Austin's Classic Album Of The Moment - No Reason To Cry

If you knew me from between the years 1990 to probably 1996 or so you would know that there was no human larger on earth in my eyes than Eric Clapton.  I idolized that man.  Sure, Stevie Ray Vaughan probably was a better gunslinger but he didn't have the history.

I've often thought that Eric Clapton was a bit overlooked.  The Yardbirds, The Bluesbreakers, Cream, Derek & The Dominos, Blind Faith, and then a super long solo career.  He's been around forever and played in two bands with Ginger Baker who must be one of the ugliest humans alive.  Hell he even played lead on While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles people.

You could go on and on about the different albums this guy has put out.  If you had to pick a best it would probably be Layla from the Derek & The Dominos days.  But I have to pick a favorite (sometimes much different than a best) for me it would have to be (no reason to cry).  This record, originally released in 1976, has it all.  Blues, country, rock, songs written by members of The Band, and even a duet with Bob Dylan. 

I should go ahead and mention here that most people hate this record, if they have ever actually listened to it.  Rolling Stone... hated it.  My old high school buddy J.J. (another Clapton nut)... hated it.  But then again J.J. hated The Band (a major sin in my book) and described this album as "What happens to people when they hang out with The Band." 

For me the album just always sounded like something recorded in your kitchen with a bunch of drunk friends.  Look at the album cover.  Old EC is sitting there with a bottle of Jim Bean and a Budweiser can.  I guess in some way I think this is the type of album I would have always wanted to record.  An album fully of drunken fun with my friends.

Well if I'd ever stuck with one instrument for longer than 6 months.  And actually learned how to play an instrument.  And had any talent. 

All the above being said, skip track #2 "Carnival"... it sucks :-)