emesbee Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 First of all, I know that a thread has already been started about the Led Zeppelin reissues under 'Turntables, Vinyl & Analog', but since that is focused specifically on the LP version, I thought it might be worth starting a thread to discuss the reissues more generally (and also since I just bought the CD versions ). I saw the first 3 LZ albums in the stores yesterday, so immediately shelled out and bought the 2 disc CD versions of each one. At this stage, I have only played one of the albums, and I chose to start with Led Zeppelin III. I have always thought this to be one of the least well recorded LZ albums, so I was very curious to see how this version stacks up. To start with though, I have to say that I am rather disappointed with the packaging of these reissues. I guess we have started to become accustomed to these awful cardboard slip-case CD covers these days, but my main gripe is with the CD booklet. Most reissues from other bands (eg: The Move, Procol Harum, Free, Deep Purple, The Beatles, Moody Blues, etc, etc..) contain informative notes about the band history and recording process, often with comments from the band members themselves. But what do we have here? Nothing! All we have is a few pages of band photos, track listings and the credits. Even the credits are incomplete. There is no mention of who plays what on which track (I would like to know who played the dulcimer and the harmonica on disc 2), no real information about the tracks on the companion disc and no mention at all of how they went about the remastering process. At the very least, you'd think we would get some comments from Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones. Pretty poor, really. Ok, so what do they sound like. LZ III is a great album, one of my favourites in fact, but I've always thought the sound to be rather flat. 'Immigrant Song' should really have good solid bass, and the drums on 'Since I've Been Loving You' should be punchy, but they seem to have been buried too deep in the mix. I know over-compression is a common complaint in regard to modern recordings, but I reckon this 1970 recording suffers from it too. My impressions after listening to disc one is that the sound is a bit cleaner than the earlier releases, with more detail and clarity (particularly in regard to Robert Plant's vocals), but the bass is still buried too deep in the mix. This was kind of what I was expecting though (it is a remaster rather than a remix). It is an improvement, but is certainly no quantum leap. In that regard I would rate this reissue in a similar way to the Beatles reissues. Now some comments about the tracks on disc two. I don't think the alternate mixes of 'The Immigrant Song' and 'Celebration Day' really have much to offer over the original mixes. Likewise with the instrumental mix of 'Friends'. I found the rough mix of the first take of 'Since I've Been Loving You' an interesting alternative to the original. Its a bit less polished, but still a worthy version. Things start to get a bit more interesting with the next few tracks. I have always liked the rather grungy sounding guitar line in 'Out On The Tiles'. 'Bathroom Sounds' is really an instrumental version of 'Out On The Tiles', and it sounds great. I love it. Crank up the volume on this one. The next track is a so-called rough mix of 'Gallows Pole', and I reckon its great. John Bonham really drives this one along when he comes in after the acoustic intro, much more so than on the original. I actually like this version better. The rough mix of 'That's The Way' is an interesting alternative, with dulcimer taking the place of the country sounding (pedal steel?) guitar of the original version. Quite nice, but doesn't quite have the same atmospheric feel to it. 'Jennings Farm Blues' is really an electric instrumental version of 'Bron-Y-Aur Stomp'. Totally different version to the original, but the tune is quite recognisable. One of the highlights of this disc, I'd say. They've left the best till last though. 'Key To The Highway/Trouble In MInd' is a terrific piece of acoustic blues. Apparently they fed Robert Plant's voice through a leslie speaker (although the liner note don't tell you that), and there is some rather good harmonica on it as well (but who played it?). Listening to this makes me wonder if it was originally intended to be the closing track on the album. I guess the band wanted to pay their tribute to Roy Harper, but personally I think this would have been a better choice. So, to sum up, not a bad reissue and a modest sonic improvement over the original, but let down rather badly by the inadequate booklet notes. I reckon its worth getting for the second disc alone though. I will probably play Led Zeppelin II next. Will post my impressions when I've done so.
metal beat Posted June 7, 2014 Posted June 7, 2014 Thanks for the comments on the alternate versions of the songs.first I have read anywhere. Interestingly the CD and the lp has the same number of additional tracks - running at close to 40 minutes, perfect running time for vinyl nice to see Jimmy doing the right thing. Looking forward to hearing the alternative versions on vinyl.
emesbee Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 Yes, I believe both the CD and LP versions are available in 1 and 2 disc versions. Personally, I reckon the 2 disc version would be a must-have, whichever format you choose.
emesbee Posted June 7, 2014 Author Posted June 7, 2014 (edited) Ok, now I've just played both discs of the Led Zeppelin II reissue. In contrast to LZ III, I've always thought that LZ II is probably Led Zeppelin's most well recorded album. My criticism of the lack of bass and drums in LZ III certainly does not apply here. This is the one LZ album where I think they really got the mix right. Good solid bass and punchy drums combine with a rich guitar sound and Robert Plant's vocals to give this album a particularly individual sound that they never really managed to capture again on any subsequent album (but that's just my opinion). Well, this reissue really sounds great. As with the LZ III reissue, there seems to be more clarity and detail in the vocals, but in this case the bass and drums are right there too. The whole album sounds good, but I think the improved vocal clarity is most noticeable in 'What Is And What Should Never Be', as well as 'Bring It On Home'. In this case the tracks on disc two are mostly unfinished works in progress. Many of the riffs and vocal lines are familiar from the final versions, but without the final overdubs. They are interesting in themselves, but I'm not sure that there are any real standouts. The theremin section in the rough mix of 'Whole Lotta Love' is fairly rudimentary, and almost sounds a bit comical in a way. The rough mix of 'What Is And What Should Never Be' is fairly close to the final version, but minus some of the vocal overdubs at the end, and the left/right panning of the final guitar notes. 'Thank You' is just the backing track, without vocals. Doesn't sound right without vocals though. 'Heartbreaker' is also very similar to the final version, but minus some of the guitar overdubs in the middle section. 'Living Loving Maid' is just the instrumental backing track, without vocals. In this case the instrumental track stands up pretty well by itself, despite a number of pauses (presumably to allow space for some of the vocals). The rough mix of 'Ramble On' is also close to the final version, without some of the guitar overdubs. 'Moby Dick' is described as a backing track, but is really just the first and last guitar parts sandwiched together, minus the drum solo. (Maybe this is how they recorded it, adding the drum solo later?) The last track is called 'La La' (intro/outro rough mix). I have no idea what this is, as it doesn't resemble any other LZ song that I can think of (I may stand to be corrected on that though). It starts off sounding a little bit like something Booker T And The MGs might have recorded, that is until Jimmy Page starts adding in some of his distinctive guitar lines. Kind of interesting, but not really a standout. So, a great sounding album which I definitely think benefits from the remastering. The extras are moderately interesting, but I'm not sure they add a great deal of value in this case. My criticism about the lack of booklet notes from LZ III also applies in this case too. Edited June 8, 2014 by emesbee
audiomuze (R.I.P) Posted June 8, 2014 Posted June 8, 2014 Thx for the writeups, I bought these in high resolution and looking forward to a good listen today. LZ must be my most duplicated artist with the numerous releases their albums.
soundfan Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 I received my Led Zeppelin I and III vinyl reissues today, the bog standard versions. Had a quick listen to a side of each album (have to go to work), and am very happy. Excellent sound, dead quiet,and flat. I am considering buying II now, I held off previously as I have the Classic 200 gram already, but these are great sounding,and well affordable. Look forward now to IV and HOTH, later in the year.
Gee Emm Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 On a whim I ordered the bog standard LZ II on vinyl months ago which was delivered last week. I played it last night. A quick listen. I was expecting the worst. I'm not unhappy. For $30 delivered, I'm very happy. I already have LZ III, and will now buy LZ I as I don't have it on vinyl any more. Am keen to get Physical Graffiti, if it ever eventuates.
hired goon Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 Gawd, I have so many Led Zeppelin LPs and CDs, so dunno if I want any more! But I could be tempted by the hi-rez mixes, whence all other formats are derived (so I am told). --Geoff
Gee Emm Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 G'day Geoff My experience with the 'so called' hi rez formats is apalling. Have a listen before handing over the readies. Graham
audiomuze (R.I.P) Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 ^^^ you referring to the 2014 releases? LZ I, II & III sound pretty good from the cursory flip through some tracks. Will only get to sit and listen over the weekend.
Bluroo Posted June 14, 2014 Posted June 14, 2014 Thanks for the review emesbee I have bought I & II but III was initially scarce, probably fixed now. I have opened one to have a look and the cardboard is pretty poor effort and after two slides in and out the disc is already marked. I think I will purchase some plastic Japanese disc sleeves for protection. Not the first cardboard sleeve that needs plastic sleeve in my collection. PS for trainspotters the Australian versions are pressed by SM or Summit Technologies.
metal beat Posted June 14, 2014 Posted June 14, 2014 Thanks for the review emesbee I have bought I & II but III was initially scarce, probably fixed now. I have opened one to have a look and the cardboard is pretty poor effort and after two slides in and out the disc is already marked. I think I will purchase some plastic Japanese disc sleeves for protection. Not the first cardboard sleeve that needs plastic sleeve in my collection. PS for trainspotters the Australian versions are pressed by SM or Summit Technologies. That is a pity. the vinyl reissues come in luxurious poly lined paper inner sleeves for total protection
metal beat Posted June 15, 2014 Posted June 15, 2014 I just saw the Led Zeppelin reissues advertised on Channel 9 during the footy show. Warners are spending some big bucks on marketing these. Good stuff.
emesbee Posted June 21, 2014 Author Posted June 21, 2014 (edited) Now for my impressions of the Led Zeppelin I reissue. I hadn't played LZI for quite a long time, think I'd forgotten how much I like this album. Listen to this album felt a bit like I was reacquainting myself with an old friend (yeah, I know, a bit corny...). My comments about the other LZ remasters having better clarity and detail apply equally here. Actually, out of the three albums, I think that this one seems to benefit most from the remastering. It really sounds great. I wish I could say the same for the companion disc, however, but I can't. Whenever one sees live recordings included as 'bonus tracks', one wonders if it is an indication that there really wasn't much extra material available from the original session recordings. I suspect this must be the case here. The companion disc contains a concert, 'Live At The Olympia', recorded in Paris in 1969, and it sounds gawdawful, quite frankly. It sounds as if somebody smuggled in a cheap portable tape recorder and taped it from the back row of the auditorium (who knows, maybe that's what happened!). Sound quality is pretty ordinary, to say the least. It appears to be mono (at least, I think so). Nothing wrong with that as such, but the bass is muddy and indistinct, and even seems to swamp out Jimmy Page's guitar lines. LZ themselves don't seem to be a very tight outfit at this stage either. A lot of the time, Jimmy Page just seems to be noodling and meandering around with his guitar licks, with Robert Plant not quite knowing what to do half the time. I actually found it a bit hard to sit through all of this. The only bright spot is John Bonham's drum solo in Moby Dick, which is pretty good (despite the poor sound quality). So, a sub standard recording of a fairly ordinary performance. The remastering really can't do much to save this. So, in summary, by all means get this album for the remastered studio album, but the second disc is really only for historical reference. Edited June 22, 2014 by emesbee
Bluroo Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Thanks emesbee for the great report on these CD's. I have bought these in the 2CD version and looking forward to getting some time to have a listen. Interestingly the Led Zeppelin III which was a bit short on release day is being sold at JB's as the EU version. Maybe the moving cover was a bit difficult for the local manufacturer?
Newman Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I wish I could say the same for the companion disc, however, but I can't. Whenever one sees live recordings included as 'bonus tracks', one wonders if it is an indication that there really wasn't much extra material available from the original session recordings. I suspect this must be the case here. I read elsewhere that, indeed, there was little extra material for LZ1, hence the live filler.
unclemack Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I received my Led Zeppelin I and III vinyl reissues today, the bog standard versions. Had a quick listen to a side of each album (have to go to work), and am very happy. Excellent sound, dead quiet,and flat. I am considering buying II now, I held off previously as I have the Classic 200 gram already, but these are great sounding,and well affordable. Look forward now to IV and HOTH, later in the year. Soundfan, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the new remaster vs the Classic 200gm. I've got the classis issue of II and it is sublime. Especiall when played straight after the reissue of III, which I love the sound of but I think II was recorded with so much more balls... Cheers M
unclemack Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Just listening to LZIII reissue again and was amazed at the amount of bass toward the end of That's the Way on side two.... and Bron Y Aur stomp is so much weightier than the rest of the album....strange. M
soundfan Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Soundfan, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the new remaster vs the Classic 200gm. I've got the classis issue of II and it is sublime. Especiall when played straight after the reissue of III, which I love the sound of but I think II was recorded with so much more balls... Cheers M UM, not sure I can be of help. As stated, I have the Classic (33 RPM) Led Zeppelin II, but I did NOT buy the 2014 version of this album. Maybe someone else has it? I also have a green labelled Aust first pressing of II, so have enough copies of it without buying the reissue.
unclemack Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 (edited) UM, not sure I can be of help. As stated, I have the Classic (33 RPM) Led Zeppelin II, but I did NOT buy the 2014 version of this album. Maybe someone else has it? I also have a green labelled Aust first pressing of II, so have enough copies of it without buying the reissue. Sorry, thought you said you were considering buying II in your previous post... Cheers M Edited June 22, 2014 by unclemack
soundfan Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Sorry, thought you said you were considering buying II in your previous post... Cheers M Fair enough. Yes I am considering it, and if I do go ahead will give you my thoughts, should you be interested. 1
unclemack Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Very interested... I have the same Classic issue as you and that's why I didn't buy II this time 'round. Can't see it being bettered to tell you the truth. Cheers M
metal beat Posted June 22, 2014 Posted June 22, 2014 I have Deluxe LZ II vinyl due in this week. will compare with my Classic 180gm, but in the turntable section thread
Bluroo Posted July 1, 2014 Posted July 1, 2014 Hey Emesbee I had a listen to the first album CD today and I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment that the high/mid frequencies are much more defined without being over bright (thankfully). The bass does suffer from this attempt at greater clarity but overall its a great listen. Then played the SHM version and back came the bass and it all sounded like the olden days album albeit with a lack of high & mid frequency clarity, not to be out done a simple crank of the volume and it was great. For a sit down session of listening I prefer the 2014 version but for a general blast the SHM (whatever the mastering is 90?) its terrific. Horses for courses. I am happy with my copy of the 2014 version (2 more to listen too
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