Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs: 40th Anniversay Guest Post

I cannot think of anyone better (or more qualified!) to write a Guest Post on this blog for the album, "Layla and other Assorted Love Songs," than my very good pal Mike D.  Here is Mike's post:
    In the realm of classic rock vinyl, the achingly personal release by Derek and the Dominos (aka Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Jim Gordon, Carl Radle and special guest Duane Allman) stands in the first rank. From beginning to end, the 14 tracks are a hallmark of blazing guitar, solid songcraft, intense vocals and a rock steady rhythm section.  Recorded during late 1970 at the famous Criteria Studios in Miami, with ace engineers and with top producer Tom Dowd, the original 33 1/3 album was a record that was also a private examination of Clapton's (at the time) unrequited love for the beautiful (and married) Patti Harrison aka Layla. The songs mix American blues and rock sensibilities with Clapton's own stellar British interpretations of those music genres via his time in Cream, the Yardbirds and John Mayall's Blue Breakers. Given the top 6-string reputation of guest Duane Allman and the admiration of the two ace axe-men for each others talent, the guitar nirvana part of "Layla" is guaranteed in splendid manner for all.  This is also a beautifully recorded and engineered vinyl album in it's original ATCO 33 1/3 form, a release which actually still sounds better and with more aural impact in many ways than several later editions (vinyl and CD), including the re-mixed 20th Anniversary triple box set CD. A new 40th anniversary CD set may finally give digital listeners a more true taste of this stunning record.  As a final thought, this is one record that both can be listened to, in order, start to finish to appreciate the full sweep of the emotional and musical coherence of Eric and the band ......... or, one can easily pick out any song (there really is no filler on this classic recording) and listen to a great rock/blues song played intensely by real masters of the form.  With this vinyl recording, it's easy to simply say, "Listen and enjoy !"

Thanks Mike!  Coming from you - this is indeed high praise.  Below is the inner gatefold photo.

This blooger especially likes the song called "Anyday" - the 2nd song on side two.