More Chris M:
Ok, here is my way too long Valleys rant. IMO the 9/69 version has..
- more energetic playing and stronger groove
- better rhythm guitar playing
- far better guitar tone
- much more together drumming
- thrilling lead lines in the middle section (no lead on 5/70 version)
- an arresting intro with Jimi playing the dead strings and then main chords
- the vocals sit in the track better.
The 5/70 version adds Billy but Jimi and Mitch are pretty sloppy and the energy level lacking. It sounds like they ran through it to see if they remembered it. It was the only version they played at the 5/70 sessions where at the Hit Factory they ran through it many times that night as well as earlier that week.
On the 9/69 version Jimi's passionate singing and playing is contagious. You can tell he was really feeling it. Jimi and Mitch are going for it like it was a vintage JHE live performance. Sure, Mitch gets behind or in front the beat at times but his playing is still a couple notches higher than 5/70.
The 5/70 take is more like a barroom rehearsal. Great musicians that are familiar with the song but it's obvious they aren't really into it. Mitch is stumbly and even Jimi is tenative. I'm a fanboy but there are bits in the EH version where Jimi's playing makes me wince. Especially knowing this is going out as a new single. 9/69 has several thrilling moments where everything comes together forcefully while there isn't anything on 5/70 that stands out. Just inferior in every respect.
Listen from 2:43 to 2:50 on the EH version below leading into the 3rd verse ("look out east coast.."). That's the most dramatic part of the song right? Jimi coming out of the dreamy mid section and slamming it home into the last verse. On the EH version Jimi starts the ascending pattern and fluffs it and sort of gives up on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl5K5dDuMAI
On the 9/69 version Jimi's singing and playing has the same qualities the Woodstock performance has. Some raggedness but he sounds like one of the most inspired human beings ever. I'm not hearing that inspiration on the EH version.
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