Customer Reviews

Retail Therapy

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

I should spend more of my 1,000 words writing about Retail Therapy, a fine composition of high tech blends with soaring guitar overlays but instead this is a review of Jeff Bateman's editorial review of Retail Therapy. Maybe it is really, more appropriately, a review of Jeff Bateman's commitment to review music fairly.

I'll begin by stating what should be the obvious but is to often taken for granted by people like Mr. Bateman, who think that because they say an album is bad people like you and I wont buy it. Even worse, they just say something...anything about a record, so they can collect a paycheck and move on to the good stuff, the stuff that is heavily promoted by the big record labels, the kind of stuff that the big record labels are willing to pay big bucks for if a reviewer will say kind words. Because they seem to think unifomly that if a reviewer says wonderful, exciting things about an album that we will buy it (who's got who wraped around their finger???). The truth is that for those of us who are interested in what other people think (or in Jeff Bateman's case forgot to think) about music, a review is an opinion and an opinion should have some validity if the reviewer is to be given any merit.

Case in point...Jeff Bateman gave TDF a shockingly bad review. He went so far as to say Clapton's playing was lame but he never says why. I read some more of his reviews, he never seems to like much of anything that is turned out by the older groups or the select few remaining people who we can actually refer to as true musicians (a dying bread).

Maybe Instead of reviewing this CD on its composition Jeff decided to make quick work of a piece that deserves more introspective consideration but you can only do that if you actually listen to it. What he forgot is that CD's can talk back and in this case several music listeners heard what it was saying and like myself decided to tell everyone they liked what they heard. They liked what they heard so much that they gave Retail Therapy 5 stars on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being the best)

There really is only one conclusion you can arrive at, Jeff Bateman has no merit...as a reviewer. He is however very good at the air guitar.

At first listen, it is readily obvious why many critics might denounce Eric Clapton's experimental work. While some critics may misunderstand this album as an attempt to capture mainstream listeners, there is no doubt that Mr. Clapton could sell records relying on proven formulas. Rather, Clapton experiments and stretches with a collection of entirely interesting tracks. If you are a purist unable to except Clapton for anyone other than the Unplugged King or Cream legend, you may reject this album. If on the other hand you are open-minded and curious to hear one of the most respected electric guitar players on earth tackle a new genre of music, this album is wonderful. This disc is infectiously palatable and experimental. ------------------------Nick Lukaszek

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.

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!

To put it this way, I knew who Eric Clapton was but I've never heard his work before. So, I was very amazed when I listened to the music as it was really great. It was a pleasant mixture of very trippy music and nice guitarwork.

Actually, this cd was something I won off a contest a long time ago and never really got the time to listen to it. Well, when I finally opened the cd, I could say I regretted not doing it earlier.

Somehow, I realize that Eric Clapton dosen't get any credits on this one, Bummer.....

This is a great record. The reviewer obviously holds some kind of grudge against Clapton or performers willing to get outside their comfort zones. Jeff Bateman, you suffer from auditory distosis.

Loved it how could you not love It just hard to find and love it that found it at Amazon Thanks

I bought this album out of pure curiosity. I didn't even know that Clapton had released this album anonymously but I am certainly glad that I bought it. The album doesn't really have any vocals so to speak but the music is great and very listenable. I liked Eric's foray into techno pop instrumentals. I enjoyed it very much and highly suggest Clapton afficiandos to buy this disc.