Led Zeppelin (2003)

'Good morning Mum, I've recieved a package from Amazon, it will mean I'll be using the DVD player for the next five hours.'As I push Disc One into the player, my expectation is high and then, the hushed entrance of the band heralds their 1970 Albert Hall Gig. The quality is very high generally, though Moby Dick's extended drum solo and some of the medleys are a little tedious. It's quite interesting to see the pre-megastardom band, with Robert's dancing to the guitar solos, Jimmy's smug grins when he does something good, and Jones smiling when he's having a good time. It opens with 'We're Gonna Groove', which this version of has been previously featured ,with overdubs, on Led Zeppelin's Coda album. White Summer is notable because I've never heard it before being only available on the box set. It does contain Black Mountain Side from the first album in the playing so it's not entirely unfamiliar. Whole Lotta Love is good due to the lack of medleys, and C'mon Everybody makes it's first ever appearance as an encore. The rest of disc one is snippets of other performances, all low quality in terms of picture and sound, but the Danmarks Radio sessions are notable for the inclusion of Babe I'm Gonna Leave You, which is very poignant. Disc Two starts with Immigrant song, which is made of rushes from a show in Australia and sound from the 'How The West Was Won' cd box set. It's not very appealing due to mismatched sound and visuals. Then there are four songs from Madison Square Garden; Black Dog, which is basically the combination of the version from the film 'The Song Remains The Same' and some new clips of visuals and sound. The Same also happens with the version of 'Since I've Been Loving You' on this DVD. Misty Mountain Hop is performed to an average level though it's nice to see something new. The Ocean is actually very well performed, which begs the question why wasn't it on TSRTS? The Earls Court Footage is slightly differently filmed, with more closeups and a general neglect to show John Paul Jones on film. It begins with the acoustic set which isn't fantastically done, but is very personal and loose. In My Time Of Dying is the sole gem from the Earl's court gigs and is fantastic all the way through. Trampled Underfoot is a bit rushed and the sound is slightly dodgy, but the spirit is conveyed well. Stairway to Heaven is exempelary as usual, though I prefer the version on 'How The West Was Won'. The Knebworth Set comprises of perfect renditions of Rock and Roll, Achilles Last Stand, In The Evening and Kashmir, which are all better than their studio counterparts. Also, they play Nobody's Fault but mine which is brilliant apart from some slight timing near-misses and the sound of Jimmy's phaser pedal isn't as lush as on the original. Jimmy sweats like a pig throughout the performance, something you can't realize without the visuals. Whole Lotta Love closes the Knebworth set. Though I understand Jimmy's Theramin broke in the original performance, it aids the song, and it's for once without annoying medleys and overlong 'middle sections'. Also on the DVD are some amusing interviews and some promo videos to keep you occupied for hours. Good stuff.

fantastic

Over the last two decades bands have come and gone. Countless thousands have debated who is the greatest rock band of all time. "Stop searching" this DVD release proves zeps claim beyond any further dispute.No one could fail to be moved by the shear power displayed in this concert footage. Being lucky enough to have seen this awesome display at Knebwoth in 79 I immediately skipped to that particular footage. I must explain that unlike many I loved the Song remains the same so I was not expecting great things from this remastered footage. The 50 minutes devoted to the Knebworth concert is simply breathtaking, the sound and picture quality is staggering like having them in your living room. Flipping back to disc one and 1970, over one and a half hours of material from an Albert Hall gig with the band looking unbelievably young. A fresh faced Percy Plant at times seems overawed with the venue his vocals soaring over the most incredible rhythm section in rock history. The classic combination of Bonzos drum detonations and JPJ's fluid subsonics could possibly invoke an unplanned bowel movement should you foolishly sit in close proximity to your sub-woofer.The Earls court footage showcases the acoustic section from the bands seventies set list. Once again the sound quality is crystal clear. The band clearly enjoy this section as do the audience whooping and hollering like a huge "hoe down" during Bron Yr Aur Stomp with Percy clapping along.Pleasantly surprised to see Bonzo doing backing vocals during this section. Up to this point I purposely haven’t mentioned Jimmy Page! Over the passing years it is easy to forget what makes a genuine guitar hero. This DVD release demonstrates just how good JP really was, skinny as a rake almost lost under huge hair and at one point wearing a "tank top" he effortlessly coaxes solos from his Les Paul that defy description. I honestly believe that young guitar players watching this footage now, will be responsible for a worldwide rock revival in the coming years.In conclusion: I have never felt compelled to submit a review before now. This release is beautifully packaged, reasonably priced and above all essential viewing. I urge any lover of classic rock to buy it now, slap it in the player, crank up the surround sound and relive those halcyon days when British rock ruled the planet and beer was less than a quid a pint enjoy.

Has lots of good popular songs. good to buy.