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Led Zeppelin - How the West Was Won
- “How the West Was Won” represents the ideal live album. The takes of each song are well-recorded and brilliantly performed. The album draws from two concerts in 1972, when the band was at the peak of its career and truly delivering the most powerful and exciting live performances. Every song not only matches the studio version, but far surpasses it and often expands it. What the songs lack in Jimmy Page’s studio trickery is easily made up in the precision and power of the live performance.
“Immigrant Song” is faster than its studio counterpart, and even more driving with an added jam that shows off the togetherness of the band in its prime. “Heartbreaker,” known for its legendary guitar solo, doesn’t disappoint either. The crowd is absolutely silent as Jimmy Page delivers one of rock’s most awe-inspiring moments. “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is much longer in this live compilation, and far more soulful with Page’s longing guitar playing at Jones’s subtle organ work. Of course, “Stairway to Heaven” gets the epic live treatment. Many of the sections are extended to show off Robert Plant’s wild vocal improvisations. Zeppelin doesn’t forget its softer side either. Folk classics “Going to California” and “That’s The Way” sound better than ever, especially given Jones’s meandering mandolin fills. “Dazed and Confused” and “Whole Lotta Love,” Zeppelin’s early powerhouses, are given their rightful live treatment. Both clock in at well over a staggering 20 minutes and feature the band’s best improvisations.
“How the West Was Won” is remarkable in that it manages to capture the band at its absolute best. Page’s guitar roars, Bonham’s drums are more thunderous than ever, Jones’s bass playing keeps the band together, and Plant delivers his boldest vocals of any Zeppelin recording. This album is how rock and roll’s loudest and most legendary band was meant to sound and is suitable for the casual listener or the most dedicated fan.
Reviewer: Kris Lorenz
new
Reviewer's Rating: 9.5
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 2
Added: 29-Jun-2009
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