I'm with Bend 'Em. I really like the unplugged version, but the original album track is one of the Top 5 recordings of all time for me. Duane Allman, plus the beautiful piano piece in the 2nd half of the song.
I think both versions give the song a very different sound. The original album track is full of passion and heartbreak, and I think the electric guitars, combined with the piano section at the end more accurately portray those two feelings. It's intensely beautiful. The acoustic version I think is more of a quiet pleading, and it's more traditionally beautiful in the sense that it has almost brought me to tears. I love them both and have always had a difficult time choosing one as a better.
What I do love about both versions is that they are so appropriate for where Clapton seemed to be in his life. As a young 20-something man, he played an intense ballad about passion. As a 40-something man reflecting back, he plays a beautiful acoustic ballad. That's what truly perfect about the song.
Today's rock music sorely needs the return of the Gibson / Les Paul AND Fender Stratocaster bluesy guitar and rhythm lead sound.
Much as I'm inclined to go with the studio version---I do appreciate "Slowhand's" guitar mastery--beautifully showcased in the live "unplugged" version of "Layla".
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I'm with Bend 'Em. I really like the unplugged version, but the original album track is one of the Top 5 recordings of all time for me. Duane Allman, plus the beautiful piano piece in the 2nd half of the song.
I think both versions give the song a very different sound. The original album track is full of passion and heartbreak, and I think the electric guitars, combined with the piano section at the end more accurately portray those two feelings. It's intensely beautiful. The acoustic version I think is more of a quiet pleading, and it's more traditionally beautiful in the sense that it has almost brought me to tears. I love them both and have always had a difficult time choosing one as a better.
What I do love about both versions is that they are so appropriate for where Clapton seemed to be in his life. As a young 20-something man, he played an intense ballad about passion. As a 40-something man reflecting back, he plays a beautiful acoustic ballad. That's what truly perfect about the song.
Today's rock music sorely needs the return of the Gibson / Les Paul AND Fender Stratocaster bluesy guitar and rhythm lead sound.
Much as I'm inclined to go with the studio version---I do appreciate "Slowhand's" guitar mastery--beautifully showcased in the live "unplugged" version of "Layla".
Hi Crispus!
Me, I like the original most of all.
However, the acoustic version causes one to hear the song in a completely different light.
One can hear so many different aspects from this version, which aren't readily obvious in its electric original.
No i like the coda in the electric version with Duane Allman playing slide plus the riff is great
I am gonna go against the grain and vote for the original album track :) I have a hard time doing without Duane Allman.
I need me some Duane Allman on that. Got to go with Derek & The Dominoes
i enjoy both versions but the acoustic just gets me sometimes, you know :)
the acoustic version is one of my all time favs!
No not at all!