Yet another Zep heads up. Sorry.

Probably the mothership mixs so they ain't going to be any good.

Just another Page cash in on the O2 concert 

I would be happy if they  reissued 1,2,3 and 4 on red/plum vinyl as I only have a copy of 2 on this...

I don't know why I did not buy the last reissue of them!

Will the re-masters be on both vinyl and cd?

I don't need the vinyl as I kept all mine from first time around - although they were probably re-releases by the time I was old enough to buy them.

From the link I posted, if you then click through to the Classic Rock article they speculate that this project might be similar to the Pink Floyd immersion sets so I guess vinyl is possible. But note that it is just speculation.

The only decent reissues of the original albums in recent years were those from Classic Records although these were a bit variable in SQ. I have the 1st 4 LZ albums on Classic. LZ4 is the best, LZ1 and 2 aren't bad with LZ3 being the worst of the bunch. This is comparing them to my original red/plum issues which have no significant groove wear but are a bit crackly in places, mainly LZ2.

I agree with Steve. JP's previous attempts at remastering have been particularly disappointing. Perhaps his hearing is not as good as it used to be, unsurprisingly.

Steve

Agree that the Classic LZ3 wasn't great Steve but all the others were superb I thought - especially PG.

Kevin,

Since you posted I've revisited I & II. I is pretty good but I have revised my opinion of II which is sounding bloody fantastic as I write this. The DR upgrades have certainly helped. Interestingly when I played my 1st press copy of LZ I a few days ago I felt that the DR had a slightly negative effect on the emotional presentation by cleaning some of the distortion inherent in the recording. This wasn't as obvious with the Classic version so I'll have to revisit that one also.

I wish I had bought more of the Classic Led Zep issues but they now go for stupid money. I'll just have to be thankful I have the 1st four albums.

ATB

Steve

The above is why I am open to the idea of a re-master or hopefully a reissue of a quality close to the  classic reissues and I could be happy.

Still don't why I did not buy the classic reissues when I could have?

More on the Subject of Classic Records….

Earlier this year in April, i purchased, and returned a copy of Led Zeppelin tSRtS on 2 x LP Classic 200g.

The only indication that what i had was genuine Classic vinyl was the oval sticker on the front of a heavy plastic cover [which is reseal-able], but the fact that on my kitchen scales the records did weigh in at about 200 grams prove they probably are genuine.

Both records very slightly dish-warped, not a great deal but i'd have thought Classic’s quality grade vinyl would be flat.

Side 3 - track 1 has a little grey scratch 5mm long [which clicks when played] other scuffing can be seem close up under desk lamp light [which crackles when played].

The centre holes are not quite in the middle of the discs so the cart is swaying in and out a few mm.

Side 4 - track 1, the needle gets stuck in Moby Dick!

[But surely only a harpoon should do that?]

The set sounds a little bright and loud, the bass is very wooden, the overall sound compressed.

The number on the (Swan Song) label says........... SS 2-201

The side 1 run-off area impressions are....... SS 2-201 - A (and initials) BG

The double vinyl album was returned and refund given for the £55 it cost.

Incidently i have a few other Classic Record albums which are all fine, very fine actually,

but this Led Zep copy left me very dazed and confused

Debs

Debs,

I also have quite a few Classic Records releases and your experience is not unusual. Some of the LP's Ive bought in the past have had some mild warping, non-centred labels, scuffs etc. Some I've lived with others I've returned. There is also a little variation in the mastering of some of the Led Zep LP's. You may have gathered from the above that Led Zep III is not as good as II and IV but I don't have TSRTS on Classic so I cant comment on that. The original 1st pressing I have of this album is not that great a recording and maybe they tried too hard with the mastering. You know the old saying though; "you can't make a silk purse out of a pigs ear".

ATB

Steve

I think the Classic TSRTS sounds fine on my (modest) system Debs - much better than the 4-LP version which came out in '07.

I know the quality control on Classic Records pressings can be a bit erratic - I had a terrible "squawking" noise on Side 1 (at the beginning of "So What") of my copy of "Kind of Blue" and had to return it twice before I got a decent copy.

I wish Jimmy would ask Steven Wilson to help out on the Led Zep remasters.

If any of his other remasters are anything to go by they will sound pants.

It will be interesting to hear what people think the new live CD and vinyl album when it hits the streets.

I wont be pre-ordering it though.

Stu.

Just seen an article on the NME site.

Page is planing box sets of each album with bonus tracks and alternative versions.

Whats the betting they are going to sell for 70 to 80 pounds each.

That to me is not good news Steve. I'll bet the vinyl will be no better than JP's previous efforts.

Steve

Steve,

Have you heard the Mothership and Song Remains the same JP remastered CDs or vinyl box sets?

They are a crime against music.

Stu. 

Totally agree. I don't expect this new lot to be any better. 

Steve

The sound quality on those box sets is so bad i wouldn't even use them to make fruit bowl  

Agree about Mothership.  The CD is very disappointing.  And I have yet to find a CD of Led Zep IV which is tolerable. Pity because I liked this album when I had it on LP.   

If you can find the first cd transfer that seems to be the one regarded as a good cd version,

Up to Led Zep 4 you want the CD mastering by Barry Diament CDs.

To this day they are still the best sounding.

Stu.

Thanks, Stu. I'll look out for those.  Any tips on Physical Graffati? My so-called remastered of that on Swan Song is truly awful. I love Kashmir but can't bear to hear it tortured.   

The only rule of thumb is before you click on buy/pay is make sure they are the original CD pressings.

Don't buy any of the remasters. They are shite.

Some US pressed CDs are good but most German and UK CDs are better.

Stu.

Thanks, Stu. Since my last post I thought I'd pop the Physical Grafitti CD and have another listen.  It's not quite as bad as I remember it - have upgraded the amp since I last played it and the 282/SC/250 seems to has taken some of the edge off - but I won't be in a hurry to play it again.  I'll have a look around for some original pressings as you suggest (mega-bucks of system undermined but media that costs <£10: makes you weep, doesn't it!).

MDS 

I bet Jules don't ask him why he keeps screwing up the remasters.