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Funny... I like the Idol one Far more.... but I'll emphasize the "I" there.
It is wonderful how we can appreciate different strenghts and we're pretty consistent in what we like best (at least I'm not really surpised at which ones some people like better than others.)
I can see why you guys like the BG performance. I'd also say that it is probably truer to the Led Zeppelin versions .
Haley was in full form at BG so.. that BG peformance was Haley doing the song as she wants to do it!
Just to throw out why I love this one (again, fully understanding great reasons other people might enjoy the BG one more if they had to choose):
I think I'm a real sucker for any sharp syncopation and there is that sort of an edge to the beat that Haley emphasizes throughout... not easily done and not expected to that extent either.
Do you guys know the sound of a report of a gunshot.. usually a sharp sort of echo that you know is coming? That split second wait .. somehow I love it.
Even starting with that smooth solo opening, I feel like Haley is laying seeds about where its going on throughout the song. With enough consistency for me to subconsciously "will they doing it again? and emotional oooh yah!" Taking it up a step each time.
(staying with the bullet analogy) There is almost a sort of ricochet in the arangement like a ball of light bouncing crisply between the instruments somtimes and often served up like a pitch with a lick (often by Harry but others too) for Haley to smack cleanly as she starts her next phrase. Very satisfying and exciting mental connection.
Most of all though, I really get moving as the song goes. Before even see them doing it at 1:50, at 1:45 my whole head and shoulders start that intense sorta bounce/contraction like the guitar players and keep up that bliss right to the end.
I think I'm also particularly fond of any edge of rebellion in songs too ... ;
and that Idol performance certainly had clever-rhythmic "f-yeah" "attitude" to it ; )
(scary thought ! what if Haley gets more sensible and realistic about things as she grows older ? will I like her music less ?