So I just finished reading Clapton's autobiography

And say what you want, but it's pretty damn good! He writes (and yes, he wrote it, no ghost writer) just like he was sitting across from you, telling the story. If you're a guitar player, you'll appreciate some of the technical references. If you're a fan of guitar players, you'll appreciate his take on his peers: Hendrix (totally intimidated EC the first time they met; later, they used to go from club to club in the Village, jamming with whoever was playing). Buddy Guy (one of the best players ever, according to EC).

I found myself reading it with a British accent.

And he tells the whole story about Patty. The writing of the Layla album. And Conor. Very moving stuff. And of course his struggle with addiction.

I highly recommend it.

Bake

According to my girlfriend, She essentially describes EC as very talented, but as a sorry drunk w/o much social grace...

He freely admits that his addiction to alcohol destroyed his relationship with Patty, and virtually everyone else in his life in those days.

Bake

...by him is "Tales of Brave Ulysses" from his Cream days.

My second fave by him is his cover of "Motherless Child" from the From the Craddle LP (Not to be confused with "Motherless Children"-also a killer tune...

I also think that his performances on the Geroge Harrison tribute (especially his number with Ravi Shankar) could be the best things he has ever done...

I agree. Some of EC's best stuff.

All the old Cream stuff - Ulysses, Sunshine of Your Love, Strange Brew - is great. EC gets no credit around DU, but he's one of the pantheon to me. And unlike so many of the good ones who faded away (or died), we've gotten to see his style mature and change over the years. And he's still playing great music after all these years.

Bake