Release date: November 1970
Singles: Tell the Truth, Layla, Bell Bottom Blues
Derek and the Dominos only album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, was inspired by the beautiful Pattie Boyd. The only problem was that she was married at the time to "Derek's" best friend, George Harrison.
Musically, this album is about as good as it gets if you love listening to people play the guitar at a high level. That's because in addition to Eric Clapton, Duane Allman is on the album. Even if you don't like love songs, which obviously most of these songs are, you can't help but marvel at these two doing what they do best. It's really something special.
Back to the inspiration for the album. While "Derek" may be a pretty weak pseudonym for Eric, he was at least wise enough not to go with his original title "Mattie." His boldest move on the album was choosing to include a cover of Billy Myles's "Have You Ever Loved a Woman," which is explicitly about being in love with your best friend's wife. I have to believe that George was a little suspicious. I imagine their conversation after listening to this song going a little like this:
GEORGE: My sweet lord! Are you trying to tell me something, Eric?
ERIC: What are you talking about?
GEORGE: Are you in love with Pattie? You know, there's something in the way you look at her. She's I, me, MINE, Eric. So, get back!
ERIC: Mate, I didn't even write the song! It's a cover! Duane wanted to put it on the album.
GEORGE: Ok, but if I find out you're lying, it'll really hurt me! You'll find me on Blue Jay Way playing my guitar while I gently weep.
ERIC: Trust me, mate, Lay-, er, Pattie and I are just friends.
Rating: 8 thumbs up - A great album and a must have for any Clapton fan. Perfect for listening to in the car or at a party, especially if your best friend's girl is there and you're trying to seduce her.
Now here is "Why Do Love Songs Got to Be So Sad," which is surprisingly upbeat.
Pat is crazy.
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