Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains The Same (Remastered / Expanded) (2CD)
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Free Music Notes for The Song Remains The Same (Remastered / Expanded) (2CD)
Free Music Review: Setting the record straight. TRandle
Hit: 4 Stars
Finally they have released this entire show with the proper sound quality! I have been waiting for them to do this for years and I do appreciate the effort. On the negative side however, unfortunately they decided to put the edited songs from the new soundtrack of the movie (done to match the visuals of the film) on to the CD?? This was just plain lazy and insulting. This wasn't even done back in 76!! There should have been no limit to what they could have put on the CDs. They didn't have to match the audio to the film footage so they should have re-mastered the best available performances, in their entirety, from all the available 73 Madison Square Garden shows into one complete show on a 3 CD set! Instead they just did a direct transfer from the re-mastered Movie and new songs on DVD II to the CD in the original running order of the concert (this is why I give four stars instead of five for the CD and Five stars for the DVD). Back in 76 They chose better song versions for the album then what was in the movie because they could, and some of these performances are possibly their very best live versions of some of these songs and far better than the ones on this current CD or DVD (for instance compare this new version CD/DVD to the older version Song Remains the Same CD/Album of Celebration Day which had Page's greatest realized live guitar solo ever for this song and then compare the older audio version of the middle section and Jimmy's guitar passage/solo on No Quarter to this new version. There is absolutely no comparison and this was arguably one of Page's greatest live solos ever-bold statement I know but true- , and the comparisons of whole lotta love from new to the old CD/album is an absolute joke! All of these old versions are now completely lost in this new shuffle as a few examples- Inexcusable!! Hang on to the old CD/Album!) .
This all being said, we must appreciate that Zeppelin is even trying to fix up and put out some of their priceless material officially and with superior sound these days (for profit or not). So in summary the performances we do have here are different from the ones released in 76. The new additions are greatly welcomed, the sound is better across the board, However some of these new versions of songs are not even close to as good as the old album versions that were some of the best live Zeppelin realizations of these songs ever and that have now been lost. Overall though we are talking about Led Zeppelin during their peak tour and of some of there best performances ever (proven in detail below!!). This alone will hopefully and finally put these incredible performances in their deserving historical place, perspective and give them their do justice. This brings me to my next important point.
Don't listen to the negative reviewers calling themselves Zeppelin fans. I can tell from what many have written that they don't know Jack squat about Zeppelin or what they were like live throughout their career. They are merely clowns dressed in sheep's clothing wanting to hear themselves talk about something they know very little about (their extravagantly large red floppy shoes give them away).
Led Zeppelin has been my favorite band for the past 29 years and I have read, studied and listened to their entire career (every tour of live performances included) in depth. I will tell you in simple chapter and verse that this show (culmination of shows at Madison Square Garden at the end of their 1973 tour) is incredibly underrated and has been horribly misrepresented and maligned over the years by a few people that are full of hot air. I don't care how many of these sheople/clowns try to say that these were sub par performances (even Page himself has tried to insinuate this for unknown reasons in the past and at other times he has claimed otherwise), I'm here to tell you, as an actually well educated die hard Zeppelin fan, it is absolutely not true!! This has just been self perpetuating opinions over the years from hot winded nobodies that really don't know what the hell they're talking about following along with what a few other people have said before them.
Back in the day (1976 and forward) when this movie and the soundtrack were actually released it was one of the most popular live albums and movies (midnight movies) on the market. It was constantly listened to, watched, talked about and absolutely revered by music heads and fans throughout my junior high and high school days in southern California-all the way into the early eighties (It still played at the Midnight Movie into the early 80's!). I have listened to all the great unreleased live Zep performances and proclaimed greatest Zep shows and I have to yell, from the mountain top to all, that these performances from The Song Remains the Same of: "Dazed and Confused (the old album/cd version)", "No Quarter" (the old album/cd version), "The song remains the same", "The Rain Song", "Celebration Day" (the old soundtrack/cd version), "Stairway to Heaven", "Whole lotta love (the old album/cd version)" and the recent release of "The Ocean" are still some of the best, if not "The" best live versions of these songs ever -period!!
To categorically back this opinion up here's a brief, "true" story, of the actual live history of Led Zeppelin for those who would like to learn a little something:
(1968-1970) Led Zeppelin live from 1968 to 1970 was powerful, fierce, raw and unlike anything that anyone had ever heard or seen. Zeppelin during this time toured around the world constantly, devastating audiences and honing their skills and musical catalog along the way. They were new, hungry and building a loyal live and album (Zeppelin I, II, and III) following as they blew everyone away in their path. However, instrumentally the band was still developing. Plants voice was incredible and the Rhythm engine of Bonham and Jones was amazing and would never disappoint throughout Zeppelin's career yet they were still young and developing their craft. As incredible as Page was at that time he was still in progress as a guitarist, as a musical visionary, in his image/stage presence, and in his eventual forge into musical territory that had never been blazed before. Page was also still in his climb to becoming the ultimate guitar legend/hero and the unequalled technical and most innovative guitar player of his time. This pinnacle wouldn't be achieved by Mr. Page until 1971 and through 1973 (this can be witnessed from unofficial live recordings between 1971 and 1973 or from "How the West Was Won" 1972). The Concerts from 68 to 70, put into proper historical perspective, are absolutely amazing relative to everything else at the time yet the band as a whole and the material had not reached its next or ultimate level. Page had a vision and he was about to lead himself and this band to greater heights than any guitarist or band had ever achieved.
(1971-1972) Led Zeppelin reached a level of frightening instrumental machinery by 1971. The band members had all honed their skills from countless live performances and non stop touring and recording from 68 onward to the point of perfection as individual musicians and as a cohesive musical unit (Each member of Zeppelin would later be considered one of the very best musicians/vocalists for each of their individual crafts across the board). Zeppelin continued to hone this musical power and devastating musical machinery conquering all audiences in their path around the world during their 71 and 72 tours (as "How the West Was Won" can attest from 1972 and any other recordings you can find from 71 to 72). This was Led Zeppelin at their instrumental best. Their reputation was larger, their audiences were larger, as was their catalog of styles and songs to choose from (Now touring behind the fourth biggest selling album of all time!!- Zeppelin IV). At this time they had honed their stage presence, their cohesiveness and their individual musical prowess to a point that would never be equaled again in their career. Plants voice reached its peak in this era. He would never sing with as much range, control, power or clarity again and along with Pages peak of sheer virtuosity, speed, fluidity, and confidence of playing they had no equals in the rock world instrumentally during this era. Jones and Bonham never failed as one of the very best rhythm sections in rock throughout the Zeppelin Career. Jones and Bonham were always able to match what was coming from the front men, to play up or play down to whatever was coming from Page and Plant. Zeppelin were four pistons in perfect harmony by 71 - 72 and performances from this era can only be described as ferocious, devastating and mind blowing to audiences around the world. Zeppelin's legend, popularity and live reputation had been solidified here.
(1973) The 1973 tour can only be defined as Superstardom. This tour was huge, electric and the band was revered as nothing short of gods at this time. This was Led Zeppelin riding their reputation of being the most successful rock band in the world in record sales, their recording catalog (now incorporating the great "Houses of the Holy"), and from their legend as a live act that they had developed through countless tours up to 1972. The 1973 world tour broke box office attendance records and would be the pinnacle of Zeppelin live as far as their stage persona, rock star status/mystique, catalog of albums/songs to choose from, their realization of their live song structures, the size of venues and audiences, and their ability to still be able to capture the tail end of their absolute instrumental power and peak and play at the top of their game. This was Zeppelin at their most electric -The world's biggest rock stars, flying around in their own private jumbo jet to the world's biggest sellout shows and venues. Plants voice had changed by this tour and did not quite have the power, range or clarity of 1972, Jimmy Page at this time was considered the greatest guitarist in the world and the pressure also began to show on him at times during this tour. Though the instrumental machinery had slowed down a bit, the prowess and power was still there for much of this tour. They were still at the top of their instrumental game more times than not and the band also wielded a bigger legacy, legend, mystique and catalog of albums/songs to choose from. The band had also refined the set list and the structure of live versions of songs to their most realized and refined at this stage of their live career. Also, Zeppelin's further developed rock star stage presence/energy of 73 combined with the energy of the 73 audiences was never at a higher level. This magic chemistry mixed with all the reasons given above gives you some of the most satisfying and quintessential Zeppelin performances of all time. When people think of Zeppelin live in the prime of their career, the 1973 version of Zeppelin is what most people envision. Now to my point about the Song Remains the Same.
I have heard many performances from the 1973 tour and there may be shows with more energy or have certain versions of songs that are unsurpassed yet there are truly very few moments from any other 73 Zeppelin shows that rival many of the songs captured at the end of this tour at Madison Square Garden for the "Song Remains the Same". For instance: Rock and Roll, Celebration Day (the old CD/album version), The Song Remains the Same, The Rain Song, No Quarter (the old version), Dazed and Confused, Stairway to Heaven and Whole Lotta Love (the old CD/album version). These are hands down some of the best realized and performed versions of these songs captured live anywhere and from any time-period!
(1975) Led Zeppelin didn't tour again until 1975 (it had been two years!). The Led Zeppelin 1975 tour was a tour of great imagery, mystery and anticipation for audiences that had built Zeppelin up into something beyond legend or even as gods. However, this popularity, the resultant pressure and drug use over the years (mostly by Jimmy and Drinking by Bonzo), and the long lay off from touring had taken its toll on the greatest live band of all time. As Composers and song writers their legacy was still only growing due to their incredible double album released this same year (touring on Physical Graffiti - arguably their greatest album ever), and their imagery from this tour is at times unequalled due to the famous "black dragon suite" warn by Page, the even longer hair worn by Plant and Page, and the larger stage shows (the first time use of lasers even-a new effect for the time) during this tour etc. However, the band was older, slower and had lost some of its instrumental prowess and pure power machinery that they once had. Plants voice was far removed from the quality it once had only 2 years prior. Page was now battling with a heroin addiction that took its toll from show to show on his guitar playing that only two years prior seemed to be unstoppable and was unequaled from 71-73. This tour was marked by some magic shows that were unfortunately the exception and not the rule at some of their favorite haunts such as Long Beach, The LA Forum, MSG and moments at the end of the tour during their stand at Earls Court in England. Although many magic moments were captured, the shows were instrumentally slower, less technically proficient, and lacked the energy and power that Zeppelin once controlled. Things would never be the same for Led Zeppelin ever again.
(1977) Led Zeppelin toured America for the last time in 1977. Zeppelin hadn't toured since 75 and the lay off again showed more times than not. There were again some magical shows and moments, most notably at certain stands at the bands favorite stomping grounds such as: The LA Forum, Long Beach and Madison Square Garden once again. Their reputation and audiences were larger than life itself at this time. Tragically however, Jimmy Page was battling some serious drug addictions, most notably his heroin addiction. Pages playing could go from close to his hey day of 71-73 to absolutely embarrassing from night to night. There were shows when you wondered if page could even hold up his guitar, much less play it. Plants voice was at times actually better than in the 1975 tour yet the performances as a whole could be shaky with a few high lighted exceptional shows along the way. The band was blowing audiences away at this time from pure reputation and status. Much like the Beatles making audience members pass out without even playing a note back in the 60s. Listening to performances from the 1977 tour, you have to really search to find a few great shows from this tour that can even compare to the power and virtuosity of Zeppelin between 71 and 73. This tour was also cut short due to the tragic death of Robert Plant's son.
(1979-1980) Zeppelin would not play again until they played two warm up shows in Copenhagen Denmark in 1979 in preparation for their two huge festival shows at Knebworth in 79 and then the final European shows in 1980 before Bonham's death. Continued Drug addiction and lay offs only further steered the once mighty Zep downward. Although the band gave it their best effort and put up some very admirable fights (shows), none of these shows can truly compare to the power and devastation these four highly tuned pistons could pump out back in 73 and prior to 70/71.
This brings us back to why these Madison Square Garden shows at the peak of the overall greatest band in the world's career and possibly some of the peaks of the 73 tour itself are so, so priceless and underappreciated. Don't listen to the naysayers (remember, look for their large floppy red shoes) and now go and listen to these treasured performances from the hands down greatest Rock Band of all time with fresh ears, a new perspective and with complete reverence my friends! Maybe in the future we can only hope for a complete best of performance from the entire stand at Madison Square Garden 73 in a full, uncut 3 CD set. Until that time however, we should all appreciate that Zeppelin is at least finally trying to put some of their priceless, timeless material, that has been locked away and hidden in their vaults for all these many years, out to the public over the past few years. Keep it coming and thank you!
Free Music Review: Worth the Revisit But...
Hit: 4 Stars
TSRTS remains one of the more perplexing releases in Led Zeppelin's history. Arguably recorded at the commercial peak but the beginning of Robert Plant's vocal decline - it's nevertheless the strongest, just about, concert the band played in 1973. For all these reasons, and the band's longest set pieces, TSRTS inspires mixed reactions rather than an outright 'wow' that accompanies most Zep albums.
This edition of the album is so much better than the original release - more songs, and more complete - and yet, edited again by Mr Page. Personally, I've never been a fan of the ultra long solos in some songs, and don't miss them all that much. I agree the Ocean is out of place. Black Dog's edit doesn't perturb me since Plant's voice is flaccid. Fans of the originals will find some of the versions here rough and transformed: "Over the Hills and Far Away" is skippable simply because Plant can't hit the melody lines and "Rock and Roll" is improvised but still rollicking.
So why get this? Simple. Jimmy Page's blazing guitarwork - and the new mix. TSRTS actually sounds cleaner than the earlier recorded How the West Was Won - and more dimensional. However, for true classic Zep performances - stick to HTWWW or the BBC Sessions for more faithful renditions. TSRTS is more for Zep diehards and completists. It's not the be all and end all of Zep, but it is recommended if you enjoyed tracks from the original version of this release.
The Song Remains the Same and Rain Song are enjoyable to listen to. Also welcome is Since I've Been Loving You, Heartbreaker and No Quarter.
The majestic version of Stairway to Heaven here is IMHO the best ever recorded and testimony to Led Zep's greatness. Regardless of the studio version, this Madison Square Garden performance ranks as the most complete version ever recorded. Edits or what-not, Plant's vocal genius is captured in the Garden - without peer. The man gives 200 % of himself. Put yourself in front row with this one.
The mix is different and the vocal takes subtly altered - diehard TSRTS listeners will discern these changes. They shouldn't bother most people except the hard core fans. I agree that some of the edits do make a difference to those used to the original...would be nice to know why Page and Shirley decided to make those changes.
TSRTS is for all its shortcomings - still a crucial piece of Zep history, and represents the closing of an era in many ways. Zep would never sound quite the same again as they did in flower power 73.
Free Music Review: Diced and Spliced for $19.99
Hit: 4 Stars
As far as "real," faithful, organic performances go, this album is even more of a travesty than the original album was.
Not only is the music not from one show (it's from three different ones), but every song is either cut, overdubbed, spliced together from more than one performance, or a combination thereof.
In fact, most of the songs are composites from at least two of the three performances. (Please see thegardentapes.co.uk for more information.)
Still, at least two of the songs on the original album are my favorite versions of those songs, studio versions included. "No Quarter" and "The Rain Song" have never sounded better to me, and I've heard bootleg versions from the same tour as well as from the 1975 and 1977 tours.
I'm really glad that the current edition of the album includes additional tracks--very good ones (however much tinkered with in the studio)--because the original album always felt gutted to me. The current edition sounds more like a complete show than an abbreviated one.
But I do wish that Page had just remastered the songs that were originally on the album instead of altering them for the new edition. I find it very hard to listen to the new "No Quarter" because it actually sounds edited, as does "Whole Lotta Love."
I realize that the current album is meant to perfectly accompany the visuals of the film and that Page has no rights to the film. But why would a musician sacrifice his music to a film? Especially when there's such a lack of officially released live performances?? And he's proud of how his band played on stage???
I also wonder why Page didn't just buy the film rights and then shape the visuals to fit the music. Surely, cash wasn't a problem.
I hope he decides one day to issue untinkered-with 3CD sets of great 1975 and 1977 shows. To have the April 27, 1977, Cleveland show ('Destroyer') in complete, well-mastered form would be a tremendous addition to the Zep canon. Its song selection and performances leave nothing to be desired.
Unless, of course, you're Mr. Page and hear everything with studio ears :)
Free Music Review: Sound Is Improved So Much It Outweighs the Problems
Hit: 4 Stars
3 Essential Facts about This CD (IMHO, of course):
(1) SOUND IS WORTH IT ALONE: The audio is improved remarkably: much more "direct from the soundboard" presence all around; so much so that I think this is partly why some folks complain that it sounds like a whole different album.
(2) EDITS NOT A DEAL-BREAKER: The original was itself "impure" and full of edits, and I think only three edits really matter here. The short missing funk improv near the beginning of Whole Lotta Love is a problem, but the track sounds so much better now that it's worth the tradeoff to hear the other 13+ minutes so well remastered. The edits of No Quarter and Celebration Day do ruin them - the originals were the best versions of these two songs available anywhere. Keep (or get) the original CD for these two songs.
(3) WHY MOST PEOPLE SHOULD GET THIS CD: I firmly believe the core "Led Zeppelin sound" most general, non-hardcore-Zep rock fans know and love is from the 1973-1977 period, when (for better or worse, depending on your perspective) Plant's vocal style matured; the band added funk, acoustic and prog-rock elements to the bluesy style of 1968-71; Page's guitar sound got sharper-edged and more "metallic"; they added more reverb and effects to their live performances; and they played huge venues and really gelled as a touring act.
This CD is by far the best-sounding, most complete document of that era, period. It's not the only live Zep you might want to have, but I do think it's essential for any collection, no matter how small or large.
(The only other officially released live recording whose performances are consistently good enough to rival it is the second disc of the 2003 DVD, which contains about 1/3 of the fantastic Aug 4 1979 Knebworth concert, and a very nice example, from Earl's Court 1975, of the acoustic "mini-set" they started doing in the mid-'70s.)
Free Music Review: Not the place to start, but fans will certainly want one
Hit: 4 Stars
I was never too fond of the original "The Song Remains The Same" album. It wasn't bad, sure, but compared to the "BBC Sessions" CD it sounded unfocused and occationally even a little bit lethargic. And a couple of songs suffered from less than impressive vocal performances by Robert Plant.
That part obviously hasn't changed. The opening number, "Rock And Roll", is still disappointing, and the thirty-minute "Dazed And Confused" is still mostly for diehards. But the sound quality has improved, and "Stairway To Heaven" is better than I remembered, even if Plant could no longer reach the high notes at this point in his career. Apparently he permanently "lost" his highest register in late 1972.
The addition of six new tracks is of course the biggest bonus. The first disc contains previously unreleased performances of "Black Dog", "Over The Hills And Far Away", "Misty Mountain Hop", "Since I've Been Loving You", and "The Ocean" with its stuttering, "Back in Black"-like riff. And the second one has found room for a great, tough "Heartbreaker" in between the 10-30 minute excesses. I'm sure it was very cool if you were actually there.
Apart from "Heartbreaker", the best of the "new" tracks are "The Ocean", which surpasses the album version, and a powerful, if somewhat short "Black Dog". But there is nothing bad to be found, excactly, even if some of what is here is starting to sound overblown and/or slightly unfocused. "The Song Remains The Same" is definitely not as tight as "How The West Was Won", and it's not as tough and intense as the "BBC Sessions". But it's still a good live album, and the market isn't excactly flooded with (legal) live Zeppelin as it is.
It is NOT the place to start, but fans will want a listen. Fans will want to buy it, in fact. Especially if they enjoy Zeppelin at their grandest and most excessive.