Eric Clapton • Unplugged
Reprise Records 468412-1
Two 33-RPM 180 g LPs
Recorded live in England before a small audience, this reissue is the first time Unplugged has been available on vinyl in North America (imports notwithstanding). It was previously issued on vinyl in 1992. The original pressing is a great record, but this reissue blows it away! Not only does it contain all 14 tracks (the original vinyl release omits Rollin’ and Tumblin’), the sound quality is much better (especially the bottom end—which sounds like it is deliberately rolled off, presumably so that the record could be squeezed onto one disc—and dynamics). The latter is no doubt aided by the fact that the album is spread out over four sides (the original was crammed onto just two).
Among the tracks are a moving version of Tears in Heaven, and a down-tempo version of Layla (these two tracks are among the albums highlights in my opinion). Do I really need to say it? Very highly recommended!