I decided to listen to the Clapton original first (which doesn't mean I'm unbiased--I don't care much for Eric's solo work, or his recent persona). A few seconds in, I realize I had heard the song--it must have been a radio or MTV hit in the US, because I wouldn't have owned the album. I pretty much agree with your assessment. The song is bland (except maybe for the organ bits--by Albert Lee if my research is correct). If you're going to title a song "Rock and Roll Heart," it should sound like rock and roll , for goodness sake (like the Lou Reed song with a similar name).

And I agree with you about the Kurti version. It's a rock and roll song, and the vocal is spirited and celebratory.

So chalk one up in the "Cover's Better than the Original" column.