Today Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is considered Eric Clapton's best work. However, at the time that this double album debut by Derek and the Dominos came out it was considered both a commercial and critical failure. Clapton met fellow Derek and the Dominos band members Bobby Whitlock (keyboards), Carl Radle (bass) and Jim Gordon (drums) when working with Delaney & Bonnie. Whitlock and Clapton got together at Clapton's house and composed most of what would become the original songs on the Layla al...
Today Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is considered Eric Clapton's best work. However, at the time that this double album debut by Derek and the Dominos came out it was considered both a commercial and critical failure. Clapton met fellow Derek and the Dominos band members Bobby Whitlock (keyboards), Carl Radle (bass) and Jim Gordon (drums) when working with Delaney & Bonnie. Whitlock and Clapton got together at Clapton's house and composed most of what would become the original songs on the Layla album.
The name Derek and the Dominos was chosen by Eric Clapton because he was tired of the supergroup approach to music and did not want his fame to overshadow the band. Derek and the Dominos played a lot of small clubs in England in August, then went to Miami to record the studio album.
The group met up with Duane Allman in Miami, and Allman and Clapton struck up a close friendship from the start. Allman would record on 11 of the 14 songs on the album.
Most know that the song Layla was inspired by Clapton's infatuation with Pattie Boyd Harrison, George Harrison's wife. In truth, many of the songs on the Layla album were performed with Pattie Boyd in mind.
Unfortunately this double album is the only record these musicians would make together. Clapton would struggle with drug addiction and depression for several years afterward, and Allman would die in a tragic accident in 1971. The reputation of this album would grow over time, however, and is iconic today.
Bell Bottom Blues
This song was the first single, and was written by Clapton and Whitlock. The inspiration for the song was that Pattie Boyd had asked Clapton to get her a pair of bell-bottom blue jeans while he was in the United States.
It's Too Late
The album contains five covers including this blues song originally benned by Chuck Willis in 1956. Clapton and Whitlock trade off on vocals, and guitar work is from Eric Clapton and Duane Allman. The song would be performed on Derek and the Dominos' only TV appearance, on the Johnny Cash Show in January 1971.
Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad
You can hear a terrific jam between Clapton and Allman on guitar in this song. It swings from A minor on the verses to D major on the chorus. Whitlock and Clapton trade off vocal work.
Layla
This signature track was inspired by a 12th century tale called “The Story of Layla and Majnun.” It is about a young man who falls hopelessly in love with a young girl only to be rebuffed by her father because of his obsession with her. Clapton of course identified with the story of hopeless love because of his feelings toward Pattie Boyd Harrison.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “The Goodies”
This offbeat comedy series premiered in the UK in this month.
STAFF PICKS:
Share the Land by the Guess Who
Brian starts off the staff picks with the title track from the Guess Who's seventh studio album, and the first after the departure of guitarist Randy Bachman. The lyrics reflect the growing popularity of the environmental movement. Burton Cummings wrote this song and sings lead.
Cherryhill Park by Billy Joe Royal
Wayne brings us a story song about a young girl named Mary Hill who “was a thrill after dark in Cherryhill Park.” The thrills end when Mary Hill marries a rich man. Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia.
Montego Bay by Bobby Bloom
Rob finds an early reggae-influenced rock song. Bobby Bloom and Jeff Berry wrote this one-hit wonder. It made it to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadly, Bobby Bloom died in 1974 at the age of 28.
Somebody's Been Sleeping in My Bed by 100 Proof (Aged in Soul)
Bruce's staff pick comes from the songwriting team of Holland-Dozier Holland after they left Motown Records to set up a separate label. This song about discovering evidence of infidelity went to number 8 on the US pop charts, and was 100 Proof's biggest hit
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Overture by the Who
In the tradition of symphonic music, the Who began their rock opera Tommy with this overture.
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