April 2013 \ Reviews \ Media Reviews \ Album Review: Eric Clapton - "Old Sock"

Album Review: Eric Clapton - "Old Sock"

Jason Shadrick

Clapton has fully completed the transformation from elder blues statesman to professional musicologist.
Premier Guitar April 2013

Eric Clapton
Old Sock
Bushbranch Records

"Gotta Get Over" from Old Sock

Eric Clapton doesn’t need to make a new album. His vast back catalog—although not without its ups and downs—speaks for itself. With Old Sock, Clapton has fully completed the transformation from elder blues statesman to professional musicologist that started with 2010’s Clapton. This doesn’t mean Clapton has turned his back on his roots (I’ve yet to hear a note that isn’t influenced by the three Kings), but I wonder if this jazz-crooner direction is merely a phase or Clapton’s newfound voice.

Instead of cranking out his trademark blues-rock, Clapton focuses more on the groove and pays tribute to his various influences. Songs by Taj Mahal, J.J. Cale, George Gershwin, Peter Tosh, and Gary Moore surround two originals, and you need to search the nooks and crannies of these songs to find that Slowhand fire.

The most “Claptonian” track is “Gotta Get Over.” From the opening Dominos-inspired riff to the gospel-influenced chorus, this is when Clapton really shines. He not only rips out a solo but also plays some of the tastiest fills this side of the Cook County Jail. It might make some aficionados’ top 10 EC studio albums list, but I’m hoping Old Sock is just a stylistic detour before we get a sequel to From the Cradle.

Must-hear track: Gotta Get Over


     

Related Articles

Album Review: Gilad Hekselman - "This Just In"
Album Review: Bart Walker - "Waiting on Daylight"
Album Review: Bart Walker - "Waiting on Daylight"
Album Review: The Dillinger Escape Plan - "One of Us is the Killer"
Album Review: Leroy Justice - "Above the Weather"


Comments

 (72 comments) display by
UsernameComment
G. Descent
on 05/11/2013 		True fans will love it. It has a very nice easy feeling. Clapton has done it again. Every song is enjoyable and tradmark EC .I can't help wanting to listen to it again. A gifted and unique musician. God bless you Sir Eric.
imreoir giotar
on 04/10/2013 		When I first the guitars to Layla I was then and there hooked to Clapton's guitar melodic genius http://youtu.be/lMxWyfXB63A
Frank L31
on 04/10/2013 		wasn't thrilled with the new direction,,,,,,but It is definitely growing on me. Give it a chance.
MikeS
on 03/25/2013 		I love the album. I saw him in Oklahoma City a few days back and loved the rearrangements on some of his older stuff ... like Gonna get better in a little while .... I believe he is being nostalgic with this album and counting his blessings, after all he's 67 and still on tour - till I can do and play even half as good as him ... think I'll hold any judgement.
Dave
on 03/24/2013 		Saw Clapton last night New Orleans. His new stuff is ok, but the deal for the crowd was some slammin' blues. But Steve Jordon drummer on "Sunshine of your love" was absolutely smokin' hot. Paul Carrick (ACE "How long") one hit wonder can sing even better than back in the 70's. This tour is highly recommended for Clapton fans, & his band just lays down the sweetest waves for him to surf across!
KSAS
on 03/24/2013 		Clapton's new album is like a comfortable old sock that you can't throw away. I have played it over and over and marvel at his musicianship. Here is a rocker who has transformed himself into a jazzblues man. For those that don't like it then don't play it. But I find myself humming or whistling the tunes all day long. I think it is, once again, another excellent album of Eric Clapton's diversity in his music. Don't get stuck in the past of the music but revel in the revival of tunes that are deep in your mind from childhood played in another unique way. BRAVO Eric Clapton.
Billy hall
on 03/23/2013 		Clapton is like a fine wine. The older he gets the smoother and tastier he becomes.
BikerVet
on 03/23/2013 		Title is apt. Old Sock - it stinks.
Axe
on 03/23/2013 		Overall disappointing. But hey, he is getting on. Still in good voice, but the whole thing just seems lazy. I don't know whey great artists are continually doing old American standards. Where's the originality?
Tony Brown
on 03/21/2013 		The question is: when you hear this, do you know it's Eric? And since the answer is yes, we have to admit that this is a work of art. If you don't like it, there's plenty of other stuff to listen to.



Your Comment:  

All comments are subject to editing or deletion by the Premier Guitar staff.

Your Name:  


Please enter the text you see in the image:  
10

FB4F3E08-3867-4D85-A8CA-6C1A9035BB2E