Book Description
The world is a breathtakingly big place, and in this big book we have undertaken the big task of detailing as much of it as we can - every single country, many of the larger dependencies and other, smaller destinations. With the traveler's experience at its heart, this book shows a slice of life in every corner of the globe, and all points in between, engaging the reader's senses in an adventure which conjures up the sights, smells, tastes, sounds and feel of our amazing world.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic for Reference or Coffee Table.......2007-07-07
I am taking my teenager on a backpacking trip around the world, and this obviously requires a bit of research. I have to admit that I have done most of this in the bookstores, sitting with a book such as this one, and taking notes.
This book, this massive tome, though, kept calling to me every time I went in. I came up with a justification for buying it easily enough - it will look great on the coffee table! (And it does)
It impresses in several ways
1- The breadth - every country in the world - every single one - has a 2 page spread. (Only thing left out are the micronations, but don't worry, LP has a separate book just for them!)
2 - The pictures - in true LP fashion, the photos are stunning views into another place, a different culture, often taken from an angle you don't expect.
3 - The information - concise, accurate, up-to-date. Included are little bits you won't easily find elsewhere, like how much for a cup of coffee, or the best things to shop for, or unexpected experiences one may find just off the beaten path. Of course, you will also find the essential bits of history and culture to help you get a feel for the place.
I find my self turning to it time and again as I research our trip - it gives me just enough info to know if I want to further investigate a place, or if I should just leave it to armchair travel. This book, by the way, is the ultimate guide for the armchair traveller!
My son has used it for school projects. When he had to write a paper on Africa that included 5 different countries, this is the book he used to determine which countries to research.
Also, it really does look FANTASTIC on your coffee table! Your friends will pick it up as soon as they sit down - you'll see. It is such a large and gorgeous book, and at such a crazy cheap price, there's little risk here.
If your considering buying it, go ahead, you will be happy to own it. And your friends will be glad you own it, too!
Great Gift Idea.......2007-07-03
I have given this book as a gift (appreciation, birthday, etc) a number of times and each time the receipient has LOVED it!
travel book.......2007-06-28
i absolutely love this book. it's great to learn a little bit about each country in the world. it has fantastic pictures. great for the world traveler or the person that likes to dream about the world!
This is my favorite photography travel book ever........2007-06-10
I am so happy I decided to buy this. It helps me understand what other parts of the world are like the people and land. Places I never even knew existed. I have a better understand and Idea of what the world is like now. I have even become very interested in learning about other places and to visit them. It is my first resource to picking a place to go on vacation. This is a great resource if you want ideas for places to travel. My only complaint is that I wish the book listed a little more practical information on each country. They dont tell much about the countries. Also I would highly recommend purchasing the hardcover edition as the paper back in this book is so large that it quickly became unglued from the spine. Definatly get this book if you are curious about places of the world or if want to glimpse into all the countries looking for places to visit. I didnt know how many choices there are. The photographs are wonderful and real of what daily life is really like in each country. Not like the romantic touristy photos in other books. This is really healpful because you dont just see all the beautiful good places in a country. You get to see the reality wich is really helpful when choosing a vacation destination. I only give 4 stars because of the lack of information provided on each country is very small.
Great dream starter.......2007-05-14
This is a beautiful coffee-table sized book that gives the reader a "taste" of every country in the world. As a traveler, I love the pictures and the opportunity to learn about countries I read and hear about. It'a a great introduction and the references to movies, books and movies about the country are helpful too.
Book Description
This definitive look at the British blues explosion centers around three guitarists: Peter Green, Mick Taylor, and especially Eric Clapton. Describing the groups they played in from 1965 to 1970 - including John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Blind Faith and the Rolling Stones - the book is presented in an engaging day-by-day format. With a wealth of illustrations and never-before-published details, the book reveals the way the musicians behind the blues boom worked together, influenced each other, and pushed one another to ever greater achievements.
Customer Reviews:
An important volume for guitar geeks.......2007-09-17
Full disclosure: I am a guitar geek. I was the guy at sock hops who'd sit by the record player, not dancing, reading the liner notes (remember those?), and dreaming of stardom.
What Christopher Hjort has accomplished with this volume is nothing less than amazing - a day-by-day accounting of concerts, club gigs, recording sessions, photo sessions, BBC broadcasts and even informal rehearsals by the movers and shakers of the blossoming British Blues scene. For the five years covered in this book, the careers of John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor (and pretty much anyone who came within five feet of an amplifier or microphone stand) are tracked in exquisite detail. The painstaking research is rewarding to anyone interested in the early days of groups like Fleetwood Mac, Cream and The Rolling Stones, and the cameos by Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Jimi Hendrix are the icing on the cake.
Great rare photos, detailed equipment lists, and Mr. Hjort's own recommendations for those wishing to hear the music described therein, this book is a keeper. I may have to get another one for lending out.
A wealth of details .......2007-05-17
"Strange Brew: Eric Clapton & The British Blues Bloom" by rock historian Christopher Hjort is a history of the 1960s British blues music boom in general, and Eric Clapton's stellar music career from 1965 to 1970 in particular. "Strange Brew covers hundreds of gigs, radio and television appearances, recording sessions, discographical information, trivia, contemporary reviews, and first-hand accounts and recollections from ex-band members and fans. Some of the stories will be new information for even the most dedicated Clapton fan, such as the comprehensive account of Clapton's Greek odyssey in 1965 (including the true story of The Glands and Greek band The Juniors, as well as fresh information about John Mayall's recording with Bob Dylan). Here presented in a day-by-day format laced with photographs and memorabilia, the way the musicians behind the British Blues worked together, influenced each other, and helped each other to ever greater musical accomplishments. "Strange Brew" is essential reading for Clapton fans, British Blues music enthusiasts, and academic library 20th Century Music History reference collections.
The evolution of British Blues in London.......2007-05-08
This is a great collection of tour dates and band interviews of all the bands that were emerging in London during the early sixties. The author does a great job of weaving it all together and this is a great edition to anyone's library of this period. Some great photos of the Bluesbreakers and all London players and club scene.
The BIBLE: God, Father of God, Green God and Younger Brother of God.......2007-03-23
I'm not kidding with this title (well, maybe half-kidding). Like the Bible is, in some ways, the history of the Hebrew people, this book is a veritible day-by day document of the activities of Slowhand (God), John Mayall (Father), Peter Green (Green God) and Mick Taylor (Younger brother of God). I'll admit to being at first a bit put off about the calendar style of writing, but you easily sink into the format. Its all here. The story of British Blues as seen through the eyes of the greatest British guitarists of their generation. You will learn obscure details, such as set lists, equipment played and what went on in the recording studios. The formidible impact of Clapton on British music and blues in general is clearly illustrated here. Also, I was not aware that Paul Butterfield played gigs with Mayall during their tour there, or the fact that Bloomfield and Clapton connected in Britain prior to Clapton's visits to the U.S. The detailed info on the Beano, Hard Road and Crusade Mayall albums is worth the cost of the book alone (If this sounds like so-much guitar mumbo jumbo, celebrate, because it is!!!!! Those of you who are into this stuff will have a huge ball!!). The performance reviews are both insightful and at times extremely humorous. For instance, one review reports that all members of Cream, during an early gig, were so high that they got stuck in the "Cat's Squirrel" riff loop and it took them 15 minutes to find their way out of it. (:-). Beyond the detail, this book provides a clear picture of the British blues scene, specifically that scene revolving around John Mayall and his allumni. Mayall, in fact, provides the intro. The period covered runs from Clapton's membership in the Yardbirds through Derek and the Dominoes in the early '70s. Of course, other bands, including Hendrix (the best of them all), Free and Jeff Beck are also included. However, this book definitely has a Mayall focus. My only regret is that there wasn't any info on the Graham Bond Organization. However, for that info we also have the bio of the late great Dick Heckstall Smith which came out a couple of years ago. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who really wants to learn about one of the most formative periods in popular music, the rise of British Blues. It will inspire all you guitar players to dust off that Les Paul, plug in that Bluesbreaker Marshall and try your hand at "Steppin' Out"!
Book Description
gs unquestionably one of the great compositions of the entire rock era. Amazon.com says Layla stands as one of a handful of pillars of classic rock. Eric Claptons rendition of the title song packs such a raw emotional wallop that Dave Marsh wrote in the Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll: There are few moments in the repertoire of recorded rock where a singer or writer has reached so deeply into himself that the effect of hearing him is akin to witnessing a murder, or a suicide . . . To me, Layla is the greatest of them. The music may be timeless, but the lives of the tortured souls who produced this great album clearly were not; most were cut short by accident or substance abuse, while those who remain bear deep scars. And lead player Eric Clapton, despite a hugely successful career, has been shadowed by this album, which he knew at the time would be the defining high point of his career. Both casual and committed rock fans will be compelled by the heartbreaking and often lurid details surrounding the saga of Layla and Derek and the Dominoswhich has never been completely disclosed until now.
Customer Reviews:
Pure Crapola.......2007-02-24
The greatest album of all time deserves a CORRECT representation of how it was recorded. This is the Soap Opera Digest version. It is obvious to anyone who lived through the sixties and seventies that the author did NOT do his homework. A perfect example: Blackie, Eric's Stratocaster was made from three guitars purchased at Sho-Bud in Nashville, not five as reported by the author.
Read Marc Roberty's book and the liner notes to the 20th Anniversary CD set for a better and more accurate account.
I wasted my money and time
Could have been better............2007-01-28
I had to read the book, I love the Dominoes, its my favorite band and favorite album. But the author had so much wrong, it makes you wonder about what is true and what isn't. For example, the author says Hendrix came to England jammed with Cream then left for the states to form his own trio. Anyone who knows anything about Hendrix knows he stayed in England and got two Brits to back him, N.Redding and M.Michell. There are others but the most glaring is when the author states that D.Allman played on Keep on Growing and even adds some great slide to the end of the song just like the end of Hey Jude with Wilson Pickett. Again, anyone who knows anything about the Dominoes, knows Allman did not play on the 1st three tracks. Its all Clapton overdubs at the end of Keep on Growing. How this guy got so much wrong is a mystery to me......
Why does Jan Reid feel he has to steal others words???.......2007-01-19
This book is pure you-know-what (too much of a lady to say). Basically, he took Barry Rehfield's words and dropped them into his so called "book." It does not focus on the wonderful music that Derek & the Dominos created, but instead focuses on the personal lives of the band. The author seemed to be more interested in bashing a mentally ill man in prison versus writing about the talented players. I hope he makes no money from this book and, if he does, I hope he will give it to a charity who raises funds for the research for schizophrenia or assists musicians with mental disorders. This would almost make up for his bashing of a wonderful player who was suffering when he played and created the beautiful music that music lovers enjoy in all parts of the world.
Now, I'll jump off my soapbox and start writing my version of Jim Gordon's life....in a more positive way, of course.
Cheers!
Susan
The Layla Soap Opera.......2007-01-17
This is a great book that weaves together the personal tales of each of the Dominoes' members as they lead up to the collaboration that proved to be so historically important. Juicy, funny stories of each of these characters (like Gregg Allman's "foot shootin' party) make you want to read many passages out loud to anyone with a similar interest. Quite excellent.
Why Does This Book Got To Be So Bad?.......2007-01-15
This Book is not about the making of Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. At page 115 (!) The Dominoes goes in the studio. Before that you get the story about how pretty Pattie Boyd was (and still is). There are some interesting stories in this book, but none of them are about the making of Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. Why Does This Book Got To Be So Bad? The answer is: Jan Reid is not focused on the music.
Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Allen St. John started off looking for the world's greatest guitar, but what he found instead was the world's greatest guitar builder. Living and working in Rugby, Virginia (population 7), retired rural mail carrier Wayne Henderson is a true American original, making America's finest instruments using little more than a pile of good wood and a sharp whittling knife. There's a 10-year waiting list for Henderson's heirloom acoustic guitars -- and even a musical legend like Eric Clapton must wait his turn. Partly out of self-interest, St. John prods Henderson into finally building Clapton's guitar, and soon we get to pull up a dusty stool and watch this Stradivari in glue-stained blue jeans work his magic. The story that ensues will captivate you with its portrait of a world where craftsmanship counts more than commerce, and time is measured by old jokes, old-time music, and homemade lemon pies shared by good friends.
Download Description
"In 1994, Eric Clapton came across a Wayne Henderson guitar in a recording studio and decided on the spot that he had to have one. Rarer than Stradivarius violins, these musical works of art are built from near-extinct Brazilian Rosewood, Appalachian spruce, black ebony, and fine mother-of-pearl. With Henderson's keen ear for the vibrations of each piece of wood he uses, each note that comes out of them has the power of a cannon and the sweetness of maple syrup. In Clapton's Guitar, Allen St. John recounts how a perfect acoustic guitar comes into the world and how an artist gauges perfection. Wayne Henderson, master luthier and genius in blue jeans, will tell you that he simply puts penknife to wood and carves away ""everything that isn't a guitar."" This is the story of a master artist, set deep in the mountains of southwestern Virginia in a brick, one-story guitar shop, as busy and chaotic inside as it is simple outside. The space is well-lighted, cluttered with power tools, air hoses, and guitar bodies in various stages of completion. It is in this modest shop that Wayne Henderson crafts some of the most highly coveted acoustic guitars on earth, including one very special instrument he built for Eric Clapton. Normally, there is a ten-year wait for a Henderson guitar, and St. John finds there are no exceptions even for an iconic figure like Clapton. But seeing it as a shortcut to getting his own guitar done, St. John jump-starts the process, and then takes readers with him on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of high-end instrument making with the man The Washington Post calls the ""Mad Scientist of Mountain Music."" Henderson, a small-town wise man, is not only the star of this book as a master guitar maker but also is the star of any stage he sets foot on as a master guitar player, equally at home at Carnegie Hall or the local VFW hall. Around this drolly humorous man circulates a small coterie of colorful characters and inspired musicians, who welcome you for an all-too-brief visit. By book's end, you too will want to be Wayne Henderson's friend. In a rich tapestry of folklore and folksiness, St. John tells the story of building the Clapton guitar in loving detail, from the centuries-old forests where great tonewood grows, to the auction floor of Christie's where one of Clapton's guitars commands over $700,000. It's also a loving look at Wayne's corner of the world, the Blue Ridge mountain hamlets where American traditional music was born, and of Wayne's hometown of Rugby, Virginia, population 7, where the winding roads have kept progress at bay. Whether you love old-time music, unplugged rock, traditional American craftsmanship, or simply gifted storytelling, Clapton's Guitar is an engaging work that you will want to savor and share with friends. "
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful.......2007-10-19
This book is really fantastic! I love and play the guitar. This book is def. in the top 5 on my bookshelf. I highly recommend it. If you are thinking about getting it, stop and just buy it. You will not be let down. The writing is primo and if you like the guitar you will finish the book with a deep love. The book makes you feel good. The only downside to this book is that you will likely want your own Henderson guitar, but probably will not be able to get one. Please, get the book it is beautiful!
Guitar lovers.......2007-09-15
This was a Xmas gift for my son. He loved it and had never seen it.
Great gift for your guitar playing friends
Fabulous book!.......2007-04-14
Not to tout my own book ("The Gold-Plated Porsche"), but one of the nicest things that people said about it was, "I know nothing about Porsches and I'm not even interested in cars, but I loved the book." The same can be said of Allen St. John's book: I know nothing about guitars and have no particular interest in them (or Eric Clapton), but I was fascinated by Wayne Henderson, St. John, their friends, their dogs, their monomaniacal focus on fine guitars...this is a splendid piece of work that far transcends the worlds of Eric Clapton, bluegrass or the crafting of stringed instruments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates splendidly written nonfiction.
If you love guitars, it's alright..........2007-01-18
I haven't read any other books by Mr. St. John. I have to assume that he is being held back by the need to make this book accessible to non-guitar enthusiasts, as it is written in a rather basic and dry way. I really enjoyed reading this book, however, despite the simple delivery of the story, mainly because I just love reading about guitars and the making of guitars. There are no surprises here for anyone who knows even the basics of guitar making, but I think our love is a disease and reading anything about our love is welcome. St. John's research is very in depth and specific; you know he spent a lot of time making this the best account he could. Other than the clumsy writing, it's a nice read. The pictures section in the middle help to bring the story a wee bit closer to us as well. Now I want to take a trip to the Mountains where Wayne lives and hang out in his shop...
peghead envy.......2007-01-13
This is an excellent book. I learned much about how an acoustic guitar is constructed. As much as I love my guitar (Guild D25M) I want a Henderson! The luthier is a fascinating person/picker. If you love guitars, READ THIS BOOK.
Customer Reviews:
Okay.......2007-01-10
This book is okay for a real Eric Clapton fan. There are not a lot of pictures, so if you want a more visual book, you may want to select another.
enjoyable reading about the guitarist/singer.......2007-01-03
I always enjoy reading books on amazing musicians/people and this one held my interest. I am not a book critic who analyzes details of every page. I will simply say I liked the book. I save my analysis for the music. Eric's music has always been fine for me. Historical anecdotes and biographical information in the book pointing out Eric's influences and life events are well written and readable.
Insightful.......2006-07-06
A fascinating journey into the life of Eric Clapton. As someone who has been an avid Clapton fan from the beginning, it was quite interesting to read about his growth and evolution as a musician over the years and with his different groups. I was fascinated to discover that he did not think he was lead guitar material and that he lacked confidence regarding his vocal abilities. This is a book which will stimulate discussion among friends and have you running to your music collection to listen to old songs yet once again, while eagerly awaiting a new Clapton release.
Very Comprehensive.......2001-09-09
This biography is indeed very informative. The details on Eric's life are very complete. One can see how Eric's small stature and limited coordination stunted his confidence at the beginning of his music career. In the Yardbirds, Cream, and Blind Faith, Eric was content just to be a part of the band. I especially enjoyed Delaney Bramlett's influence on Eric's vocal development. And of course the Layla stories are always a joy to read. The feelings behind many of Eric's signature songs are a joy to read over and over again.
The only slight drawback in this book is the fact that the author discounts the There's One In Every Crowd CD. Truthfully, I find it an underatted gem. Otherwise, Michael Schumacher does an excellent job.
GREAT. NEUTRAL STORY TELLING OF ERIC'S LIFE.......2001-08-16
THis book is very good. Schumache portrays Clapton as a musician and man, nothing going into the cheap way of focusing the book around gossips. Even the subject of Conor's death is treated decently. Also, he gives a good portrait of Eric's band mates along time, all his influences, a brief analysis of each album recorded, etc. It's a shame that Clapton didn't give any personal interviews for the book, that I think is best than Ray Coleman's offical biography.
Product Description
Guitar tab for the legendary 1966 British blues album featuring Eric Clapton on guitar and future Fleetwood Mac founder John McVie on bass. Songs: All Your Love (I Miss Loving) Another Man Double Crossing Time Have You Heard Hide Away It Ain't Right Key to Love Little Girl Parchman Farm Ramblin' on My Mind Steppin' Out What'd I Say.
Customer Reviews:
great way to learn your blues chops.......2007-05-11
i have been studying blues guitar for the last 2 years now. i've a number of books on the subject. i've progressed reasonably working with them.
then i got this book. learnt a couple of songs. and my playing has simply jumped a notch!
yeah because i'm playing what i want to play - being a huge clapton fan (bluesbreakers, cream etc). plus clapton is playing in such ways i never encountered in the tutorial books. his chops are simpler but much more effective. but some of his runs are quite difficult - not the mere playing of the notes, but the effect created by such.
i'm never going to play what's in the tutorial books anywhere - but this is what i want to play and it is such great fun doing it.
i can't comment too much on the accuracy of the tab - it sounds ok - trying to figure out the notes with the actual solos is itself quite a job - i recorded all the solos of this album in triplicate on a tape to use them as a reference. but guess it will get easier as i progress.
it would be very helpful if you know atleast some basic blues - the 12 bar, the pentatonics etc. needless to say, as with all blues learning, one should focus on the tonic (1st), the dominant (4th) and sub-dominant (5th) notes and the way they are manipulated to create the blues effect.
if you want to play like clapton get this.
btw i wish somebody would publish similar tabs of the music of the great peter green - his album with mayall 'a hard road' and his early fleetwood mac material as well.
Essential for any blues guitarist.......2007-03-31
i play along with the recordings, the tabs are dead on.
Clapton is God and So is Mayall.......2006-08-14
Anyone wanting to learn core Clapton needs this book. It is well done with most tab appearing to be right on. Obviously some songs are Harp based, with Mayall laying down soem of his best work. Love it.
great tabs.......2003-11-14
Basiclly every blues lick you need to know is here :-)
This is a sheet music book........1999-08-08
Enjoy the words and music from a classic blues album
Product Description
19 hits from his early years, including: Crossroads I Shot the Sheriff Knockin' on Heaven's Door Layla White Room Wonderful Tonight and more. Songs are in chronological order, with notes on each.
Customer Reviews:
A great book of great tunes from the master........2004-02-12
This collection (that goes very well with the CD by the same name) provides a great cross section of Clapton's guitar classics. It is a challenging set of music, and could be daunting for the novice. The book provides the full tab for both guitars (some songs use 3), and is a very good resource for getting the intricacies of the second guitar on songs like Cocaine.
There are in my opinion only two problems with the book. The first is that the book is standard bound, and if you want it to lay flat you have to split the spine. The second problem is that these songs are more compositions by Clapton, and really require the layering of instruments to come off right. That means that in order to play them (with several exceptions) you need to have bandmates available. If you do, this is a great start to a Clapton cover band.
Book Description
“I found a pattern in my behavior that had been repeating itself for years, decades even. Bad choices were my specialty, and if something honest and decent came along, I would shun it or run the other way.”
With striking intimacy and candor, Eric Clapton tells the story of his eventful and inspiring life in this poignant and honest autobiography. More than a rock star, he is an icon, a living embodiment of the history of rock music. Well known for his reserve in a profession marked by self-promotion, flamboyance, and spin, he now chronicles, for the first time, his remarkable personal and professional journeys.
Born illegitimate in 1945 and raised by his grandparents, Eric never knew his father and, until the age of nine, believed his actual mother to be his sister. In his early teens his solace was the guitar, and his incredible talent would make him a cult hero in the clubs of Britain and inspire devoted fans to scrawl “Clapton is God” on the walls of London’s Underground. With the formation of Cream, the world's first supergroup, he became a worldwide superstar, but conflicting personalities tore the band apart within two years. His stints in Blind Faith, in Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, and in Derek and the Dominos were also short-lived but yielded some of the most enduring songs in history, including the classic “Layla.”
During the late sixties he played as a guest with Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, as well as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and longtime friend George Harrison. It was while working with the latter that he fell for George’s wife, Pattie Boyd, a seemingly unrequited love that led him to the depths of despair, self-imposed seclusion, and drug addiction. By the early seventies he had overcome his addiction and released the bestselling album 461 Ocean Boulevard, with its massive hit “I Shot the Sheriff.” He followed that with the platinum album Slowhand, which included “Wonderful Tonight,” the touching love song to Pattie, whom he finally married at the end of 1979. A short time later, however, Eric had replaced heroin with alcohol as his preferred vice, following a pattern of behavior that not only was detrimental to his music but contributed to the eventual breakup of his marriage.
In the eighties he would battle and begin his recovery from alcoholism and become a father. But just as his life was coming together, he was struck by a terrible blow: His beloved four-year-old son, Conor, died in a freak accident. At an earlier time Eric might have coped with this tragedy by fleeing into a world of addiction. But now a much stronger man, he took refuge in music, responding with the achingly beautiful “Tears in Heaven.”
Clapton is the powerfully written story of a survivor, a man who has achieved the pinnacle of success despite extraordinary demons. It is one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.
Customer Reviews:
DISAPPOINTED........TOO MUCH BOOZE, TOO LITTLE ROCK.......2007-10-19
While I am not a hardcore Eric Clapton fan, I do give him kudos as the closest thing to "Zelig" in rock history. Clapton has essentially done it all, and has been there for it all.....hes cultivated friendships with some of the most talented and influential musicians the world has ever known, playing historic shows including Rock and Roll Circus (Dirty Mac), Bangladesh, and the Last Waltz.What I find fascinating is how this guy is still alive after the years of the self inflicted abuse hes undertaken, while many of his contemporaries are long gone.
Without giving a boring chapter and verse summary of the book, I've encapsulated some of the things I've discovered (and recalled) about Clapton post read:
1) Clapton's vulnerability as recounted in the book is bordering on cloying - afterall, he is known as one of the world's most gifted, sought after, and famous musicians - difficulty having sex with women, insecurity, low self esteem et al - I find this paradoxical from a man who played regularly to crowds of over 50,000, formed legendary bands, and drove a Ferrari at over 120 mph....
2) His substance abuse, while playing a major part in his life, also plays too much of a role in this book - While I'm sure Clapton found it cathartic and heartfelt to chronicle his debilitating addictions, far too much of the book focused on this vs, for example, his creative process and how he developed as both a musician and rock star.I would have preferred he spend more time recollecting relationships with artists such as Hendrix and Pete Townshend....He does spend an inordinate amount of time though writing about "no-name" musicians he befriended and toured with during his Armani wearing, Phil Collins consorting, Michelob hawking 80s sell out days - yet another paradox - heres a guy who left The Yardbirds because of artistic integrity after they released the classic "For Your Love"...Phil Collins couldnt write a song that good if he had a Glock held to his head...
3) The absolute, unconscionable negligence of all involved in the death of his son Conor. The nanny, the mother, and Mr Clapton are all at fault....as a father, I simply can't accept what happened to this poor boy as an "accident"....I thought so at the time it happened, and I think so now after reading the book - absolutely shameful....I've always hated that song "Tears in Heaven".....it is a song written out of shame and guilt, as he should feel that way....
I did, however, enjoy reading selected parts of this book, as any information about historic bands such as The Yardbirds, Cream, and Blind Faith is worth the time to delve into. I do however think Eric Clapton was, is, and always will be vastly overrated as a blues guitarist.....
still don't know what to say, but will try..........2007-10-19
Been a week since I finished this and I'm still not sure what to make of it. It's extremely well written, and if Eric really wrote this without a lot of professional help, I'm seriously impressed. But it's almost too well written, too slick, too tidy. I guess everyone has to find a way to rationalize their life's mistakes or they'd go crazy. And that's what Eric is doing in this book. He does it so well that (just like in his old TV interviews), in spite of his amazingly bad behavior, he comes out sounding like such a nice gentleman. That's why I'm still not sure what to make of it. I feel like I've been conned and I can't even tell how.
Having just finished Pattie Boyd's book, I found it entertaining to compare stories that overlapped. Surreal. Psychologists could hold year long classes using these two books as texts; the punchline would be that there can never be objective truth. What isn't clear is if there are still blatent lies. The most noteworthy example is Pattie versus Eric's version of Eric's first meeting with Pattie's sister, Jenny, George's negative reaction to it, and why George reacted negatively. It's worth getting your hands on both books just to compare the two versions of this one story. But I'll warn you, not only will you never learn the truth, you will also have to settle for one of two depressing realizations: either one cultural icon is incredibly cruel, or another was incredibly immoral.
These books are valuable historical documents because these are our cultural heros. How odd.
Amazing story of an amazing man.......2007-10-18
I have been a Clapton fan since the 70's, but I have come to appeciate his music even more in the past ten years or so. I knew a few facts about his life. This beautifully written book tells the whole story. He gives a frank discussion of his addiction and his struggles for sobriety. He has performed and recorded with some of the top musicians and singers of the past 40 years. I recommend this book for fans of 60's & 70's music and the blues.
Truly Inspirational.......2007-10-18
Truly inspirational, completely candid, raw emotion, a history of rock and roll, were all the things I felt when I closed Eric Clapton's autobiography. It's the best autobiography I've ever read. I'm a huge fan of his, and I was aware of his story, having heard some of his interviews along the way, but in no way was I prepared for the depth and breadth of his candor and his ability to look within himself in writing about his own life's story, from his devastating childhood, his musical legacy, through his tormented years of addiction and bad relationships, and now he's found peace with his wonderful, loving family life. But, the part that was most moving for me is the way in which he finally recovered, falling down on his knees in prayer, as he does every day, in order to keep sober. He has given back to those in need in many ways, one of the finest being his Crossroads Centre in Antigua for recovery from alcohol addiction. I know that his story will help inspire and lead the way for many people recovering from pain in their lives because of his courage. I have read countless autobiographies, but I have never found one that I felt was more candid and from the heart, with raw emotional honesty. This book is one of his finest works ever.
Wonderful!!!.......2007-10-18
Awesome book--couldn't put it down!!!! It was so easy to read & beautifully written!!! I finished it in just a few nights!!!!
Product Description
The most comprehensive Clapton guitar collection ever assembled! Contains 31 of Slowhand's finest - from Cream, The Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds, Derek & the Dominoes, and his solo career - transcribed note-for-note with tablature, just as he recorded them! Features a special full-color section with photos from 1965-1996. 312 pages!Another TicketBad LoveBadgeBefore You Accuse Me (Take A Look At Yourself)Bell Bottom BluesChange The WorldCocaineComin' HomeCross Road Blues (Crossroads)For Your LoveHave You Ever Loved A WomanHello Old FriendHide AwayI Can't Stand ItI Shot The SheriffI'm Tore DownLay Down SallyLaylaLet It RainMy Father's EyesPretendingPromisesRiding With The KingSunshine Of Your LoveSuperman InsideTears In HeavenTell The TruthWatch Out For LucyWhite RoomWillie And The Hand JiveWonderful Tonight
Customer Reviews:
Must have..........2007-05-28
A definite must have for any guitar player interested in blues and blues influenced rock. Clapton's contributions to modern music and the blues cannot be overstated.
Book Description
Blues Before Sunrise * Blues Leave Me Alone * Driftin' Blues * Five Long Years * Goin' Away Baby * Groaning the Blues * How Long, How Long Blues * I'm Tore Down * I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man * It Hurts Me Too * Motherless Child * Reconsider Baby * Sinner's Prayer * Someday, After Awhile * Standin' Around Crying * Third Degree.
Customer Reviews:
From the Cradle songbook - great resource!.......2000-06-04
Great for all levels of blues guitarists - beginners can get the chords to these great blues songs and more advanced guitarists can read the note-for-note transcriptions and spend many a night going over Eric Clapton's wonderful guitar solos.
this book is the soul of blues.......1999-11-24
a great book muist have for any guitar wanting to expand their guitar vocabulary if you study this book people will be blow away by the crazy blue you know and thats the whole point is to get other people amazed
Poor transcription.......1999-07-15
I really have had it with people that attempt to transcribe EC they always reduce it to the lowest common denominator of the transcribers knowledge of pentatonic scales.
this book is pure blues.......1999-04-30
This book kicks ass. From the Cradle is Eric Clapton's next greatest notation ever made (next to unplugged and 24 nights of course" If you liked his unplugged blues this book will blow you away. A must have for the profesional guitarist of today. If your a beginner to the blues I recomend you take 1 step at a time. start with Eric's unplugged albulm first, but if your motivated enough with his music and the blues. Go ahead and take it to the next level. you'll learn a lot.
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