One more Car, One more Rider
Eric Clapton
(Reprise)

Recorded on his 2001 tour, this is a marvelous collection of his best known tracks. A two-CD, 19 track affair (with an extra video as well), this demonstrates clearly why "Slow Hands" is so adored. Even some of the overplayed tracks like 'Tears in Heaven' find themselves with new oomph thanks to Eric's superior backing band, which includes Billy Preston on Hammond organ and Keyboards, as well as Andy Fairweather Low on guitar and back vocals. The liner notes are a tad on the slim side, but that is a minor complaint. 'Sunshine of Your Love' is simply awesome, reminding us all why Cream is so missed, and 'Layla' is just as powerful as ever. 'Bellbottom Blues' clearly demonstrates that EC's pipes have certainly not suffered from all his years of abusing his body. The only duff track ends this disc (which is unfortunate); why he felt the need to play 'Somewhere over the Rainbow', and worse yet, include in this otherwise stellar set is beyond me. Its not horrid but did we really need to hear year another version of this frequently butchered "classic"? This is the CD-only (enhanced: requires Quicktime 5+) version of the album, there is also a DVD as well as a DVD/CD combo set.

Rating: 4.5