Eric Clapton / Songs for Pattie

A must-listen for fans, featuring 13 exquisite tracks dedicated to his beloved “Layla”! Pattie Boyd was loved by two legendary guitarists; this collection gathers the masterpieces Eric Clapton dedicated to her. The photo of Pattie used for the album cover is also exceptionally beautiful and rare. Pattie Boyd was loved by two legendary guitarists. Here are the gems Eric Clapton dedicated to her. The sound quality is superb, ensuring a stress-free listening experience. 1. Layla….. The quintessential song dedicated to Pattie. This track features a studio performance from the May 9, 1996, TV special *Duets*, where Clapton performed with Dr. John. It is a unique version in Clapton’s career—an electric duo arrangement of the *Unplugged* version. This was also the only time Clapton played the song on a Gibson ES-335. 2. Pretty Girl….. A love ballad from the album *Money and Cigarettes*. It is a song in which he sincerely expresses his gratitude and love for Pattie, yet he performed it live only twice. This recording is from one of those occasions: the opening night of the North American tour in Seattle on February 1, 1983. It features a sincere vocal and instrumental performance that mirrors the studio version. The middle solo is played by Albert Lee. 3. Peaches And Diesel 4. Wonderful Tonight….. A classic love ballad from the masterpiece album *Slowhand*. There is a famous story behind the song: Clapton wrote it while waiting for Pattie to get ready for an outing, composing it to distract himself from his growing impatience. “Peaches And Diesel” was created by expanding upon the chord progression of “Wonderful Tonight”; in a sense, the two songs form a complete pair. This is a live recording from the February 11, 1978, concert in Santa Monica, featuring a performance filled with meltingly sweet emotion. 5. The Shape You’re In….. A song from 1983 in which Clapton—then in the process of overcoming alcoholism—warns Pattie, who had become a heavy drinker herself under his influence. While written out of concern for her well-being, it is also a somewhat selfish song, reflecting a time when he was moving toward a healthier life while neglecting her. This track features a live recording from the Bremen concert on April 20, 1983, during the *Money and Cigarettes* tour. It showcases fiery interplay with Albert Lee; Albert is in the left channel, and Clapton is in the right. 6. Old Love….. A song of lingering attachment and the anguish of missing Pattie after their breakup. It reveals Clapton’s regret; while the studio version on *Journeyman* was notable for its interplay with Robert Cray, this version is a live recording from the Budokan concert broadcast on satellite TV on October 27, 1997. Joe Sample’s beautiful piano solo is a must-hear. 7. Bell Bottom Blues….. A love song Clapton wrote in 1970, using “bell-bottoms” as a keyword because Pattie favored that style of trousers at the time. There is also an interesting anecdote that he wrote it while lying on the floor under the influence of Mandrax. This track features a live recording from the Yokohama Arena concert broadcast on satellite TV on November 24, 1999. Performed here in an acoustic arrangement, the mellow playing evokes a sense of the passage of time. 8. Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad….. Another signature song from the Dominos era. It is a passionate number that directly expresses his yearning for Pattie, and the band left behind some legendary performances of it during the Dominos days. It became a popular addition to the setlist again in 2006 during his Japan tour, marking its return after 31 years. This version is a live recording from the Hard Rock Calling festival in Hyde Park on June 28, 2008. Highlights include Clapton’s spirited solo and the twin-lead guitar work shared with Doyle during the instrumental section in the latter half; the quality of the performance rivals his best work from the past. 9. “I Am Yours”….. Another track from the Dominos era, originally featured on *Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs*. This recording captures the live performance from the 2006 tour’s opening night on May 5 in Le Cannet, France. It marked the first time this song had ever been performed live in Clapton’s career. The lyrics are drawn from a passage in the novel *Layla and Majnun* by the Persian poet Nizami; the song embodies Clapton’s deep desire to become one with Pattie. 10. “She’s Waiting”….. A track from *Behind the Sun*. During the making of that album, news of Clapton’s infidelity and the existence of an illegitimate child had come to light, placing his marriage to Pattie in jeopardy. In this song, despite his underlying desire to cling to Pattie, Clapton adopts a cynical, bravado-filled attitude, telling himself she is likely “waiting for another lover to appear.” This is a live recording from the Brighton show on February 1, 1992; the arrangement is closer to the original version than the take from the 1985 tour. 11. “Never Make You Cry”….. Also from *Behind the Sun*. Here, he takes the opposite approach, offering a heartfelt apology to Pattie set to a slow, melodic arrangement. This live recording is from the April 20, 1985, show in Virginia and was originally broadcast on FM radio. Clapton makes rare use of a Roland guitar synthesizer, producing a smooth, flute-like tone. Pattie was moved by Clapton’s genuine sincerity in this song and forgave him (though an unforgivable incident would occur later, ultimately leading to their divorce…). 12. Just Like A Prisoner… Another track from *Behind the Sun*; here, Clapton likens himself to a lonely prisoner, reflecting the emotional rift that had developed between him and Pattie. This recording captures the live performance from the Birmingham show on March 1, 1985—a song performed live only a handful of times during that era. He delivers a dramatic vocal performance true to the studio version and unleashes a ferocious guitar solo in the latter half. 13. Layla… A live take from the first show of the “Rainbow Concert” on January 13, 1973. While an official release exists, that version was a “fake”—an edit featuring re-recorded backing vocals by different singers. This, however, is the authentic live version. With the support of Pete Townshend and Ronnie Wood, the band performs the entire piece, including the piano coda—a truly moving rendition. It stands out as the version that most closely captures the intensity and arrangement of the original. How was it? Listening to the music while reading these stories might give you a fresh perspective on some of the songs. It is also a great idea to listen to the music after reading the artist’s autobiography. Take a look at the photo on the album cover featuring Pattie Boyd—the beautiful woman who inspired so many of these masterpieces. She is truly stunning; after all, without her, the rock classic “Layla”—a song that shines brightly in music history—would never have come into existence. Let’s recall the passion of that day and give it another listen.