Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Boulevard

Sunny Florida Blues

I don't really remember where I first got this, just that I first heard it when I was a teenager. Prior to this, I had only read about Clapton - the legendary British guitar slinger whose fans had spray-painted "Clapton is God" on an Underground station during his tenure with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers and who was commonly viewed as `right up there' with Jimi Hendrix and other A list guitarists.

461 Ocean Boulevard didn't really sound like that guy - or at least not like what I imagine that guy would sound like. It's groovy, funky, low-key but energetic, and it has the energy of a great ensemble record, not a self-absorbed solo effort by a guitar god. Recorded in Miami in 1974, the title refers to the address of Clapton's residence there during that period.

I think this music has held up very well over the years - it's a kind of bluesy rock masterpiece that shows Clapton's wide-ranging musical interests. Long before punk made it de rigueur to have reggae influences, this record features the famous version of "I Shot the Sheriff." Other standouts are Elmore James' "I Can't Hold Out," Robert Johnson's "Steady Rolling Man" and Johnny Otis' "Willie and the Hand Jive."

I love the subtleties in this: how Clapton's guitar is always the most tasteful thing you've ever heard - not too flashy, not too subdued, not too distorted; how Clapton's voice - often a point of discussion, but actually quite strong here - blends with Yvonne Elliman's (and the band's) background vocals. 461 Ocean Boulevard is a perfect demonstration of what was great about classic rock when it was firmly rooted in its rock `n roll and r&b roots. January 7, 2009

EAT ANOTHER PEACH ;)

Just as Songs in the Key of Life is perhaps, several years after the fact, a monumental classic that Stevie Wonder has not yet been able to equal in his subsequent recordings, the same can be said for 461 Ocean Boulevard relative to the latter forthcomings of none other than the immortal blues guitarist, Mr. Eric Clapton.

Released in 1974, 461 Ocean Boulevard was an unparalleled landmark album in its own right. Thanks to the inclusion of the number one hit cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff", it is possibly the primary catalyst to the never-before-witnessed international stage of multiplatinum-selling reggae artists, the first and most famous being Mr. Marley himself. Also, it is arguably the release that not only recharged but also supercharged a career that, with a future in doubt as a result of prior drug addictions and band dissolutions, especially Derek and the Dominos, would turn out to be prolific and enduring.

Other tracks include the great introduction, "Motherless Children", with Clapton's trademark guitar work as well as the top 40 "Willie and the Hand Jive". Also contained is the staple "Let It Grow". Throughout the release is the presence of a backing vocalist who would attain stardom some three years later with the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack release. Who is this person? It is none other than Yvonne Elliman, who would have her only number one hit with the Bee Gees' "If I Can't Have You".

In sum, questions likely had arisen prior to 1974 as to whether there would even be several Clapton projects ahead, what with the untimely deaths of close friends and fellow guitar greats, Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman. Fortunately, Clapton is still around. Though his works from the mid-1970s onward, from an artistic standpoint, might not quite match the masterpiece that is 461 Ocean Boulevard, his decisions to kick the drug habits and to maintain his legacy as a performer who continues to inspire present and future artists are personal triumphs that are far more important than any one particular work of art.
December 24, 2008

Steady Rollin' Clapton

I thought Clapton's work during the '70s couldn't get any better than Derek and the Dominoes, but I was wrong. 461 Ocean Blvd. is a great mix of traditional blues like Robert Johnson's "Steady Rollin' Man" and the opening track, "Motherless Children" is a beautiful collage of distorted blues guitars(George Terry with Clapton). "Motherless Children" should be played on classic rock stations alot more than it is.

The album also features Clapton's hits like "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Let It Grow" but it dips into unknown funky tracks like "Get Ready" and "I Can't Hold Out". It's acoustic leanings on "Give Me Strength" and "Please Be With Me" are great to listen to because you get to hear Clapton alone on guitar, probably where his blues roots began. September 17, 2008

What a comeback!

One of Eric's best recordings. Should be listened to in a hammock under the warm sun with a good beer in one's hand. Great guitar playing mixed with a laid back, mellow feel in the groove. Terrific stuff. April 22, 2008

clapton's studio album

You remember back in the 70's when it seemed like side one of a record always contained the most memorable songs? Well in this case it's the second side that has the best songs, specifically the final three- the emotionally brilliant "Let it Grow" with its ending you don't want to EVER end, the funky and bluesy "Steady Rollin' Man", and the poppy goodness that is "Mainline Florida". People can take their "I Shot the Sheriff" but it's NOT the best song on the album. Remember- hit songs don't equal best songs. Never has and never will. March 30, 2008

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