Eric Clapton Slowhand 35th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition 美版（DVD 《ISO1.7G》演唱会 [DVD

Slowhand is Eric’s most successful solo album from the ’70’s, and not without good reason, although as the first 3 tracks became hit singles and live set staples, it developed something of a ‘Greatest Hits’ feel – “Cocaine”, “Wonderful Tonight” and “Lay Down Sally” became so familiar that the numbers which follow seemed to be eclipsed and the album started to sound unbalanced (unlike on its original release). 35 years on, this expanded double-disc edition is a welcome opportunity to revisit what remains one of his best-selling albums, having now had the ‘deluxe’ treatment.

Disc 1 includes 3 previously unreleased out-takes from the album sessions, along with a solo version of “Alberta”, which appeared on Blues. These are all interesting tracks but, as with most out-takes, the reason they didn’t appear on the original album is that they just weren’t as good as those that did. An interesting listen none-the-less. Actually, I like “Stars, Strays And Ashtrays” and can’t help picturing Eric singing it sitting at a lonely bar in the deep south (Baton Rouge, not Bexhill-on-Sea).

Disc 2 is billed as the “Best of” Clapton’s live set from the Hammersmith Odeon (27/4/77). For most, the main reason for wanting to have this Deluxe Edition will probably be the 5 previously unreleased tracks, “Steady Rollin’ Man”, “Can’t Find My Way Home”, “Badge”, “I Shot The Sheriff” and “Layla”. “Steady Rollin’ Man” – one of my favourite numbers from 461 Ocean Boulevard – really rocks, although Eric’s main solo sometimes promises more than it delivers. Ironically, one of the Highlights of this set is when Clapton hands over to Yvonne Elliman, for a deeply moving “Can’t Find My Way Home”. Listeners of a nervous disposition are warned that “I Shot The Sheriff” descends alarmingly into a lengthy drum solo (apologies to Jamie Oldaker and appreciative drummers everywhere!). “Layla” is Eric’s ‘first half’ version without the keyboard ending and “Badge” really rocks too.