I think its one of the best that I've heard. A 10 minute version of the song at that. Bill Wyman is just slamming the bass. Ernie Watts is blowing his lungs out. And the guitars are awesome.

It is a rare moment to hear them just jam with full power.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-12-01 17:55 by The Sicilian.

One of the Handsome Girls version is...at least...just as good, IMO.
But Hampton is great too.

IMO not only the best but also the only real Stones-jam. Midnight Rambler was always strictly tripartite and more or less the same length witihn each different tour, but Imagination... the song just took off and escalated, the only version reaching the 10 min mark in 81-82, thanks to the great Ernie Watts (without whom not) adding melodic cohesiveness and Micks 3rd guitar laying down the chords. I love Ronnies playing on this one (those chromatic lines at the end!) and he steals the show along with Bill and Ernie. But the whole band is absolutely great.

----------------------------
"Music is the frozen tapioca in the ice chest of history."

"Shit!... No shit, awright!"

it's good - but there are plenty as good or better versions in '81

StonesTod Wrote:
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> it's good - but there are plenty as good or better
> versions in '81

So lets hear your picks of a better version. I have not heard all of them but if there is a better jam session than this I'd love to hear it.

Its actually Ernie Watts blowing his lungs out. not Bobby great track none the lesss

youll never find that perfect love that you read about, that you dream about.

If I remember correctly, Bill's bass just flows during the intro, much more than on Still Life...

One of my all time fav's for the above mentioned reasons. Love Ernie Watts ..wish they would bring him back.

I personally find the Hampton version of Imagination ranking among the top three of best live performances of the Stones ever.

Mathijs

I'd dare say that show is the best I have ever heard. Apart from Imagination, it has what I believe are the best live renditions of Beast of Burden, Waiting on a Friend, and many others. I know this might not sit well with the Mick Taylor purists, but I think the Stones were at their zenith in 1981 (and Hampton in particular). They just sound more frantic, more frenzied, more powerful than I think at any point in their career.

any chance this version could be posted here, or over in hotstuff?

yes, can someone please post this. thanks in advance.

The version at the Beacon (2nd show) wasn't as long, but was truly inspired with some absolutely wonderful licks. The entire crowd was singing along during the entire song. All verses, chorus, etc... On the breakdown they kept fooling the crowd with the "Every night I hope and pray..." I believe I remember hearing the ENTIRE crowd singing along atleast 3 times. Mick smiled at faking the crowd out. We fell for it everytime. The place was on fire. It wont be cut from the dvd.

-Drake

drake Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> The version at the Beacon (2nd show) wasn't as
> long, but was truly inspired with some absolutely
> wonderful licks. The entire crowd was singing
> along during the entire song. All verses, chorus,
> etc... On the breakdown they kept fooling the
> crowd with the "Every night I hope and pray..." I
> believe I remember hearing the ENTIRE crowd
> singing along atleast 3 times. Mick smiled at
> faking the crowd out. We fell for it everytime.
> The place was on fire. It wont be cut from the
> dvd.


I hope this version ses the light of day, by your description it seems like a very good version. One of my favorites from Still Life.

the version on Lets spend the night together is less than stellar. but overall i like that video.

I think the Temptations would be proud of this version. That is how you take a classic song and cover it.

I still get the chills when I hear it.

is it the best ever? in a word: YES!

you can't catch me!

I just downloaded it... and it is true!

Aireman was kind enough to upload it/

see:
[www.iorr.org]

Thanks, Aireman