Led Zeppelin - The Song Remains The Same

Timely revised live revelation from the reunited rock gods

Always a thorn in the side of Zeppelin’s catalogue, this soundtrack to their 1976 film has undergone a stunning transformation. More than a mere remastering, engineer Kevin Shirley, working with Jimmy Page, has painstakingly revisited the 1973 Madison Square Garden recordings, using the original multi-tracks. The result is a cohesive, often thrilling live album, restoring the reputation of a once much maligned project. While the experimentation of their 1972 US tour had levelled out, the New York shows that became The Song Remains The Same a year later capture all the swagger and verve of a band conquering the world. Shirley keeps the crowd reaction high in the mix, adding a real “right there” authenticity, especially on the opening blast of Rock & Roll, Celebration Day and Black Dog. The original double album is extended to include six previously unreleased performances, notably a fluent Over The Hills & Far Away, a sublime Since I’ve Been Loving You and a riotous The Ocean. Disc Two dips slightly with the overindulgence of Dazed & Confused, but a breathless Heartbreaker restores the momentum. This is as good as it gets on the Zeppelin wish list and, among the reunion mania, proves why they still command so much respect.

Swan Song | cat no tbc

Reviewed by Dave Lewis
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