Dave Clark Five--Bits and Pieces (1964)

     The Dave Clark Five was probably the most immediate beneficiary in the wake of the British Invasion after the Beatles. Clark, who was the drummer and had led bands since 1957, turned out to be a smart businessman and shrewd when it came to the direction of the group. They were the first British band to tour the US, they not only leaped at the chance to be on Ed Sullivan (the Beatles were first), but promoted a more wholesome image and found themselves on the show 18 times through the 1960's.
     The success of the band in the US lasted until psychedelic rock took hold in the late 60's. However, they did well in the UK until breaking up in late 1970. Interestingly enough, they did better in the UK in the latter part of the decade than they did during the US success. All told, the group racked up 8 top ten hits from 1964-1967 and 17 top 40's. 
     "Bits and Pieces" was written by Clark and lead singer Mike Smith. It was the second top 10 hit in the US reaching #4 in the spring of 1964.

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Eric Clapton--Hello Old Friend (1976)

    Thinking of just ONE song for Clapton is not easy. When you have been around as long as he has, you find your share of great songs and also your share of duds. With Eric, it's a bit more difficult not only because of the high quality of the music, but he has spread his talent around so many places. Do I play something from The Yardbirds? or maybe Delaney and Bonnie. Derek and the Dominoes is an obvious choice, not so much but just as good would have been Blind Faith. You can't talk about "Slowhand" without mentioning Cream....so....where do we go.
     I settled on his broad and deep solo output from the 70's. If you are into top 40, it's probably his most accessible period for hard rock fans, and for those who have no idea who Cream was. So I chose, "Hello Old Friend", which is probably my favorite period in his recorded history. Taken as the first single off of the, "No Reason To Cry" album in 1976, it has all of the sounds you expected from him at that time. Clapton's distinctive guitar work, and his underrated vocals, and a melodic sound that is as comfortable as a pair of old slippers. The backing vocals of Yvonne Elliman adds a touch that had become a normal part of the EC sound in the mid-70's.
     The song itself reached #24, which was lower than other efforts during that period, but it was the highest charting song he had since 1974's, "I Shot the Sheriff" and 1978's, "Lay Down Sally". If you are mostly familiar with Clapton of the 60's, or just turned on to him in the last 15 years, I would suggest you check out the music during the period 1972-1981. None of it may have been groundbreaking, but the consistency of the quality cannot be understated.

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