Eric Clapton [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The album that launched Clapton's solo career takes most of its cues from his then-recent collaboration with Delaney and Bonnie. In fact, Delaney produced the album, which explains its loose, jam-session feel that sometimes finds Clapton battling against a cast that includes guest stars Stephen Stills, Sonny Curtis, Rita Coolidge, Leon Russell, and Delaney and Bonnie. Yet this is the album on which Clapton established himself as a forceful singer, and it also produced some of his most enduring classics, including "Blues Power," "After Midnight," and "Let It Rain." --Daniel Durchholz

Eric Clapton, Music, Eric Clapton, Pop, Popular Music, Rock, Rock/Pop
The Road to Escondido
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great pairing
  • pleased
  • a good lesson on how a rock star gracefully ages
  • The Road to Escondido
  • Great CD
 The Road to Escondido
J.J. Cale , and Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Modern Times
  2. All the Roadrunning
  3. Love
  4. James Taylor at Christmas
  5. Live at the Fillmore East

ASIN: B000I5X81A
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. Danger
  2. Heads In Georgia
  3. Missing Person
  4. When This War Is Over
  5. Sporting Life Blues
  6. Dead End Road
  7. It's Easy
  8. Hard To Thrill
  9. Anyway The Wind Blows
  10. Three Little Girls
  11. Don't Cry Sister
  12. Last Will And Testament
  13. Who Am I Telling You?
  14. Ride The River

Amazon.com

J.J. Cale penned two of Eric Clapton's career-defining solo hits, "Cocaine" and "After Midnight." And since Clapton has often fashioned his persona in a WWJD manner (what would J.J. do?), this collaboration is long overdue. But despite the rather slick production and long list of guest backing musicians (including four bassists, four drummers, five other guitarists, and three percussionists), The Road to Escondido is still dominated more by Cale than Clapton. The relatively reticent Okie wrote 11 of the 14 tracks, and it's his low-key soufflé of blues, jazz, and country that shapes and directs the disc's tone, with Clapton along for the ride. The opening "Danger" sets the dusky mood as the duo rides a typical Cale swamp groove that gives way to a tightly wound Slowhand solo. They trade lead vocals on a lovely version of the after-hours jazz blues classic "Sporting Life Blues," and the ubiquitous John Mayer makes an impressive appearance on the subtle blues of "Hard to Thrill."

Clapton hasn't sounded this relaxed or involved in his own material for years. The traditionally laid-back, if not quite snoozy, Cale responds with a comparatively energized performance, likely due to the high-profile company. When the two harmonize on the mid-tempo foot tapper "Anyway the Wind Blows," the result is so natural and spontaneous it's a shame these two didn't join forces earlier. On paper, it appears that Cale has the most to gain from partnering with an established superstar, but the fact is this collaboration yields Eric Clapton's most engaging and contagious roots-rock release in a long time. --Hal Horowitz

From Amazon.ca

They say you can't go home again, but don't tell Eric Clapton. Quick on the heels of his vaunted Cream reunion/boomer wet dream, the English guitar legend teamed with influential Tulsa country-blues fixture J.J. Cale, writer of early Clapton solo hits "Cocaine" and "After Midnight," and a slate of then 'n' now all-stars (including some of the final performances by keyboard great Billy Preston) to reinvent the guitarist's laid-back '70s groove for a new era. The result is one of the most grounded and satisfying Clapton releases in many a year, a true musical collaboration with the guitarist's own longtime hero that coaxes their muses down familiar, if still refreshing, musical avenues.

The album's billing seems more than merely alphabetical: Cale pens 11 of the tunes, with Clapton contributing the gentle acoustic folk-pop of "Three Little Girls" and John Mayer offering up the slinky, jaded blues "Hard to Thrill," where fellow fret god Albert Lee adds his touch to Clapton's countrified revival. But it's the interplay between Cale and Clapton that carries the day throughout, from the signature sound of "Danger" and single "Ride the River" and the Deadhead-friendly vibes of the shuffling "Missing Person" and "When the War Is Over" to their deliciously languorous cover of "Sporting Life Blues." Clapton's playing is as lyrical as ever, yet channeled into a savory heartland mindset that's anything but clichéd. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

After years of admiring each other's musical masterworks, guitar great J.J. Cale and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer/Grammy-winner Eric Clapton have teamed up to create an original album together called The Road to Escondido. The resulting hybrid sound defies labels, and instead finds influence across the spectrum of blues, rock, country, and fold. The songs are warm and rich with deep-flowing rhythms while using an economy of words to express much.

More Cale & Clapton

Anyway the Wind Blows: The Anthology
Troubadour
To Tulsa and Back

The Cream of Clapton
Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton
461 Ocean Boulevard

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great pairing.......2007-05-14

Finally, an album I can use for cruisin' in the car, or dance to if the mood strikes! Cale's and Clapton's styles are wonderfully complimentary. Sure, maybe the album is a bit reminiscent of the '70s, and doesn't explore new territory, but there was lot of FINE and fun music that came out then, which made us SMILE. It's great these two legends chose to reiterate that feeling, including other notables to team up with them.

5 out of 5 stars pleased.......2007-05-13

the guitar playing by both is fantastic, I would like to see Eric and JJ on tour together, what a concert that would be, imagin!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars a good lesson on how a rock star gracefully ages .......2007-04-07

Eric Clapton has made it thru much in the past 40 years: drugs and alcohol, personal tragedy, and horrible 80's synthesizers. This CD is just plain good-it doesn't try to be something it's not, and Clapton doesn't have to prove he's a guitar god anymore. J.J. Cale writes some good bluesy rock songs and together they sound great. The addition of Dereck Trucks on slide guitar is terrific, as is Billy Preston on the organ. This recording is not "slick" or "overproduced" as some have said-it sounds smooth, clear and accurate. I have a feeling that this CD will receive regular playing time on my stereo for many, many years.

5 out of 5 stars The Road to Escondido.......2007-03-30

This is the latest in the "Best-Of" For Clapton to unifiy with JJ Cale with Taj Mahal's harmonica, JJ Cale's band, this is sincerely one of the finest sounds I have heard from either of them. They have picked a few of John's best songs and melded their voices and their guitars. Clapton wanted to learn Cale's studio techniques and if he didn't he wasn't watching. This will be one of my favorites for a long time to come and one I will turn other's on to.

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2007-03-27

Finally J.J. Cale and Eric Clapton have got together,
Tha album is great and shows Clapton in another light by playing Cale style. Great songs and an all Round listening pleasue
The Cream of Clapton
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Please . . .
  • Clapton
  • Essential Eric Clapton
  • Almost there, but should have been 2 disks
  • The Greatest Guitarist Ever In All The Universe!!!!
The Cream of Clapton
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Clapton Chronicles - The Best of Eric Clapton
  2. Unplugged
  3. A Decade of Hits 1969-1979
  4. Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix
  5. Lynyrd Skynyrd - All Time Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000001EEA
Release Date: 1995-03-07

Tracks:

  1. I Feel Free
  2. Sunshine Of Your Love
  3. White Room
  4. Crossroads
  5. Badge
  6. Presence Of The Lord
  7. Blues Power
  8. After Midnight
  9. Let It Rain
  10. Bell Bottom Blues
  11. Layla
  12. I Shot The Sheriff
  13. Let It Grow
  14. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
  15. Hello Old Friend
  16. Cocaine
  17. Wonderful Tonight
  18. Promises
  19. I Can't Stand It

Amazon.com

For a single disc, this is an admirable chronological tour of superstar Eric Clapton's mid-'60s-to-early-'80s career. It begins too late to include his gestational work with the Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. However, the singer-guitarist's days in Cream ("Sunshine of Your Love," "Crossroads," "White Room"), in Blind Faith ("Presence of the Lord"), as a fledgling solo artist ("After Midnight," "Let It Rain"), in Derek and the Dominos ("Layla," "Bell Bottom Blues"), and through the rest of the '70s ("I Shot the Sheriff," "Cocaine," "Wonderful Tonight," "Promises") to his '81 hit "I Can't Stand It" are well documented by this collection's 19 cuts. The down side is that the CD also vividly illustrates how insubstantial Clapton's work turned in the mid-'70s. But that won't be a problem for fans seeking hits. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Please . . ........2007-07-14

Eric Clapton is one of the most over-rated artists ever (Carlos Santana is the top over-rated artist).

5 out of 5 stars Clapton.......2007-01-19

I was very happy with my purchase and the CD was excellent! Clapton at his best!

5 out of 5 stars Essential Eric Clapton.......2006-11-05

This is definately the best single-disc compilation of Eric Clapton. It covers his best years of work and there's no filler here, just excellent sound-quality songs that truly define Eric Clapton at his best. This is a must-have for his fans, as well as the casual fan. Eric Clapton truly shines on this disc. Very highly-recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Almost there, but should have been 2 disks.......2006-11-04

Come on - how can anyone try to capture the career and range of Eric Clapton on a single CD? It just cannot be done. But for a single-disk set, trying to keep the price down, it is a pretty good collection.
As for some comments in other reviews - how can you hate Dire Straits? Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton are both superb guitarists - I hope I'm not waiting in vain for the two of them to collaborate on an entire album! If you've ever seem them work together, it is truly an amazing performance. Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits is a must-listen, same as anything by Clapton.
I can rattle off several songs that should have been included -

Can't Find My Way Home
Tales of Brave Ulysses
Bad Love
Motherless Children
The Shape You're In

But the album is what it is - maybe sometime soon we'll get an even more comprehensive collection, but until then...this one IS pretty darn good.

5 out of 5 stars The Greatest Guitarist Ever In All The Universe!!!! .......2006-10-13

You know, I've read interviews in which Clapton himself admitted that he could never play as well as most jazz and classical guitarists. In fact, he seems like a pretty nice guy who plays very fast notes to very simplistic rock and roll and blues songs. Rock and roll is lots of fun and has a great backbeat----but it is nonetheless simplistic and redundant. It derives from the blues and Country/Western music---again, both very emotional, genuine, and enjoyable forms of music. However, both musical genres are very simplistic and based on repetitive use of the same notes, tempos, and chord structures. Accordingly, playing the chief derivative of blues and C/W, rock music, at lightening speed does not a guitar god make---not by a long stretch. Again, Clapton himself admitted that being a "great rock guitarist" is a far cry from being one of the greatest guitarists in the world. The same holds for Jimi Hendrix and his distortion boxes, echo chambers, and wah-wah pedals. He played very loud, very distorted, and very fast notes over and over again---no nuance, no sophistication; nothing but twelve barre blues ad nauseum. Clapton himself admits his own limitations; yet weak, needy nerds out there continue to refer to him as the greatest. In what context? High volume and fast single note runs? Is that the barometer for measuring a guitarist's talent? Ever hear of Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Django Reinhardt, Jimmy Bruno, Andres Segovia, Pat Martino, Charlie Christian, Herb Ellis, Eddie Lang, Lonnie Johnson, Kenny Burrell, Hank Garland, Lenny Breau, Julian Breem, Charlie Byrd, etc., etc. etc? I'm sure not. They play more than three chord, twleve barre blues until the listener is ready to puke. I actually like Eric Clapton and lots of his music, going as far back as his days with the Yardbirds and Cream. While I find his deification of Robert Johnson a bit of overkill, I think he is very talented. But I'm fairly certain even Clapton himself would laugh at the notion of any single guitarist----particularly a rock guitarist----being hailed as "the greatest." People are really dumb.
Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • So nice
  • Rod Stewart Revisited
  • Nice listening tunes
  • igottaview
  • If works once - do it over and over and over....
 Stardust... The Great American Songbook, Vol. III
Rod Stewart
Manufacturer: J-Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional PopTraditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
The Great American SongbookThe Great American Songbook | Top 30 | Specialty Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
InternationalInternational | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. As Time Goes By...The Great American Songbook: Volume II
  2. Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV
  3. It Had to Be You... The Great American Songbook
  4. Moonlight Serenade
  5. Bette Midler Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook

ASIN: B0002X94Y8
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Embraceable You
  2. For Sentimental Reasons (feat Dave Koz)
  3. Blue Moon (feat Eric Clapton)
  4. What A Wonderful World (feat Stevie Wonder)
  5. Stardust
  6. Manhattan (duet with Bette Midler)
  7. S'Wonderful (feat Dave Grusin)
  8. Isn't It Romantic (feat Dave Koz)
  9. I Can't Get Started
  10. But Not For Me
  11. Kiss To Build A Dream On (feat Arturo Sandoval)
  12. Baby, It's Cold Outside (duet with Dolly Parton)
  13. Night And Day
  14. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square

Amazon.com

It's a little hard to take Rod Stewart seriously when, on the first track of this third installment in his Great American Songbook series, he sings ruefully about his love life being "lean" ("Embraceable You"). But otherwise, Stardust...Volume III is as note-for-note solid as its predecessors--a cozy-up-to-the-fire treat that's also a pleasant reminder of these songs' staying power. "S'Wonderful" settles on the ears winningly, and Stewart's scratchathon voice scalpels the cobwebs off of "Isn't It Romantic" in a way that compels the average listener to reconsider thinking it dopey. In addition, the parade of high-wattage pals recruited to pitch in continues here, resulting in a couple of must-hear combinations. Eric Clapton delivers a rather un-Clapton-like guitar solo on "Blue Moon" and Stevie Wonder blows harp like he means it on "What a Wonderful World," but it is the duets--"Baby It's Cold Outside" with the unsinkable Dolly Parton and "Manhattan" with the indomitable Bette Midler--that the dazzle most. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars So nice .......2007-07-16

I have played this cd over and over and enjoy it so much. It is wonderful for those of us who know those songs and just enjoy beautiful music. Just nice to hear lovely music once again.

5 out of 5 stars Rod Stewart Revisited.......2007-05-07

A nostalgic trip to the romantic past. Who would ever think Rod Stewart of "Hot Legs" fame could do such justice to these "Oldies but Goodies"?

4 out of 5 stars Nice listening tunes.......2007-04-01

I received a defective CD and Amazon promptly sent me a new one ... great customer service.

5 out of 5 stars igottaview.......2007-03-08

There is only 1 ROD STEWART and this album WILL NOT DISAPPOINT his fans! AWESOME! TIMELESS!

1 out of 5 stars If works once - do it over and over and over...........2007-03-05

I really like this music! Truly! And I'm only 25... It scares me that the ones who are gonna open "my generation" to this music are Rod Stewart & Westlife!
The choices of songs are good and the orchastration on the firts 2 are more the okey. But his torn old tired voice over these beautiful musical settings just doesn't do them justice. And why bring in Dolly Parton & Cher? They're both fantastic singers but jazzsingers they're NOT!
Why buy this when there's an limitless world of original jazz singers/musicians to choose from? It's just beyond me!
If you still want someone contemporaray - stick to Natalie Cole, Madeleyne Peyroux or my favourite: Stacey Kent (check her out - you WONT regret it!!!)
Back to Rod: The last effort (number 4 in the series) was so hastily put together the tracklist isn't even correct. I could just see him: "Alright people! I have an hour to record this, so just gimme the mic so I can get back to chasing women! How many millions is this cd gonna make me?! Really!? Great! We'll make another next month! Just throw something together - they'll buy anything!"
No - stick to the originals people!
Unplugged
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Under par
  • Universal appeal
  • Like Having Clapton Playing In Your Living Room
  • Clapton Unplugged
  • One of Clapton's classics
 Unplugged
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
Rock GuitaristsRock Guitarists | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
HeroesHeroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Cream of Clapton
  2. Riding with the King
  3. Clapton Chronicles - The Best of Eric Clapton
  4. From the Cradle
  5. Slowhand

ASIN: B000002MFE
Release Date: 1992-08-25

Tracks:

  1. Signe
  2. Before You Accuse Me
  3. Hey Hey
  4. Tears In Heaven
  5. Lonely Stranger
  6. Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out
  7. Layla
  8. Running On Faith
  9. Walkin' Blues
  10. Alberta
  11. San Francisco Bay Blues
  12. Malted Milk
  13. Old Love
  14. Rollin' & Tumblin'

Amazon.com

Clapton caught the "unplugged" trend just at the right time, when the public was hungry to hear how well rock stars and their material can hold up when stripped of elaborate production values. Clapton himself seemed baffled by the phenomenon, especially when picking up the armload of Grammys Unplugged earned him, including Record and Song of the Year for "Tears in Heaven," the heart-rending elegy to his young son, Conor. That song and a reworked version of "Layla" got most of the attention, but the rest of the album has fine versions of acoustic blues numbers such as "Malted Milk," "Rollin' & Tumblin', and "Before You Accuse Me" that make it worth investigating further. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Under par.......2007-05-15

This par I'm talking about here is not golf, where under par is good. This album just does not measure up to Clapton's other work. Cranking out albums because you can is not alway a good idea and this is a good example of such.

5 out of 5 stars Universal appeal .......2007-04-10

The universal concensus in fall of 1992 was the brilliance of Eric Clapton's new release " Unplugged". My seventeen year old peers loved this disc with equal devotion to match the lifelong admiration of my fifty year old father. Of course, Clapton had touched a nerve with the beautifully written tribute to his sweet son, " Tears in Heaven". Once this disc was in possession, though, a whole new fan base was proclaiming " Clapton is God", at least God of the guitar.

" Signe", a nice little ditty to set the mood, opens the CD. It's a warm feeling, as if sitting around a fire, listening to the best musician in the group show his chops. These Unplugged sessions have a plastic feeling many times, but not in Clapton's case. He brought a seasoned sensitivity that colors the whole album.

Blues take a bow with " Before You Accuse Me" and " Hey Hey". " Lonely Stranger" is followed by " Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out", a song where the upbeat melody contradicts the dour lyrics. " Layla" gets a sophisticated face-lift, while " Alberta" and " San Francisco Bay Blues" bounce around from strolling to skipping. " Old Love" sounds even better live than it did on " Journeyman". " Rollin' and Tumblin'", the closer, allows the artist to end on a high note, giving a mid-tempo flavor to an old blues classic.

Essential.



5 out of 5 stars Like Having Clapton Playing In Your Living Room.......2007-03-16

Unlike many in the music business who rely on studio wizardy, excessive charm, or fearlessness, Clapton built - and kept - his reputation based on one simple fact: the man plays guitar better than just about anyone, ever. Whether he's playing his own compositions, blues standards, or rock, Clapton engages the listener with a passion few can match.

Unplugged shows a different side of Clapton, a side I believe is his best. You feel his pain in Heaven and frivolity in Milk Cow Blues. He's having fun and sharing the experience with you. This CD is one you can play over and over again. Even today, 15 years after its release, it stands the test of time and still brings a big smile to those who listen. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars Clapton Unplugged.......2007-02-03

This album reinforces, and reminds us, why "Claptin is God" got spraypainted all over the western world in the 1970s. Play the unplugged version of "Layla" back-to-back with the "plugged" version and you'll see how a guitar maestro can create two different songs out of the same cloth.

Unlike other artists who appeared on "Unplugged" but then refused to unplug (Springsteen comes to mind), Clapton is unafraid to demonstrate his chops in what could have been a difficult playing atmosphere.

"Unplugged" also allows Clapton to show his full range of stylistic abilities, from rock to blues and back again.

Well worth buying.

5 out of 5 stars One of Clapton's classics.......2006-11-11

I bought this cd again because I'd lost my first copy and my partner had not heard it despite loving his Cream and blues cds. This quieter and more contemplative album is quite different from much of Clapton's other work but is a classic.

If you are not a Clapton fan don't be put off by his heavy Cream and blues sound. This cd is very different and will be enjoyed by people who like singer-songwriters who back themselves on guitar and with a discrete band.

The cd contains Clapton's moving hit 'Tears in heaven' about his son's death and while it would be extraordinary if any other track could reach those heights, most are worthy accompaniments, making it a great album overall.

The few Clapton fans who have not yet heard him 'unplugged' should have at least one listen of this cd to hear another facet of the great man. Unusually for Clapton, just over a third of the tracks on this cd were (co)written by Clapton.

Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 4.5 stars A good introduction to Blues for newbies
  • Historic Recording
  • John Mayall
  • soberbio
  • Ouch my heart, everything and more....
 Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton
John Mayall & the Blues Breakers
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
Electric Blues GuitarElectric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
Modern BluesModern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Paul Butterfield Blues Band
  2. The Turning Point
  3. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
  4. Disraeli Gears
  5. Super Session

ASIN: B00005K9QP
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

  1. All Your Love
  2. Hideaway
  3. Little Girl
  4. Another Man
  5. Double Crossing Time
  6. What'd I Say
  7. Key To Love
  8. Parchman Farm
  9. Have You Heard
  10. Ramblin' On My Mind
  11. Steppin' Out
  12. It Ain't Right
  13. Lonely Years
  14. Bernard Jenkins

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars A good introduction to Blues for newbies.......2007-02-25

Nothing new can be said about Mayall/Clapton. I will say that if you are spreading your wings and want to try something Bluesy-you can't lose with this one. It's hella sexy.

4 out of 5 stars Historic Recording.......2007-01-18

If you play electric blues guitar, this is a historic, must have recording. The sound is good, the choice of songs is pretty good, and you can see that Clapton was working up to his best work (IMHO) in Cream.

5 out of 5 stars John Mayall.......2007-01-10

he can't do a bad one!! and this is the original end all be all british blues group!!!

5 out of 5 stars soberbio.......2006-09-28

estamos en chicago? o es un espejismo...fredie king? otis rush?..NO: son borregos ingleses haciendo la mejor musica que puedas imaginar....estamos hablando de casi 40 años atras....cuando estos tipos descorcharon todo el blues y lo arrojaron en la cara a toda una generacion que lo desconocia.. versiones con polenta demoledora, el famoso tono de clapton aqui tiene su bautismo....realmente si no fue el principio de todo..estuvo cerca!!!!!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Ouch my heart, everything and more...........2006-06-20

OHHHH what can you say?? I'm 22 and i'm embarassed about the age we live in. If you want to escape, here is your heroin. No need for sedatives, this music stands the test of time on its own. To read a bad review about this album angered me a lil (understatement), however confirmed that there are two types of people in this world, those who have a rhythm and those who don't. I was cursed with the blues and this album makes my soul float, WOW! If your reading this do not question my sincerity that this album is beyond marvelous. King Eric waltzes and shows the true soul of a bluesman, not with overly ridiculous Van Halen solos, but with an integrity attached to the 'real' blues. I've been playing guitar for 9 years, and this is how the blues should be played, this is without acknowledging its obvious revolutionary influence. BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!
Riding with the King
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A must have blues album
  • "These are the great ones"
  • RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "CLAPTON MAY BE BEHIND THE WHEEL ON THE COVER, BUT HE'S DEFINATELY JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE WITH BB!"
  • just buy it
  • Riding With the King- Eric Clapton and B.B. King
 Riding with the King
Eric Clapton & B.B. King
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chicago BluesChicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
Electric Blues GuitarElectric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
Modern BluesModern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Unplugged
  2. The Ultimate Collection
  3. Me and Mr. Johnson
  4. 80
  5. From the Cradle

ASIN: B00004THAY
Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

  1. Riding With The King
  2. Ten Long Years
  3. Key To The Highway
  4. Marry You
  5. Three O'Clock Blues
  6. Help The Poor
  7. I Wanna Be
  8. Worried Life Blues
  9. Days Of Old
  10. When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer
  11. Hold On I'm Coming
  12. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Amazon.com

It sounds like the beginning of a story: "So, Slowhand and the King of the Blues were riding in a car ..." If this is a musical journey, it's the kind that rolls down long, empty stretches of country highway at 80 miles an hour, with the top down and the stereo blasting. Clapton and King may be more city than country, but this collection has the relaxed, laid-back feel that only comes from a pair of veterans doing what they do best. What they do here is cover 12 classic blues songs, many of them staples of King's repertoire, so the title of this album makes sense. Whether it's the rollicking rock & roll of the title track, or the acoustic shuffle of "Key to the Highway," or the sweet notes of "When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer," a real sense of pleasure comes through on this album, the kind of pleasure one gets from jamming late at night with a good friend. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A must have blues album.......2007-06-23

Very good blues album, filled with just good tracks. If you like blues,
you can't go wrong with this one. Two great bluesman and great guitar players. Go buy it !

5 out of 5 stars "These are the great ones".......2007-03-02

If you love the Blues you have to have this cd. These 2 guys are the best in the business. They do not compete with each other. They simply make beautiful music as a team. With some new albums I have to play them a few times so they can grow on me. Not this time. I fell in love with it the first time I played it. Claptons band is there with them and that just makes it that much better. The only thing I think I could enjoy more is to see them together on stage. Who knows! Stranger things have happened. Buy this cd and buy it now!!

4 out of 5 stars RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "CLAPTON MAY BE BEHIND THE WHEEL ON THE COVER, BUT HE'S DEFINATELY JUST ALONG FOR THE RIDE WITH BB!".......2007-02-06

This is a good solid blues CD, with songs varying from toe tapping to mellow. This pairing of performers, was certainly more beneficial for Clapton, than for King. Even at BB's age, his voice is smoother, than Clapton's. As mentioned earlier, there is a full spectrum of songs, ending with the silky smooth, old classic, "Come Rain Or Come Shine".

4 out of 5 stars just buy it.......2007-01-06

I'm really glad my mom turned me on to bb king when I saw a kid, I owe her.

Just buy the cd, make up your own mind. Yes, it's a polished piece, perhaps overproduced; they have the bucks, the studio and the talent - who can blame them for making the cuts the way THEY wanted?

You and I certainly can't do it and that's why I'm gratfeful BB and EC did do it. It's a shame it's over so quick however.

"Worried Life Blues' worth the price of admission alone.

3 out of 5 stars Riding With the King- Eric Clapton and B.B. King.......2006-12-05

The Album Riding With the King has some really fantastic blues songs but is lacking the elements that would make this album worth buying. The 12 songs are all repetative and dull; they should have put some classic blues songs like "Have You Ever Loved a Woman". You would think two notorious classic blues guitar artists would collaborate to make a better album. Spend the extra money and buy Eric Claptons live album "One More Car, One More Rider", its worth the money.This album definatly didnt meet my expectations. But what do you expect from a guy who refuses to play chords.
Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Blue Suede Shoes
  • George, Eric and Ringo go to school.
  • Needs To Be On DVD!
  • Rockabilly lives !!!!
  • Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session
 Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session
Carl Perkins , Eric Clapton , and George Harrison
Manufacturer: Snapper Classics UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
RockabillyRockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Living in the Material World (CD+DVD)
  2. The U.S. vs. John Lennon
  3. Paul McCartney - The Space Within US
  4. Memory Almost Full [Deluxe Limited Edition]
  5. The Road to Escondido

ASIN: B000EYK2GE
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

  1. Boppin' The Blues - Carl Perkins
  2. Put Your Cat Clothes On - Carl Perkins
  3. Honey Don't - Ringo Starr
  4. Matchbox - Eric Clapton
  5. Mean Woman Blues - Eric Clapton
  6. Turn Around - Carl Perkins
  7. Going To Jackson - Carl Perkins
  8. What Kind Of Girl - Rosanne Cash
  9. Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby - George Harrison
  10. Your True Love - George Harrison
  11. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise - Carl Perkins
  12. Medley: That's Alright Mama/Blue Moon Of Kentucky/Night Train To Memphis - Eric Clapton
  13. Glad All Over - George Harrison
  14. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Eric Clapton
  15. Gone Gone Gone - Carl Perkins
  16. Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
  17. Blue Suede Shoes (Encore) - George Harrison
  18. Gone Gone Gone (Encore) - Carl Perkins

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Blue Suede Shoes.......2007-07-03

Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session showing Carl Perkins as the king of his game and the guests who appear on this session. Carl was a professional who could and did deliver the goods. He pulls an outstanding performance out of Ringo & George showing a lot of 1950's influence. The quality of this session is unbelieveable and continuity makes the whole program flow smoothly and time just flies. Highly recommend this CD.

5 out of 5 stars George, Eric and Ringo go to school........2007-04-12

Great soundtrack to the 80's era cable special. Carl shows the boys a few tricks in a fantastic jam session. Don't pass this up.

5 out of 5 stars Needs To Be On DVD!.......2007-04-03

I have this on VHS and now on CD, but it needs to be on DVD. Classic show, classic line-up, and the first time 2 Beatles performing together (and the last until Concert For George) since Bangladesh. When Carl breaks up at the end telling everyone how much he appreciated all of his friends it will bring a lump to the throat of any fan of his or of "roots" rock & roll. Seldom does one get to play with people of that calibre and the love they obviously have for the songs is eclipsed by the love they had for Carl himself, a class act all his life.

5 out of 5 stars Rockabilly lives !!!!.......2007-03-17

Great rockabilly with one of the forgotten founders. If you love the Elvis Sun Sessions, this is right up your alley. Perkins impresses as a guitarist also, but it is Claptons solo's that make you go ooHH !!!!

5 out of 5 stars Blue Suede Shoes: A Rockabilly Session.......2007-03-10

Having seen this session on tv, it's wonderful to relive the moment through cd. Even if you're not a rabid George Harrison fan, as I am, I think you'll still find it a great listening experience with Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr and the old guy himself, Carl Perkins, who gave us so many memorable tunes. They're not dead yet as long as we have their music to listen to.
Clapton Chronicles - The Best of Eric Clapton
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Sandi's review
  • This is Eric's Best......
  • hes the greatest
  • Clapton brings it home
  • Soulful, Funky and Soothing
 Clapton Chronicles - The Best of Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Cream of Clapton
  2. Unplugged
  3. 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Eric Clapton
  4. The Road to Escondido
  5. Slowhand

ASIN: B00001U03Q
Release Date: 1999-10-12

Tracks:

  1. Blue Eyes Blue
  2. Change The World
  3. My Father's Eyes
  4. Tears In Heaven
  5. Layla
  6. Pretending
  7. Bad Love
  8. Before You Accuse Me (Take A Look At Yourself)
  9. It's In The Way That You Use It
  10. Forever Man
  11. Running On Faith
  12. She's Waiting
  13. River Of Tears
  14. (I) Get Lost

Amazon.com

If this were your first exposure to Eric Clapton, a bit of bewilderment would be in order. This is the legendary guitar icon? This is (as his early apostles once proclaimed) God? Ranging from the mid-'80s through the late '90s, The Clapton Chronicles owes less to the groundbreaking blues-rock of Clapton's '60s and '70s classics than to the polished-to-a-glare pop of Phil Collins, who produced one of the tracks included in this 14-song anthology. His reinterpretation of his greatest recording--the once-gripping, now-placid "Layla"--perhaps best illustrates Clapton at middle-age: Who wants to bask in his darkest period? Not Clapton, who converts his surging, purging charge into a soothing stroll. And perhaps not fans of such docile MOR fare as "My Father's Eyes," "Tears in Heaven," and the two new tracks, "Blue Eyes Blue" and "Get Lost." --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sandi's review.......2007-01-12

I truly enjoyed the Clapton Chronicles. It is a very good mix of some of his best music. It seemed as though he was going back in time, from current emotions back to his youth. Love it!!!

5 out of 5 stars This is Eric's Best.............2007-01-03

Not much more to say than I Love Eric Clapton and this is a great BEST c.d. to own.

5 out of 5 stars hes the greatest.......2006-11-10

i love every song on this cd. my money was very well spent.there wasnt just one or two songs i liked. i loved them all! eric clapton is one of the best.

5 out of 5 stars Clapton brings it home.......2006-11-06

It's Slow Hand at his best; what else does anyone need to know?
There's plenty of classic rock in "She's Waiting", "Bad Love" and "It's in the Way that You Use it" and a gentler, more reflective Clapton in "River of Tears", "My Father's Eyes" and "Tears in Heaven". For the fans of Runaway Bride, you can find him crooning the beautifully sad "Blue Eyes Blue". A personal favorite of any newly broken heart. Clapton's voice is both dusty and silken at times; soothing with just a little edge to it. Not a song on here you wouldn't pay a lot more to hear.

5 out of 5 stars Soulful, Funky and Soothing.......2006-08-31

Eric Clapton speaks to the heart and soul and makes you smile and bop every time you listen. He takes you out of your current space and into other places, leaving you enriched by the journey.
From the Cradle
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • To all of you who gave less than 5 stars.
  • A Truly Inspiring Masterwork
  • Eric Clapton at his Blues Best!!!
  • Claptons Blues
  • RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: MEDIOCRE ELECTRIC BLUES FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE!"
 From the Cradle
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chicago BluesChicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
Electric Blues GuitarElectric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
Modern BluesModern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
HeroesHeroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Me and Mr. Johnson
  2. Riding with the King
  3. Unplugged
  4. Journeyman
  5. Slowhand

ASIN: B000002MTU
Release Date: 1994-09-13

Tracks:

  1. Blues Before Sunrise
  2. Third Degree
  3. Reconsider Baby
  4. Hoochie Coochie Man
  5. Five Long Years
  6. I'm Tore Down
  7. How Long Blues
  8. Goin' Away Baby
  9. Blues Leave Me Alone
  10. Sinner's Prayer
  11. Motherless Child
  12. It Hurts Me Too
  13. Someday After A While
  14. Standin' Round Crying
  15. Driftin'
  16. Groaning The Blues

Amazon.com

The full-tilt blues album that Clapton had been promising for years, From the Cradle proves the guitarist's enduring devotion to a form he had long relegated to merely a flavor in his music rather than the main ingredient. Clapton's singing on the album is somewhat mannered; he tries to compete with original versions of these songs by Muddy Waters, Charles Brown, and others, and there's no way he's going to win that battle. Still, you can feel the emotional connection Clapton has with these songs, and guitar aficionados will swoon over his fretwork on songs such as "Third Degree," "Someday After a While," and the incendiary "Groanin' the Blues." --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars To all of you who gave less than 5 stars........2007-06-28

First of all, who are you to say what the blues really is about, and who is allowed to play it. Blues is not about race, age, sex, nationality, etc. Blues is about feeling and experience. Eric is a white guy from England with a heavy british accent. He cannot help that. If you do not think that he deserves to play the blues, then you do not know much about his life. Besides, the guitar playing alone is full of feeling and is a tribute to all of the old time blues players. He is not in competition with them; he is merely paying homage to their music and to the blues This Cd is just incredible. This cd features ECs finest playing. I would give this cd 50 stars if I could.

5 out of 5 stars A Truly Inspiring Masterwork.......2007-06-13

I bought this CD when it came out and have loved it ever since.I am slightly biased because I idolized Clapton as a kid when he was in Cream but had basically given up on him for nearly 20 years(the last purchase after LAYLA was EC Was Here,really only for Have You Ever Loved A Woman).A flash of brilliance came when EC played Live Aid but Budweiser commercials and such really didn't move me until "From The Cradle" came out.I read a feature in Guitar World magazine and liked the idea of the tunes being recorded pretty much live and if a take wasn't up to par ,it was done over.Man,this release did not dissapoint.Sure its not perfect(I usually skip Torn Down,Motherless Child and How Long Blues) but thats only because these songs aren't as fun to jam with.Speaking of which,when "Five Long Years" comes on I am always knocked out about how he steps up to the mic and does a totally awesome vocal after just playing his heart out.In GW he said this was one track that took multiple takes to get the keeper and I'm not surprised.People might pick on the vocals but I think they're fine.I prefer the Allman Bros version of "Hoochie Coochie Man" but Eric's version is smokin'."Some Day After A While" is another knock out track.I was lucky enough to see Eric when he played the HP Pavillion in March this year and was happy when he played "Driftin'" during a sit-down portion of the concert.Just beautiful and an awesome show(kudos to Derek Trucks,what a monster player).Anyway if you love electrified blues this selection needs to be in your collecton.I gotta go;Blackie(my US crafted Peavey Predator Dx,the best $200 I ever spent) is calling me.

5 out of 5 stars Eric Clapton at his Blues Best!!!.......2007-05-20

I love Blues and Eric Clapton does it justice. His voice and talent are very evident in this CD.

4 out of 5 stars Claptons Blues.......2007-04-17

This is what Eric Clapton has always done best - play the blues. On this album all the tracks (16 of them) are blues in all its various forms.

Reading the inside of the sleeve made for refreshing reading as it says "THIS IS A LIVE RECORDING WITH NO OVERDUBS OR EDITS EXCEPT FOR DOBRO OVERDUB ON HOW LONG BLUES AND DRUM OVERDUB ON MOTHERLESS CHILDREN". What a change from his mid to late 80's albums that were vastly over-produced. Great credit to EC for realising that he needed to get away from being a purely commercial artist. If you are being critical you might have thought he could have found something more original to play than another cover of "Hoochie Coochie Man". However I enjoyed it regardless.

The band are some of Clapton's regular guys, Chris Stainton on Keyboards, Andy Fairweather Low Guitar, Jim Keltner drums plus a horn section. Again if you were being critical you'd ask why not some 'real' blues players backing him. However these guys are all professional musicians who deliver nothing less than professional performances and I'm not sure that anybody else could have done any better.

The Robert Johnson sessions are probably better than this album, but you have to put this album in context. It was only a few years earlier that EC had released 'August', where his best songs had been removed by the record company and in many ways he had lost artistic control of his own record. In comparison to that 'work' this album IS a return to his roots that he since never really looked back from.

3 out of 5 stars RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: MEDIOCRE ELECTRIC BLUES FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE!".......2007-02-04

Clapton has not created any electric blues worthy of regard in 20 years. His voice was never anything, of high enough quality, or uniqueness, to make you get chills, or build a memory around. Today, in the 21st century, his voice is even less memorable. Maybe a quarter of a century ago, his guitar playing, could hide, his utterly, ordinary, voice, but he chooses, not to even attempt, the strong, string work, of days, "way" gone by. In addition as Shaq, "The King Of The World Blues Reviewer", always says: "You can't get the blues, in 2-4 minutes!" To save you getting a calculator: There are 16 songs totaling 60 minutes on this CD. 12 OUT OF THE 16 SONGS ARE 4 MINUTES OR UNDER! For anyone who really knows, and understands, the greatness of the electric blues, genre, would know this is a mediocre CD at best!
Me and Mr. Johnson
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • batcall
  • Karaoke Blues
  • The Blues on Prozac.
  • Clapton pays tribute Robert Johnson..What great story!
  • Ah, okay...
 Me and Mr. Johnson
Eric Clapton
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Contemporary BluesContemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Electric Blues GuitarElectric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music
Modern BluesModern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music
Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
HeroesHeroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Sessions For Robert J. (CD + DVD)
  2. From the Cradle
  3. Riding with the King
  4. The Complete Recordings
  5. Back Home

ASIN: B0001HAHXW
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Tracks:

  1. When You Got A Good Friend
  2. Little Queen Of Spades
  3. They're Red Hot
  4. Me And The Devil Blues
  5. Traveling Riverside Blues
  6. Last Fair Deal Gone Down
  7. Stop Breakin' Down Blues
  8. Milkcow's Calf Blues
  9. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
  10. Come On In My Kitchen
  11. If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day
  12. Love In Vain
  13. 32-20 Blues
  14. Hell Hound On My Trail

Amazon.com

It's impossible to overemphasize the importance of singer-guitarist-songwriter Robert Johnson's contribution to blues music. The same can be said of Eric Clapton, one of Mr. Johnson's most dedicated interpreters. From his work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to Cream and beyond, Clapton has arguably attracted more widespread attention to Johnson's music than any other living musician. A decade after his all-blues From the Cradle (which included no Johnson material), Clapton jumps into the icon's catalog with both feet by covering 14 Johnson tunes. With a stripped-down veteran band that includes such longtime associates as drummer Steve Gadd, keyboardist Billy Preston, and harmonica ace Jerry Portnoy, the guitarist attacks these songs with passion, intelligence, and a refreshing lack of blues-rock pretense. From the upbeat jump of "32-20 Blues" and "They're Red Hot" to the slower, grinding "Little Queen of Spades" and "Milkcow's Calf Blues," Clapton acquits himself well, eschewing his slicker inclinations with arrangements that underscore Johnson's rawest tendencies--although perhaps he doesn't seem sufficiently terrified when walking with Lucifer on "Me and the Devil Blues." Still, this is a successful and admirable return to his roots, one that will hopefully introduce an even larger audience to Johnson's seminal work. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

On Me And Mr.Johnson, Eric Clapton covers 14 of the 29 songs Robert Johnson, the most mythic figure of the blues, wrote and recorded in his lifetime. For fans of deep blues,it doesn 't get any better than this. After the success of Clapton 's first two traditional blues albums —1994 's Gram- my-winning triple-platinum, #1 pop From The Cradle, and 2000 's Grammy-winning, double-platinum,#3-charting Riding With The King collaboration with B.B.King —Me And Mr.Johnson finds Clapton once more at the crossroads of blues and rock.

The cover illustration by Peter Blake includes both published photographs of Robert Johnson: a rendering of the Robert Johnson Studio Portrait / Hooks Bros., Memphis c. 1935 / © 1989 Delta Haze Corporation / the Robert Johnson photo booth self-portrait, early 1930s / © 1986 Delta Haze Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars batcall.......2007-06-28

He finally gets to do what he loved best, the "blues". A great musician for the modern age.

2 out of 5 stars Karaoke Blues.......2007-05-25

There is little doubt that Clapton is a living legend having made considerable contributions to blues-based popular music. Unfortunately, "Me and Mr. Johnson" is not that considerable. With an all star cast of musicians (Andy Fairweather-Low, Billy Preston, Nathan East, and Steve Gadd) this disc offers the listener tweaked and polished interpretations of almost half of the legendary blues man's existing repertoire. However, what the album offers in terms of production it certainly lacks in feeling. Some other reviews have used the term "elevator music" to describe the recording, but "karaoke" would be a better term. There is little to convince you that this is distinctly Clapton playing a heartfelt blues classic rather than an average Joe reading the lyrics off a television monitor in a smoky bar somewhere. Upbeat numbers such as "They're Red Hot" fare much better than tortured tracks such as "Hell Hound On My Trail," which comes across more like an angry weenie dog snapping at his heels.

While the album may serve as an introduction to early blues music for new listeners, Clapton's "From The Cradle," "Riding With The King," and even his "MTV Unplugged" are much more representative of his talent as an interpreter of the blues. Both Rolling Stone and Entertainment Weekly gave this record a good review, but just because he is already a legend doesn't warrant the rubber stamp of approval from even the most die hard of fans in my opinion. I would suggest checking out the albums mentioned above if you are interested in Clapton and/or a bridge to the blues genre.

On a last note, beware that this CD is copy protected, which may cause some problems if you would like to convert the songs to a digital device such as an I-Pod or mp3 player. Just another way of making it more difficult for the honest consumer rather than serving as a true deterrent of piracy.

3 out of 5 stars The Blues on Prozac........2007-05-24

One of the things that first turned me on to Eric Clapton was an early live rendition of "Crossroads" which (I believe) came from a Cream concert. It was so good and so incendiary that it actually seemed to transcend the intentions and vision of the original songwriter. It was truly a defining moment for both Clapton as an individual artist and for rock music in general. Unfortunately, Eric set a very high standard for himself with that recording, and he has had a tough time matching its passion and intensity through the years. He came very close with "From the Cradle", which has a great live-from-the-club feel to it, great guitar playing and above-average singing.

On balance, "Riding With the King" is arguably a better record than either "Me and Mr. Johnson" or "From the Cradle", but it isn't an Eric Clapton record per se (the presence of B.B. King, and some exceptional songs, make the difference). So, if you're looking for a good straight blues record which mainly features EC, I would start with "From the Cradle" and go from there. If you just want the best blues/rock record that he was involved with in recent times, I would start with "Riding With the King".

I've read that the tracks for "Me and Mr. Johnson" were recorded in between takes during the "Back Home" sessions in order to keep the band on point. When listening to the "M&MJ" record I got the distinct impression that the songs weren't really sweated over or necessarily intended for release at the time. It appears that this project was more or less an afterthought, albeit a pretty good one. Eric's debt to Robert Johnson is without question, so officially paying homage to the master makes total sense. And it's a true testament to Eric's talent that a collection of his outtakes turned out better than many artists' finished work.

At the end of the day though, EC was in a very contented state of mind during these sessions-happily married and enjoying his children. Domestic tranquility doesn't usually lend itself to brilliant blues playing unless you're a tremendous actor in addition to being a great musician. On top of that, even when Eric does have the blues (after the death of his son Conor, for example), his vocals have never been able to measure up to the unbridled emotion evident in his best guitar playing.

One of the highlights of this record is "They're Red Hot", which conjurs up a mental image of Eric vamping in his living room for the children's amusement. It's fun and it's loose. Whereas Eric's treatment of the darker pieces just seems flippant and uninspired at times. I would much rather recommend the Rolling Stones' version of "Love In Vain" and Led Zeppelin's version of "Travelling Riverside Blues".

So, with all due respect to Eric Clapton (who I admire greatly), I would say that this recording is good rather than great.

5 out of 5 stars Clapton pays tribute Robert Johnson..What great story!.......2007-03-21

Eric Clapton lit a huge fire when he recorded Crossroads live at Royal Albert Hall, London, UK with Cream in the late 60's. That recording kicked ECs career into overdrive as every guitar player since has heard it if not copied licks from that stellar performance. Through-out his career Clapton has shown to be significantly influenced by Robert Johnson's music. He has gone as far as to pay royalties to Johnson's decendents for the use of his music. This new CD was recorded in the very same room of the now abandon Houston Tx, building where Robert Johnson himself recorded this music in (2 sessions)1936-37. Johnson's guitar technique was such that Clapton himself admitted to not be able to do it justice (all while singing and playing in one take) and therefore employed Doyle Bramhall to cover some of the guitar work. This effort is the sincerest form of tribute I can imagine. This is not music that Clapton recorded because of it's comercial value. This is a true labor of love. This is intrinsicly blues therefore blues fans and musicologists alike will dig it.

3 out of 5 stars Ah, okay..........2007-02-17

As Steve Vai once said, You can't say "my noise is better than your noise." If people like this album and Saddam Hussein doesn't, that's okay. Music is a vibration; you either respond or you don't and either way is not "wrong." Amen.

When Stevie Ray Vaughan first hit the airwaves, I felt as though someone was finally playing the music I'd always waited for from Clapton. Truth is, Eric moved in a singer/songwriter direction, and SRV stayed committed to the blues. EC's early days were exceptional on that count, from Crossroads to Hideaway, Have You Heard, etc. But I realized somewhere along the way that though he started with the blues, EC had demonstrated that he was versatile and pleasantly complex and probably wouldn't end there. He moved into the singer/songwriter spectrum, especially as other electric blues players came up and laid fire in new ways to the old tunes (Joe Bonamassa). This album is okay and I'm glad he resurrected the tunes. Lots of discipline and restraint, hard-earned maturity. But it isn't a show stopper and he seems increasingly less inclined to savage his axe. His voice is the highlight here, not his playing. That moved offstage a long time ago. And so did I.

Music Review:

  1. Essential Bob Dylan [Import]
  2. First Taste of Sin
  3. Fleetwood Mac Live [Live]
  4. Frampton Comes Alive
  5. Gimme Some Lovin'
  6. Go
  7. Greatest Hits (CD/DVD) [Enhanced]
  8. Heart
  9. Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live [Live]
  10. Jeff

Music Review

Music Review