2. Layla (Eric Clapton as part of Derek and the Dominos, 1971)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX5USg8_1gA Eric Clapton drew inspiration from two muses, one real, the other fictitious, to compose one of rocks finest femme fatale songs. The first was Patti Boyd, the model who was then George Harrisons wife. Clapton channeled his awkward unrequited love to his friends wife into the lyrics, making the frustration and despair he felt evident. But the name of Layla derives from the fictional character of a Persian tale titled Layla and Majnun, which touched Clapton profoundly. The song is comprised of two notoriously contrasting halves, the first being vertiginous and bluesy, featuring an unmistakable Clapton guitar riff, and the second a more calm and resolute piano coda by Derek and the Dominos member Jim Gordon. Perhaps this second part ties in perfectly with the fact that Clapton did get Pattie eventually... Layla, you've got me on my knees! Layla, I'm begging, darling please! Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind!
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