Bob Lefsetz: Welcome To My World - "Eric Clapton Guest Appearances"

"Dirty City"
Steve Winwood

Steve can shred quite nicely thank you, as anyone who's seen him tear apart "Dear Mr. Fantasy" recently is aware. But despite killing it live, despite putting out one of my favorite albums of the twenty first century, "About Time," independently, doing everything right, the man was fading in impact. So, he signed with Columbia and put out the mainstream album "Nine Lives" to almost no effect in 2008. That's right, rather than stretching out and testing limits Winwood did it their way and few cared. However, there are two killers on "Nine Lives," the opening cut "I'm Not Drowning" and this, where Clapton positively wails.

Get ready to have your mind blown.

I'm including the long version, all 7:46 of it, be sure to stay to the very end. This is music as you remember it, everything you're yearning for. You'll be stunned this isn't a well-known classic.

"They Dance Alone"
Sting

Sure, he's made some tone-deaf statements, about tantric sex and such, but the truth is Gordon Sumner is immensely talented and "They Dance Alone" is one of the best tracks on his best solo album, "...Nothing Like The Sun." It features not only Eric, but Mark Knopfler and Fareed Haque. You probably know it, but it sounds so good, enjoy it, you can never burn out on it.

"Go Back Home"
Stephen Stills

Of course, Jimi Hendrix was on Stills's solo debut too. Upon release the album was castigated for its unending guest contributions, but at this distance the album is astounding. "Love The One You're With" was the hit, but "Go Back Home" is one of the stellar moments. And Eric was on it!

"Alacatraz"
Leon Russell And The Shelter People

Leon's initial solo, with "Delta Lady" and "Roll Away The Stone," was his best, but this uneven LP was the one that cemented his legend, when he began his victory lap after "Mad Dogs & Englishmen." "Alcatraz" was one of the best cuts, it finished side one.

"Beware Of Darkness"
Leon Russell And The Shelter People

Yes, from the same album. And, stunningly, Clapton appears on the original, from "All Things Must Pass."

"Prince Of Peace"
Leon Russell

From that legendary initial solo LP referenced above. Almost completely forgotten, "Prince Of Peace" will put a smile on your face if you know it.

"Romance In Durango"
Bob Dylan

The album AFTER "Blood On The Tracks." It got very positive reviews and a lot of ink regarding controversial tracks "Hurricane" and "Joey." The cuts you remember are "Isis," "Mozambique" and "One More Cup Of Coffee." But this, with Eric, is on the album too.

"Save It For A Rainy Day"
Stephen Bishop

From before "Tootsie," before "Animal House." The hit was "On and On," but this got airplay, hell, it made it all the way to #22! How Eric ended up appearing on it I don't know! But I do know being able to sing and write used to be important. Bishop rode these skills to the top, however briefly. Technology has put them in the backseat, unfortunately.

"If Leaving Me Is Easy"
Phil Collins

From his blockbuster solo debut. Phil returned the favor by producing "Behind The Sun," a return to form by Clapton, with the stellar "She's Waiting" and "Forever Man."

"The Challenge"
Christine McVie

The connection is Russ Titelman, who produced both of these artists.

"Deep In Your Heart"
Paul Brady

Legendary songwriter who never broke through big on his own. This is from Brady's 1985 album "Back To The Centre." Start with the Gary Katz produced "Trick Or Treat" if you want to investigate further.

"Willpower"
Jack Bruce

With his old Cream-mate. A trifle, but the elements resonate.

"Early In The Morning"
Buddy Guy

Two guitar sensations working it out.

"Runaway Train"
Elton John

From Elton's 1992 album "The One." This is good, but if you're interested in comeback albums, check out Elton's 2001 LP "Songs From The West Coast," where he recaptured the magic and not enough people cared.

"It's Probably Me"
Sting

The big hit off the monstrous "Ten Summoners Tales" was "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You," when Sting seemed to be able to throw off radio-ready ditties at will. The album is near-perfect, and Eric plays on this track.

"Gonna Be Some Changes Made"
Bruce Hornsby

Not Hornsby's best work, but "Halcyon Days" is a return to form after "Big Swing Face" and Clapton plays on its two best tracks, this, the opening cut and...

"Candy Mountain Run"
Bruce Hornsby

Infectious, great groove, it's the best cut on "Halcyon Days" and Clapton is featured.

"Every Time I Sing The Blues"
Buddy Guy

From Guy's 2008 album "Skin Deep." This resonates. Check it out. You'll dig it.

"Roll On"
J.J. Cale

Where the maestro repays the debt he owes to the man who wrote so many of his famous tracks.

Of course Clapton played on the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," but he also played on the lost Jon Astley classic, "Jane's Getting Serious." The above is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Clapton's work, but it illustrates that not all of his playing was done on his own behalf.