The point of a 401k is to reduce your taxable income, and to get the usual employer match. The point of a standard IRA is to reduce taxable income. I have to admit that I've no idea what the point of a Roth IRA is.
If you think in terms of early retirement (I don't, as I actually enjoy my work), consider that your 'stash will have to last for your lifetime. Assume you have part in 401k/IRAs, and part in other investments. If you plan to retire at 45, say, you figure the other investment part should last 20 years, after which you can tap into the retirement funds, which have grown tax-free in the meantime.