Just How It Is Supposed To Be Done
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Now, this is a proper rock bio.
It is quite light on the tales of excess and debauchery, though they are still there. However, unlike other bios such as Anthony Kiedis' Scar Tissue, Slash's or Iggy Pop's, Clapton tells his tale of drug and alcohol abuse simply, as they are, without swimming into the gore details.
Instead, here we get a much more introspective reflection of the man behind the legend. Clapton appears fragile, not the decisive leader you'd imagine him to be, coming to grips with his stranged mother, his alcoholism and lack of general sense of direction.
Unfortunately, Clapton's opus is vast, and perhaps one would have appreciated a bit more detailed explanation of some of the recording processes and collaborations he made, but that would have taken twice the length of this book.
All in all, this is an enjoyable and good read, Clapton tells it like it is and bares himself. If only he had done for another 300 pages...
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An admirable autobiography
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Eric Clapton provides an interesting and honest account of his career and the influences that have shaed his life and his music. It is a life which has had its share of challenges iclduing the circumstances of his birth, the death of his young son and his battles with alcohol and drugs. Clapton explores the challenges with an engaging candour and we can appreciate the courage behind the writing of the book. He deals frankly with the effects of aging and his responses to the deaths of friends and associates yet he also conveys his passion for the musical influences that have shaped his music.
Unlike other autobiographies/biographies which have tended to concentrate on particular phases in a performer's life, Clapton chooses to tell the story of his whole life bringing us right up to date. He refrains from critical analysis of his work or of his performances and does not comment on the work of his contemporaries unless they have directly affected him. Punk is mentioned in passing as is the rise of Britpop on the 1990s. This is very much an account of Clapton the man and not Clapton the artist. Some early discussion of his guitar technique is not developed and we learn little about recording methods or songwriting techniques.
This book has changed my perception of Clapton. He has engaged my sympathy and admiration. His writing is straightforward and direct. At times, I feel he can distance himself from his audience. We are freqeuntly reminded of the material advantages his talent has brought him and he does not always discuss all relationships fully.
To conclude, this is a fine and brave account but perhaps one that does not cover all the questions asked by the fans of Calpton's music.
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Eric Clapton: The Autobiography (Paperback)
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Eric Clapton finally writes his side of the story and an engrossing read it is too. In this book he writes pretty candidly about his life and career and you get a real feel for his struggles with addiction and his various relationships. Some parts of his life are glossed over, as is his prerogative in an autobiography, or not mentioned at all and for this reason I'd say this is a good complimentary biography to other, more in-depth books out there. The latter part of the book leaves you feeling more positive where he talks about his wife and children and his approach to life and music. It may have more impact when it is considered next to the first part of his life and the turmoil and struggles he seemed to go through. There are some excellent colour plates in this book, as well as additional black and white images to begin each chapter. You get a sense of loss when he talks about the various friends and musicians he has lost over the years, and his past is a veritable who's who list of top musicians and artists since the sixties. Overall this is a candid and interesting read and worth a look if you're a fan of his work.
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