Kronomyth 9.1 TOKYO TIME. Eric used to open this song with a dedication to his Tulsan backing band, but that was then and this was a few months later with a completely different and English band. Unlike the Don Williams’ version, which is more of a pure country song, Clapton’s version of “Tulsa Time” sounds like a Chuck Berry cover. (Clapton also includes the words “damn” in his version.) Despite the new band, there’s no big difference between this version, previous live versions or the original version that appeared on Backless. The single version of “Tulsa Time” is shorter than the elpee version on Just One Night; the flip side version of “Cocaine” significantly so. Recorded in Japan, where “Cocaine” was released as a single, the audience clearly relishes the performance. The solo on “Cocaine” is especially interesting, with Clapton getting a talk box effect from his pedals.
The Songs
- Tulsa Time (Danny Flowers) 3:12
- Cocaine (J.J. Cale) 3:25
Did You Know?
- Eric Clapton invited Albert Lee to join his band after the pair worked together on Marc Benno’s 1979 album, Lost In Austin.
- In 1983, Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page and an all-star band performed “Tulsa Time” live for the finale of the A.R.M.S. (Action into Research for Multiple Sclerosis) charity concert, which I’ve linked to below.
The Plastic
Released on 7-inch in June 1980 in the US (RSO, RS 1039), Australia (RSO, 2090 460), Canada (RSO, RSS 1039), France and Spain (RSO, 2090 471), Germany (RSO, 2090 336), Mexico (RSO, 1186) and Portugal (RSO, 2090 360); reached #30 on the US charts (charted June 21, 1980 for 12 weeks). Regional versions feature picture sleeve. Also released as 7-inch stereo/mono (s/m) promo in the US (RSO, RS-1039).
