Time Pieces is a good single-disc collection of Eric Clapton's solo hits and includes most of his hits like I Shot the Sheriff, After Midnight, Wonderful Tonight, his collaboration with Derek and the Dominos on Layla, and Cocaine (Live). The compilation provides a good introduction for neophyte Clapton fans, especially those who just want copies of his '70s hits.

By the time Eric Clapton turned solo in mid-1970, he’d already made a name for himself in the music industry leaving bands like the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream and Blind Faith. He moved on from there to become the best guitarist of his generation.

As many fans and rockers would know, the 70s were a sad time for Clapton as he spent much of the early decade struggling with a drug addiction. It wasn’t until around 1974 that he launched his solo career with albums that have today become classic. ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’ and the hit single, I Shot The Sheriff are examples.

There are other compilations out there, and many more that are more thorough in their appreciation of the man and his career as a whole including his time with bands like Blind Faith and Cream. That said, this LP is testament to his earlier work, and it stands as a genuine compilation release from a particular place and a particular time. In terms of its content too, it offers Clapton fans with a good array of his 70s work.

The sound quality is adequate while not outstanding considering this is an original pressing, so this vinyl has aged, but with a few pops and static, it still is in pristine condition. It is a good introduction to his work if you need that or want to introduce someone else to some of his masterpieces. So if you want to focus on Clapton's brightest decade, Time Pieces is an excellent choice for you. If you like Clapton, you will love this.

Released on; April 1982

Recorded: 1970 – 1978

Duration: 44.52

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira