Eric Clapton - Layla

This is a live performance by Eric Clapton playing the song "Layla" live. The song was originally done by Derek and the Dominos which Clapton was a part of. It has since become a staple in his live set as a solo artist.
The song was originally released by Derek and the Dominos in 1970 on the album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs". The song is known for its unique guitar figure played by Eric, and the piano instrumental part of the piece composed by Jim Gordon.
The song was written for Pattie Boyd and about Clapton's unrequited love to her. At this point she was the wife of fellow musician George Harrison. It didn't gain success on it's first release, but over time it has become one of the most recognizable and important songs in rock.
As mentioned Clapton has played the song regularly as part of his live set as a solo artist. He has also done a version where he plays it with Dr. John. (Embeded below)

That performance is from a VH1 series called Duets. It mostly features Clapton, but John can be seen in the back playing away on that piano. This version is vastly different from the first version. The opening chord progression is played more like a walking chord progression, it's played faster, it's funkier, and it doesn't feature the instrumental end of the song.
Clapton also had chart success with this song through his acoustic version of the song released in 1992 for the MTV Unplugged he played. (Embeded below)

This version also disposes the instrumental end of the song. It's played slower though, with the chord progression re-touched to fit the acoustic setting. This version reached #12 on the US pop charts and won the Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1992.
"Layla" is one of those shape defining songs of its genre, it's recognizable and truly one of the best rock songs ever written and composed. A great song in all it's versions!

Enjoy ; )

The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army & Death Letter

This is a live performance from the Grammy Awards, don't know what year, haven't looked into that. They play their probably most recognizable song from their career "Seven Nation Army". The song was released as a single in 2003 and was the opening track for the band's album titled "Elephant". The song reached the tops of modern rock charts and also won a Grammy Award for best Rock Song in 2004.
The song is known for it's lower register toned bassy guitar riff. It is in fact a riff that sounds like a bass, but it's played on guitar. Jack uses his semi-acoustic 1950's style guitar and runs it through a Digitech Whammy Pedal that drops it one octave giving the sound it's bassy guitar riff.
The song is played in Open A tuning, and he uses slide on it which I think just sounds amazing.
Towards the middle of the performance there's a break and they start playing their version of the classic blues song "Death Letter". I really like this version and I love how agressive Jack's slide playing is, I really love it and you can hear the roots dating back to Son House. I earlier posted Son House's version of Death Letter CLICK HERE for that performance. It's a great performance from a great band.

Enjoy ; )