Retail Therapy

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
So what's with the title here? Does Eric Clapton, lamely disguised as x-sample, seriously believe he can bolster retail with an album of bogus high-tech and Deep Forest-style instrumentals? Minus Simon Climie's synth orchestrations, Clapton's multi-faceted playing would be palatable at the least. But Climie's heavy-handed stabs at contemporary dance make this the funniest and/or saddest superstar bust since Paul McCartney's relatively innocuous Fireman project in '94. --Jeff Bateman

Tracks:

Blue Rock
Angelica
Pnom-sen
Sno-god
Sienna
Seven
Angelica's Dream
What She Wants
Donna
Rip Stop
What Else

Amazon.com

So what's with the title here? Does Eric Clapton, lamely disguised as x-sample, seriously believe he can bolster retail with an album of bogus high-tech and Deep Forest-style instrumentals? Minus Simon Climie's synth orchestrations, Clapton's multi-faceted playing would be palatable at the least. But Climie's heavy-handed stabs at contemporary dance make this the funniest and/or saddest superstar bust since Paul McCartney's relatively innocuous Fireman project in '94. --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

Give It A Few Listens.......2005-10-18

This album is a departure for Eric Clapton, listed on the album with the mysterious and unnecessary pseudonymn, x-sample, and despite being a critical and commercial flop, I found it to be a quite enjoyable album to listen to. Thats because I have my own opinion and don't listen to what the critics or others say, I recommend keeping an open mind on this one. This is an eclectic album with a mix of techno, new world, and various other kinds of music not normally associated with Eric Clapton. His guitar sears and soars on 'Sno god' and 'Seven'. Nothing wrong with trying something a little different for a change of pace. A used copy of this album is very affordable so try it and give it a couple of listens before deciding about it.

Buy this, if you enjoy relaxing, passionate music.......2005-08-16

I was blown away when I just found out that this was a Eric Clapton Project and kinda wish I didn't find out. I have enjoyed this CD for many years and have shared it with many people that only knows this as "TDF" (not E.C.) I think this is a terrific CD for the fact that I don't get bored from the music and I find It to be something I listen too often. This is one release that I'm not swayed by who is playing the music, but am swayed by the music itself. E.C., If you are wanting to know I hope there are more releases put out like this!

X-sample.......2004-09-21

whether or not this was a mid-life crisis type thing for clapton i do not know. what i do know is that this CD gave him free range to explore different guitar techniques. the reason for the psuedonym was to distract people from the fact that he was clapton. same thing he tried with derek. its gotta be hard for the man to get honest criticism on his work if everyone worships him and anything he puts out. i am 15 and a huge clapton fan, but dont be fooled clapton has a much wider variety of music than "rock, blues, and pop" as previously stated. Oh by the way the vocals on "Seven" are sampled from BB King. Yes thats right "Gave you seven children, now you wanna give em back." its from his track "How Blue can you get?" but what do i know im only 15.

Eric Clapton is always Eric Clapton.......2004-09-11

Even when he changes his name (Derek) or as in this case even hides his idendity, Eric Clapton is still Eric Clapton. I think it's a great sounding experiment. As a foot note though, I loved Clapton's album "Pilgrim" which most reviewers hated.

I had no idea that TDF was really Eric Clapton.......2004-03-17

I first heard "Retail Therapy" back in '97 when I checked out this cd from the local library in Milwaukee. I was curious to hear this cd when I saw the record cover. I enjoyed the cd so much that I eventually bought a copy of "Retail Therapy" by TDF through my record club for $0.99. The music was an interesting mix to say the very least. It was a blend of rock, techno, and elements of world music. Several years later, I dug up "Retail Therapy" and decided to listen to it. When I went to look up TDF's "Retail Therapy" here, I was suprised to say the very least to find out that this was an Eric Clapton project. Learn something new everyday. "Retail Therapy" was quite a stretch for Eric Clapton to say the very least. He rarely delves into more experimental music like this. I can certainly hear his indelible guitar talents through the gorgeous acoustic track "Angelica" which is just breathtaking to listen to. You can certainly hear his searing guitar work on "Sno-god". As far as Eric Clapton's music goes, I wouldn't consider "Retail Therapy" his best but it sure was interesting to listen to because the music was so different from his traditional blues-based music.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review