Led Zeppelin Reissue News

Mmm...can't imagine his hearing is quite what it used to be. Let's hope his involvement only extends to the financing of the project. 

They're better than you think, according to friends in the industry–I'd be more concerned if I saw the words "Jon Astley", who can be pretty heavy-handed (-clubbed) with compression, even if he is a nice guy otherwise....

If Mothership, TSRTS and Celebration Days are anything to go by I'm not holding my breath. I already have the originals and the first four albums on Classic Records so I don't think I'll be tempted.

I've just seen the Rolling Stone article and this comment from Page fills me with no confidence as to the SQ. 

"Everything is being transferred from analog to a higher-resolution digital format. That's one of the problems with the Zeppelin stuff. It sounds ridiculous on MP3. You can't hear what's there properly."

 

Steve

Guys, you're all obsessing about sound quality. Why? Surely the story here is the extra material. What will it be?

OK, so Mothershit sounded, well, shit. But that's beside the point. It's all about the music. If there's new LZ material up for grabs, I'm in. Aren't you?

You may as well save some money and buy the CDs then Kevin, or the MP3s.  The vinyl box sets are bound to cost a few bob.

And lets not forget that the vinyl box set probably won't contain every thing and you'll have to buy the CD box set as well.  

I know what you're saying Steve but this is pointless. Nobody knows what they'll sound like and it's a bit daft speculating until we know more.

What is infinitely more interesting, and infinitely worth speculating over, is the new music. What will it be? Alternate takes and mixes? Or tasty contemporaneous morsels from the live archive?

Will "III" have the glorious Bombay sessions on it?  Will we get "Jenning's Farm Blues"? The Montreux 70 tapes? The March 1970 Canadian FM broadcast? Maybe bits from those first-ever rehearsals in Soho? Or maybe the Marquee in 1968 (known to have been professionally recorded)? The unreleased SIBLY?

See, isn't that a bit more exciting than fretting about the mastering engineer? Worry about that when it comes...

Come on Doc, don't come over all hi-fi buff on me now...

Jimmy likes to make a quick buck. I think the reissue is geared for the digital market and it's highly likely very little thought and consideration will be given to the vinyl editions. Just press 'em, put them in some fancy packaging and ask for a hundred quid. 

Kevin,

I wish I hadn't sold my CDP now. We'll see, he says with a sigh.

Oh no Steve - you'll have to get into streaming! Twonky HD and Quboz NAS beckons!

Or get a Denon micro system 

Actually, that's a bit harsh. He has always cared about his music more than just about anything else and while some projects have left something to be desired, a huge amount of love and care went into the DVD - and weren't the Classic Records LPs personally overseen by him?

We know nowt about the vinyl yet, so no point getting in a lather.

No way Jose to both comments. 

Or just follow George's example and get into shellac '78s...

OK chaps buy the CD box set then record it onto reel to reel!!! Just set mine up and it really does sound incredible - if only I knew about the SQ from R2R earlier!

Pete

C'mon Pete if it's Zep on tape it's got to be 8 track 

I wonder what these sound like? Anyone heard one?

Kevin,

I have (of course) the studio LPs but know nothing of these intriguing snippets of other goodies. You clearly do, and they sound very enticing.

Pray tell more, if there is room, and you have time.

Best regards

David

ps - twenty years lived in sarf London, now a country bumpkin.

Mr Click

Some of this stuff I have - in not always pristine quality - on bootleg. Others, like the 68 Marquee show, have long been rumoured but have thus far escaped the attention of bootleggers.

I have 300 or so Led Zep bootleg CDs - most of them live, some studio.Getting hold of boots is pretty easy these days - you just need to have a BitTorrent client.

There is all sorts of great stuff laying around - one of my favourites is a different version of "No Quarter" which comes across all loungecore/cocktail jazz. There's an early version of the same song, recorded at Electric Ladyland which goes on for 26 minutes. Another fave is a lovely "In The Light" played on harpsichord.

"Jennings Farm Blues" is a 25 minute jam piece recorded in November '69 which contans early versions/snippets of future biggies. There's an almost complete early version of LZIII.

The Bombay sessions I mention is Page and Percy playing LZIII material with Indian classical musicians in Mumbai in '72.

One of the best boots is called "The Hypothetical Concert", a collection of songs Zep played live only once or twice (eg "Wanton Song", "Levee" etc).

Hi Steve, I have the zep re issues on classic records and think they sound excellent but I have never heard original pressings. How do the classic versions measure up in your opinion?

Prem.

Good stuff Mr W, thank you. I am now interested in these upcoming Zep releases and will keep me eyes well and truly peeled. Here's hoping Jimmy opens up the vaults.

Prem,

The CR reissues are very good indeed and are only just surpassed by the 1st presses I have. They're also worth more than some of the later original LPs now, which is pity as I wish I had bought HOTH and the BBC Sessions.

Steve

Don't get me going Steve!!! My dad had a player in his Austin Allegro ... loved it! I've turned my back on the digital world but am finding it so much more expensive: players, tapes, servicing it goes on and on!

Are these yours Kevin? If so and you'd like to hear them let me know.

Pete

Sadly not Pete. If I ever find any on my travels I'll let you know.