461 Ocean Boulevard [Deluxe Edition] [Import]

Product Description
Two CD Collection featuring a Digitally Remastered Version of the Original Album, and a Bonus CD with Live Recordings from the 1974 Concert at Hammersmith Odeon, London, England.

461 Ocean Boulevard,Eric Clapton,Universal,Rock

Average customer rating: TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD ! Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida Sour Cream NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Slowhand Backless Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Journeyman Behind the Sun ASIN: B000002G89 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie And The Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot The Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida

Amazon.com essential recording

The 1974 album on which Clapton's solo career truly caught fire, 461 Ocean Boulevard is best remembered for its hit version of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"--perhaps the first time many in America ever heard the rhythms of reggae music. But it's also an album on which emotions run high, especially on two Clapton originals, the prayerful "Give Me Strength" and the pleading "Let It Grow." Clapton maintains his grounding in the blues with versions of Robert Johnson's "Steady Rollin' Man" and Elmore James's "I Can't Hold Out"; revisits a rock & roll classic in Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive"; and turns the standard "Motherless Children" into a showcase of snarling guitars. Following a period of dark reclusiveness, 461 Ocean Boulevard was a powerful comeback for Clapton. --Daniel Durchholz

Amazon.com

This was Clapton's comeback record after a long bout with heroin addiction. Up through 1970 or so, he had been a restless musical seeker, opening rock up with his guitar experimentation, trying to get to the bottom of the blues. There is none of this on 461. He seems relieved just to be alive. It's a low-key affair, and that suits him. Some of his best songs are here, as well as his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Torn and frayed from the melee inside him, this album may be the most personal blues he ever made. --Steve Tignor

Customer Reviews:

TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD !.......2007-07-03

Eric Clapton recorded 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974) after kicking his heroin habit, and during the time he was living at, you guessed it, 461 Ocean Boulevard in Miami, Florida (the house is pictured on the album cover). This is a strong Eric Clapton album, even though it's nothing like a Cream or a Derek and The Dominos album. His time in Florida definitely affected his outlook on life, and that's not a bad thing. The album really rocks in some places, like Motherless Children and Mainline Florida, but the rock is fun and laid back, not foreboding or contentious. There is some blues on the album, as he covers Elmore James' I Can't Hold Out, and Robert Johnson's Steady Rollin' Man, but again, these songs have an easy-going feel to them, and they are very good. The huge reggae hit, Bob Marley's I Shot The Sherriff, put Clapton's solo career on track, and of course, sounds great. Clapton plays his dobro on Cowboy's Please Be With Me (his late friend, Duane Allman played dobro on the original). Let It Grow has a layered acoustic/electric guitar sound, a steady, leisurely beat, and is classic Clapton. Recording artist/actress Yvonne Elliman sings backing vocals on the album, and trades lead vocals with Eric on the funky Get Ready. 461 Ocean Boulevard is a very good, laid back album, with some solid guitar work blended in with the mellow atmosphere and carefree rocking beat of most of the songs. It's also one of Eric Clapton's best solo albums.

Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard.......2007-02-18

The comeback. Claptons passion for the blues is doing the talking here, but still slowhand makes the best album of his career. He had replaced his heroin addiction with an alcohol fixation, which made him very laid back, but it all works here very well.

Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida.......2006-07-26

I have to confess that, while I love Clapton, his albums are often a hit-and-miss affair. And I can't say I am a fan of the numerous recent blues tribute albums he has put out lately. For me I enjoy his work with Cream, his guest work, his first few albums, the one he recorded with The Band, a few older live albums, and bits of the Phil Collins-produced record in the early 80s. After that it's a fall-off, but I am thankful for all the great music he has turned out over the years.

I have been listening to 461 a lot lately. It holds up exceedingly well. The groove is laid-back, with solid musicianship and expert song selection. It makes for great road music, especially "Willie and the Hand Jive," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the classic closer, "Mainline Florida."

The ballads are beautiful, too. There is not a weak track on the album. There is a consistent tone, an aversion to excess and a concentration on the note and harmonic "fit" that makes this album an overall winner in EC's catalog. As someone who used to party in EC's old house at 461 Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach in the early 80s, let me say -- you did it (and us) proud.

Sour Cream.......2006-07-06

32 years ago I was so stoked that Clapton was finally coming out with a new album, I walked five miles to Deorsey's Records in Lewiston, Maine the day that it was released to buy this much anticipated record. The still near virgin vinyl remains in my LP collection and has only been played once. Once was enough. Heroin robbed a true master of his creativeness, inspiration and technical ability. Sad.

NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'.......2006-06-16

I GENERALLY PREFER EC WHEN HE DOES HIS 'LAID BACK' COUNTRY ROCK/COUNTRY BLUES STUFF AND THERE ARE A FEW TRACKS THAT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. I'M NOT A REAL BLUES FAN BUT I LIKE THE WAY EC (AND MANY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES) PRESENT BLUES MUSIC IN A WAY THAT MAKES IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO A WIDER AUDIENCE (INCLUDING MYSELF). THERE IS SOME FINE GUITAR PLAYING ON THIS ALBUM AND EC IS IN FINE FORM VOCALLY (ALTHOUGH, PERHAPS, NOT AT HIS BEST). I BELIEVE SOME OF THE GUITAR PLAYING WAS SHARED BY GEORGE TERRY, SO HE DESERVES SOME CREDIT ALSO.

HERE ARE A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL TRACKS (* DENOTES A FAVOURITE)(SONGWRITERS IN BRACKETS):

MOTHERLESS CHILDREN (Trad. arr. Eric Clapton/Carl Radle) - A real 'rocker'. Great drumming and slide guitar. Vocals a bit indistinct (perhaps, slightly over-produced).

GIVE ME STRENGTH* (Eric Clapton) - Slow tempo song with some really mellow dobro playing (incl. 40 second solo intro.). EC's vocals are restrained but not without some emotion (as befitting this type of song). Organ accompaniment gives a gospel feel to the sound.

WILLY AND THE HAND JIVE* (Johnny Otis) - Instrumentally unexceptional but great 'shuffling' rhythm and really 'laid back' vocals.

GET READY (Eric Clapton/Yvonne Elliman) - Features EC and Yvonne Elliman sharing vocals. OK, but a bit monotonous.

I SHOT THE SHERIFF (Bob Marley) - I'm not that keen on reggae music (to me, it has a rhythm that 'plods' rather than 'rocks'). Instrumentally, nothing 'to write home about'. However, its a pretty good track - decent song, tight harmony vocals delivered by Yvonne Elliman & co. EC does a good job with a 'pseudo-jamaican' inflection in his voice.

I CAN'T HOLD OUT* (Elmore James arr. Eric Clapton)) - A jazz/blues sound. Features some more amazing slide guitar playing.

PLEASE BE WITH ME (Charles Scott Boyer) - A lilting ditty with a 'folksy' sound. Features acoustic and electric guitar. Pleasant, but a bit too 'sugary' for me.

LET IT GROW (Eric Clapton) - Ordinary song, vocally and instrumentally unexceptional, tedious and 'drones' on a bit.

STEADY ROLLIN' MAN* (Robert Johnson arr. Eric Clapton) - Great percussion and keyboards. Features some nice sharp guitar licks.

MAINLINE FLORIDA (George Terry) - Ordinary song. EC's vocals are drowned by the backing vocals and instruments. Pretty awful really.

AN ALBUM WORTH HAVING FOR SOME EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD 'BLUESY' GUITAR PLAYING AND, ON MOST TRACKS, GOOD VOCALS. NOT BAD AT ALL - BUT OVER RATED. I HAVE THE REMASTERED VERSION OF THIS ALBUM AND OTHER REVIEWERS HAVE COMMENTED ON THE QUESTIONABLE REMASTERING QUALITY - I TEND TO AGREE WITH THEM.

Average customer rating: Best Sound From A Classic Album! Back On The Boulevard SACD review

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Slowhand Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Tumbleweed Connection At Fillmore East Madman Across The Water ASIN: B00064X282 Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie And The Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot The Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida
11. Walkin' Down The Road
12. Ain't That Lovin' You
13. Meet Me (Down At The Bottom)

Customer Reviews:

Best Sound From A Classic Album!.......2005-07-20

After an absence due to personal problems, Clapton settled into the 461 Ocean Boulevard Florida estate to restart his career. It was a major turning point. His heady rock attitude was adapting to a mellower R & B with a tad more funkiness. "Motherless Children", ""Willie And The Hand Jive" and "Mainline Florida" brought out the best gut bouncing rhythm and blues yet. Jump-started with the Bob Marley single, "I Shot The Sheriff", Clapton gained back his old audience while bringing in new fans to the new blue-eyed soul in the USA. He included some nearly spiritual numbers as well. ""Please Be With Me" is a begging love ballad and "Let It Grow" culminates with the frenzy of a soaring synthesizer. Yvonne Elliman does a fantastic back-up job with her own sultry vocals and accentuates Clapton's soulful voice. The and this is the only format where you can get them. Still considered one of Clapton's best, you can't miss with this one, especially in SACD format!

Back On The Boulevard.......2005-05-06

461 Ocean Boulevard was the first studio album Eric Clapton recorded after he kicked his heroin habit. Unlike the tortured passion of Layla, the album finds Mr. Clapton still not completely satisfied, but with a more positive outlook. The album opens with a blistering take on the traditional song "Motherless Children" follow-up by the compassionate "Give Me Strength". His remake of the Johnny Otis classic "Willie & The Hand-Jive" is loose and fun. On "Get Ready", he duets with his backup singer Yvonne Elliman (pre Saturday Night Fever) on a simmering, bluesy number that has call and response vocals backed by a driving guitar riff. He practically introduced Bob Marley to the white rock audience with his percolating take on Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff". By combining the song's reggae roots with rock, Mr. Clapton made a memorable song that became his first and only number one hit. Ms. Elliman backup vocals provide the backbone for the sweet "Let It Grow". The album closes with the burning "Mainline Florida" in which Mr. Clapton lets it all hang out. 461 Ocean Boulevard was his first number album and re-established Eric Clapton as a musical force.

SACD review.......2004-11-23

The SACD version of "461 Ocean Boulevard" does sound much better than the CD version. With the surround mix, the separation of the music and the broader soundstage really helps compared to the CD.

However, the surround mix itself is inconsistent. It seems like they were going for an immersive sound stage, but the results are hit and miss.

Right from the start, 'Motherless Children' starts off sounding like the left/right channels are just duplicated in the surrounds, with even the main drum track in the surrounds too. Then in the middle of the song the surrounds contain only what sound like the 3rd and 4th guitar parts. Not sure what happened.

Other songs sound better from a surround standpoint, especially 'Willie and the Hand Jive' and 'Let it Grow,' but everything else in between sounds uninspired.

The most disappointing of all is 'Mainline Florida.' With it's layered guitar parts and keyboards, it should have been the best. But everything sounds shoved together in the front channels with the surrounds being an afterthought.

The extra tracks on the SACD deserve mention, because all three are great songs. The last one, 'Meet Me (Down at the Bottom),' also rates as one of the highlights of the disc from a surround presentation standpoint.

Average customer rating:

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Universal Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Slowhand Just One Night Solo Pretzel Logic Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs ASIN: B00005R0V9 Release Date: 2007-05-07

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie and the Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot the Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida

Album Description

Japanese remastered reissue of 1974 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Average customer rating:

461 Ocean Boulevard ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000F6YPJ6 Release Date: 2006-06-27

Average customer rating: TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD ! Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida Sour Cream NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Slowhand Backless Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Journeyman Behind the Sun ASIN: B000000IT0 Release Date: 1993-11-15

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Better Make It Through Today
3. Willie And The Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot The Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida
11. Give Me Strength

Amazon.com essential recording

The 1974 album on which Clapton's solo career truly caught fire, 461 Ocean Boulevard is best remembered for its hit version of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"--perhaps the first time many in America ever heard the rhythms of reggae music. But it's also an album on which emotions run high, especially on two Clapton originals, the prayerful "Give Me Strength" and the pleading "Let It Grow." Clapton maintains his grounding in the blues with versions of Robert Johnson's "Steady Rollin' Man" and Elmore James's "I Can't Hold Out"; revisits a rock & roll classic in Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive"; and turns the standard "Motherless Children" into a showcase of snarling guitars. Following a period of dark reclusiveness, 461 Ocean Boulevard was a powerful comeback for Clapton. --Daniel Durchholz

Amazon.com

This was Clapton's comeback record after a long bout with heroin addiction. Up through 1970 or so, he had been a restless musical seeker, opening rock up with his guitar experimentation, trying to get to the bottom of the blues. There is none of this on 461. He seems relieved just to be alive. It's a low-key affair, and that suits him. Some of his best songs are here, as well as his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Torn and frayed from the melee inside him, this album may be the most personal blues he ever made. --Steve Tignor

Customer Reviews:

TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD !.......2007-07-03

Eric Clapton recorded 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974) after kicking his heroin habit, and during the time he was living at, you guessed it, 461 Ocean Boulevard in Miami, Florida (the house is pictured on the album cover). This is a strong Eric Clapton album, even though it's nothing like a Cream or a Derek and The Dominos album. His time in Florida definitely affected his outlook on life, and that's not a bad thing. The album really rocks in some places, like Motherless Children and Mainline Florida, but the rock is fun and laid back, not foreboding or contentious. There is some blues on the album, as he covers Elmore James' I Can't Hold Out, and Robert Johnson's Steady Rollin' Man, but again, these songs have an easy-going feel to them, and they are very good. The huge reggae hit, Bob Marley's I Shot The Sherriff, put Clapton's solo career on track, and of course, sounds great. Clapton plays his dobro on Cowboy's Please Be With Me (his late friend, Duane Allman played dobro on the original). Let It Grow has a layered acoustic/electric guitar sound, a steady, leisurely beat, and is classic Clapton. Recording artist/actress Yvonne Elliman sings backing vocals on the album, and trades lead vocals with Eric on the funky Get Ready. 461 Ocean Boulevard is a very good, laid back album, with some solid guitar work blended in with the mellow atmosphere and carefree rocking beat of most of the songs. It's also one of Eric Clapton's best solo albums.

Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard.......2007-02-18

The comeback. Claptons passion for the blues is doing the talking here, but still slowhand makes the best album of his career. He had replaced his heroin addiction with an alcohol fixation, which made him very laid back, but it all works here very well.

Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida.......2006-07-26

I have to confess that, while I love Clapton, his albums are often a hit-and-miss affair. And I can't say I am a fan of the numerous recent blues tribute albums he has put out lately. For me I enjoy his work with Cream, his guest work, his first few albums, the one he recorded with The Band, a few older live albums, and bits of the Phil Collins-produced record in the early 80s. After that it's a fall-off, but I am thankful for all the great music he has turned out over the years.

I have been listening to 461 a lot lately. It holds up exceedingly well. The groove is laid-back, with solid musicianship and expert song selection. It makes for great road music, especially "Willie and the Hand Jive," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the classic closer, "Mainline Florida."

The ballads are beautiful, too. There is not a weak track on the album. There is a consistent tone, an aversion to excess and a concentration on the note and harmonic "fit" that makes this album an overall winner in EC's catalog. As someone who used to party in EC's old house at 461 Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach in the early 80s, let me say -- you did it (and us) proud.

Sour Cream.......2006-07-06

32 years ago I was so stoked that Clapton was finally coming out with a new album, I walked five miles to Deorsey's Records in Lewiston, Maine the day that it was released to buy this much anticipated record. The still near virgin vinyl remains in my LP collection and has only been played once. Once was enough. Heroin robbed a true master of his creativeness, inspiration and technical ability. Sad.

NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'.......2006-06-16

I GENERALLY PREFER EC WHEN HE DOES HIS 'LAID BACK' COUNTRY ROCK/COUNTRY BLUES STUFF AND THERE ARE A FEW TRACKS THAT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. I'M NOT A REAL BLUES FAN BUT I LIKE THE WAY EC (AND MANY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES) PRESENT BLUES MUSIC IN A WAY THAT MAKES IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO A WIDER AUDIENCE (INCLUDING MYSELF). THERE IS SOME FINE GUITAR PLAYING ON THIS ALBUM AND EC IS IN FINE FORM VOCALLY (ALTHOUGH, PERHAPS, NOT AT HIS BEST). I BELIEVE SOME OF THE GUITAR PLAYING WAS SHARED BY GEORGE TERRY, SO HE DESERVES SOME CREDIT ALSO.

HERE ARE A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL TRACKS (* DENOTES A FAVOURITE)(SONGWRITERS IN BRACKETS):

MOTHERLESS CHILDREN (Trad. arr. Eric Clapton/Carl Radle) - A real 'rocker'. Great drumming and slide guitar. Vocals a bit indistinct (perhaps, slightly over-produced).

GIVE ME STRENGTH* (Eric Clapton) - Slow tempo song with some really mellow dobro playing (incl. 40 second solo intro.). EC's vocals are restrained but not without some emotion (as befitting this type of song). Organ accompaniment gives a gospel feel to the sound.

WILLY AND THE HAND JIVE* (Johnny Otis) - Instrumentally unexceptional but great 'shuffling' rhythm and really 'laid back' vocals.

GET READY (Eric Clapton/Yvonne Elliman) - Features EC and Yvonne Elliman sharing vocals. OK, but a bit monotonous.

I SHOT THE SHERIFF (Bob Marley) - I'm not that keen on reggae music (to me, it has a rhythm that 'plods' rather than 'rocks'). Instrumentally, nothing 'to write home about'. However, its a pretty good track - decent song, tight harmony vocals delivered by Yvonne Elliman & co. EC does a good job with a 'pseudo-jamaican' inflection in his voice.

I CAN'T HOLD OUT* (Elmore James arr. Eric Clapton)) - A jazz/blues sound. Features some more amazing slide guitar playing.

PLEASE BE WITH ME (Charles Scott Boyer) - A lilting ditty with a 'folksy' sound. Features acoustic and electric guitar. Pleasant, but a bit too 'sugary' for me.

LET IT GROW (Eric Clapton) - Ordinary song, vocally and instrumentally unexceptional, tedious and 'drones' on a bit.

STEADY ROLLIN' MAN* (Robert Johnson arr. Eric Clapton) - Great percussion and keyboards. Features some nice sharp guitar licks.

MAINLINE FLORIDA (George Terry) - Ordinary song. EC's vocals are drowned by the backing vocals and instruments. Pretty awful really.

AN ALBUM WORTH HAVING FOR SOME EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD 'BLUESY' GUITAR PLAYING AND, ON MOST TRACKS, GOOD VOCALS. NOT BAD AT ALL - BUT OVER RATED. I HAVE THE REMASTERED VERSION OF THIS ALBUM AND OTHER REVIEWERS HAVE COMMENTED ON THE QUESTIONABLE REMASTERING QUALITY - I TEND TO AGREE WITH THEM.

Average customer rating: TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD ! Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida Sour Cream NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Slowhand Backless Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Journeyman Behind the Sun ASIN: B000001F3N Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie and the Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot the Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida

Amazon.com essential recording

The 1974 album on which Clapton's solo career truly caught fire, 461 Ocean Boulevard is best remembered for its hit version of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"--perhaps the first time many in America ever heard the rhythms of reggae music. But it's also an album on which emotions run high, especially on two Clapton originals, the prayerful "Give Me Strength" and the pleading "Let It Grow." Clapton maintains his grounding in the blues with versions of Robert Johnson's "Steady Rollin' Man" and Elmore James's "I Can't Hold Out"; revisits a rock & roll classic in Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive"; and turns the standard "Motherless Children" into a showcase of snarling guitars. Following a period of dark reclusiveness, 461 Ocean Boulevard was a powerful comeback for Clapton. --Daniel Durchholz

Amazon.com

This was Clapton's comeback record after a long bout with heroin addiction. Up through 1970 or so, he had been a restless musical seeker, opening rock up with his guitar experimentation, trying to get to the bottom of the blues. There is none of this on 461. He seems relieved just to be alive. It's a low-key affair, and that suits him. Some of his best songs are here, as well as his cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff." Torn and frayed from the melee inside him, this album may be the most personal blues he ever made. --Steve Tignor

Customer Reviews:

TANNED, RESTED, AND READY, CLAPTON COMES BACK MELLOW, BUT STRONG, WITH 461 OCEAN BOULEVARD !.......2007-07-03

Eric Clapton recorded 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974) after kicking his heroin habit, and during the time he was living at, you guessed it, 461 Ocean Boulevard in Miami, Florida (the house is pictured on the album cover). This is a strong Eric Clapton album, even though it's nothing like a Cream or a Derek and The Dominos album. His time in Florida definitely affected his outlook on life, and that's not a bad thing. The album really rocks in some places, like Motherless Children and Mainline Florida, but the rock is fun and laid back, not foreboding or contentious. There is some blues on the album, as he covers Elmore James' I Can't Hold Out, and Robert Johnson's Steady Rollin' Man, but again, these songs have an easy-going feel to them, and they are very good. The huge reggae hit, Bob Marley's I Shot The Sherriff, put Clapton's solo career on track, and of course, sounds great. Clapton plays his dobro on Cowboy's Please Be With Me (his late friend, Duane Allman played dobro on the original). Let It Grow has a layered acoustic/electric guitar sound, a steady, leisurely beat, and is classic Clapton. Recording artist/actress Yvonne Elliman sings backing vocals on the album, and trades lead vocals with Eric on the funky Get Ready. 461 Ocean Boulevard is a very good, laid back album, with some solid guitar work blended in with the mellow atmosphere and carefree rocking beat of most of the songs. It's also one of Eric Clapton's best solo albums.

Barcardi 151 Ocean Boulevard.......2007-02-18

The comeback. Claptons passion for the blues is doing the talking here, but still slowhand makes the best album of his career. He had replaced his heroin addiction with an alcohol fixation, which made him very laid back, but it all works here very well.

Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida.......2006-07-26

I have to confess that, while I love Clapton, his albums are often a hit-and-miss affair. And I can't say I am a fan of the numerous recent blues tribute albums he has put out lately. For me I enjoy his work with Cream, his guest work, his first few albums, the one he recorded with The Band, a few older live albums, and bits of the Phil Collins-produced record in the early 80s. After that it's a fall-off, but I am thankful for all the great music he has turned out over the years.

I have been listening to 461 a lot lately. It holds up exceedingly well. The groove is laid-back, with solid musicianship and expert song selection. It makes for great road music, especially "Willie and the Hand Jive," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the classic closer, "Mainline Florida."

The ballads are beautiful, too. There is not a weak track on the album. There is a consistent tone, an aversion to excess and a concentration on the note and harmonic "fit" that makes this album an overall winner in EC's catalog. As someone who used to party in EC's old house at 461 Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach in the early 80s, let me say -- you did it (and us) proud.

Sour Cream.......2006-07-06

32 years ago I was so stoked that Clapton was finally coming out with a new album, I walked five miles to Deorsey's Records in Lewiston, Maine the day that it was released to buy this much anticipated record. The still near virgin vinyl remains in my LP collection and has only been played once. Once was enough. Heroin robbed a true master of his creativeness, inspiration and technical ability. Sad.

NOT A BAD ALBUM BY ANY MEANS, BUT A BIT 'PATCHY'.......2006-06-16

I GENERALLY PREFER EC WHEN HE DOES HIS 'LAID BACK' COUNTRY ROCK/COUNTRY BLUES STUFF AND THERE ARE A FEW TRACKS THAT FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. I'M NOT A REAL BLUES FAN BUT I LIKE THE WAY EC (AND MANY OF HIS CONTEMPORARIES) PRESENT BLUES MUSIC IN A WAY THAT MAKES IT MORE ACCESSIBLE TO A WIDER AUDIENCE (INCLUDING MYSELF). THERE IS SOME FINE GUITAR PLAYING ON THIS ALBUM AND EC IS IN FINE FORM VOCALLY (ALTHOUGH, PERHAPS, NOT AT HIS BEST). I BELIEVE SOME OF THE GUITAR PLAYING WAS SHARED BY GEORGE TERRY, SO HE DESERVES SOME CREDIT ALSO.

HERE ARE A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT INDIVIDUAL TRACKS (* DENOTES A FAVOURITE)(SONGWRITERS IN BRACKETS):

MOTHERLESS CHILDREN (Trad. arr. Eric Clapton/Carl Radle) - A real 'rocker'. Great drumming and slide guitar. Vocals a bit indistinct (perhaps, slightly over-produced).

GIVE ME STRENGTH* (Eric Clapton) - Slow tempo song with some really mellow dobro playing (incl. 40 second solo intro.). EC's vocals are restrained but not without some emotion (as befitting this type of song). Organ accompaniment gives a gospel feel to the sound.

WILLY AND THE HAND JIVE* (Johnny Otis) - Instrumentally unexceptional but great 'shuffling' rhythm and really 'laid back' vocals.

GET READY (Eric Clapton/Yvonne Elliman) - Features EC and Yvonne Elliman sharing vocals. OK, but a bit monotonous.

I SHOT THE SHERIFF (Bob Marley) - I'm not that keen on reggae music (to me, it has a rhythm that 'plods' rather than 'rocks'). Instrumentally, nothing 'to write home about'. However, its a pretty good track - decent song, tight harmony vocals delivered by Yvonne Elliman & co. EC does a good job with a 'pseudo-jamaican' inflection in his voice.

I CAN'T HOLD OUT* (Elmore James arr. Eric Clapton)) - A jazz/blues sound. Features some more amazing slide guitar playing.

PLEASE BE WITH ME (Charles Scott Boyer) - A lilting ditty with a 'folksy' sound. Features acoustic and electric guitar. Pleasant, but a bit too 'sugary' for me.

LET IT GROW (Eric Clapton) - Ordinary song, vocally and instrumentally unexceptional, tedious and 'drones' on a bit.

STEADY ROLLIN' MAN* (Robert Johnson arr. Eric Clapton) - Great percussion and keyboards. Features some nice sharp guitar licks.

MAINLINE FLORIDA (George Terry) - Ordinary song. EC's vocals are drowned by the backing vocals and instruments. Pretty awful really.

AN ALBUM WORTH HAVING FOR SOME EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD 'BLUESY' GUITAR PLAYING AND, ON MOST TRACKS, GOOD VOCALS. NOT BAD AT ALL - BUT OVER RATED. I HAVE THE REMASTERED VERSION OF THIS ALBUM AND OTHER REVIEWERS HAVE COMMENTED ON THE QUESTIONABLE REMASTERING QUALITY - I TEND TO AGREE WITH THEM.

Average customer rating: Clapton's 1974-75 comeback

Chronicles: 461 Ocean Boulevard/There's One in Every Crowd/E.C. Was Here Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Heavy Metal | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back Home Chronicles The Allman Brothers Band/Idlewild South/At Fillmore East Chronicles Crossroads ASIN: B0009S2TQQ Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie And The Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot The Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida

Tracks:

1. Have You Ever Loved A Woman
2. Presence Of The Lord
3. Driftin' Blues / Rambling On My Mind
4. Can't Find My Way Home
5. Ramblin' On My Mind
6. Further On Up The Road

Tracks:

1. We've Been Told (Jesus Is Coming Soon)
2. Swing Low Sweet Chariot
3. Little Rachel
4. Don't Blame Me
5. The Sky Is Crying
6. Singin' The Blues
7. Better Make It Through Today
8. Pretty Blue Eyes
9. High
10. Opposites

Album Description

The "Chronicles" box sets are specially selected original albums presented in a book-style long box. Each album was selected to symbolize a classic period for the artist. Each disc includes original CD booklet.

Titles in this set include: "461 Ocean Boulevard," "There's One In Every Crowd," and "E.C. Was Here".

Customer Reviews:

Clapton's 1974-75 comeback.......2005-08-10

I stumbled upon this box set after seeking out 461 Ocean Boulevard on cd. I had been listening to it on an lp and decided to get the more portable and car friendly format. That's when I had to decide if getting the 30th anniversary edition (only available version at the time) and paying nearly 30 dollars for outtakes and all the bonus material was worth it. That's when I saw this. One live and two studio albums from 1974 and 1975 during Clapton's comeback. Four years before Layla and assorted love songs, was released in 1970. The three albums flow well together and can be listened to in sequence. 461 and There's One in Every Crowd sound much like the same album. 461 went gold but There's one failed to crack the top ten. 461 has better arranged songs, and more than likely There's one was compiled of songs that were not put on 461.

461 really doesn't need many points to explain why it is so good. Basically it is Eric fusing reggae with his own style. "I Shot the Sheriff" is on this album, but not all the songs have reggae influences, but they are easy to notice. "Motherless Children" blows open the album, in my opinion this is one of the best stompers Clapton ever did. This is a very pop orieneted album, "Let it grow" is the longest song on the album clocking in at exactly 5 minutes. All around one of the best solo albums Eric did.

There's one in every crowd is a tough fight to call. Like I mentioned earlier 461 is more than likely a collection all the hits that Clapton wrote after 4 years out of the studio. But it isn't a complete throw away like some people say. The album starts with two gospel numbers, the latter "Swing low, sweet chariot" sounds like a song straight from a Bob Marley album without Marley's vocals. "Don't Blame Me" might as well be Eric playing in a Wailer's cover band complete with the background singers and an organ. But it is still a good album.

E.C. was here. This album proves that even though two of his studio albums in '74 and '75 had reggae leanings Clapton could still play the blues. "Have you ever loved a woman" opens this album spotlighting classic Clapton from days gone by. But the part of this album that stands out are the two Blind Faith songs "Presence of the Lord" and "Can't Find My Way Home." Most songs are played very tightly by the band with Clapton still able to stretch out in parts.

Over all it's a nice collection, when I wrote this review the set figured to be about 8 dollars a cd. However, some liner notes and new photos would have been nice. Instead you just get the album cover booklet placed in a long box. But hey thats three jewel cases I won't ever have to replace. This makes the set a solid 3 1/2 stars, but a shakey 4.

Also I noticed the sequence is different from my lp of 461. Mine has "Better Make Is Through Today" as track 2. While the cd replaces it with a song called "Give Me Strength" and Better Make it is track 7 on There's always one. I'm not sure what the story behind this is.

Average customer rating:

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Universal/Polydor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0009V1GCG Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie and the Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot the Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida

Album Description

Japanese special edition of this classic original album re-released on CD and packaged in a 12 x 12 inch album sized LP replica sleeve with all the original artwork and tracks. Universal. 2005.

Album Details

Japanese Special Edition of this Classic Original Album Re-released on CD and Packaged in a 12 X 12 Inch Album Sized LP Replica Sleeve with all the Original Artwork and Tracks.

Average customer rating:

461 Ocean Boulevard by Eric Clapton (RARE 1974 Polydor release) Eric Clapton Manufacturer: A&M Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Guitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000JJKR6O

Product Description

RARE 1974 original Polydor release

Average customer rating:

461 Ocean Boulevard Eric Clapton Manufacturer: Universal ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B000666US4 Release Date: 2004-12-13

Tracks:

1. Motherless Children
2. Give Me Strength
3. Willie and the Hand Jive
4. Get Ready
5. I Shot the Sheriff
6. I Can't Hold Out
7. Please Be With Me
8. Let It Grow
9. Steady Rollin' Man
10. Mainline Florida
11. Walkin' Down the Road [Sesion Outtake]
12. Ain't That Lovin' You [Session Outtake]
13. Meet Me (Down at the Bottom) [Session Outtake]
14. Eric Afters Hours Blues [Session Outtake]
15. B Minor Jam [Session Outtake]

Tracks:

1. Smile [Live][#]
2. Let It Grow [Live][#]
3. Can't Find My Way Home [Live][#]
4. I Shot the Sheriff [Live]
5. Tell the Truth [Live][#]
6. Sky Is Crying/Have You Ever Loved a Woman/Ramblin' on My Mind [Live]
7. Little Wing [Live]
8. Singin' the Blues [Live][#]
9. Badge [Live][#]
10. Layla [Live][#]
11. Let It Rain [Live][#]

Album Details

Two CD Collection featuring a Digitally Remastered Version of the Original Album, and a Bonus CD with Live Recordings from the 1974 Concert at Hammersmith Odeon, London, England.

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6. Beautiful Soul [Import]
7. Best of Acoustic Guitar [Import]
8. Best of Atlanta Rhythm Section
9. Best of Wham [Import]
10. Biggest & Best Ballads [Import]

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