Classic Rock Album of the Day- Derek and the Dominos- Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs- 1970 ****
Today we really put the classic in classic rock. This goody is widely accepted as one of the greatest blues rock LP's of all time. Though I only give this 4 stars, that is just I am not the blue-ist purist many others are. From genre greatness, this is not only 5 stars, but the bar of all blues- rock play. Many times I have lauded how much I enjoy the wailing, dueling guitars that peppered the rock landscape in the late 1960's to mid 1970's. No one did this better than the tandem of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman. What is also great about this collaboration is that Clapton allowed some southern rock infused infusion that just gave this album a magical feel. Other members including Gordon, Dave Mason, Bobby Whitlock pretty much made this what was the configuation of a super group. And of course this is Clapton in his prime. And in true rock tragedy fashion this band only made this one album, due the loss of Duanne Allman to a motorcycle crash in 1971.
I have a friend who is the ultimate blues enthusiast who gives reverence to this LP the same as Sargent Peppers in terms of how it changed landscape as far as how blues were presented in not only to a wider audience, but the same dual interplay that I will have to admit has not be replicated since. Yes Creme had Blues roots, but this one reached down in the heart and gave it it's voice. Don't shoot me, but I always seem to enjoy blues in small doses. But if there was one to get the full splash, this is the one. And finally.... The song Layla, is among the greatest rock tunes ever made. From the opening riff, and wailing dual jamming..... Plus some of the most sorrowful searing beautiful instrumental balladry of the era.
As great as this album is, if Clapton had halved the effort and put the 7 or 8 best songs on one LP, he would have had an epic of the ages. Back in 1970, there was kind of an Artist status symbol that if you were in that upper tier, you had or were given the "artistic" freedom to over-exubeate and show that off. Maybe the most extreme I guess, was ELP's live album a few years later that was a "triple album" So with the extended play, I will have to admit, there are a select few on this I would move to the filler category.
Fun Fact: Bizarre- Album did not chart in the UK, until a re-issue in 2011. I can remember way back, that even the lack of U.S. success was fan anger at Clapton for disbanding Creme. Not sure, but that was the rumour.
Side 1-
-------------
I looked Away- Excellent country tinged blues kind of rocker- Listener is treated not only to the Clapton-Allman duets, not only on the ax, but on vocals. These two really clicked, not only on this one, but most of the rest of the album too. Song does have kind of an Allman Brothers feel to it too.
5Bell Botton Blues- Widely known hit. Not as big as you know who, but balladry of the highest order.
2Keep On Growing- Bo Diddley kind of number, with that sync -blues style that also was seem often on AB's albums too
6Nobody Knows When You Are Down and Out- 1920's remake and Bahluzzze. This one is just for the those into that.
12Side 2-
------------
I am Yours- Sap. and pointless. Remember my comment about this double album being one album too long.
13Any Day- Decent rocker, and another that harkens to more AB's style than Creme
8Key To the Highway- Blues in Chicago style, and another cover. Really like the inter-blues working between the two (Clapton-Allman)., but 9 minutes worth?
9Side 3-
------------
Tell the Truth- One of the stronger rockers on the album that works the blues licks in some really nice ways. Love the way the guys almost sing over each other in well taylored manner. This was innovative to be sure.-
7Why Does Love Have to Be So Sad- Sped up rocking and blues based song, that harkens upward to a lot of how Clapton sounded in future work. Some really good rock soloing, and the best bass work on either LP.
4Have You Ever Loved a Woman- Now for some deep crying in your beer blues. Clapton really channels the old black Memphis blues sound like no one else this white. But, I am at this point, about bluezed-out.
11Side 4-
--------------
Little Wing- So eery that this was recorded within a few weeks of Hendrix' death. I am sure that thought gave the band the heebie-jeebies. Love this rendition, and its interpretation is so much more complicated and expansive than Hendrix's. But leave it to Clapton to take a 2 minute song, and turn it into a 5 minute more grandiose product. Both songs have their merit and I like them both for different reasons.
3It's Too Late- Nice homage and cover to Willis' 50's rockabilly-blues
10Layla- I seriously doubt that if you are over 50, you have not heard this absolutel classic on the radio. This is truly one of the greatest songs of that era, and epic on every level. If you have never listened to this album, or heard of this tune, I strongly hope you will take a listen. It defines the times. This song has some of the best dualing guitar work ever made. Also maybe the most famous song ever made around a love triangle too.
1Thorn Tree in the Garden- Album(s) end weakly with a Whitlock writtne and (yuk) sung number- Sappy, crappy, and pointless. Remember the awful guy singing on the stairs in Animal House? You get the picture.
14http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll5Y9xvuCEU