Still making my way through the alphabet, here.  I’m up to Eric Clapton.

• Eric Clapton – This is the eponymous debut as a leader, on Atco.  I love that label.  It’s nice l’il record, and stars some amazing 1970s musicians, like Leon Russell, the writing team of Delaney and Bonnie, and Rita Coolidge.  This record also features an early hit, “After Midnight.”
• No Reason to Cry – Lots of nice things about this record; great playing, excellent mix, nice tunes.  I will confess that I don’t like the drum sound that much, and especially don’t like the fills on “Innocent Times,” because there’s something about a slow 12/8 that can bring out the worst in a rock drummer.  But I love “Sign Language” because Bob Dylan is just way too awesome.  And I also love “Hello Old Friend,” but mostly because the background vocals are incredible, and I’m thinking that’s because of Marcy Levy, who makes Slowhand worthwhile…
• Slowhand – Man, I never liked that tune “Cocaine,” I just never did.  This record is a Marcy Levy classic – I love saying that because I only started paying attention to her singing a few years ago, and noticed that every time you hear her voice on this record, and other Clapton records especially, she just makes the tune.
• Backless – Both Slowhand and Backless have great, classic, fantastic rock drumming.  Some nifty slide guitar playing on this here record.  Also, Marcy Levy rules on “Promises.”

Best, R.