Eric Clapton's "Layla"

6stringlady · #1 December 24th, 2006

LAYLA

Which version do you Prefer?

The faster ELECTRIC version?

or,

the SLOWER unplugged ACOUSTIC version?

si16 · #2 December 24th, 2006

I prefer the electric version but I have to switch off when it gets to the interminable instrumental ending section.

Hey · #3 December 24th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by si16

I prefer the electric version but I have to switch off when it gets to the interminable instrumental ending section.

I thought the instrumental part is one of the most beutaful slide work in rock, but any ways I like the faster one. I'm not much of a fan of eric but he puts his dang soul into that song, and the fast tempo fits the feel of the lyrics of the song to if you know what I mean.

allthumbs · #4 December 24th, 2006

Neither of those is my cup of tea. I have noodled with both at one time or other.

scotty_b · #5 December 25th, 2006

Ok
I'll go on record as saying EC is one of my favourite players and biggest influences, and the original recording is one of the greatest rock guitar songs ever - including the instrumental section at the end. Duane and EC both play their hearts out on this one.
I am not a fan of the unplugged version because he took THE riff out, and it has none of the passion that made the original such a statement of unrequited love.
I include Layla in my set lists at times, including the outro - and I must say it can go down rather well, and is a great piece to play over.

Stratrat · #6 December 25th, 2006

I'd have to call myself a "middle of the road" Clapton fan - I respect him for his talents and like some of his music, but he's never been one of my favorites. That said, I much prefer the electric version - probably one of the catchiest, most recognizable riffs in the music world.

Hey · #7 December 25th, 2006

I never thought eric was that "amazing" of a guitar player. He did came up with some catchy riffs, but many rock guitarist of the 60s and 70s did.

scotty_b · #8 December 26th, 2006

I think one way to determine the quality of a player is by looking at those who claim to be influenced by that player - and when the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Jimi Hendrix, Robben Ford, Steve Vai and Kirk Hammet (amongst others) see Clapton as a phenomenal guitarist, that says an awful to me as to how good he actually is.
EC's pop side can be disappointing, but when he goes for it live (playing the blues)it is a thing if beauty that few can match.

737blues · #9 December 26th, 2006

Dead right Scotty. EC the Pop singer never really did much for me either but when I hear him play the blues, (Pentatonic though they may be) I just gotta listen.

cshude · #10 December 26th, 2006

I like both versions, but I've got to go with the original as my fave- the awesome main riff puts it over the top.

Hey · #11 December 27th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotty_b

I think one way to determine the quality of a player is by looking at those who claim to be influenced by that player - and when the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Jimi Hendrix, Robben Ford, Steve Vai and Kirk Hammet (amongst others) see Clapton as a phenomenal guitarist, that says an awful to me as to how good he actually is.
EC's pop side can be disappointing, but when he goes for it live (playing the blues)it is a thing if beauty that few can match.

Alright scotty, I think I can agree with that, good point

eXperiment63 · #12 December 27th, 2006

Electric.... that is THE rock riff of all time. EVERYONE knows that riff... EVERYONE! Soon as you hear that mean opening riff you know what's on.

Racetruckdave · #13 December 27th, 2006

I kinda take both versions as two different songs.
It's really hard to beat the combination of Slowhand and Skydog feeding off of each other! I also really like Jim Gordons piano in the breakdown.

But I also really like the way Eric treats the acoustic version, the simplicity of the playing and the acoustic lead is moving to me.

The Dude · #14 January 3rd, 2007

had to say the fast electric version man. they both rock, but i cant tell you how many years i tried to play the elec way like ec. the guy is awsome

medic4ae · #15 January 3rd, 2007

Few people know that killer riff was actually the work of Duanne Allman, he was a session guitarist at the time in the studio and was brought in by the owner of the studio to help out, Clapton and friends were stumped and couldn't quite get the feel they wanted on "Layla", if you listen close you will realize that slide sound shows up later in all the Allman Brothers albums, that bottle neck slide is unmistakenable.