Album Review – How the West Was Won (Live) – LED ZEPPELIN(Warners)
Review by Geoff Jenke
How the West was Won was originally released in 2003 on CD and is now getting remastered and coming out in a variety of formats including vinyl for the first time.
The album takes the best performances from Led Zeppelin’s legendary concerts at the L.A. Forum on June 25 1972 and Long Beach Arena on the 27th. In fact, some of the songs are mixed from both nights. Jimmy Page considers Led Zeppelin were at the top of their game at this period.
Not sure what the reasoning for this release is other than a remaster and to get it out on multiple formats. With Zeppelin celebrating their 50th anniversary of formation in 2018, maybe there is a sinister dark meaning behind it. Is it a hint Led Zeppelin are getting back together this year to tour? Jimmy Page, who was behind the remastering of this album, has also hinted that there are some new things in store in 2018, things people haven’t heard before.
The album itself is a genuine bona fide classic live album, far superior to The Song Remains the Same set released back in the 1970’s (and also remastered recently) alongside the self-indulgent film of the same name. How the West was Wonwas recorded after the album Led Zeppelin 4 and does include 4 songs from what was to be their next album,House of the Holy,to be released a full 9 months later.
Zeppelin open with Immigrant Song, a fast-brutal version of the original and pure Valhalla heaven.Heartbreaker and Black Dog follow in rapid succession. Stairway toHeaven comes in early in the set and takes you to a different heaven. This is followed by the beautiful Going to California.
Page and band were never afraid to explore how far one could take a song. Dazed andConfused goes for a staggering 25 minutes and Moby Dick which consists of mainly John Bonham’s drum solo a more sedate 19 minute. Whole Lotta Love tunes in at 23 minutes but to be fair fuses songs such as Boogie Chillin’, Hello Marylou, Let’s Have a Party and GoingDown Slow into the song.
Led Zeppelin fans will already own this set on CD. Maybe they want it on the 4-vinyl set or in a Super Deluxe box with the 4 LP’s, 3 CD’s, DVD (audio) and a book of photo’s.
What this set doesn’t come with is any new material, yet we know Communication Breakdown, Tangerine, Thank You and a rare version of Louie Louie were played at the concerts. Other remastered Zeppelin albums have had extra tracks added.Inclusion of these four songs would have made the new remastered set essential.
Can’t complain about the music. 10/10. It is Led Zeppelin flying at their highest and essential but we already have it. The release sort of smells of money grabbing by Page.
Led Zep Trivia – When Zeppelin were in Adelaide in 1972, they stayed at the Townhouse on Hindley Street. Creedence Clearwater Revival were also staying there and Doug Clifford had a full drum kit set up in his room. Bonham and Clifford played the drums all night and never got a complaint from anyone staying at the hotel.
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