Warning: If you expect any guitar tricks, high tempo, or lengthy solos then you will be seriously dissappointed.

The new Eric Clapton release Eric Clapton is a diverse album in that there are 3 or 4 different moods Clapton tries to set.

The first of which is the standard down and out delta blues. Clapton loves this sound and isn't ashamed to claim it.

The second of which is almost a Vaudeville/playful almost minstrel tone. Piano is the star in these songs.

The third is a polished super produced veteran who can make a full sounding song with almost nasa precision (unfortunately on these ones he sounds exactly like Elvis Costello)

And the fourth and final mood (unfortunately for just one song "Run Back to Your Side" which is the 13th of 14) is classic clapton with the driving tempo and great electric tone we love.

I feel this album was just a labor of love for Clapton, he doesnt force anything and all of the songs seem very well planned and executed. My only gripe is that the guitar action is extremely limited. The piano that is in most of the songs is the real foundation of this release.

Having said all of that, i can appreciate the musicians that Eric has surrounded himself with and the final product he's been able to achieve. Its something different. If you want those wonderful solos he's known for, you have two options:

1. Listen to an older album.
2. Go see him live.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars/thumbs up.

Side note: One thing i really dig is the liner notes, because it has pictures from the making of the album and you get to see many of the guitars he used. Normally i would say he hasn't aged a bit but this shows what i feel is the place he'll stay musically for the rest of his life.

*a guitar looking like "blackie" gets the CD label and the first picture of the liners....very cool!

_________________
2007 Fender MIM Strat Midnight Wine
1965 Univox HR-2 "Lawsuit" ES-335 Knockoff
Ovation Celebrity Shallow Bowl

Good review. Couldn't agree more on the guitar presence. I like the album. Walt Richmond is a great keyboardist. He's been tearing it up around here for years............... Mike

_________________
The blues ain't nothin but a good man feelin bad.

Great review, and I agree.

I long for an old syle Clapton record, with the big solos and edgy sound... I hope those days are not gone, but Im getting older too, and I completely understand this direction

I have really enjoyed all of Clapton's efforts over the years, and Im such a fan that I would be hard pressed to be critical of anything the man has contributed.

I think all of you will find this album to be a good one for your collection

Bill

_________________
Hey, Boy Blue is back!

+1

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Man,when you've done all that Eric has done for almost 50 years it would be hard to come up with something new,or different.
Thanks for the reviews.

Thanks for the heads-up. Expecting delivery of mine any day. The review is mindful of his CD "Going Home".
Doc

_________________
"Another day in paradise!"