Eric Clapton – Slowhand: 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Polydor
www.ericclapton.com

Rating: A

Hard to believe it has been over three decades since Eric Clapton first blasted out the opening chords to the JJ Cale tune “Cocaine.”  Clapton’s version became an instant hit in the wild, wacky and snort-filled 1970’s.  The tune took his solo career over the top and he has never looked back.  

Slowhand, however, is much more than one song.  Who can forget Marcy Levy’s performance on “The Core”--the song is a rhythmic dynamo.  Clapton’s bluesy swagger was in full tilt on “Lay Down Sally” and who didn’t pull their special lady close when “Wonderful Tonight” came on the radio?  The Deluxe version also contains four bonus tracks, “Alberta,” “Looking at the Rain,” “Greyhound Bus” and “Stars, Strays and Ashtrays.” 

A second bonus disc contains nine songs from a 1977 concert Clapton performed at London’s Hammersmith Odeon and includes live versions of several of his classic tunes, including “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”  Also included are great songs from his other bands including “Badge” by Cream, “Can’t Find My Way Home” from Blind Faith and “Layla” from Derek & the Dominoes.  

If you need more, there is also a Super Deluxe version that contains even more songs.  This one, however, should suffice for most and the two-disc set on www.amazon.com price tag of under twenty bucks is a steal.  

By Jeb Wright