Technically they were as good and polished on the opening track of the 1969 debut album as they were in any later year and lineup. 

A strong, strong start indeed!!!!! 

To me the original band represented joy of youth. I can hear it in the music. And it always stayed that way for me because in October of 1971 it ended. So even though I never got to see them live, the records are like a time capsule that make me happy every time I hear them. Still.