Layla/ I Am Yours

This is the full 7:10 version in all its glory. A year earlier, Atco had released a 2:43 version that edited out the extended instrumental at the end. On the same label number, that release peaked at #51 on the Bilozoard Hot 100. This 1972 release with the full version, on the same catalog number, put the song in the Top 10. Just goes to show you that radio was ready for really long songs by 1972... I still don't understand why Atlantic didn't follow through and release "Stairway To Heaven" as a retail single; that song is only about 40 seconds longer than the full "Layla." Note: This beautiful copy comes in a vintage Atco Records factory sleeve. The A side label has "1972" inked on it (see scan). The vinyl looks almost untouched, and the audio comes very close to earning a Mint grade; its only notable flaw is a brief patch in the extended section where a light "pop" is audible.