also a little muddy. However, it is definitely worth repeated listenings and still is a very enjoyable album. I still recommend it.

Give EC A Hand.......2005-05-06

After his major comeback in 1974 with 461 Ocean Boulevard, Eric Clapton shied away from the mainstream with his next two releases. There's One In Every Crowd & No Reason To Cry. With Slowhand, he returned to the sounds that made 461 a hit. On his first solo album, he had a major triumph with J.J. Cale's "After Midnight". He returns to the Cale catalog for another triumph, the searing "Cocaine". The song has a propulsive riff and a ringing guitar solo. On the flip side of that is "Wonderful Tonight" which is built around his waiting for his wife to get ready for a party. The song is among the prettiest things he's ever done and it his easy picking of the guitar shows that subtle playing is just as powerful as in your face power chords. "Lay Down Sally" has a country flavor and was a big hit becoming his second top ten single and peaking at number three. The best song on the album is the lengthy "The Core". The song has some marvelous vocal interplay between Mr. Clapton and Marcy Levy and some stellar guitar work. Slowhand was a return to the top ten for Mr. Clapton reaching number three in early 1978.

SACD review.......2004-11-23

After waiting through the bizarre back order situation that accompanied the release of "Slowhand," when the SACD did finally arrive it was worth it.

I do not have the original CD or vinyl version of the album, so I cannot make a comparison to the sound quality between the two, but I can say that the surround mix done by Glyn Johns (also the producer of the original) is outstanding and very creative.

The best example comes from 'The Core,' where the surround channels contain the back beat, creating a cool point/counterpoint between the front and rears that really adds to the listening experience.

Other highlights are the atmospheric keyboards in 'Wonderful Tonight' and others. Just an overall great effort.

Average customer rating:

Give a big hand for slow hand
The definition of "mediocre"
Wherein We See That 461 OB was no fluke, and that EC will endure
very slow.....and...boring!
Clapton's best work

Slowhand
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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Cocaine
Wonderful Tonight
Lay Down Sally
Next Time You See Her
We're All the Way
Core
May You Never
Mean Old Frisco
Peaches and Diesel

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

Give a big hand for slow hand.......2007-02-17

The definition of "mediocre".......2006-07-16

Wherein We See That 461 OB was no fluke, and that EC will endure.......2006-04-18

very slow.....and...boring!.......2006-02-25

Clapton's best work .......2006-02-06

Average customer rating:

Slowhand
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Universal Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cocaine
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Next Time You See Her
We're All the Way
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May You Never
Mean Old Frisco
Peaches and Diesel

Album Description

Japanese remastered reissue of 1977 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

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Temporary Stay
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Fireflies
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Album Description

With that old guitar, Pat blends a range of rootsy influences to creat a distinctive voice of his own. From Dave Carter and Bruce Cockburn he draws a sense of adventure and and a fondness for symbolic and spiritual imagery. From Kelly Joe Phelps, the unusual lap-style slide guitar, which is featured throughout the CD.

Songs like "Still Point," with its weary soldier wandering home along dusty roads, "Walk With the Spirits," a cautionary tale of vengeance, and "Send You Off In Style," a back-porch party for the departed, all resonate with the memories of ru5ral American music. Yet the songs also speak directly to our doubt and ambivalence, and capture some of the mood of our times.

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Cocaine
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461 Ocean Boulevard/Slowhand
Eric Clapton
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ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000025D10
Release Date: 2002-07-18

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Cocaine
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Next Time You See Her
We're All The Way
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May You Never
Mean Old Frisco
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Mainline Florida

Album Details

This Box Set Includes Two Individual CD Albums Each in It's Own Jewelcase and Packed in a Colorful Cardboard Slipcase featuring the CD Artwork on the Front Cover.

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Slowhand
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Manufacturer: Pid
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Mean Old Frisco
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Album Description

1998 digitally remastered Japanese reissue of his 1977 albumin a gatefold mini LP sleeve. 'Slowhand' reached #2 in theU.S. & features several classics: the #3 smash 'Lay DownSally', the top 20 hit 'Wonderful Tonight', his memorablecover of J.J. Cale's 'Co

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Mister Slowhand-the Master

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Release Date: 2006-10-24

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