11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The band was transitory but blessed, December 6, 1999
It is rumored that Duane Allman challenged EC to be more aggressive on the guitar than he would otherwise have been. The result is magnificent. Clapton's songwriting skills come to fruition here and he is starting to emerge as a well-rounded performer and not just a guitar slinger. A nice combination of blues with a gospel touch. EC makes us feel his pain, even 30 yrs. later, it still hurts. Standouts: I looked Away, Bell Bottom Blues, Little Wing, Anyday and of course the title track. A round of applause for Bobby Whitlock. A "must" buy.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The greatest guitar album of the rock era, November 10, 1999
By A Customer
If you only know this album from hearing "Layla" on the radio, then your first question after hearing this will be: "Why don't they play the rest of it?" Even if you are sick of "Layla", this album is a treasure chest of searing pain songs, caused by Eric Clapton being dumped by Patti Harrison, wife of Beatle George. Even the relatively hookless tunes like "Keep On Growing" and "Anyday" get over on sheer desperate passion. Plenty of guitarists can make their instrument scream, but only Clapton, on "Bell Bottom Blues", had ever made it sob. This was Clapton's absolute peak--all the power and virtuosity of his Cream years are encapsulated here, cast in a personal blues tone that anticipates almost everything he ever did thereafter. Duane doesn't suck either. If you can, read the 1985 interview with Clapton in Rolling Stone. He relates how the band was all nodded out on drugs the entire time. Do _not_ try this at home; they are trained professionals!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clapton's Masterpiece, July 22, 2002
This review is from: Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs [GOLD CD] (Audio CD)
One can hardly use too many superlatives when describing "Layla..." It is one of the essential recordings of
British blues, of '60s rock, of '70s rock (since it straddles two decades), of blues-rock, of guitar-rock, and of
rock 'n' roll in general. From the searing blues of "Key to the Highway," to the passion of "Little Wing" and
"Bell Bottom Blues," this album represents everything that Clapton fans love about him. Of course, the title
track is a musical monument in its own right, and its two halves (driving blues-rock opening, soothing but
emotional instrumental coda) neatly summarize the entire album. And, you know it's a great record when you
find yourself loving lesser-known album tracks even better than its radio classics. "Keep on Growing" and
"Anyday" are, in this reviewer's humble opinion, simply transcendent.
When people insist on listening to "classic rock" stations, and claim that no one makes good records
nowadays, "Layla" may very well be what they have in mind. It's what great rock is supposed to be.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No