Eric Clapton: Slowhand - 1977
Given the album was named after Clapton’s guitar playing-derived nickname, one may have expected it to be full of classic guitar licks. It is not, however. It is a very low-key, laid-back album in many ways. Many of the leading guitar parts were also, apparently, played by George Terry from Clapton’s band, as opposed to old “Slowhand” himself, which was strange. It is also probably worth considering that this very "middle-of-the-road" was released at the height of punk, when one would have thought there was not much of an appetite for this sort of thing. Clearly there was, and always had been.
While I have to admit I prefer a bluesier Clapton ( as many people do), I cannot listen to this album and not derive some sort of enjoyment from it. For many, of course, this is Eric Clapton at his best. It kicks off with the bluesy rock power of Cocaine, one of the most authentic Clapton tracks on here.
Wonderful Tonight is what it is - schmaltzy, over-played on the mainstream radio but at the same time impossibly appealing. I always enjoy it, even though I have heard it so many times. Lay Down Sally is a fetching piece of upbeat country rock, as indeed is the soulful shuffle of Next Time You See Her, which does have some great guitar on it.
We're All The Way is so laid-back it is almost comatose, however. It has a lovely, deep bass intro and a nonchalant, tranquil vocal from Clapton and some nice backing vocals from Yvonne Elliman (or maybe Marcy Levy, I am not sure). Marcy Levy certainly takes semi-lead vocals on the rocky, extended workout that is The Core. This track features some of the best guitar on the album. It is the one track that really gives us some essential Clapton (or was it Terry?). Either way, it is packed full of musical brilliance across the board - great saxophone and organ parts as well as guitar. It rocks, big time. Clearly the standout for me, but I suspect not for many. May You Never is a nice, steady, melodic slice of country-ish rock with another lazily effective Clapton vocal and a strong hook.
Mean Old Frisco has always been one of my favourites - big, potent and bluesy. This is what Clapton does best, let’s be honest, not Wonderful Tonight. This is proper Eric Clapton. Peaches And Diesel is an effortless and enjoyable instrumental to finish the album off. I have never been too happy with the various remasterings of this album over the years, finding it always a bit muffled and low, volume-wise. However, listening to the 35th Anniversary one again now it sounds fine - a nice full bass and a bit of necessary punch. Maybe I am just using a better system now. The live stuff that comes with the 35th Anniversary “deluxe edition” is excellent and well worth having.
