Album Review: Limited Money And Cigarettes by Eric Clapton
Alright, let’s talk about Limited Money And Cigarettes by Eric Clapton. This one’s a Japan-only release under ARMS Music Entertainment, and it’s got that raw Blues Rock vibe we all love. Sure, Clapton’s been around the block more times than we can count, but this album feels like flipping through an old photo album—familiar yet kinda fresh.
First off, the tracklist is stacked with classics like “Layla,” “Cocaine,” and “Wonderful Tonight.” But two songs really stuck in my head after spinning this thing: “Slow Down Linda” and “I Shot The Sheriff.”
“Slow Down Linda” hits hard right outta the gate. It’s not one of Clapton’s most famous tunes, but man, there’s something about the groove that just grabs you. The guitar work here has this loose, almost jammy feel to it, like he wasn’t trying too hard—which makes it even cooler. You know those moments when music feels less like perfection and more like storytelling? That’s what this track does for me. Plus, who doesn’t love a song where you’re rooting for someone to slow their roll?
Then there’s “I Shot The Sheriff.” Yeah, yeah, Bob Marley wrote it, but Clapton’s version? Absolute fire. His take on it adds this gritty edge that fits perfectly into his Blues Rock style. The way he stretches out those solos gives me goosebumps every time. Like, how does he make bending notes sound so… human? It’s wild.
The rest of the album keeps things tight too. Tracks like “After Midnight” and “Tulsa Time” remind you why Clapton’s still the GOAT, while deeper cuts like “Worried Life Blues” show off his respect for the blues roots. Even the interview snippet at the end (“Eric Clapton Interview With Ray Coleman”) is kinda fun if you’re into hearing him talk shop.
But honestly, what gets me thinking is how this whole thing plays out like a mixtape from another era. These days, albums are often polished to death, but Limited Money And Cigarettes feels real—like Clapton didn’t care much about trends or expectations. He just wanted to play some killer tunes and call it a day.
Oh, and random thought: isn’t it funny how some of the best stuff comes from limited runs in random countries? Like, imagine walking into a record store in Tokyo back in the day and stumbling across this gem. Bet whoever found it first felt like they’d won the lottery.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re craving some solid Clapton vibes. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “Layla” all week.
