Rating : 5/10

20 November 2000

This video was one I "had to have" and chased around to find it.  I needn't have bothered. Any EC fan with a history of collecting bootlegs and tapes of televised performances will already have the majority of these selections.

If you must go out and buy everything that is available, by all means do so, but my guess is that you won't watch it more than once.

Rating : 9/10

2 November 2000

The Clapton Chronicles suggests a 'back to basics' concept of recorded anthology.  This title also implies more profound connotations such as the almost biblical notions of reverence which often center around Clapton's sublime musicianship.  The purpose of the chronicle's orator must be to carry its message of 'truth' forwards to future audiences, executing a clarity of vision which speaks beyond the millennium.  Undoubtedly Clapton's work has already achieved this.

Okay, so this 'best of' compilation on CD may not have included enough classic blues material,  omitting some firm personal favorites for many Clapton enthusiasts found in the tribute album From The Cradle, (Where's Eric Reviews, Issue 26). The video version is perhaps in essence a better medium, conveying powerful insights into the fundamental semiotics that suggest how we the audience have loved to view Clapton and how he perceives himself.  The touching understatement of 'Running On Faith' in Unplugged mode demonstrates an inclusive relationship with his audience and the addition of 'Motherless Child' draws from biographic themes of self-discovery which so motivate his work.  This video certainly contains plenty of Clapton's defining message of 'beauty derived from honesty', a phrase captured in a recent review in Vanity Fair, (Music Issue, November 2000).

The last track featured casts Eric towards a final destination in his role from the soundtrack of Runaway Bride.  Once again religion features as a symbol and reminds us of his peace found through personal faith and the sincerity of his work in the field of detoxification.  In a similar vein to
contemporaries such as The Rhythm Kings, to use a literary cliche, Eric has in effect arrived full circle back to his roots where in each performance he can now know and fall in love with the guitar as if for the first time.  It is the unmistakable earnestness and edge of this perfectly reformed renaissance man which I am longing to see in his forthcoming Royal Albert Hall performances!