Record Reviews

DEREK AND THE DOMINOS ~ LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS (DELUXE EDITION) POLYDOR 600753314296 (Barcode: 600753314296) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2011 I guess there´s not much left to say about this iconic album, considering the oceans of words already spilled on the subject. Post CreamFind albums by this artist / Blind FaithFind albums by this artist guitarist / vocalist Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist moved over the pond and embraced American music: Blues (which was always his primary love), Country and Rock And Roll. Playing with American musicians Clapton seemingly changed his approach from the highly improvisational, endless and incredibly loud solos he used to play with Cream, to concise, almost simplistic brief solo moments, lots of vocals and lots of melody. For some it was a "new" Clapton, but for people with keen hearing Clapton was still playing the Blues, same as he did in the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist years ago and same as he did with Cream, slightly disguised / Americanized but basically honest and consistent with his past. And then of course the presence of Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, the legendary guitar hero of the Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist and Southern Rock in general, which turns this album into what it truly is – a conversation between two Giants, which in Rock happens only once in a blue moon. So what do we have here: nice but not sensational music, mostly Blues based, superb guitar playing, great support from a great rhythm section and a lot of Magic, which turns this into one of the greatest Rock albums of all times. Of course it could have never been repeated and even if Duane did not meet his Maker soon after, this kind of miracle happens only once, so let´s be happy with what we have. The additional CD includes some great previously unreleased material, some live / some studio, including the sessions for the second, never finished album and other goodies. Did I say essential? Hell YES!

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend