Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (deluxe edition, 40th anniversary)

by

Derek & The Dominos

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Two discs-76,57 minutes each approximately. The sound is clean and open-better than past editions, and world's away better than the original, muddy, vinyl release. The discs snap inside the usual fold-out holder like other Deluxe Editions, except there's no protective plastic sleeve this time around. The booklet has information about the band, the songs-who plays on what, and includes period photos-you've probably already seen the two-page photo-collage from the original gate-fold album. This edition is for people who don't have the original version of this album from just a few years ago, as far as sound quality, but there are slight differences-listeners will have to decide for themselves.

The first disc is taken up with the original 2 LP album. By now most people, if not at least familiar with the music, have owned a copy for many years. Also by now, most people know the story behind the album-Clapton's intense playing, and the frustrated, heart broken vocals because of his love for his friend, George Harrison's wife. Nothing really needs to be said about these songs-they speak for themselves. But it's interesting that when the album was originally released, it didn't create much excitement. At the time people actually did ask-"Does Clapton play on this album"? "Is he a sideman"? "Whose Derek"? Well, it didn't take long before several songs became popular through radio play, and the album to be hailed a classic.

The second disc is where things get interesting. After playing on "All Things Must Pass", Clapton decided that Phil Spector should produce a new album Clapton was going to record. But the single (included here) "Tell The Truth", along with "Roll It Over" was quickly withdrawn by the band. Hearing these sides it's fairly apparent that Spector wasn't the right choice for the album. Several tracks from the aborted second album are also here. While they have their moments, the absence of catalyst Duane Allman on guitar is telling. The sound and feel is very different-Clapton needed a good , fiery player to spark him into playing his best. I was lucky enough to hear the band live, and the difference without Allman was very apparent. There were exciting moments, but that initial fire was all but gone. At times Clapton sounded bored-as if he had tuned up and tuned out.

"Mean Old World", an old blues workhorse, is here with both Clapton and Allman laying into the tune on acoustic guitars, which is a highlight (of several) on this disc. It's another instance where the rapport between the two guitarists is apparent. Allman was a good acoustic blues player, and here his style blends with Clapton's into an almost intuitive rendition of this great old song. It's too bad that there aren't any other similar tunes, Clapton's world weary vocals, and the simple drum beat keeping time is a good combination. If you own the 3 disc anniversary set, you know this tune already, but it's still a great version.

The two versions of "Got To Get Better In A Little While" are interesting, and fill in a gap in the group's discography. The jam version is just that-loose and fluid. The finished version (Bobby Whitlock went back into the studio to flesh out and complete the tune) is simply a more polished sounding song. This great tune has always been popular, and both versions are very worthwhile.

But, arguably, the best tracks on this disc are from Johnny Cash's TV show. During it's run, Cash had a number of good musical guests, besides his own performances. I still remember the excitement of hearing different generations of great musicians launch into "Matchbox" (especially), and hearing the core band playing that night. The excitement of the performances could almost be felt through the TV. Johnny Cash with his own show? Clapton as a musical guest? Too much! Many people (like me) have hoped and waited that this great music would get a good, legitimate release. All the excitement, the history, and the dueling musicians, plus the original band's performance (and seeing Cash in an atypical white, frilly-cuffed shirt), mark this batch of songs as another highlight on this edition.

With now many years of hindsight, the band (originally called "Del and the Dominos") came together in one of those rare moments. The combination of a fully seasoned rhythm section, a fiery yet sensitive guitarist like Allman, good songs (both by the band and outsiders), and Clapton's unrequited love for a woman he thought he could never have, produced a classic album. With Allman to play off of, Clapton's playing soared to heights of near abandon, with Allman matching him note for note. His obsession for Harrison's wife sharpened his writing, singing, and playing skills like never before. Clapton has said that Allman was the musical brother he never had. Their intuitive playing made the band come alive. The first disc is a classic. The second disc shows what the band sounded like without Allman, and the fact that Clapton was losing interest in the band. But there are a number of gems-the acoustic tune, the Cash TV tracks, even the versions of "Got To Get Better In A Little While", are all exciting, important additions to the original album. This is one "Deluxe Edition" that's worth owning in it's entirety, especially if you don't own a previous edition that's been remastered.