Eric Clapton - Timepieces (1982)

This 7x platinum greatest hits CD arrived at my doorstep as a nice gift from a faithful reader (Thanks, bud - you know who you are). As I popped it into the tray and began listening, it seemed very familiar and for good reason as it is almost identical to this compilation that's been on my shelf for at least 10 years. No complaints here, though. If a little bit is good, more must be better, right?

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #101
• Billboard Pop CD: #30
• CashBox: #92

Tracks: All tracks are the same until we get to tracks 8 &10. This album has Willie & The Hand Jive and Swing Low Sweet Chariot, the 2004 release subs Bell Bottom Blues and Let It Rain, respectively. In my book, that gives the slight advantage to the 2004 release.

1982

2004

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: Obviously, same as here. And Layla is still the best.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)
The Best Of (2004)

Eric Clapton - The Best Of (2004)

This compilation focuses on Clapton's work in the '70s, with 9 solo cuts and 2 tracks from Derek and the Dominoes. Almost, but not quite, a reissue of Clapton's 1982 compilation, Timepieces. The sound is sometimes muddy; I don't think there was any remastering done for this release. All in all, though, this is good enough for a casual Clapton fan like myself.

Tracks: Layla is one of my all-time favorite songs, so it is easily my favorite on this compilation. I also like After Midnight, Wonderful Tonight, Knockin' On Heaven's Door, Cocaine, and Bell Bottom Blues. I'll skip Promises and Let It Grow.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: The coda from Layla now reminds me of the movie Goodfellas which was robbed of the Best Picture Oscar in 1990 by Dances With Wolves (ed. note - Dances With Wolves?!? Seriously?). Cocaine (the song, not the drug) reminds me of high school "victory dances" held at the BC Service Center after home football games. It seemed normal, even expected, at the time, but now it seems a strange choice since Cocaine isn't much of a dance song. Any teenagers that were using cocaine in high school wouldn't have been at a victory dance.

Previously revisited for the blog:
Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Eric Clapton - Me and Mr. Johnson (2004)

Slowhand pays tribute to legendary Mississippi Delta bluesman Robert Johnson by recording 14 of his songs. And you've heard of many musicians that he put together for a backing group: Doyle Bramhall II, Nathan East, Steve Gadd, and Billy Preston. Clapton puts a modern touch on some of the songs while going for straight covers on others. He sounds comfortable and you can tell he and the band are having a good time. Warning: don't listen too closely to Johnson's lyrics. They can be dark and chilling at times as if he knew he would die an early death (i.e., Hell Hound On My Trail).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #6 (April 17, 2004)

Tracks: If I had to pick some favorites, I'd lean towards When You Got A Good Friend, Traveling Riverside Blues, Milkcow's Calf Blues, If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day, and 32-20 Blues. They're Red Hot is a fun ragtime piece.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: I remember listening to this on James' back porch on 7th Street on a hot, summer night. Those were good times.

Blog post #150