245. LAYLA AND OTHER ASSORTED LOVE SONGS by Derek and the Dominos

This 1970 record by Eric Clapton, Duane Allman (of the Allman Brothers Band) and others, together comprising Derek and the Dominos, is another that had a profound effect on me during my formative years, especially two tracks - 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Layla' (more the former rather than the latter). These songs are probably the most well known off this album. Clapton formed this band using the pseudonym of 'Derek' in an attempt to fade away from the intense limelight he was receiving as a solo artist and as part of other bands.

I particularly like this record because it feels like Clapton's playing is unleashed. He feeds off Allman's guitar (including slide) as Allman does his. This makes for a guitar lover's dream. In addition to the originals mentioned above I, of course, have to recommend (and include in my playlists) the blues covers - 'Have You Ever Loved A Woman,' 'Key To The Highway' and 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.'

Coda: Sadly, Allman died in a motorcycle accident about a year after this record's release, age 24.