I used to ignore the "John Mayall with Eric Clapton" album for years, but a couple of years ago I got a mono reissue and now Clapton's fiery tone comes through loud and clear. The mono version of "Fresh Cream" also shows how powerful it is. I understand how Clapton got tired of being a guitar hero, but in early Cream live shows, like the famous one at Detroit's Grande Ballroom, he was incredibly searching and far out. I think he blew people's heads off at that time.

For so many reasons, "I'm So Glad" that you made this video. Really enjoyed it and learned a couple of interesting tidbits.

You forgot to mention the great Duane Allman on the Layla album. One of the best ever! The Allman Brothers.

I love your list but I truly believe he comes alive with his love for blues on his all blues cover album "From the Cradle" and the subsequent live follow-up "Nothing but the Blues". He put's everything in those performances and really expresses love for the genre that originally motivated him to pick up a guitar. I think he is at the peak of his powers if you give it a chance and just listen all the way through.

Nice video Norman. The Derek and the Dominoes in concert live album is also a very good one. Especially because of EC wonderfully emotional solo on why has love got to be so sad. Thierry

As always, you really get to the essence of the recordings. Thank you.

Good list Mazzy. Cream and Creedence were game changers for me all those years ago. I pretty much agree with your rankings. I enjoyed the Clapton and Winwood live album years later. Keep up the good work.

As always enjoyed the video. The earlier Clapton seems to be my favorite. Certain later albums like Pilgrim I like. But his work with cream and blind faith will always resonate with me. Enjoyed the wanker series

Lovely, touching, clearly affectionate ranking of your favourite Clapton output. I know this is subjective (just a couple of quibbles), but I'd put the Eric Clapton album as #1. It outshines all others in my idiosyncratic mind. Also, I've always loved the Cream's Live Cream. Those long, heavy, hypnotic grooves! Play Loud! Just brilliant. (The only time I saw Claption was with the Dominos: The Lads' Club, Norwich, England, 1970. I was awestruck.) By the way, no apologies needed for your Claption is a wanker record-flinging moment. That was funny, and perfectly understood by all non-spectrum viewers. England salutes you. Peace out!

Great video, Mazzy! I’m a huge Clapton fan. I might have replaced Road to Escondido with Unplugged, but that is your list ... not mine. Great list though! 24 Nights and From the Cradle are two that I would have included, too.

The Clapton is a wanker video was the first video of yours I watched. As a long time Clapton fan, I thought you were a tool but did find the video amusing and watched a few more. I stopped thinking you are tool and I've really enjoyed your videos. This has been my favorite to date. I appreciate your work!

Enjoyed your presentation very much Mazzy. Perhaps the contributions of Martin Sharp deserve some acknowledgment whenever those Cream albums are discussed. Take care.

Thank you for this. What a fun way to sip a second cup and catch up w/ you on an otherwise dreary Saturday morning in the Northland. Lake Superior has its charms to be sure, but it's rain rain rain at play today. I've only seen Clapton once: he came through (Minneapolis) in the Delaney & Bonnie band. His contributions that night were subdued, much to the crowd's displeasure. Great music overall, though; he really let it rip on the finale. Anyway, keep up the Good Work. Have anything on the Kinks?

Great presentation! Cream will always be great as they were 3 virtuoso musicians who inspired each other to even higher plains of creative heights. Disraeli Gears is a landmark album with "Tales of Brave Ulysses ", "SWLABR" & "Sunshine of Your Love". I agree that on the Blind Faith album EC took more a backseat to Steve Winwood. "Presence of the Lord" is still one of the beautiful, standout tracks. Mazzy, you revealed great character and heart to temper your disagreements with Clapton in a more objective way. A fine wanking!

I enjoyed your EC "wanking" video. My favorite EC bands: 5 Bluesbreakers 4 Cream 3 Yardbirds 2 Blind Faith 1 Derek & Dominos Layla is one of my favorite albums of all time. D&D were the core musicians on George's All Things Must Pass. To play on two classic albums in succession is a mind blower! My favorite solo album is 461 Ocean Blvd. At that time it seemed that he was away from the scene for a long time (in those days 3 years was a long time), and I was so glad when he came back with that album. I loved the album and saw the concert when the tour came to the L A Forum - such a great show, and he was having a great time.

Yes Mazzy my top picks will always be Cream even though I wasn’t born yet Disraeli Gears blew me away when I discovered. The UK original stereo is the best sounding pressing I’ve heard too . Eric Clapton’s playing was so top notch and Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker added that killer element of improvising Blues and Rock . Derek and Dominoes is another great album Mazzy you pulled all the important pieces a great Wanking of Eric Clapton Mazzy. Lovellandrew

hey mazzy...wanks for the memories.....good listing...'layla' probably holds my record for most listened to clapton album...followed by delaney and bonnie..i liked 'riding with the king' also....nice to see 'goodbye' in there....great stuff....peace...rocky

Cool video Mazzy really enjoyed your musings on Clapton. I would definitely have Layla & Gears as my 1 & 2. I don’t like Elton John apart from the odd track so looking forward to your Elton ranking. Let’s see if you can influence me 😂 Keep up the good work Mazzy your on top form✌🏻❤️

Am I missing something??eric had a bad reaction to a 'medical procedure' and was unhappy about it,he has a right to have an opinion or opinions,I'm not particularly a fan as such,but he had the guts to speak out about it! Sheesh!

Crossroads on WOF was such a favorite of mine. I still think of that song and that guitar when I think of that period in my life, which was I was basically still a kid. My friends all bought this, we all loved it, we all tried to play crossroads, ands I at least played it really badly. A landmark.

It amazes me how you can keep coming up with so many different ideas for a show on a three to four day and less basis’. I am starting to believe that you like the sound of your own voice. My thoughts only of course.

Just acquired a copy of Crossroads 6LP set. Seems to cover lots of his works

I would have to include Five Live Yardbirds as it was an album that completely changed my out look on music. I would find it difficult to put his albums in any order, as recently listened material would end up near the top. Excellent review on your thoughts.

Killer vid! Agreed on your wanking! I might have put Layla and assorted other love songs above the second cream album though. Awesome stuff dude!

Thanks for the video Norman - I don't necessarily agree entirely with the listing - for instance I would place 461 Ocean Boulevard in a much higher position but hey this is just a difference in taste; not a deep character flaw!. That said, it is great to be reminded of these records and I will go and play the JJ Cale - Eric collaboration later today. Have a great day everyone .

I had an 8-track of Wheels of Fire, played it while cruising with my friends. Spoonful introduced me to the blues, a perfect example of an album evocating a time perfectly.

Hey, is that "Slowhand" LP a cutout? Thought I spied a bitten-off corner upper-right on the cover...so Eric didn't get paid for that one?

Hi Norman. I have a copy of Disraeli Gears on cd. I like the well known songs on it but the rest didn't seem that interesting to me so it kind of went to the bottom of my play list which is very long. Based on this video I will give it another chance.

I’m almost 22 and only saw Clapton once live, but I’ve loved his music for years. His music is amazing to me, even when people put him down for his “views”, you can’t deny his talent. Listen to his solo works through, let alone his group projects like cream and Derek and the dominos. Amazing. I really like that you can still see his talent regardless of his personality. At the end of the day, everyone’s entitled to their own thoughts.

I'll easily go along with that list order. Man, these Jack Bruce & Pete Brown lyrics were fantastic.

In my opinion, 98% of his solo work: Yawn! Clapton is probably in the Top 3 technically-skilled Blues Rock guitarists of all time. To my ears, I can't hear, or, better yet, feel any emotion in his solos. When I listen to the King Trinity Of Electric Blues ( Freddy, Albert & B.B.), I can feel every bent note in their playing. Same with Roy Buchanan, so emotive. I guess you can argue that Stevie Ray and Jeff Beck play in a similar style as Clapton. That may be a valid point. But for me, I'd rather listen to artists that move me with their playing, like Jerry Garcia, Santana, Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Otis Rush, among others. Just my take, granted. You can Do a similar video on Joe Bonamassa , a true blue wanker. In fact, make that the title of the video. Peace.

Wow. Loved this ranking and agree with most of it.

What are your thoughts on the trilogy of albums produced by Phil Colins? Behind the Sun, August, and Journeyman. I grew up on those, so it makes me a little biased on them, but I am curious if you enjoy them or not. Cream was big in my house too. Great list. Also, if you haven't heard it, give The Breeze a listen. It's Eric's tribute to JJ Cale after he passed. There are lots of artists on it with him. Pretty good album.

If we want to look at Clapton's best work then look no further than the double album, produced by Tom Dowd. Think it's called Allman & Clapton 1970 Studio Sessions (or something like that). It's a complete Jam session of 18 hours jamming condensed into 6 Jams - backed by the Dominoes. This occurred just after Clapton & Allman met. Tom Dowd had the foresight to record it and produce the double album. It was not a big seller however professional guitarists rave over it. It really shows both Allman & Clapton's guitar skills. Think it is on KZfaq somewhere.

Had to give you a view and a like just for the title

"wanked" lmao 🤣, tip of the hat for that one Mazzy!

It is possible to separate the music from the personality. Great video!

Came for the blues, stayed for the lyrics; thanks to the great Peter Brown who never got a dinner.

I don't know what your beef with Clapton is, however finding out at age 13 that his "sister" was indeed his mother, never met his father and the mother left him again to run away with another man, it's a miracle that he didn't turn into a mass murderer. Booze? Women? Drugs? Plenty, but no needles, that's probably the reason he survived, but also decades of great music not to mention selling off a bunch of guitars and promoting concerts to fund his drugs rehab center. "Clapton is God" even in these days and I will always appreciate and love the artist, his playing and singing for the rest of my days. Now an obvious question: I am only 5:50 minutes into the video, should I go on or quit? I am a decent guy, so I'll stay to the end.

Nice video Mr Wank And File. I would have included Money and Cigarettes in top 5. I Agree Slowhand is a snooze other than the name itself. Would have put Wheels of Fire as #1 myself, but I understand your choice. EC Was Here for a full live album is #1 for me. Love the bar mitzva story, can relate.

Never mind the music Mazzy, your reviews are worth the view. The music is great tho'. Keep doing it 🤗👍😉

I am very happy with the selection of cream albums as part of Eric Claptons best work!

Maybe there is something I don’t know here, but with regards to The Blues Breakers, how was Page involved? I know they had Clapton/Green/Taylor, but never heard of a connection to the great Jimmy Page

Gotta thank Eric for turning me onto those early 1970s funky JJ Cale albums: Naturally, Really & Okie.

I hope you put Riding with the king on this list as well as the Robert Johnson thing ..

When I was a kid I used to play Layla up to the piano break and turn it off, now it doesn't really interest me until the piano section kicks in.

Hi Norman. Now this is funny: I used to have a little Radio Show here in Germany, and in my mind Eric Clapton definitely is a prince in the Kingdom of Wankers :D used to proclaim this on air, while my Show-Partner was a Clapton fan. By the way: in your way of talking you remind me of Michael Stipe. Is it only me? So what about a ranking of R.E.M. Albums? I'm pretty sure that you are a fan...?

Love the live Derek and the Dominoes album!

Mazzy I’m very amazed you haven’t included Unplugged. Incredible recording. Very strange

Love his blues. The 7 minute live version of Cocaine is my fav.... Rita's Born under.... is my fav version of that song. ...She really got the screws by the industry back then. If you don't have it, get her OUT OF THE BLUES cd . It is fantastic especially like Cooks, BRING IT ON HOME TO ME. I don't think it's on vinyl. Thanks.

"SLUNKY" really kicked my ass. The horns, the echoplex ........ wow. He was on fire ...... in the old days!

I have got to agree that his greatest work came from being in great bands and great collaborations. He was on fire on everything he played on during the early years. Then from 1974 until today with some exceptions he got kind of boring.His live shows are always good depending on who is in his band. My favorite album he played on was Disraeli Gears and it was the album that also introduced me to Jack Bruce and Ginger Band . Just incredible! Everything else came later. Sunshine of Your Love was the very starting point for me. On Goodbye I really loved Born Under a Bad Sign, Politician and of course Badge. I agree with you on the Badge solo which was really great . George good that same sound on Ringo’s single It Don’t Come Easy . I actually wore out my copy of that single. I own it on his greatest hits album. I still love that sound. I’m not sure how he got that effect but I’m thinking it was played through a Leslie .

Through the eighties, I kept buying his records out of habit. I kicked the habit about the time of "August".

"Sunshine" was one of the riffs every initiate guitarist had to learn in the 60s, and I say "riff" advisedly because it's hardly more than a riff, a very cool riff for sure ... but it has definitely shown itself to be a bit thread-bare over the years. Still, I favor the Jack Bruce/Pete Brown songs for the most part. "Dance the Night Away" has one of the best Psych feels of all time. Possible point of interest -- the lyrics, and possibly the music of "Tales of Brave Ulysses" were written by Martin Sharp, the artist responsible for the cover of not only Disraeli Gears but also Wheels of Fire.

Just happened to discover the Single-Version of "Tell the Truth" by Derek & The Dominos! Produced by Phil Spector, a great Up Tempo-Version, could easily be from the Flamin Groovies! I`m impressed!

The nick name of "Slowhand" was coined way before this release. In fact he got called this back in the Yardbirds days.

I think 'Concert For George' was the pinnacle of Eric Clapton's performing career. He did a remarkable job with that. Among his solo albums, 'Slowhand' has always been my favorite.

I would have added Live Cream, absolutely fantastic live performance.

How about a review a The best Grand Funk albums?

HERE'S a comment on the.... "Wanking of Ewic's Wecords- ha, ha, ha"... Porky Pig Does the Clapton Discography! Kudos for including Delaney & Bonnie & Friends On Tour as a reference. The live performances of this era of 1969-1971 really are special. It starts with the Beatles on the Rooftop in January, and it wraps up with Elton John playing live on the radio in NYC 10-11-71. Thrown in the middle? ....Woodstock, John Lenon Live Peace in Toronto, The Who at Leeds, Joe Cocker Mad Dogs, the Alman Brothers at the Fillmore (last two were mentioned), and the Phil Spector produced Concert for Bangladesh, with Eric on stage. Best comment I've heard about the Concert for George (also mentioned)? The presentation of the music is completely different after the Beatles' rhythm section steps on stage in the personae of Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr. You were there, what do you think?

I remember reading some critic discussing Clapton and he said something that has always stuck with me. What made Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs such a great album (other than Duane Allman being there, obviously) was that Clapton stopped playing other people's blues and aping his heroes and he created his own blues on that record. It seems Clapton was a bit lazy, and only rose to his potential when challenged by others around him and he got scared of looking bad (be it Bruce and Baker, Winwood or Allman).

Blind Faith is close to a bluesrock-soul crossover masterpiece ... very underrated imho. My fav Clapton, after Disraeli Gears

Cream, blind faith, traffic, blues breakers, Derrick and the domino's, I remember when those albums came out. Layla was the album of the summer. Everything I have read or seen about Eric clapton says he was a bit of a #ick. That's what he said. Drugs, and alcohol will do that to a person. His work is iconic. I personally think his tribute album to Robert Johnson was the best blues album he's done. Me and Mr Johnson.

Clapton got the 'nickname' Slowhand because he took a very long time to replace a broken Guitar string at a Concert.

Spot on Mazzy!✌✌😎😎🙉🙉💕💕

How about some rankings for the God father of British Blues John Mayall? He is finally retiring at 88 yrs old.

The best use of Layla is in the film Goodfellas. The whole of the second half of the song is played to great effect. Sunshine of Your Love is also used in the film.

DUANE ALMAN IS THE HERO OF DERECK AND THE DOMINOS LP

I agreed with most of your choices, my only gripes were that you didn't mention Duane Allman on Layla and John Martin was Scottish.

Rotary Connection does an amazing version of "Tales of Brave Ulysses." I like it better than Cream's version, which I love nonetheless. "Pressed Rat and Warthog" was one of my late younger brother's favorite songs, so it will always have a special place for me.

Tend to agree with you on this matter. Ive said it before, but I feel he is always better on colabs

Good job! IMHO, Clapton's best all-around collaborator and best harmony singer (by far) was Bobby Whitlock.

Mazzy, I can relate to what you're saying here. Neil Young has said somethings and expressed his opinion about various things over time. However, I elect to ignore that and enjoy his music. Artists are supposed to entertain us; not give us their opionion on things.

The great Carl Radle from Gary Lewis and the Playboys ( :

Hi Mazzy, I myself was never a fan of Clapton's solo work, I feel his best work was always a collab. with other artists. My favorites were: #1 Disraeli Gears, #2 Wheels of Fire #3 Blind Faith #4 Layla. I agree with you that Steve Winwood was the master of Blindfaith. I also think that Jack Bruce was a great bassist, and the "Voice" of Cream. I try to separate the Artist from the music.I love Neil Young's music but I disagree with most of his ideologies. Most Artists should not speak publicly about their politics and just stick to their music. When I was younger I was influenced by my favorite musicians,now..I just don't care,they are after all...just human,imperfect like all of us.

It was the beano album of John mayall with the famous hideaway track That turned me on to Freddie king Albert king and all the other great American black blues men , I’ve never been a big fan of Clapton , but that beano album was a great one

Cool it, pops.

The Core !!

Good list. Totally agree that Clapton was at his best with Cream.

I really like the Me and Mr Johnson record.

Unfair. Bad boy😜

It wasn’t Jack Bruce who wrote the lyrics of Tales of Brave U

I think "Wipeout" got the ball rolling on drum solos.

Has anyone been in so many bands that were gold or better and gold themselves??? Don't think so... .... Yardbirds, John Mayall Blues breakers, Cream, Blind Faith Derick and the Dominos, Delaney and Bonnie

An interesting question: Why did he play some of his best music when he was drunk or high? It’s always interesting to see the obligatory moaning about his addiction but the simple fact is that his music was more organic and atmospheric back then, IMHO. I like your ranking and glad you have obvious respect and admiration for the amazing legacy of a sixty year career. I love Backless and don’t think that album gets enough love. Even Clapton doesn’t like it, lol - says it’s a shambles. But it’s got that loose but polished feel you get with awesome, seasonal players who are just relaxing and playing their butts off. No Reason to Cry is similarly a great album and similarly rough, but awesome. Should have been a double album.

The RSO (Robert Stigwood Organisation) with Brit spelling Cream re-releases in the 70’s are superior sounding to me than the noisy ACTO releases from the 60’s

When are going to rank the Grand Funk albums like you promised me. 😂

btw, Tales Of Brave Ulysses, Eric Clapton / Martin Sharp ;)

In essence, Cream WAS Jack Bruce's band. Main songwriter, main vocalist.

Never forget seeing Clapton is God everywhere...I just listen to his music not his other shit. Some of his stuff is playing by numbers and frankly sometimes lacking in passion but he is still my go to guitarist. Working with such a huge arse as Baker must have rubbed off. I met them all once as they crashed at my friends sisters flat, had zero clue at the time who they were but Baker scared the shit out of me. Truly an extremely odd man..this was in the very early days and I can't recall if they were Cream then or not. This was in Glasgow and I think Jack was visiting family

Clapt On Clapt Off the Clapper!

I did watch the whole video, I was surprised that "Unplugged" didn't make the list. So, once again, what's your beef with Clapton? And this is NOT hate mail but a simple question from a simple man. Also not listed is Riding With The King, any reason? And, finally, Eric made it possible for the widow of the late Big Bill Broonzy to get royalties for Keys To The Highway. And, to end my post, even his latest work, The Lady In The Balcony, is a pleasure to watch and listen to.

Wank you very much for a great video.

First, I respect your opinions on Eric Clapton. Second, When I was a teenager, I liked Eric Clapton’s music. Eric was fantastic from Cream (1960’s) through his solo career in the 1970’s. Third, I enjoyed his “MTV unplugged” album (1992?). After that, I stopped liking Eric Clapton’s music with his blues/ adult contemporary music. In 2000, I volunteered at a Top 40 radio station and the radio station would not play his late 90’s singles.

Presence of the Lord has Clapton ripping it up, wish he'd don't more hardcore guitar work like that..

Its all about opiniones, likes snd dislikes variations and him finding where he wanted to ❤ be

No shjt, just heard Clapton's "Pretty Girl" on the radio.

Get who did the lyrics not jack Bruce, Pet Brown

Disraeli Gears' Sunshine of Your Love combines the talents of Clapton, Bruce, and Baker for an incredible song. Best work of all three! Thanks!

I wonder whose idea it was to put the naked girl on the front cover on Blind Faith ? Pretty silly idea.