Eric Clapton - Slowhand

Clapton had already established himself as a guitar legend by the time he released Slowhand. His heroin habit long behind him, Clapton's songwriting mastery was fully evident on the album, particularly in the stunning ballad "Wonderful Tonight." It fully actualized all of the potential hinted at in his earlier "Promises," and Clapton trusted himself enough to slow things down. Some of his most expressive guitar work can be found throughout this album, not just within "Wonderful." Ironically enough, Slowhand is probably best known for the hit "Cocaine." Built upon a simple repeated riff, the song had Clapton's trademark smooth voice with its wear around the edges, and yet another stellar guitar solo. Flashy runs and licks were never the most integral part of Clapton's catalog, his blues background being the primary source for his sound. Slowhand, with its phrasings, both guitar and vocal, established Clapton as the possessor of one of the most extensive vocabularies in rock. --Steve Gdula Amazon.com essential recording

Slowhand?

One of the most beautiful collections of Mr. Slowhand's work. Digitaly remastered, but still has this special kind of "vintage" sound... In one word: Beautiful August 12, 2008

SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE!

This was Eric Clapton's most popular recording and with good reason. Often Clapton's recordings suffer from a lack of consistency and a shortage of good material. On "Slowhand" the filler, although it still exists, is kept to a minimum making it one of Clapton's best records.

Classic Clapton originals like "Wonderful Tonight", "Lay Down Sally", the instrumental "Peaches and Diesel" and the 8 1/2 minute "The Core" lie alongside some classic covers like the JJ Cale penned "Cocaine", the melodic "May You Never" and the blues romp of Arthur Crudup's "Mean Old Frisco".

If you're new to Clapton and looking for a starting point for his solo material, "Slowhand" or "461 Ocean Boulevard" are the places to start. April 23, 2008

Clapton got the right address

I have to confess that, while I love Clapton, his albums are often a hit-and-miss affair. And I can't say I am a fan of the numerous recent blues tribute albums he has put out lately. For me I enjoy his work with Cream, his guest work, his first few albums, the one he recorded with The Band, a few older live albums, and bits of the Phil Collins-produced record in the early 80s. After that it's a fall-off, but I am thankful for all the great music he has turned out over the years. this cd is a must and quality sound is perfect.
April 15, 2008

Eric Clapton is what he is

There are artists who simply are the genre. Eric Clapton is one of those artists. In other venues I have read some pretty stinging comments about him, his morality, his abilities and so on. Frankly, I think there is no finer blues rocker alive or dead.

This album illustrates what a virtuoso is. He carries it all the way from We're Going Wrong on Disraeli Gears to We're All The Way to Steady Rollin' Man.

This fella does the Blues. Others do too but Eric Clapton DOES THE BLUES and Slowhand is one of his best. January 12, 2008

"The Core" of the matter is worth owning 3.5 stars!

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.

November 1977 saw the release of Clapton's "Slowhand" record. Those that were not enamored with the material joked the title is the problem." The other side finding no humor with the statement quickly pointed out "Slowhand" is a nickname. The grizzled Clapton veteran fan always longs for the guitar hero sound however found strong contentment with "461 Ocean Boulevard" because of the varied musical styles, flashes of the past, and lyrical content. "Slowhand" offered them diversification but a smaller percentage of the flashback to yesterday. If Clapton failed to bring along the old crew for the ride, the bus was overflowed with a new era of fan. You didn't have to travel too far in any city to hear the tunes coming from the fifth floor, the teenagers boom box, or the cassette player in the car. The album was exceptionally friendly for FM radio. How so?

While riding high on the charts five of the LP's tunes (The first four in succession and The Core) saw constant Album Rock airplay-Cocaine, Wonderful Tonight, Lay Down Sally, Next Time You See Her, and The Core.

J.J. Cale's "Cocaine" starts the festivities. Clapton covers the song well and the memorable riff has never left the play list of FM radio. "Wonderful Tonight" at the time paid homage to his then wife Pattie Boyd Harrison Clapton. The lyrics are stunning for the beauty. The criticism E.C. received was for making it more of a singer-songwriter tune than a Clapton composition. "Lay Down Sally" was not only penned by Clapton but Marcy Levy, and George Terry (Guitar). A middle of the road result gave this an opportunity to be heard on many non Album Rockers. "Next Time You See Her" is a hybrid of folk and country. There is a tremendous line in the tune that would foreshadow the eventual divorce "She got everything including my old car." The Don Williams song "We're All The Way" is the most overlooked of the albums contents. Mellow in construction, it gives the listener a superlative Clapton vocal. "The Core" has some interesting background. It was actually co-written by Marcy Levy and is the one tune that even the harshest critic of "Slowhand" never faulted. Clocking in at almost nine minutes it opened the eyes wide when the old rocker checked out the material. It would never harm inclusion on any Clapton solo record. The up-tempo rocker has Clapton and band holding our attention through every second. John Martyn (Opened for Clapton on one of the 1970's tours) penned the next tune "May You Never." It blends country and folk for a pleasing result. Arthur Crudup is credited for the blues based "Mean Old Frisco." Mid-tempo with E.C. playing the blues for four minutes plus. The ride ends with "Peaches And Diesel." Next time you have this on the CD Player listen to some of the instrumental portions similarity to "Wonderful Tonight."

If you keep an open ear as the last note is finalized, there is a good chance you can find enough material to digest. The newcomer may like this solo effort by Clapton the most of any. The older crowd hasn't tired of "Cocaine", The Core" and Mean Old Frisco."

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"
August 27, 2007

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