Eric Clapton’s ’Old Sock’ is cozy

Eric Clapton
"Old Sock"
(Bushbranch/Surfdog Records)

Imagine a jam session at Eric Clapton’s house. He‘s not likely to trot out "Layla" for the 3,478th time. Instead, he and pals with names like Paul McCartney, Chaka Khan and Steve Winwood would probably deep dive into a tasty bag of cover tunes that inspires and delights them.

Such is the cozy feel one gets listening to "Old Sock," Slowhand’s 21st studio album and his first on his own Bushbranch record label. Recording primarily with three other musicians, Clapton gives the Gershwin Brothers’ "Our Love Is Here to Stay" a sultry, bluesy feel, while Winwood’s Hammond B3 Organ-dominated "Still Got the Blues" takes the Gary Moore classic into roller skate rink territory - and delightfully so.

Clapton‘s guitar wizardry is understated but elegant here, especially on the lilting "Angel" and the muscular "Gotta Get Over," one of the intimate set’s two originals.

(AP)


Skrillex‘s ’Spring Breakers‘ is nice soundtrack

Skrillex
"Spring Breakers"
(Big Beat Records)

Grammy-winning electronic music specialist Skrillex brings his ear and oversight to Hollywood for the "Spring Breakers" movie soundtrack, enlisting some top-notch talent to deliver everything from dubstep to beat-heavy bass rap.

Besides several of his own tracks, the Skrillex-composed album features Atlanta-based rappers Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame, the latter providing an interesting though nearly understated delivery on an explicit track about staying focused in the music industry to provide big dollars for his family.

Skrillex uses Ellie Goulding’s breathy dance track, "Lights," as the finale on this decent assemblage. It‘s not the disc’s song with the most pulse, but it brings things to a calming close.

All in all, it‘s a decent soundtrack and a good sampler of what the spring break set is doing.

(AP)


Jason Crabb is impressive on 2nd album

Jason Crabb
"Love Is Stronger"
(Gaither Music Group)

Grammy-winning Christian singer Jason Crabb impressively drives home the theme of how genuine love can be even if there’s heartache and grief on his sophomore album, "Love Is Stronger."

His soaring voice, lyrics of enduring faith and solid production on the 11-track set continue to prove why he is the Gospel Music Association‘s reigning male vocalist and artist of the year. On "Let Mercy Hold You," he encourages people not to allow their minor mistakes discourage them and offers hope for those who might be lacking faith on "God’s Up to Something," singing that the struggle will not last long if the proper belief system is intact.

Other easy listening ballads include the thought-provoking "Living Life Upside Down," the piano-driven "Satisfied" and "There‘s Not a Crown (Without a Cross)," featuring Joyce Martin Sanders and Michael English.

(AP)