Album Review: Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

[kenberman]

Released in 1970, this was the only studio album ever released by Derek and The Dominoes. Despite receiving only lukewarm critical reviews at release, it has become the piece de resistance of Eric Clapton’s (‘Derek’s’) career. Most of the material was inspired by Clapton’s love for Patti Harrison. This album features not only the supremely talented Clapton at the height of his powers, but also the slide guitar and blues virtuoso Duane Allman (founding member of the Allman Brothers Band). Most importantly, the interplay between these 2 legends creates an album that showcases the power and beauty of the guitar, as much as any album ever released.

Despite what you may think because of the title, this album did not achieve immediate financial success. The now famous track “Layla” was re-released as a single in 1972, achieving far greater sales than it had in 1970. Of the other 13 tracks, 4 are covers, and none are particularly radio friendly, with an average length of over 5 minutes. Allman actually was not a founding member of the band, and 3 tracks had already been recorded by the time he joined: "I Looked Away", "Bell Bottom Blues" and "Keep On Growing". Of the remaining 11 songs, “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad” stands out as the best example of the Clapton/Allman talent, raw energy, and interplay that this album allowed them to showcase. Simply put, it a song you’ll want to play at the highest volume your speakers allow, with the neighbors not around.

Heavy blues notes, combined with soulful lyrics, are evident in “Anyday”, “Have You Ever Loved a Woman”, and “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”. Listen to “Little Wing” (the bands tribute to fellow prodigy Jimi Hendrix) with your eyes closes, and you can picture a clear vision of the band jamming and singing on stage like no band before ever had.

Sadly, Hendrix would pass away just 8 days after the band recorded the tribute song, news which devastated Clapton. One year later, Allman would be killed in a motorcycle accident. The band would never be the same, and they soon split up amid a haze of booze and heroin.

Although this group did not pass the test of time, their lone studio album certainly does. It is a nearly flawless album, and a necessary part of any Rock collection. Download or buy this album today, play it through from beginning to end, and you will have a new favorite for your playlist.

[TheBlueMonster]

Great album. Good review, but weak closing paragraph.

[TJSWAN]

Well said. I have owned this album for over 20 years. ( yes I have it on Vinyl [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]) If you can look through all the pictures inside you can see one where they are passing the joint around. I know Clapton once said that they got all of their " party" supplies through a connection at the local news stand. Good times.


Tim

[kenberman]

[ QUOTE ]
Great album. Good review, but weak closing paragraph.

[/ QUOTE ]
yeah, I was rushed there at the end