Apparently, Eric Clapton isn't the most popular player discussed here at the Toyz forums.
I can understand some of this. He can put out some real CRAP. ("Change The World"?!?). And he seems to do just about anything for a buck.
What makes me like him is that he can play some of the best blues ever.
No, it's definately NOT "From The Cradle". Generally it's not when he's trying to be "authentic". I mean, he really isn't from Chicago, OR Mississippi. His playing can be very affected, and shallow when he tries to pretend he is.
However, when he plays music that he actually writes, or certain covers, he can really convey a hell of a lot of emotion. I'm thinking of mostly live situations. I've seen him play live quite a few times, and he can be the professional, slick, robotic Clapton. OR, he can be the player who stands confidently on stage with everyone from Beck and Hendrix, to B.B., the Beatles, and S.R.V.
I just realized about a year ago, that he's the ONLY guitarist I can think of that has been on the top of the charts, in some form or another, for 40 years! He's had hits in Rock, Blues, AOR, Pop, Country-Rock, and probably some I haven't thought of. Consistently.
His career has lasted longer than almost ANY of his professed "Heroes'".
Sure he isn't as original Beck. He isn't as technical as EJ. He doesn't have the power of S.R.V. He does reach more people than probably ANY guitarist in history. I would be willing to bet that more "non-guitarist" people know his work than better than any other guitarist. And reaching people with music is a lofty goal.
I'll get off of my soapbox, now. It's just that I realized how much I'd lost sight of that fact. I'd kind of taken him for granted. He may be a tool who charges $10,000.00 for a ticket. But you know what? I would too, if I could.