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J.J. Cale — After Midnight
Album: Naturally
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1841









Released: 1971
Length: 2:17
Plays (last 30 days): 0
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, we're gonna chug-a-lug and shout
We're gonna cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, gonna shake your tambourine
After midnight, it's gonna be peaches and cream
We're gonna cause talk and suspicion
Give an exhibition
Find out what it is all about
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out
Comments (148)add comment


When Delaney Bramlett played some of Cale’s demos for Eric Clapton in 1969, Clapton responded by recording Cale’s “After Midnight” for his solo debut. Cale wasn’t even aware of Clapton’s recording of the song until he heard it on the car radio. “I almost drove off the road and I thought, ‘oh, boy I’m gonna buy me a new car.’ I was dirt poor, not making enough to eat, and I wasn’t a young man. I was in my thirties, so I was very happy. It was nice to make some money.”

 ThePoose wrote:


JJ first heard EC's cover on the car radio, and thought to himself, derisively, "Well, that isn't going to go anywhere." 

JJ changed his tune when the royalties paid off his debts..



That's funny!  I was going to post that I never heard this version on AOR way back when.  But now I hear it on RP, and I like this version way better than EC's.
I read an article about JJ years ago that said he resisted interviews, photographs, and other trappings and obligations of celebrity. In a rare interview, his wife was asked how she liked his new album (not sure which one it would have been), and she said it was fine, but nothing to compare with listening to JJ playing guitar and singing in his sock feet on the porch in the evening. That image has always stuck in my mind. She's a lucky woman!
The kick drum panned to the far left and the snare panned to the far right is making for an interesting effect that is making my head tilt to one side kind of the way dogs do ...
This song, this voice. After this many many listens. How does it sound so fresh, so new and vital every time? Effortless. Timeless. Thanks you RP. Thank you JJ.
 cely wrote:

He is the master of lo-fi cool.



The original Slow-hand!
10
How many artists have been influenced by J.J. Cale?
He is the master of lo-fi cool.
Was sitting in an upscale restaurant and this came on via the overhead speakers. Really nice.

Oh, and it was in eastern Iceland.
 helgigermany wrote:

     I prefer eric claptons version!



JJ first heard EC's cover on the car radio, and thought to himself, derisively, "Well, that isn't going to go anywhere." 

JJ changed his tune when the royalties paid off his debts..
ah, now finally I know how this song has to sound! (silly EC)
 Cale keeps growing in legend as the years pass by. 
 helgigermany wrote:
     I prefer eric claptons version!
Well, hailing from Tulsa, I suspect your listeners have never heard of RED DIRT. JJ Cale was the Godfather of the Tulsa Sound. Eric tried but couldn't replicate it.
Fun 1979 version with Leon Russell and Bill Payne(?) on keyboards ...

JJCale-AfterMidnight
If it was after midnight and I lived next door, I'd definitely prefer the original! 'God's' version is a tad frantic, and I suspect JJ would make it through to dawn whereas Eric might run out of steam... JJ has been my favourite undersung hero since the the '70s.
I always disliked this song, or at best was indifferent, until one rainy autumn evening close to midnight I heard JJ's recording. My wife and I were instant fans. Something is so right about it.
Both are distinct and both great. As it happens with Cocaine and many others. I appreciate that Bill plays Iindeed bohh versions on RP!

 
helgigermany wrote:
     I prefer eric claptons version!

 

     I prefer eric claptons version!
Tasty as peaches and cream, baby!
This one was always a snooze. When Gramps got "funky" I suppose he would dig on the SlowHand version.
10>11
so natural so good  {#Yes}
 oldfart48 wrote:
the master....{#Notworthy}{#Bounce}  {#Yes}

 
You are so right
Vale JJ
the master....{#Notworthy}{#Bounce}  {#Yes}
What a super album ... THX JJ!!!
 
Sly and wry....R.I.P..
Rest in Peace
One of the great ones. He'll be missed
RIP JJ. Thanks for all the great songs.
Lost a great one this weekend ... More, Bill, more ...
RIP JJ    Thank you for the good vibes.  {#Meditate}
R.I.P., thanks for the song-writing! Nice performances as well, especially this one.

marvelous...  love it...
 
J.J. {#Notworthy}
Yes! J.J. Cale after packing up work for Xmas, this is colossal stuff Bill! I love the voice, the guitar, the overall vibe... {#Cool}
Nice..... {#Cheers}
like a fine whiskey on the rocks...
Perfect line-up after CCR! {#Angel}
Great song... only "Crazy Mama" approches it... from same GREAT album
One of the best desert island records of all time and gotta love the raccoon.
 Sloggydog wrote:
Perhaps this version should be called 4 and a half hours after midnight cause 12:01 I'd go the Clapton version but 4:30 am I could see the JJ Cale version winning out
 
4:30 . . . or given JJ's "Laid back" style, maybe 4:20?   ; )
Guitar. Piano. Rum-soaked voice. Godlike.

wow. I don't hear this version often and i can't stand Clapton's version (especially since the beer ad in th 80's).

weird thing is that i can totally hear "Son of a Preacher Man" in this version, which makes me like it more
Yes, but the guitar licks on Eric's version are ROCKIN'!!

 
Grammarcop wrote:
So much more subtle and sensual than Clapton's version.
 


Perhaps this version should be called 4 and a half hours after midnight cause 12:01 I'd go the Clapton version but 4:30 am I could see the JJ Cale version winning out
If you were ever into J.J. Cale you should own this album. If you're new to J.J. Cale and just like this song you should buy the album. I've never made a desert island list but Naturally is definitely something I'd like having with me. It's still my favorite from his catalog.

 nohopenofearnoname wrote:


i respectfully disagree—not only is this version, in my opinion, more heartfelt than Clapton's, but Clapton's was produced, i believe, by Phil Collins—not a particularly bright period for oldschool Clapton fans who prefer their rock gods bereft of later-day Collins flavorings...
 
Delaney Bramlett produced Clapton's first solo album, Eric Clapton, and "After Midnight." At the time the album was released, Collins had just joined Genesis.

So much more subtle and sensual than Clapton's version.
If you like this, listen to the J.J. Cale original "Cocaine", also recorded by Clapton. 
Wow!  I don't know how I've missed this version all these years — it is very fresh sounding for 1971.  Definitely prefer this one over Clapton's any day — glad to know this is the original!
I love that Bill played "After Midnight" directly after "The Midnight Special"
That's j.j. cool correct ?
"Naturally", the original version is the best!!!
 calypsus_1 wrote:

Eric Clapton & JJ Cale - After Midnight. Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Tiqv4Irjs

 
Eric Clapton said that when he comes back, he wants to come back as JJ Cale, or something close to that.
Way way way cool. 
 drews wrote:
Great laid back feel compared to Clapton's, though no knocking the urgency and pace of Eric's version
 
You mean both of Clapton's versions ?

Laid back and minimal.
 Stefen wrote:
What is this "it" that's going to hang out after midnight?
 
Whatever you want 'it" to be...{#Tongue}
What is this "it" that's going to hang out after midnight?
JJ is fantastique-magnifique!
Aaaw, this is almost a brilliant coincidence - Eric Clapton's just parked his Ferrari outside our office... (not coming to see us unfortunately!)
J.J. Cale!
One of my all time faves!

 Darkmatter wrote:
Love this song. But exactly what is it he is going to "let it all hang out"?
 
Turn of phrase, kind of like 'throw inhibition to the wind'
So good.....gives me chills
Harry met Sally moment in my workshop! Yeeeeeeeeesssssss!
Great albulm.  Check out Crazy Momma.
Love this song. But exactly what is it he is going to "let it all hang out"?


 Mandible wrote:

is the racoon's hat strategically placed on his crotch or what? 


I think you need anatomy lessons.  That's called a 'knee'.

JJ's lazy original still sounds great after all these years.

is the racoon's hat strategically placed on his crotch or what?


damn Bill CCR then JJ love this midnight theme ya got goin suprised JJ isn't rated higher
gekkosan wrote:

He did. BB. King doesn't enter into it.

There's an interesting anecdote about this song and Cale's career posted in Wikipedia:
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_Midnight

No Comprende.

 anotherlistener wrote:

I believe Mr. Cale penned this ditty.  Not so?

 
He did. BB. King doesn't enter into it.

There's an interesting anecdote about this song and Cale's career posted in Wikipedia:
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/After_Midnight

 reason06 wrote:
when I was a child, I thought this song was dirty! :)
 
Because he sang ''peaches and cream''?

Great tune - JJ, a true master of his profession!
 bugleboy624 wrote:
An understated version of the B.B. King classic.
 
I believe Mr. Cale penned this ditty.  Not so?

 jim1964 wrote:
now there's an inspired follow-up to "Midnight Special", haven't heard this in years.
 

Agreed!  Works nicely together.  J.J. Cale is just sooooo smooooth.
An understated version of the B.B. King classic.
TY for reminding me how wonderful he is! YumYum
reason06 wrote:
when I was a child, I thought this song was dirty! :)
And now as an adult ...you know it is.
great song. great album. Twas good to see Clapton do an album with Cale recently. Clapton made some serious money on JJ's songs.
when I was a child, I thought this song was dirty! :)
What a treat--more and more please
Great laid back feel compared to Clapton's, though no knocking the urgency and pace of Eric's version
now there's an inspired follow-up to "Midnight Special", haven't heard this in years.
Hairfarmer wrote:
Yet another Clapton hit that was much better the first time out of the gate.
You said it!
Hairfarmer wrote:
Yet another Clapton hit that was much better the first time out of the gate.
Absolutely true. JJ's live version of this is actually my favorite.
Yet another Clapton hit that was much better the first time out of the gate.
kinda reminds me of eric clapton in a strange way...LOL
What a cool song!
Why wait till midnight
Sic 'em, boy!
all sky colours
Too amazing! But now all I want to do is leave work to get down and dirty!
Sic 'em Boy!
mfassett wrote:
Damn, THIS is what this song is supposed to sound like!! Never liked the song until now.
I know what you mean. I picked up this CD years ago. I played it at a party I had at the house and some of my friends there asked, who is that doing an EC cover. At that point I had to break the news!!!
Love the ivory tinklin'! Classic song, fantastic bass and guit! Says it ALL, baby.
algrif wrote:
What is often called 'PhilCollinization' ruined many great musicians work. Thank goodness Clapton realised eventually. But he released at least two junk LPs before he escaped the evil clutches of the ubiquitous Philler-Killer
I've certainly had my Phil.
algrif wrote:
Its a better version. Full stop. What's your problem with EC? He's a very competant, mainly blues, musician who has made a lot of good music and made a lot of people happy. Same as JJC.
They have made an album together, yes? A story goes that Eric had had a postcard on his fridge once from Bob Marley saying I shot the sherriff, so what's his problem?
Stunning, simply stunning. Don't hear this man enough. A true musical god!
algrif wrote:
Its a better version. Full stop. What's your problem with EC? He's a very competant, mainly blues, musician who has made a lot of good music and made a lot of people happy. Same as JJC.
And now an excellent new CD WITH JJC!!
Wonderful version...Incredibly Soulful and Romantic. 9
eman wrote:
Soooooooo much better than that EC (sellout) dudes cover version
Its a better version. Full stop. What's your problem with EC? He's a very competant, mainly blues, musician who has made a lot of good music and made a lot of people happy. Same as JJC.
eman wrote:
Soooooooo much better than that EC (sellout) dudes cover version
I agree 100%! Edit: To clarify, I agree with the "much better than EC's version", not with the sellout comment. So maybe more like 90% agreement.
earthbased wrote:
Cale/Clapton CD Nov. 7th!
Hey, the album cover for the Cale/Clapton CD reminds me a lot of the Leo Kottke/mike gordon album Sixty Six Steps.... is there something to that?
Soooooooo much better than that EC (sellout) dudes cover version
Cale/Clapton CD Nov. 7th!
Damn, THIS is what this song is supposed to sound like!! Never liked the song until now.
This is an amazing piece of vinyl from start to finish. I ran the cassette of this in my car for a solid year after its release (1972). I believe it beat the crap out of anything else that came out that year.
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Yeah, but this isn't a heartfelt song: it's talking trash about how tanked and rowdy we're going to get tonight! So I have to side with the Clapton opinion, sorry.
Why can one not be heartfelt about getting 'tanked and rowdy' after midnight? I know when I say it I really, down to my heart, mean it.
The definitive version of this song! Plus he is one of the nicest, most down to earth humans I ever had the chance to share space with! A true "Bard"...
Simply masterpiece
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Yeah, but this isn't a heartfelt song: it's talking trash about how tanked and rowdy we're going to get tonight! So I have to side with the Clapton opinion, sorry.
Soooo, 'heartfelt' means being conformist & ordinary ? What could be 'whiter'...?
nohopenofearnoname wrote:
i respectfully disagree--not only is this version, in my opinion, more heartfelt than Clapton's, but Clapton's was produced, i believe, by Phil Collins--not a particularly bright period for oldschool Clapton fans who prefer their rock gods bereft of later-day Collins flavorings...
Yeah, but this isn't a heartfelt song: it's talking trash about how tanked and rowdy we're going to get tonight! So I have to side with the Clapton opinion, sorry.
What is often called 'PhilCollinization' ruined many great musicians work. Thank goodness Clapton realised eventually. But he released at least two junk LPs before he escaped the evil clutches of the ubiquitous Philler-Killer
nohopenofearnoname wrote:
i respectfully disagree--not only is this version, in my opinion, more heartfelt than Clapton's, but Clapton's was produced, i believe, by Phil Collins--not a particularly bright period for oldschool Clapton fans who prefer their rock gods bereft of later-day Collins flavorings...
I'd forgotten that Clapton had done his 2nd version of this song with Phil Collins. Michelob commercial, right? *shudder*
trempel wrote:
Clapton did it better.
i respectfully disagree--not only is this version, in my opinion, more heartfelt than Clapton's, but Clapton's was produced, i believe, by Phil Collins--not a particularly bright period for oldschool Clapton fans who prefer their rock gods bereft of later-day Collins flavorings...