Album Review: Derek and the Dominos - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)

Eric Clapton is one of the better known guitarists among casual music listeners out there.  Along with his famous solo career, he has been part of a number of different bands, such as the Yardbirds and in particular, Cream.  But his best work was never found in any of those - if you want to hear Eric Clapton at his finest, forget his solo work, forget his work with Cream.  Instead, pick yourself up a copy (or check it out on Spotify or some other music streaming service) of his 1970 magnum opus, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek and the Dominos.  "Tears in Heaven", "Lay Down Sally" and "Wonderful Tonight" can all be put on the back-burner while you appreciate the brilliance of this initially neglected, but wonderfully made record.  Critics love it.  Fans love it (and even more people loved it when they finally figured out that it was Clapton's band).  I love it.  I longed for a chance to write up on this album, and now I have that chance.  The funny thing about this album is that it goes against a number of things that I look for in a great album - consistent tempo, relative brevity are two examples of what I prefer in a good album.  But this album flies in the face of these and still sounds like a million dollars.  This album takes its time - many of the fourteen songs here run longer than 5 minutes.  But I can appreciate that, because this album is truly a labor of love.  It feels as if has been crafted, not made or merely recorded.  It was destined to be a masterpiece, come hell or high water.  And it is.  Every songs sound like Clapton is playing with passion, and he is.  My favorite here is a neat rendition of Hendrix's "Little Wing", followed by "Bell Bottom Blues", "Layla" and the very bluesy, "Key to the Highway."  In fact the only track I would willingly skip here is the final track, "Thorn Tree in the Garden."  Otherwise, it's bloody excellent.  A+