My Top 2000 Songs #1178: Let It Rain
One of the few tracks from Eric Clapton 's long solo career I care for; if he'd had more pastoral pop jangle like "Let It Rain," who knows, maybe I'd like him more as an artist. The track (co-written by Bonnie Bramlett, off Clapton's self-titled 1970 solo debut) is a distant cousin to Cream's " Badge ," and sounds more in line with George Harrison than Clapton's more traditional blues-based rockers. Clapton was squarely in George's sweet spot, from the understated vocals to effervescent chiming guitars. He borrows somewhat liberally from Buffalo Springfield 's "Questions," which was ok given that song's author Stephen Stills joined him on the recording. It makes for a gentle, enchanting reflection of early 70s mellow vibes, sunshine and nostalgia and wistfulness that's just plain sweet. Plus, the tune got some indie validation when the Dream Syndicate gave it a muscular but respectful do-over a decade and a half la...
