Smokestack Lightning

[ride2wheeled]

They weren't bad for a bunch of white boys back in the sixtys. Thanks for a chance to hear them again. I remember hearing a version of Smokestack Lightin' Eric Clapton did by himself that was killer too, but I don't see it up anywere. Anyway, love your show.

[kbrowneyes]

All I can say about this great,great band et al is posted on the video for "Shapes Of Things".........wonderful stuff,heartache in memories in knowing these days may be gone ,yet somehow I feel there will be those even in years to come who will recognise these "real" bands as being something rather more special in their day than the "made-up" stuff and "rap" of today.....even though I honestly DO see that there is good stuff amongst that,too...but very different,I think. K xx

[7bobster]

Oops. My bad. This is live too but diff than what I was accustomed to.

[7bobster]

First time I ever heard the studio version; only the live which I've heard many hundreds of times. great stuff

[gertrudebumble6515]

my ex hippie grandpa showed me this song. he knows his stuff o.O

[StarBlues100]

We played this way back in the 60's. What memories! Got to see the Yardbirds live when Eric Clapton was playing. No MP3 players... No CD's... No Computers... No cell phones... Hardly a Color TV then... Just records and LOTS OF BASS!! :-)

[Live4TheMusic69]

One ruthless tune......

[Ashawobabe]

Without the howlin??

[anon1155]

For the record, the Yardbirds are not > Led Zeppelin. It's true they were a great band, and revolutionary. The Yardbirds can be better compared to the older brother of Led Zeppelin: they came first, broke ground as revolutionaries, paved the way. However, Zeppelin still achieved more, even when the Yardbird's legacy is attirbuted with extra credit for coming first. Zeppelin achieved more for the posterity of rock than everyone except the Beatles and Chuck Berry; there is no comparison.

[tomcaroscio]

@anon1155

To each his own. I love the Yardbirds but don't like Led Zeppelin. To me they are quite distinct even though they may have come fromm the same root.

[michael07307]

I learned how to play the harp imatateing kieths harp plaing.

[MyFG1]

The fact that they were kids speaks volumes for the Instrumental arrangement covered, yet those vocals are quite adolescent. He would grow to be one of the best.

The UK discovered our American Blues.

Thanks to the kids of England having a non biased interest in music.

[shanehenning26]

great song

[DooWoppOh]

The Yardbirds are jammin at Tangiers Akron Ohio on May 23.

[suffolkrocknroller]

Going to see The Yardbirds again on May 27. They are played boulton center in bayshore NY. Saw them last year and they killed at westbury.

[galaxyrock]

@11xzxzxz

This is great, but to say that it's better than Wolf is crazy.

[wind3]

Its MUSIC, no color... just music. i dont see any colors (including white) coming out of my speakers. I hate racism, just hate everybody if ur gonna hate

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 This not The Yardbird's best version and Howlin' Wolf's "I'm a man" versions are not as good as the Yardbird. I give a lot of credit to Howlin for creating and writing but these songs are so much better by Yardbirds. If yo like minimalistic sound without rave ups, then I guess Howlin is your man. Not every white guy made black songs worst like Pat Boone. Most improved them , sometimes a lot.

[wind3]

i enjoy this version more, but how can you say one is "better" or "not as good"? these are both opinion statements and what about Otis Redding's covers of 'white' music... they are great tunes. Again, there is not color in music, Clapton proved it

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 Look I do not want to argue but I never consider race. First this version is the 2nd best (IMO) as it goes on too long in my taste, And can I help it if I like whtie versions often more than non-white. And when Keith Rolfe (lead singer, harmonica - I know you now this I just am telling others) introduces Smokestack Lightenin' in such a cool understated but confident way in the best version - IMO - that is great. Oh and Jeff Beck was better than Clapton or Page with the Yards..

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 I also am not a big fan of Otis Redding's though - just as I think Elvis sucks - Otis wrote his own songs (a big plus for me) but I prefer Smokey Robinson any day of the week or even the Temptations or Mary Wells so much much more. Why? Smokey wrote their best songs and most any song of Mary Wells. I appreciate Redding's charisma but prefer Noel Redding of Hendrix Experience.

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 I think Clapton is so overrated .. esp his solo career on the record I shoot the sheriff. And I am not a racist if I say I don't like any reggae songs ( but the Police did something good songs utilizing raggae and I like them). I know all about Bob Marley and don't like a song he has done. Am I not allowed my opinion? Not with you I guess?

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 Clapton's best was with Yardbirds but so short a career, and john mayall, or writing Badge with Harrison and stealing his wife (ha), and at his best with Cream (cause Jack Bruce wrote their best songs) and also he just played great on the first 2 records and in concert. Sure Crossroads is definitive and he is great but I don't like his guitar sounds.. I would prefer a different sounding guitar with about 500 other guitarist.

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 Lastly, & most importantly, to imply someone is a racist by song likes or singers .. is STUPID. U might be right in some cases (I have no idea) but you have to look at a person's tastes & likes & their entire life and it would be better to hear a racial slur or thought before you run him/her to the cops. And because I dislike rap or hip hop doesn't make me a hater. I hate white girl Brittney Spears music a lot more.

[11xzxzxz]

@wind3 9 of my top thirty favorite musicians/bands are black. Hey is that enough? Tell me who I need to add.. I have no Asian artists I like .. I must really be a racist but then this white boy is dating an Asian woman. Gosh I guess she will have to break up with me?

[LightSatellite]

there is no such thing as black or white music.

If you feel the music ,it's yours. No colours involved. Music has all colours.

[VoodooFlintstone]

I totally agree.

Music needs more minds like yours.

[bbwwoman]

white man can not pull this shit off this is black music and should stay that way.lol

[wind3]

I hate you

[magnum9987]

@bbwwoman Racist cunt. Clapton don't care if a man is black or white. Neither should you

[Luxmaxnike]

@bbwwoman Retarded

[mykalroze]

I much prefer the original by Howling Wolf. This one's not bad, but it's no match for Wolf's. It lacks his edge. This type of cover is for people who don't like the real blues.

[magnum9987]

@mykalroze I think the opposite. This song only lacks his powerful voice, the rasp howl that made Howlin WOlf famous. This version is more dynamic, relying more on the capabilities of the instruments, especially the drums, harmonica and guitar. Don't get me wrong, I like Howlin Wolf version more than this, but this version appeals to a different kind of blues, but real blues nonetheless.

[mykalroze]

@magnum9987 But that "only" is a huge ONLY. Howling Wolf's vocals are an instrument unto themselves. I personally don't find this version more dynamic. It may have more sounds being mixed up, but it's nowhere being any stronger or better for it. Yes, it appeals to a different kind of blues, a weaker one at that. Perhaps, at the time, to those who wouldn't listen to blacks singing the blues. There was a lot of that going on then, and it still goes on now.

[magnum9987]

@mykalroze Dude, blues is blues. Its not about the sound, its about soul. This one simply expresses its soul differently. The way Clapton expresses with the guitar in this is just as powerful as Howlin Wolfs voice. It isn't the actual sound that determines power, its if you can pick up on the passion and dedication. And I've listened to enough blues and Clapton to pick up on that. And Clapton admitted himself, they do sound like a bunch of white boys ripping off blues music, but......

[magnum9987]

Cont... Clapton has always been a very modest person, and what he himself didn't realize is that the out put of passion more than makes up for the lack of singing ability. And I do not believe you are understanding the use of "dynamic." Dynamic is to integrate the instruments more fully. In the original, all of the instruments were played to the count in proper order, with the vocals and harmonica being most dominant. This one uses the guitar and harmonica on equal levels and uses improvisations

[SCRIBESCREEN]

great version

[wnorcott]

A good artist borrows, a great artist steals.

- Pablo Picasso

[beckner4200]

It ain't stealing if you properly keep your sources secret.

Unfortunatly, the internet gives way for pages upon pages of source.

[galaxyrock]

Hound Dog was written by two white guys, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. And covering a song isn't stealing it. Smokestack Lightning itself wasn't entirely written by Howlin' Wolf, since many of the lyrics come from "Stop and Listen Blues" by the Mississippi Sheiks, which took its melody from "Big Road Blues" by Tommy Johnson. "Stealing" from other artists is a long standing blues tradition. 99% of all music is based on artistic theft.

[MoorelandSt]

Some people dont understand what 'covering' a song is. As long as the writer of the song is credited it's not stealing.

[Noseheros]

Yeah, It's usually done to show the musical statement, that the artist playing it likes the song...

[MoorelandSt]

Yes, covering a song is a TRIBUTE to the original artist. Not a rip-off

[LongLiveTheBlues]

@MoorelandSt thank you bro

[bluesboy25000]

This is Eric Playing right?

[MrYardbird69]

Yes, that's Clapton.

[1chilidoho9]

Jeff Beck!!!Anybody live in Albuquerque back in 67?....The Spiders did lots of Yardbirds stuff at a place called Carnaby 66 out in Tieras Canyon (Old Rt.66)

That was the original Alice Coopr Band

[MrYardbird69]

My Brother-In-Law from El Paso says he saw The Yardbirds with Jeff Beck in Ruidosa, NM.

[11xzxzxz]

Keith fuckin owns this song.

[Toottycat]

Raw blues, raw power, raw equipment - no frills, no punches pulled, no elecrtronic wizardry - you played out your talent, straight, fresh, and simple. There's nothing more like that today. What they look for today are commercially viable 'artists', ho,ho,ho...!

[1chilidoho9]

@Toottycat I saw the MC5 in Madison,Wi in 1970 .Pure high energy loud rock and roll Kick Out The Jams...

[Toottycat]

You're lucky to have seen them, I haven't got anywhere close to any of them...

[fuzzbert1999]

Finally...YouTube got the Yardbirds doing my favorite song...play it babies!

[flimbambo]

Love Keith's half arsed vocal -not trying too hard.  Quite a punk flavour.

[withnielandi]

Iv got a version of this on a cd that whould blow your minds, if i knew how to put it on youtube i whould

[11xzxzxz]

This is not the definitive Yardbirds version but less then best is so much better then the original. Just imagine a decade later eric clapton will be putting out crap like I shot the sheriff and lay down sally. after he wrote badge, clapton sucks,

[sparkyization]

"Definitive version"?  This is right off of "Rave Up". The "original" release in the U.S.

[Banner1979]

Now this is what I call proper good time rock 'n' roll! This must have been one of the hardest tracks to emerge from '64.

[bobthegoo]

this is a great cover, but nothin beats the original

[singinjohnny]

Just think, Eric Clapton was all of 19 years old when this was recorded. The very sound of this recording was not something that was really ever heard by mass audiences in America. It's ironic that, in many ways, it took an English band to expose America to a major part of its own culture. In a few years, it would be so well known as band after band caught onto this magic sound called the blues. And it had been brewing for so many years right in our own back yard.

[morphyon]

british invasion! Hrrrrrrrr ... good old 60s blues rock!

[Andromaches]

"The very sound of this recording was not something that was really ever heard by mass audiences in America. It's ironic that, in many ways, it took an English band to expose America to a major part of its own culture."

You're mistaken. The blues is not a part of American culture. It's part of African-American culture.  Big difference.

[singinjohnny]

African Americans are Americans. No need to pick the words apart.

[BazookaTooth59]

Blues had a great influence on American music, and African-AMERICANS, are...AMERICANS..you lose kkthnxbye

[sedatedmonkey]

The two aren't mutually exclusive. You're a dingleberry.

[beauadams1]

america is way to diverse to make a statement like that, im sure the same amount or more white people like blues than african americans nowadays. and who the fuck cares what color your skin is, its music, no one race plays it better than the other, saying something like that is fucking racist. yah black people did it first but who CARES?!? its sound, u cant tell what color someones skin is by the sound coming out of an amplifier!!!!

[BobReidy]

Insane.Hard to believe.

[azaequality]

The original song is by Howlin' Wolf a blues singer, guitar player, and amazing harmonica player. They do not do it better than him.

[AcidDomine]

This is perfect...God, I've been listening to it all day, I just can't stop :D

[Ramman69dog]

i can't stop listening to this

What a tune!!!

[razorrayrazor]

Man I never thought music could be this sublime

[bateriadepetaluma]

Bought their first US album when I was 17, and saw them play live in San Leandro. Believe it or not, the venue was a roller skating rink.

[NutrientAgar]

Keith Relf fn' rools ;)!!! Seems that many of the best British Harmonica players had bad asthma!! I never thought I'd wish to be asthmatic :P!

[stev1963hit]

FIVE LIVE YARDBIRDS!!!One of THE most under-rated bands of all time..at thier rockin,punky zenith with Clapton-thier take on Too Much Monkey Business[also on this LP]sounds like it was recorded in 77 not 64!

[washneck2323]

i like them with jimmy and keith. otherwise its still good stuff,man!!!

[MorayEel]

This makes me want to say:

Yardbirds > Led Zeppelin.

Oops, I said it.

[theontheoffwing]

They both great ... Zep was awesome but no Zep without first the Yardbirds. Just evolution along the spectrum ... it's sort of like you might be better at something than your Dad, but before you say or think anything beyond that, wisdom hits you on the head and then you stop .. like as in Dad made for you. Without him, you ain't, never could be.

[bfish89ryuhayabusa]

@MorayEel I've always said Yardbirds = Led Zeppelin

More that I feel they are the same band with one more lineup change. (most notably, of course, the blues-soul vocalist)

[crazedaf]

I love how all the instruments come together, a mindblowing combination!!!

[FordMaverickFanatic]

Play that Guitar Jimmy! Zoso

[MoorelandSt]

Nope, that's Eric Clapton on guitar.

[calum997]

no its jeff beck. clapton and page never played together in the yardbirds

[calum997]

actually no your right, i thought this was a later recording. it is clapton on guitar

[MoorelandSt]

This is taken from 'Live Blueswailing 1964'

[killwej]

THIS IS ROCK N ROLL MOTHER FUCKERS!!!

[MoorelandSt]

LOL! Glad you liked it.

[ladylittles]

Amen

[snusmumriken3]

This version beats the Animal's IMO!!! ;-)

Thanks for the post, Mooreland!