LED ZEPPELIN VINYL by ROSS HALFIN

 

This book has been a long time coming. Back in the 1980's there were Robert Godwin's excellent guides and Sam Ketenjian's singles guide. Over the following decades there have been numerous articles in Goldmine, Record Collector and specialist Zeppelin magazines, namely Dave Lewis' 'Tight But Loose'. 

They have all brought new insights and in depth information to the table soo to speak, and with so many online websites, Blogs and Facebook groups an incredible amount of information has amassed as more collectors open their files, cupboards and man caves for all to see, enjoy and wonder. 

As Led Zeppelin were the undisputed Kings from the age of Vinyl, for many of us it's the most enthralling, relevant and tactile format there is to enhance and enjoy Zeppelin's music, show our personal love and devotion and homage to the band, their music and enduring legacy.

And so it's fantastic thhat someone has brought it all together. Ross has been a Zeppelin fan and collector from pretty much day one, his insightful introduction here reminisces about buying 'Blueberry Hill' from Virgin Records back in 1971 (I remember buying some very dubious 'Import' titles at their Marble Arch branch in 1977/78, Branson was bold enough to stock pretty much every Bootleg vinyl he could until industry pressure forced his towards or nearer to legitimacy) and has been picking up what he can ever since.

Adding to his collecting and love of the Band is his occupation as Top Rock Photographer and he's the perfect person to compile what is heralded on the cover as 'The Essential Collection'. The final fourth section 'Catalogue Details' had large input from two esteemed collectors - Graeme Hutchinson and Nick Anderson. On the Bootleg Vinyl side, Graeme has diligently presented an exhaustive and detailed list of LP's, Ep's, Box Sets and Acetates in chronological recording order, something I'm proud to say I was more than happy to help with over the last months. And Nick is behind the official (and sometimes semi-official!) listing of all shapes and sizes of releases, and it's a staggering and mind blowing list...

So, what we have is a 216 page, 12" x 12" hardback tome, beautifully and expertly printed by the good people at Reel Art Press to the highest standards and quality possible. And the pictures are amazing. Firstly every studio album is represented, with accurately annotated information as to country of origin, label, catalogue number etc.

Remember this is essential, NOT complete. By definition and indeed common sense, it's impossible for any such list or collection to be complete. As a great friend once said 'when you realize you can't have everything you can enjoy collecting all the more'

Because of the high quality and resolution of the pictures and illustrations we can all enjoy some of the nicest and rarest of Zeppelin collectibles, regardless of the possibility of owning them. Sharing is the key, both visually and in detail. 

There will always be more, some variations or obscure and different pressings. Hopefully this wonderful book will bring new, different items into the light as this never ending quest and journey goes on. I will close by commending Ross, Graeme and Nick alongside the publishers for a brilliant addition to the ongoing Collection that is Led Zeppelin in print.

RECORD COLLECTOR Presents LED ZEPPELIN

 

Collecting Led Zeppelin. To some a pastime, others an obsession, a virus even for which there is no two part vaccine (nor one required). Published this week, Record Collector Presents Led Zeppelin is a wonderful, essential and inspiring magazine. 116 pages of nothing but Zeppelin, incredibly well collated, edited and executed.  

Superbly edited by Jamie Atkins, all aspects of collecting are featured with some spectacular images to accompany in depth, fascinating and compelling articles. Add to that pieces from RC's Archives including two Jimmy Page Interviews, some unbelievable memorabilia and an in depth look at each Zeppelin LP. 

Where to start? From the Jay Thompson Chateau Marmont 1969 photoshoot front cover to Chris Welch's Tour memories there is something for everyone on every page, every turn.  Excerpts from Pete Frame's legendary and lengthy Zig Zag interview (the original conversation ran well over three hours) whets the appetite with talk of Session Days, early influences and the rise of Zeppelin.

And then we come to ten pages titled 'All That Glitters Is Gold' that gives us a glimpse into the amazing collection of Brian Knapp. From tour jackets, blimps, programmes, ephemera, Jimmy's shirt and bow from Knebworth to Bonzo's Harley from the movie, it's fascinating and mouth watering indeed. A big big thanks goes out to Brian for his generosity.

There are five Fan profiles throughout the magazine - Steve Livesey, Dave Lewis, Michaela Tait, Cliff Hilliard and Yours Truly. All of us have grasped the nettle and all make a great read, from what started this whole thing off to our favourite moments and collectibles and many points in between. I'm so chuffed to be part of this and I hope you like our words and thoughts on this thing they call Led Zeppelin.

Of course, there are some amazing annotated images of rare singles, EP's and Acetates from all over the globe, and a separate ten page spread of rare LP's, CD's, Tapes, * Tracks, Promo's and on and on. It really is a remarkable treasure trove. SO many things are unique and it's a pleasure to be able to enjoy them within these pages.

Dave Lewis has been one of the main driving forces in this publication, and suitably has an archive RC piece on the making of 'IV', plus his own recollections of his remarkable journey through the written word with Tight But Loose and his book publications, and some great and fond memories of our 1992 Celebration Days Fan Convention. 

And there's more, much more. A similarly incredible ten page spread of Posters and Flyers thanks to Mike Tremaglio (co-author of the essential 'Evenings With' book with Dave Lewis) and once again Brian Knapp, plus an incredible and very detailed UK Discography from Nick Anderson who also provides (mint condition) valuations to the Singles, LP's etc in the other photo spreads. 

Phew! Quite simply this is stunning, even better than I had imagined when Dave and Jamie first discussed the project with me. Big congratulations to all involved and I'm certain this will become a very welcome addition to those ever increasingly overloaded shelves in our homes... 

LED ZEPPELIN - ATLANTA POP FESTIVAL 5-7-69

 

'Ain't Gotta Worry 'Bout My Sins!'

Any 'new' or previously unheard Led Zeppelin recording is always an event. The show stopping late afternoon performance at the Atlanta International Pop Festival on July 5th 1969 - the first date of their third US Tour - is the stuff of legend. Already a fearsome live act with a huge reputation, Peter Grant strategically put together a two month 35 date tour that included club, theatre and arena shows and no less than 10 Festival appearances.

For decades it's been widely rumoured and probably true the Soundboard of Zeppelin's set exists as it was recorded professionally and remains in the hands of the promoters. Up until now the only circulating recording has been some 49 seconds of silent 8mm cine film, plus lots of memorabilia including various posters, tickets, pictures etc. 

Now, finally, some of the audio has emerged. Sadly not the soundboard, but a good if distant audience recording that captures 42 minutes of the show. The fact it's genuine is both a magnificent gift to us fans of the Live Zeppelin experience and also a relief considering the steady stream of misdates and deceptions that have circulated over the last 50 plus years. 

So what do we have? Well, we have five of the six tracks known to have been played in the set (from reviews). We're missing the set closer 'How Many More Times' and the reported encore of 'Communication Breakdown'.

The tape cuts/fades in during the opening moments of 'Train Kept A-Rollin'. Wow. The audience are already in near hysteria, screaming and clapping along, bursting into ovations spontaneously. The sound is fairly well balanced, only John Paul is 'missing' at times is the mix. The first thing that hit me is Robert's voice. He's wild, overwhelming with an incredible range and potent confidence. Bonzo drives the band along as only he can and Jimmy is indeed on fire. It sounds almost out of control but the perfect stop/start puts the incredible dynamics into focus. Superb!

At 2 minutes 42 seconds Zeppelin segue into 'I Can't Quit You, Baby'. The playful introduction theme (extra to what we hear on the LP version) is light and syncopated, Bonzo flexing that right foot and Robert howling to the moon. From then on it's spine tingling. Dynamic, sexually charged and incredibly deft. It comes to an end at 8 minutes 43 seconds, greeted by a huge standing ovation from the 90,000 plus crowd.

Robert greets the crowd, talks about how hot it is then introduces 'something we managed to put on the first album. At 9 minutes 13 seconds we're into 'Dazed And Confused'. Already extended, the tension is palpable as Bonzo matches Jimmy's wah wah harmonic twirls with loud and powerful gong crescendos. Again Robert is all over everything, drawing whoops and cheers from the already mesmerised crowd, until some 3 minutes in and Jimmy takes it to another level with the bow. Brilliant stuff, and followed by the frenzied call and response 'chase' before a perfect return to the main theme. But it's not over yet! After the last verse and Robert proclaiming 'Ain't gotta worry 'bout my sins', the band bring it down to a whisper while Robert ad libs with scats, yodels and cries. Incredible as 'Dazed' climaxes at 10 minutes 36 seconds.

Barely time to catch our breath, it's time for Jimmy's 'White Summer'/'Black Mountainside' showcase. His playing is so fluent and inspired, including some incredible cascades and flurries in the second half of the 9 minutes and 45 seconds version, just before Bonzo powers it to a climax.

Next up, and sadly the last part of the tape we have, is 'You Shook Me'. No organ, but some fantastic harmonica before Led Zeppelin slip so easily into that groove. This is a band on fire. And yes, it's only the first night of the tour! Of course, unlike later years gigs were coming thick and fast and they'd last performed just a week before with two set at the 'Pop Proms' at London's Royal Albert Hall.

This version of 'YSM' is special. Already one of my favourite versions ever (up there with the Winterland 25-4-69 version) it runs almost 11 minutes and is sheer joy, intensity and sexual groove. And when we get to the Jimmy/Robert call and response... You've never heard anything like it, truly!

So there we have it. Yet another unique and essential piece of Led Zeppelin's history for us all to enjoy. For those of us able to look beyond the quality, edits etc it is simply incredible. Enjoy my friends, and it makes me wonder - What's Next!?