It’s interesting that a Clapton band pops up right after I’ve been discussing the merits of cover songs in the previous album. My impression of Clapton is varied - he’s revealed problematic views on race in the past, while he’s built an entire career based on blues and rock guitar he learned from Black artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Chuck Berry (not to mention Bob Marley, later). He also does a lot of covers and blues standards. And last but certainly not least, I’ve always loved his music. I grew up on Clapton, before the days of social media and instant information, with no idea about the controversies in his life. I didn’t even learn about that mess until I read his autobiography, which obviously portrays him in a sympathetic light.

I haven’t sorted out my feelings about how to treat problematic artists. For now, I’m proceeding with the strategy to separate art from artist, as I did with Michael Jackson in Issue 5. I’ll write something about that eventually, and I’ll reserve the right to change my mind later like any rational human being can. But for now, we’ll focus on the songs, especially since this is an entire band’s work, not just Clapton’s.

The music is among my favorites of this era, mostly because this album was one I learned to play guitar with. I’ve probably played that opening lick to “Sunshine Of Your Love” a million times in my parents basement, and this album was a doorway to the blues in general for me. There are several classic songs that have a special place in my heart.

Jams

“Strange Brew”
“Sunshine Of Your Love”
“Tales Of Brave Ulysses”
“SWLABR”

Originally part of Understanding My Musical Taste With... Data!.