Old Sock [VINYL]

‘Old Sock’ is rather nice, relaxing on the back porch sort of album. It references the feel and tempo of albums like ‘One in Every Crowd’ and ‘Ocean Boulevard’ by mixing country blues, reggae, and some old jazz standards together and then given the Eric make -over treatment.Mr Clapton is still in good voice (a little rough around the edges, but that is part of his charm) and his guitar playing as tasteful and versatile as ever, avoiding show- off licks and focusing on supporting the songs for melodic fills for the most part. Having said that, Eric plays some very nice slide and there is the occasional hot burst of electric guitar to remind you of his credentials. In other words, this is the work of an artist who knows what he wants to achieve and has thought carefully about how to achieve it. The supporting musicians - from Paul McCartney to Taj Mahal, Chaka Khan, Steve Gadd and many more all add what is a very assured music program. There are lots of little touches that let you know that we are in the presence of masters of their craft, it’s just a case of listening closely and you will hear.Ok- so Eric will not win any prizes for originality or dynamism. But that would be to miss the point. Eric has always focused on songs (Cream – perhaps an exception where virtuosity and excitement were the primary focus)-after all he is a singer with a distinctive style of delivery and a genuine warmth. In a sense Eric is doing what he has always done, but just being a little mellower then some fans might be willing to accept at this point.I find it hard to be objective about Eric- although I have tried my best with this review. There are aspects of his recent output that raise the occasional eyebrow but as Eric is still in full command of his performing faculties and also there is often much to praise about his efforts. Is this a ‘great’ album- probably not. Is it enjoyable – yes! I think it is the sort of album that would get be retrieved from the CD shelf for a Sunday morning listen, when there is a need for some nice unassuming tunes to add to the atmosphere. In short, this album is very ‘likable’ if you like Eric’s general direction of travel. If you don’t you might label ‘Old Sock’as being rather professionally bland. It’s your choice..Top tracks- ‘Further on Down the Road’ and ‘Born to lose’ are nice memorable melodic songs that will stand up to repeated listening.A cautious recommendation!

I can understand why many Clapton fans feel disappointed by this album, certainly those who are more fans of his rock and blues material and those who prefer harder-edged music in general. When I first played "Old Sock", I was quite surprised at how gentle and sleepy this album is at times and wasn't sure about it at all. However, after I'd given it a few more plays, I realised that there is plenty here to like, but only if you also enjoy your music at a more relaxed pace and aren't expecting Clapton to be playing electrifying blues with any kind of fire in his belly. There are a few tracks which sound a little dated and have been given the gentle reggae treatment that Clapton favoured in the 1970's, such as "Further On Down The Road" which kicks of the album with a whimper rather than a bang, and the distinctly average "Your One And Only Man". Despite lacking any kind of edge, they're pleasant enough songs, although I'm well aware I'm damning them with faint praise. Sadly, that is the story of most of this album as there is far too much pedestrian content on "Old Sock" for it be regarded as one of Eric's better albums and there is nothing that really moves out of first gear.The worst offenders on this disappointingly underwhelming album are the supposedly upbeat numbers, such as "Gotta Get Over", which lack the punch they should deliver, whereas the slower, more purposely relaxed songs actually sound rather lovely. "The Folks Who Live On The Hill", for example, is dreamy and romantic, "All Of Me" with Paul McCartney, is a charming rendition of the old standard, "Goodnight Irene" is genuinely likeable and "Our Love Is Here To Stay" is affably delivered. It is on the more crafted, subtle songs that Eric really excels and he manages to handle much covered material with taste and restraint. His tribute to Gary Moore, "Still Got The Blues" is superb. Eric could have gone for a straight forward cover, but his low-key, smoky rendition highlights the class and beauty of the composition. Sadly, "Every Little Thing" is, by far, the worst thing I have ever heard Eric Clapton release - an absolute abomination. I am not a great fan of artists adding a choir of children onto songs at the best of times, but rarely do they sound as cringeworthy, twee and sickening as they do on this song. A seriously bad mistake. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I felt digusted and nauseous when I first heard it. I've subjected myself to it again before writing this review and I can only say that my feelings are not only upheld, but they're possibly stronger in my hatred of this track.So, is this a good album? No, not really. A bad album? I wouldn't go that far either. It's actually a rather confused mess of an album which lacks any real musical identity. Given my eclectic personal taste, I actually like what many of Clapton's fans may hate about the album, the slow, relaxed, mellowed-out Clapton adding subtle acoustic guitar licks to old standards and covers. People who particularly enjoyed the "Unplugged" album, for example, may find plenty to enjoy here. I can't help thinking that if the whole album would have been like that, it would have been a lot more likeable. A Clapton album of old standards would be divisive amongst his admirers, probably, but at least it would have been focused and cohesive. Anyway, it is what it is and there's no point in ranting about what Eric "should be doing". This is a musician approaching seventy years old who is making the music he wants to make and it's our choice whether to buy it and listen to it or not. There's just enough good music on this album for me to not regret buying it, but it's a close call.Incidentally, "Old Sock", according to Clapton, is a term of endearment that older men address each other with - i.e. "Hello, old sock". I will have to take his word for it, as it's not something I have ever heard of before. Better luck next time, old sock.

I have many Eric Clapton albums, from his early Yardbird days, Cream, collaborations with Buddy Guy, etc. This album hasn't quite done it for me. There's nothing wrong with it, the songs are well chosen, there's variety of styles, the musicianship is beyond question. It's just...well...another album. There's nothing on it that makes you think, wow, that was a brilliant track, or another great guitar solo!There are plenty of people who will love this album, and judging by some of the reviews it's been getting, there are. It's not going to be the first E.C. album I'll be reaching for; not when 'Riding With The King', 'Me And Mr Johnson' and the like are sitting on the shelf very near by.

Another excellent CD from Eric Clapton, lots of good vibes, classic songs treated in his unique way. Gary Moore would certainly have liked Eric's version of 'Still got the Blues' for example. Top production as always. If you like Eric, you will want to have this one in your collection. Some negative comments about this one from some of his otherwise dedicated fans, couldn't see why.

It was just awful. Painful even... I mean the reggea tracks .. pleaseAlbum should have been called "old" ****

Have been a fan of EC since his days with the Yardbirds. He has been through a number of incarnations over the years, some better than others. This CD is a strange and varied collection of numbers covering various styles and periods. Some work, some don't.All done very professionally and skilfully, but I expected something better from Eric.