ALBUM: Layla and other assorted love songs (1970),
MVC Ranking: 5.0/$$$$
This is one of my all-time favorites, a true desert island album. I don’t know why this was so big an influence at about age 16. It was blues by a bunch of white guys who were reportedly PUI (playing under the influence).
But they weren’t just any guys off the street. They were Eric Clapton, whose transmogrification of black blues through his decidedly English filter earned him the nickname: God.
Then there was the 23-year-old guitar prodigy Duane Allman, already being whispered about in reverent terms whose time would end tragically a year or so later. The mythology was the he ran into the back of a truck hauling peaches. And that’s why the Allmans named the next album was entitled ‘Eat a Peach.’ The truth however was that he c
There also was the slightly obnoxious and opinionated Bobby Whitlock, a fine keyboardist, songwriter and singer. And carrying the bottom, drums and bass, were Jim Gordon and Carl Radle, among the best in the business. Clapton and Allman particularly were at a crossroads in their careers. Clapton zooming through the Yardbirds, Cream and Blind Faith. And Duane just getting ready for the spotlight in his familial band from Jacksonville, FL. and Macon, GA, the Allman Brothers.
They came together, looking for some kind of light. Clapton and Allman, who had never met, hit it off, personally and professionally.
The result a blues album of original material and some great classic blues like Big Bill Broonzy’s ‘Key to the Highway,’ and Billy Myles’ ‘Have You Ever Loved a Woman’ (popularized by Freddie King). And a nice cover of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Little Wing,’ a relatively new song at the time.
‘Bell Bottom Blues’ ached. ‘Why Does Love Have to be So Sad’ whip-snapped stinging guitar over Whitlock’s and Clapton’s alternating shouts of anguish. ‘I Am Yours’ consoled.
And of course there was Layla, a rocket launched by the twin guitars of Allman and Clapton, a rocker of break-up love, the pain boiling over and anger surfacing.
When your old man had let you down.
Like a fool, I fell in love with you,
Turned my whole world upside down.
Layla, I’m begging, darling please.
Counting down my 678 vinyl records before I die of brain disease.