When 45s cost 600 yen - Week of March 24, 1979

The legendary blues guitarist, Duane Allman.
At a record cafe in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, I was able to get my hands on the albums "An Anthology" and "An Anthology Vol. II," which contain songs Duane participated in during sessions from the late 60s to the early 70s.
"Loan Me a Dime" with Boz Scaggs is just the best!

There are two debut songs this week.

No. 40 (last week No. 46) "Watch Out for Lucy"

From Eric Clapton's 1978 album "Backless."
This work marked the final departure of George Terry (guitar) and Marcy Levy (vocals) from his backing band.
It was included on the B-side of "Promises," which climbed to No. 9, making it a double-sided hit.
A lighthearted number written by Clapton himself. It peaked at No. 40.

Same title, "Watch Out For Lucy."
The song of the same name sung by Dobie Gray didn't leave a chart record, but it's also a rocking, high-energy track. The Japanese title is "Ikasuze Lucy" (You're Cool, Lucy).

The writer is Lonnie Mack. He is said to be the original white country-blues-rock guitarist who also influencedJeff Beck, one of the "Three Great Guitarists."

Come to think of it, the term "Three Great Guitarists" that I often saw in magazines like Music Life when I was in junior high school was apparently a unique Japanese proper noun created by record companies as a catchphrase.

Jimmy Pagehas already been introduced with his Led Zeppelin Top 40 hits, so this time I'll review the early 70s hits ofEric Clapton.

"Layla" is a song from the Derek and the Dominos era.
With its impressive guitar intro that was often played in commercials, it is one of the masterpieces in rock history where he had a guitar battle with guest performer Duane Allman.
It was also included on Duane Allman's "An Anthology."

By the way, the playing time on the Japanese single was 3 minutes and 7 seconds; the beautiful piano and slide guitar section in the second half was cut.

"I Shot the Sheriff," included on "461 Ocean Boulevard," his first studio album in four years since "Layla," was a song by the Jamaican vocal group The Wailers.

Band guitarist George Terry, who really liked this song, suggested that Clapton cover it. He reportedly persuaded the other members by saying, "It will definitely be a single hit." As a result, it became a worldwide hit.

Clapton, having escaped from drug hell, looks dignified, and the reggae rhythm written by Bob Marley is pleasant. Backing vocals are by Terry and Yvonne Elliman.

No. 38 (last week No. 50) "This Masquerade"

Jazz guitarist George Benson covered this song, which was a hit for the 1976 funk group L.T.D. It peaked at No. 18.

The L.T.D. version has a more mellow feel, perhaps making it more suitable for a slow dance.

By the way, did you know that "This Masquerade," included on the masterpiece album "Breezin'" released by George Benson in 1975, won Record of the Year at the 1976 Grammy Awards?
It is an honorable award equivalent to the "Japan Record Awards" held on New Year's Eve in Japan.

At the time, the final nominees included Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now," Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs," and Starland Vocal Band's "Afternoon Delight." All of them had reached No. 1 on the charts, so I thought he had no chance based on name recognition, but it was a surprising win.

But the most surprised person might have been the writer, Leon Russell.
The leader of swamp rock provided many masterpieces as a songwriter, but here I will introduce his own hits.

No. 1 (last week No. 2) "Tragedy"

The Bee Gees, their 8th number one hit in total.

The next installment is the week of April 1, 1978.

See you then!