Eric Clapton Clapton

I hold a soft spot for most of the cuts off 461 Ocean Blvd. Suppose living in Miami at the time of the albums release plays a part, but so does understanding the struggles of kicking skag. You can a hear a calm that permeates 461 even when it rocks. I put 461 and the Blues Breakers LP with Clapton/Mayall in a tie for #1. Always bothered that a couple of the cuts on Layla LP were played way too fast, but to listen to Duane's slide work I put up with it.

I think they had chemical assistance on Layla. That would explain the faster and sloppier playing on that record.

Well I like Swanny am a seriously big Clapton fan, but sorry this album is BORING! YMMV

"I think they had chemical assistance on Layla. That would explain the faster and sloppier playing on that record."

Forgive me, but that's one of the most ignorant statements I've ever read....EVER! 1st off, maybe Clapton's sober NOW (I have no way of knowing), but he was a raging substance-abuser for decades! My guess is the number of records he's made with "chemical assistance" far outnumber the ones without. Secondly, and more importantly, if we were to stop appreciating artists (ANY type of artist!)that are/were "chemically assisted" we'd lose a major chunk of culture. It's about the art, not about the habits of the artist!

To the poster that mentioned EC lost it after 'Unplugged', I'd argue that his last 'hardcore' electric blues album, 'From the Cradle' was recorded 2 yrs AFTER Unplugged. EC has mellowed with old age no doubt, as a fan over 40 yrs I kinda understand where he's coming from, he's a survivor. Frankly, I thought that Cream reunion from a few yrs back was pathetic. After this whole rant, I'll admit that I've never been a fan of his soft-rock sound, I guess that statement about 'Layla' hit a nerve!;)

Chaz, I posted both comments you refer to. Why is my comment off base? They were all smashed for Layla. Look at the photos inside the album. We are on the same page. Re-read what I wrote originally.

I do hold that Clapton's best work comes before Unplugged. I'll continue to hold to that theory until I see something better. I did like his work with JJ Cale recently ("Road to Escondido"), but the best songs were JJ songs, not EC songs.

All this IMHO as a diehard Clapton fan.