Led Zeppelin : The Song Remains The Same : Personal Memories and Which Version I play The Most

[@iang1]

Bought it on release, saw the film, love it. No Quarter for me too, otherworldly, Jones' electric piano is ghostly and the overall sound is almost as if The Doors met Mahavishnu...

[@barryrammer7906]

Love that movie. We had on midnight mass Saturday nights. Here in America. All the stoners would go, lol 😆

[@crungefactory]

No Quarter. Original vinyl. I love my Classic Records pressing. I had a ticket to see them in Seattle in 1977. I was 14. My parents wouldn't let me go...

[@adamphillips6865]

Well done! No Quarter live is a high mark. The jam in Dazed and Confused is epic also. Stairway, TSRTS, Rain Song and No Quarter are definitive versions.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@craigryan3069]

For me, the version of Since I've Been Loving You on the film is definitive for me. JP solo @ the start is (probably) my favourite ever by him....

[@jonathanpearman1052]

I saw this in the day at a small cinema on Wardour Street not far from the Marquee Club and I think it was one of those nights when it was on a loop and I sat through three showings of it(!). I absolutely fell in love with it and that love remains to this day despite the bad reviews and almost everybody I knew at the time slagged it off. And sure, there were shortcomings to it but the impact on my 16 year old self was one of wonder, the majestic soundscapes (Dazed, No Quarter, Song Remains the Same, Rain Song), air of mystery and decadence (despite codlike snippets of their inner, secret(???) lives). The powerfulness overwhelmed me so sitting through it three times on the trot was not an issue. Obviously it's been vastly improved since then content wise and sonically and I have all the reissues but I still go back to my 1976 pressing when I want to feel swept away by the music and rekindle those early initial feelings of rock music. So despite the many many brilliant, arguably better double gatefold live albums from this era, this one epitomizes '70 live rock for me at its peak. Stuck my head out, so 'nuff said! Thanks for doing it Phil!

[@Ojago]

This was my first Led Zeppelin LP, still love to listen to it. Sides 1 and 3 are just about perfect. The Song Remains The Same into The Rain Song, with it's devastatingly powerful ending, then No Quarter and Stairway To Heaven, all definitive versions, for me.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for sharing. Phil

[@deantaylor1512]

Strangely played this in me van today …I often put the film on a Sunday night and watch it in bed …chills me out and helps me sleep .. Remember going to the midnight cinema after the pub and watching it .. probably the first time I heard and seen it ..

[@benedictdonald4338]

The remixed version is astounding. It truly brings out the inherent energy and the potency of this gigantic band.

[@garyh.238]

I agree re Side 3 being a favourite.....I love Page's solo on Stairway on it. Back in the day I never owned the vinyl, only had the 8 Track.

[@jegarajramoo3873]

This presentation brings back fond memories of my school days. The concert movie was shown here in seremban, Malaysia in mid 1979. I was planning to watch the movie with my good friend Ganesh who was a Jimmy Page fanatic. But sadly I couldn't watch it at the local Rex theatre due to financial constraints. Ganesh who was from a well off family watched it. Here is his experience as he explained to me: " The Rex theatre was surprisingly packed. There was a huge poster depicting Jimmy Page holding his double necked guitar with colorful lights surrounding him. The movie started. Within 15 minutes people started leaving the Rex Cinema theatre in droves. The reason? Most of the audience mistakenly thought it was a Disco dancing movie like Saturday Night Fever! This is 1979 with Disco being all the rage. ' I was fortunate to have watched the movie on VHS a few years later. It just showed the sheer ignorance and negative attitude the masses had for heavy rock over here back then. As for the Rex theatre, the iconic building was torn down to make way for a commercial center, sadly. Even more melancholic, Mr Ganesh passed away in 2008 from a heart attack at the age of 45. I still remember him fondly plucking away Led Zeppelin songs on his acoustic guitar. RIP Ganesh. And for us Zeppelin fans, THE SONG WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THE SAME. Take care.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

I wonderful story and a sad one too. I do love hearing these stories. They are what bring us together as well as the music. Phil

[@benedictdonald4338]

The Hammer of the Gods, to be sure.

[@japzbene1562]

1976 I was 14 years old and a DIE HARD Zeppelin FANATIC, had never seen them live up to this point for a variety of reasons. So, I went to my local Harmony House in a suburb of Detroit, Hazel Park to be exact. I grew up just south of the infamous 8- Mile, of course to purchase this just released Lp and I was very lucky to be one of the very first 50 people to purchase it because they gave me 2 tickets to the Detroit area premiere at The Americana Theater. So naturally I went took my best friend. All the local Legendary Detroit Dj's were there, Arthur Penhallow, Karen Savelli, Ken Calvert, you name them. They had huge stacks of Marshall Amps and let me tell you IT F#&KIN ROCKED! The anticipation of their upcoming tour was immeasurable. Finally saw them at The Pontiac Silverdome the next year with my friend and now deceased 2 brothers and another deceased friend, was actually going to see them again in the following month in Buffalo on a chartered bus along with 50 other ZEP HEADS but young Karac passed, and the rest is history. RIP to them all and. PEACE LOVE LED ZEPPELIN

[@paulduggan5323]

As for my personal collection I have the following: original album first pressing, the artisan pressing from classic records of the same album, both four LP expanded box sets, the CD of the original edit and the expanded CD. I have the film on VHS, Blu-ray and three different DVD copies! Like you, the first footage I ever saw of Zeppelin was on the same night as you on OGWT. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Paul, based on your fantastic comment and obvious knowledge of Led Zeppelin (I will be watching your epic video soon) Is this video good enough to put out or do I sound ill informed ? If yes, I will keep it as a member only video. Thank you - Phil

[@paulduggan5323]

@@NowSpinningMagazineHi Phil, it’s not a facts centric piece and not a review. For me it’s classic Phil, it’s about your connection to the music onto your past, your memories. I’m sure I will not be the only one who comes away with that feeling of kinship, having experienced the same emotions about it and the sheer mystery of Zeppelin at that time. So yes, my opinion would be to share it with the wider community. I was a bit confused about my “epic video“, I can only think you mean my one and only (and probably last) attempt at doing a KZbin broadcast. It’s over long and I’m not a great broadcaster. Feel free to watch it, but be warned, it’s two hours of your life that you will never get back 😂. That’s all I can think you’re referring to, I did put some videos up as bootlegger 1892, but my password failed and I descended into KZbin‘s seven levels of hell trying to get back in and didn’t succeed so I started afresh. Given those nine videos you have to remake. I wouldn’t waste your time on me. However, if you want to play my album in the background whilst doing the washing up, I certainly wouldn’t object to that 😂

[@OutOnTheTiles]

My favourite live album of all time….(original release). I know every note of this album. Seen the movie numerous times at the theatre. What a blast that used to be. I actually snuck in a recorder and bootlegged the movie so I could hear the songs missing from the album lol. Great episode. Cheers! 👍

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Great story - thank you for sharing !

[@charlesstoeckle4880]

Me and my friends snuck in the theater when it came out was 12 years old been a fan since

[@miteyoak]

Thanks Phil! I remember reading an interview with JPJ and he talked about how when they filmed No Quarter for the film, the crew over did it with the fog machine and he had to keep blowing on the keyboard to see it! 🌬️🎹😁

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Great story, I did not know that. Phil :)

[@keekatb4now]

I remember when the lp came out. The movie came out later on a wednesday and i decided to go to fridays screening. But i couldnt wait. I was still at school so i went down to to the parramatta westfield to see the movie. The place was packed, all the local musos were there. There was cheering between songs just like a rock concert. I have seen it at many midnight screenings.

[@ezsmith3765]

The guitar solo on the unedited version of No Quarter MSG 1973 is not only my favorite Jimmy Page solo of all time (studio or live), but it’s my favorite guitar solo of all time period. Of any genre, any era. That entire version of No Quarter is so potent. JPJ is amazing. Jones and Bonham really deserve some amount of credit for how great Jimmys solo is because they provided the perfect groove and feel allowing Jimmy to attack the solo from the start and hit all of the perfect notes that are so full of emotion that paints a visual in my mind. I always think of NQ as “Green and Yellow” but throughout that midsection it becomes “blue and purple”. I see colors with everything. The alphabet, numbers, music.

[@georgemardini218]

Thank you for sharing your stories and memories. My mother purchased this album for me when I was a child and have fond memories as well.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@AlbertEinsteinSpock]

I've had that LP on vinyl for decades. It wasn't their best live performance by any means, but still very good.

[@briankellogg2751]

Nice One Phil! I was 15 when the film came out; used to have my mom drop me off at the theater where I'd sit through the movie twice (prob did that a dozen times) in the original run. It came often to the Midnight Movies in the latter 70's. Saw it once in a larger theater because it boasted of a "fresh print" and they'd brought in a concert P.A. for the sound. Amazing! Had the VHS, then Laserdisc, then DVD, then deluxe DVD with a t-shirt. Also have had the soundtrack in all it's releases in most formats + bootlegs of each of the MSG shows from that run. I've spent considerable time and money on the audio and video from those 1973 shows. I consider Since I've Been Loving You as the greatest rock song of all time. Good memories! Cheers from Central California!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Brian, what great memories and times they were. Thank you for sharing - Phil

[@DavidLayfield]

Thoroughly enjoyed your view of this epic album. I got mine one Christmas and my Mam had bought it I feel around November and me and my mate carefully opened it so it could be resealed, and played it after school until my Mam came home from work and then I had to act suitably thrilled and surprised to get it Christmas morning! I agree with you about The Ocean’s absence too, but still and always an epic

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Dave, thank you for watching and sharing your story, loved it 😊

[@luvbasses5487]

Years back when I was deeply into this package, I couldn’t believe how (as you say) immaculate it was. Of course later I found out that it was basically a huge puzzle put together by Page of three nights worth of material. The best bits getting lifted from its respective night and pieced into place. Jimmy made it come across as the perfect concert. When you go back and listen to the tapes from each night you’ll hear the warts and all. Eddie Kramer was in a recording truck getting it all on tape. He’s another magician! I’d have to agree w/u about NQ and it having one of Jimmy’s finest moments ever captured to tape.

[@poglingtonpog]

I was amazed when I found out they'd been edited, I really must find time to compare properly, No Quarter is jaw dropping and I play it a lot, both live and studio versions, I was straight out to buy this on release as I'd seen them the previous May at Earls Court, those concerts really do need releasing! Great video Phil!😊

[@mrsmith7939]

Hi Phil - good comments and agree this sorely missed having Still Loving You and The Ocean ...yet they included extended blather and drum solo. Aargh! I don't think you mentioned The Rain Song off this.... for me this is the best version and perfect to listen to when lying still waking up with a hangover. Always brings back fond memories of drinking days!

[@chriscarey-stronck]

Cool review. And I agree about No Quarter. In ‘86 I turned 20 and had been digging on Zeppelin hard for two years - playing the vinyl TSRTS soundtrack over and over- could not get enough. Had caught Plant at the Cow Palace in ‘85 but the crown jewel was seeing Jimmy with the Firm in Concord CA in ‘86. Watching him do the violin bow with the white lasers blew my mind because it took me back to the movie and soundtrack. Later back at home that summer, I remember listening with the back doors wide open and No Quarter playing into the warm evening -made for the best revisit ever. Still does! *Why was the version of Celebration Day “tinkered”with as well? I personally preferred the original soundtrack version. Thanks and cheers!

[@gregoryg3256]

🌠Good Video Man..I know u from the Sea of Tranquility video's..yeah No Quarter..I totally agree with you...its soo magical..that it shouldn't have been edited..It was actually edited 2x ..1st the end of the solo (the wha wha part) & the intro of the solo ..where page is playing rythym with the piano....& also the song has similarities 2 Hendrix's machine gun..in 1 of the riff's & in the lyrical theme( military/ war)

[@paulduggan5323]

Ok here we go! So I have on vinyl the original double album which you started with, this being the first pressing and I would have bought mine around the same time as you bought yours. I also have the 2003 remaster from classic records which is the ultimate version. Same content as the original double album. The story of these tracks is complex, and there’s no point me writing reams about it as the Internet already has a place for that which I will point you at shortly. Basically there are two versions, the album edit and the film edit. At the time Jimmy Page said in an interview that his hand was forced to varying extents in terms of the film soundtrack. It all came down to camera angles, whether the cameras were running at the time, or were reloading etc etc. Therefore, the audio in the film was not necessarily what he considered the best versions or segments of the songs. So he dealt with the double album soundtrack as a completely different beast, sticking as closely as possible to the films audio content, but now unbound by celluloid he was able to slip in segments that were superior, but had to be left out of the film due to the visual sources available to him. When I first saw it at the cinema, I was most disappointed with “No Quarter“, like you, it is for me the greatest track on the album. In the film that whole build up from the delicate keyboard solo leading to Bonham and Page’s reintroduction that ultimately inspires Page into one of his greatest solos is cut and an alternative section from a different night is used. The magic of John Bonham is on display here as he subtly drums his way into rhythmic freedom, particularly on the hi hat. This for me is the greatest example of why he is heralded so highly as one of the great drummers. Now fast forward to the early 2000s, Jimmy Page decides it’s time to introduce some synchronicity into both the film and the album. The good news was that he extended the album to include all 15 numbers, that were played on each of the three nights at Madison Square Garden. The bad news was that the album tracks that were in the film were now released with the film edit rather than the original albums far superior edit choices. To confuse things further let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. This is where Google is your friend and I can silence myself here (soon I promise). Practically every track in the film and on both album edits are culled from multiple performances over the three nights. To get the best versions each track has an unbelievable amount of edits. For instance one song might start on the second night for 30 seconds before cutting into 90 seconds from the first night and then possibly two minutes from the third night etc etc. So what you need to google is this: The Garden Tapes. Basically the guy behind this website compared every second of the album and film audio with the three bootlegs from each night and was able to chronicle exactly how each song was made up on both the original album and then on the films soundtrack. The website has since been updated with similar information for “How the West was won“, the BBC Sessions and the DVD release. It’s head spinning stuff, believe me! But for the more obsessed Zeppelin fan like myself, this website is pure Manna from Heaven. If you go there and read the original section on “The Song Remains The Same” then all will be revealed.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Paul, this is brilliant and really adds some proper facts to my ramblings on this album. I can see now why this is so complex. Thank you very much - Phil

[@sjord67]

There speaks a man who knows his stuff. I found it difficult to forgive the changes on the 3cd release. Just to jarring on the ear from what I'd come to know over the previous 25 years.

[@deantaylor1512]

Nice one

[@douglasweston126]

Hi Phil - saw Led Zep at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester is 1971 - WOW, memorable to this very day. Did an electric set, had a break and came back for the acoustic set and then finished with another electric set. Jimmy on acoustic guitar - what a player. A shame he hasnt done anything much since. Cya Doug

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Wow, that must have been amazing! Jimmy never seemed to get over Zeppelin.

[@douglasweston126]

No you're dead right there@@NowSpinningMagazine

[@robbills9584]

Hi Phil from Adelaide, Down Under! Love your videos, especially personal experiences with albums. (The Free Live Album was also a classic experience). Brings me to tell you about one of my experiences…I’d just purchased the DVD back in late 2000’s…was talking to the Chaplain at our school…he said he’s a great fan, we should show this in The Chapel for the acoustics and small venue experience. So I carried the set of stereo speakers over from the music dept. set up a portable overhead projector screen, plugged the DVD into my laptop and cranked it one school holidays with a group! Now 15yrs later I’ve just played my 56th Blu-ray at the $4.5m performance Centre with cinematic screen, state-of-art-sound(only stereo) sitting in Gold class comfort. It was Jeff Beck’s Live at Ronnie Scott’s as a Tribute for the great man. So much fun 🎸🎶👍😎. While writing this, I cranked my TSRTS Blu-ray Audio in DTS-HD 5.1 Surround - the best listening experience, multichannel immersive bliss, no more crackling stereo LP’s for me! Cheers

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Great story - thank you for sharing and watching - Phil

[@johnv467]

I first heard tracks from this album on Radio Caroline.

[@aleksl761]

I always feel good when I watch your videos. Your reviews always lift my spirit. In reality, the fact that they are less of reviews and more of personal experience is why I love them the most. My personal memory with The Song Remains The Same is that it is the only LP, my father ever gave me money for. I listened to the record first , then watched the movie on VHS much later. I was never fully pleased with the album. For me, the live recording should be more energized than the studio recording, and, in my opinion, it is not the case with TSRTS. That is just how I feel. I think the length of the songs drained the energy from them. They are simply too long and watered-down.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@normanmacfarlane6724]

I saw the film when it was first released in the cinema . I had the vinyl version and I thought it sounded " less". I have The cd remaster and that sounded a bit more full . I purchased the BBC box set and that , in my mind is a far superior album . Song Remains the Same is a band that has made it , they are huge . The BBC recordings are a band just starting out and they sound hungry and I love that phase of Led Zeppelin . I do love them both but the BBC recordings do it for me Good on you Phil 😂❤

[@normaclay2885]

This video could of been written by myself ,I have exactly the same views on this classic album ,Side 3 is indeed some of the best rock music laid to vinyl 🎸🎸,and it only has two tracks ! This album was the first album I was introduced to for Led zeppelin,I was 15 ,and friend lent me the album and used to blast whole lotta love from bedroom window on a regular basis ,and to this day I sometimes end my “ blast “ with “ New York ,good morning “ Thank you for this video phil ,opened up so many memories

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for sharing your memories as well - Phil

[@djacobmadrigal]

I just repurchased the original version on CD with the shorter set list. My original was destroyed by Hurricane Ida almost two yrs ago. I also have the 2007 release with bonus tracks. The problem with the 07 version (while I love the bonus material) is that some of the songs from the original have been shortened. In my iTunes I made a play list that has all the songs but keeps the longer versions so it’s a hybrid of both versions.

[@backrowbrighton]

Phil, seeing the film in the cinema with a horde of p***ed up rock fans must have been an experience to cherish. I remember upon the films release seeing it one afternoon at my local miserable fleapit of a cinema. There were only two audience members, me and an older guy who I think slept through most of the film. I did purchase the album at the time and still have the original vinyl but I never upgraded to any of the CD versions but that may change now.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

One of the things I love about doing these videos is hearing other people’s stories, thank you for sharing. Phil

[@moodlefyful]

Still have the vhs!😄

[@StevieBluenoseScott]

No Quarter, always my favourite version. ( solo was touched up in the studio) Always my favourite band, the first time i ever saw them was the late night cinema after the pub. We treated it like a gig.😅

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Brilliant 🤩

[@officialwillieg2001]

I’ve got that latest CD edition, pretty good. Not one of my favourite live albums but I like it. Unfortunately The Rover isn’t on it☹️😂 But then, why would it.

[@moonbananababy6870]

Haven't got this i have no idea why? as i have nearly all of them i need this and In through the out door to complete the collection nice episode again Phil cheers

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Happy shopping! Thank you for watching - Phil

[@grahamnunn8998]

No Quarter for me too. Page was inspired by Django Reihart and that came out in No Quarter - maybe not the same level of sophistication but really got something of the wildness.

[@youtoo2233]

I cut my Zeppelin teeth around 1980 when i discovered my stepdads record collection which included The song remains the same and physical graffiti. I still listen to the original '76 release the most but the more recent remaster sounds REALLY amazing although unfortunately choppy all over the place

[@747jono]

Great video Phil . Saw them at Knebworth 1977 amazing. Loved No Quarter Yes live versions are definite Wish they could have lasted longer R.I.P John Bonham .

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching

[@planetDREAMSPIRIT]

They played Knebworth in 1979 I saw them both weekends

[@747jono]

@planetDREAMSPIRIT sorry I got the Olds lol correct 1979

[@giftedplanksify]

I got to Rock out in my jail cell in Ventura county when it was on MTV.. nothing better than the original album.. I still plug in sometime and get on Peter Grant would shake you down if he watched your documentary 😅🎉🎉🎉

[@grahamjohnson9430]

Bang on Phil , reminds me of the ' yours is no disgrace' yessongs version by yes light years better than the studio one and that album struggles with sou d quality too.

[@zofo1961]

Brilliant album should of been triple, at least its had a reissue with more tracks, plus how the west was won ✌️♥️

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@keekatb4now]

Had to repurchase the original cd so i could get the mindblowing " no quarter".

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Excellent 👍

[@WhizzRichardThompson]

I've got the vinyl album and the remastered dvd and I agree with you as regards No Quarter. I reckon it's the definitive version. It's just a shame the film has one of the fantasy sequences for a lot of the song rather than live footage. And that goes for the other songs with fantasy sequences instead of seeing the band playing.

[@mikel4797]

I love the 2007 2cd version that was mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering. Fantastic sound on speakers and headphones. I haven't watched the DVD in years, the dream sequences ruined that for me. As always great post Phil..

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@AlexAlexon3897]

Hi Phil. Quite a year 1976 was for you, then, getting this lp and meeting Robert Plant at the Birmingham Rainbow show! This album has always meant a lot to me. I got it with a record token for my 16th birthday in June '77. At that point, Led Zep 2 was the only LZ album in my small collection (maybe LZ1 also). The actual sound of the band live in '73 was so different that it came as a shock, but the brilliance of Celebration Day soon made me forget that. And that's one of the songs Jimmy Page tinkered with as you mentioned. No idea why, as his second solo on the original vinyl is perfect. Plant seems to be paying tribute to The Ramones as lead-in.😀 One of my fave misheard lyrics! Agree that Stairway to Heaven is perfect here, as is Whole Lotta Love. I actually love the whole drum solo on Moby Dick, including the whoops and hollers from the crowd - it's so exciting. Love the intro: "John Bonham, Moby Dick - Dick - Dick!" ( Although Paice is slightly ahead of Bonham for me, I prefer this to The Mule on MiJ. The Mule's so great on Fireball that its live truncated form is a bit disappointing.) Re. Dazed & Confused, the longer the better for me! Like Mandrake Root, it's spooky, eerie, and never gets dull. We went camping in the Dorset countryside where we lived, and I took this album along - a friend had a battery-operated record-player. The original cover still has leaf-marks and beer-stains! Some of my friends thought Led Zeppelin sounded: "Psychedelic", "really weird", "incredible", "wild", etc., which in itself was a joy to hear. Cheers!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Alex, what a great comment, thank you for sharing your memories, I loved reading this. Phil :)

[@AlexAlexon3897]

@@NowSpinningMagazine: Thanks Phil! I loved your story also. The Zeppelin and Purple live albums, like the Lizzy and UFO ones, show them at their best. 🙂

[@richardwillis6936]

Love the extra tracks on the newer versions, but I have to agree with you on the original vinyl version of No Quarter. I was so disappointed when I heard the remastered version. To me, the live version of Rain Song is a true revelation.

[@markpayea7407]

Hi Phil, saw the film when it origanal came out , brought the album a few weeks earlier, got the CD but then brought the 4 lp box set not sure what the mix is on it , great video thanks mark

[@malcshone4409]

I’d seen Zep live three times before TSRTS film came out but was still blown away by the sight of them in close up on a huge cinema screen in full surround sound. Personally I was “ dazed and confused” by Black Dog being in the film but not on the album and vice versa with “ Celebration Day”! Agree with other comments that the album should have been a triple disc with the inclusion of “ SIBLY” etc . Think the film was meant to have been released in 1974 to fill the gap between HOTH and PG tbh but they had numerous problems with missing footage and synchronising soundtracks etc. Finally I agree about NQ but disagree on D&C. That’s all fair comment though..

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you, you views are just as valid as mine. Phil :)

[@juliemanarin4127]

You should do The Song Remains The Same/The Rain Song live from msg 1973!!

[@Nick-qf7vt]

Definitely a good album. A lot of people knock it and the bands performance but I thought it was pretty good! The film is pretty goofy but hey, I guess that's how people were in the 70s.

[@gerardoramoncesarreynaldo9469]

Great videos, Phil. You're always having comments from different but interesting angles on most of the musicians,, CDs and LPs. But I wonder if this have been asked of you: Can you show us your sound sytstem or the gear you play these media on?

[@deantaylor1512]

That’s not a bad idea.. also a nice tour of your collection.. maybe a part 1 and 2 for that me thinks

[@Andrew-m5p4s]

I think the best no quarter is from earls court 23/5/75

[@goesjem]

I have all versions. The 2007 version sounds the best to me. The one that came out a few years ago messed up the drum sound, and the cymbals are too bright and also the kit position is not logical as a listener. However, I love listening to all versions, depending on my mood. My 2007 vinyl box set is pure gold!

[@tommymaier3017]

i've always liked the movie of the show

[@raymondmitchell7582]

Hi Phil, What can I say about Led Zeppelin Live. Well as you say The Song Remains The Same, is a excellent live album (Although the band called it a Soundtrack) bought it on the day of it's release. But in my personal opinion it is certainly not the best representation of this band live. When this came out in 76 the show was already three years old, I'd seen the band three times by 76 and managed to get hold of famous Bootlegs such as Blueberry Hill, Going to California, Bonzo's Birthday Party and a few others. So I knew what Zeppelin were about live, and in my opinion no other band could get near them. But while I love TSRTS, I really do, the Tour that it came from the 73 US tour is not one of my favourites. I love the periods mid 1970 to late 1972, or possibly up to the early European tour of 73. Again this is my opinion but the 73, US summer tour is very predictable, they had a formula and each night hardly varied from the next. On the earlier tours the band took chances and could and would fly off in any direction if they felt like it, which they often did. So yes TSRTS is precious to me, because it takes me back to 1976 when I first got hold of it. But for me it isn't the definitive statement on the band live. And yes why Jimmy as chopped and changed the show over the various later releases I don't understand, unless less it's copyright issues or disagreements with the remaining members of the band, as to how they want the show to be put out.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

What would be your recommendation of the best Live Led Zeppelin CDs currently available?

[@raymondmitchell7582]

@@NowSpinningMagazine Hi Phil, of the official live Zeppelin catalogue I like How The West Was Won, even though that's not from a complete show. It's two concerts that Jimmy as chopped up and put together. There are some excellent live Bootlegs out there, but I realise Bootlegs aren't everybody's Cup of tea. I suppose it's all down to personal preference, I think the BBC Sessions are good, but again Jimmy messed around with them, they're not how they were originally broadcast.

[@chrishills2427]

Agreed about the awful edits on the newer versions but I too love the sound of them, many Zep aficionados hate the remix! I've got the original vinyl, original cd and the 2007 cd.

[@StevieBluenoseScott]

You're totally correct about the first cd version being the best , the remastered version spoils the whole ambience for me.

[@grantross2609]

as you say CD reissues did carry some of the tracks you mention BUT the original album might well have worked better as a triple.... note that some bootlegs carry even longer versions of DaC &. NQ ---- i think John Paul Jones was often left on his own at the keyboard while the rest of the band had a "break" !

[@ericmac123]

Phil you were saying you're not a fan of drum solos. What about Carl Palmer or Neil Peart. Even Cozy Powell did his solo to the 1812 Overture to make it spectacular. Maybe this could be another discussion😊

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@davewestner]

Agree with you on the original version. Someone ripped me a CDr of the remaster (remix I think actually) and I was disgusted with it. sure, the sonics were more modern, but also, they were more modern, and I don't wanna hear modern Zep. Wanna hear the original Zep thanks very much

[@elbib2446]

ive seen the movie about 20 times,im sure theres about 3 different versions of the film,with different,added tracks

[@iltonwhite]

Always loved this album, Moby Dick was the only song I used to skip, I don't now. Side 3 is probably the highlight for many, I love it too, but I also love the title track and the segue into the magnificent Rain Song, which was unforgivingly butchered at it's blistering crescendo in the movie and on the later cd releases. I mostly stick with the original cd for that reason alone, when I dig out the expanded version, it's only for Since I've Been Loving You and The Ocean, I find Black Dog goes a bit off during the solo.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Played the Rainsong again after filming this video you are right it is a masterpiece. Phil

[@jrgenholteng1529]

i Have this: The Song Remains The Same - Limited Super Deluxe Edition (Remastered) (2CD + 4LP + 3DVD), and the others in Limited Super Deluxe Edition. Stairway To Heaven on the album "Mothership" is not the best version, the best version is on The Song Remains The Same! Ps: do you have Pet Shop Boys - Smash (Vinyl, Cd, or cassette)? Wham - The Singles: Echoes From The Edge Of Heaven - Limited Edition (Green / Blue) vinyl (With misprint).

[@gordy3714]

It was disappointing when Since I've been loving you was on the video and not on the original 2cd . Phil have you done a Led Zeppelin Zeppelin live album review, they should have done what deep purple did with the bootleg series. The lighting looked great on the video.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Not yet!

[@ricardorusca8190]

I preffer the live versions on the CD How we won the war. But still this album is great. Did you get the chance to see them live ??

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

I did, but decided to play in my band at the time instead so missed them!

[@drummmmerfish]

as much as i love zeppelin i don't favor this release, except for "the rain song". that version is just magic. otherwise there's just much better live material out there (most unreleased) and of course any live zep is good live zep, but "how the west was won" is excellent. though i kinda favor the original unreleased MSG shows in all their uncut glory. there's even a website that goes into detail about the differences between the cd and dvd versions.

[@Mark-dx8rr]

I was so disappointed when I listened to the reissue. Jimmy had put remixed versions of the original tracks. I still listen to my first generation copy all the time.

[@yrlic]

There’s an insightful review of the different edits in the album. DC, WLL, and NQ. The later edits are terrible.

[@yrlic]

thegardentapes

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

I've always thought "The Song Remains The Same" was an adequate live album until "How The West Was Won" came out, which I think is a much better live album - because it was not so highly produced and felt like a "proper" live album as to opposed to the soundtrack of a movie.

[@PSN489]

Terry you have written exactly my thoughts. Saying that the version of No Quarter on here is quite brilliant. The film itself has not aged well imho.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@PSN489 I don't think TSRTS is much different to The Beatles movies, to be honest. They are all worth the very occasional viewing for posterity but they are all dated these days. Had it been just a live concert without all of the other "real life" bits in it, it would have stood the test of time better, methinks.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@PSN489 PS. Yes, but No Quarter is just a wonderful piece of music whether studio or live - one of my LZ favourites too.

[@PSN489]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 Agreed , I do like the Carry On Films however for which I will be shot as well as The Pink Panther and Monty Python Films , dated but laugh out funny. I watched Tommy the other day and that has not faired well with time either.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@PSN489 I enjoy all of those movies and am a huge Monty Python fan. More recently, I have gone back to buying DVD box sets cheaply when I find them because I think it's important to have original copies of these movies and TV shows now because they are being heavily edited or even taken off of digital platforms - "The Germans" episode of Fawlty Towers is a classic example of such censorship. Sure, the world has changed in the past 50 years and content that was made back then would not be acceptable now - but an intelligent person can watch and enjoy old movies and shows from that era within the context of the times in which they were produced and without suddenly turning into a xenophobe or misogynist. If someone does not want to watch the content then they can just ignore it. I can't think of anything worse than paying £200 for a Taylor Swift ticket but I am not stood here complaining about it - if it makes other people happy, let them get on with it... I haven't watched Tommy in some time, that in of itself says a lot.

[@glerp10000000000]

No Quarter was butchered on the new version, and I was gutted. Easily the best song from the record. Since I've Been Loving You from the movie was stunning, I first saw it on VHS when I was a little drunk on my 21st birthday. I wrote a song in a similar vein, which became the most popular song in my band's set for years, and was also the only song I wrote that was covered by another band.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

What was the name of your band?

[@franciskocher200]

😄👍

[@seekah1]

Always love your storytelling Phil and yes the latest version was a huge disappointment. Prob agree with your standouts, don't listen to it so much these days. Peace.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@brucybabyy7355]

i saw the film with my girl friend. she was captivated by roberts " bulge". i had a very happy ending!!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for sharing ! Haha 😂

[@chrismoyse3529]

Now this an LP I have always struggled with to be honest. I just don’t like it. One of the poorest double live LPs for me.

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

It's not a "bad" live album but it has never felt as "live" as say UFO's "Strangers In The Night", Thin Lizzy's "Live And Dangerous" or even Status Quo "Live". I think the fact that I've always considered it as "the soundtrack to the movie" has held it back for me, and I think it is heavily over-produced for that reason. When "How The West Was Won" came out in 2003, that immediately became the definitive live Led Zeppelin album for me - I don't think I have played TSRTS since then.

[@chrismoyse3529]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 I like the cover. That’s it. For me I think it’s verging on dreadful. Certainly dull

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@chrismoyse3529 I do take your point and I think it becomes "less dull" if you have the movie going on in your head when you listen to it - the theremin stuff does drag on too long and, for me, the only person who has ever done an interesting drum solo is Neal Peart from Rush. I don't think the band every rated it much as a live album, and it didn't get the best reviews on release either.

[@chrismoyse3529]

@@terrydaktyllus1320 the film!!! Shocker. I love the first few LZ LPs. But it took a massive tumble when I watched the film and bought the record. How the west was won is great however

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

@@chrismoyse3529 You make an interesting point here - I have always thoroughly enjoyed the music of Led Zeppelin but I don't think they would ever make it into my Top 10 bands. I've had interesting discussions with close friends of mine over nearly half a decade who would all put LZ well in their Top 10 bands - for example, I am a much bigger fan of UFO and AC/DC (mostly the Bon Scott stuff) than I am of LZ. My friends got to Knebworth in 1979 but I sold my ticket because I'd started a new job at the time and couldn't get the day off of work. Yes, I have always regretted it to a degree (especially as the school mate I sold the ticket to went mainly to see Fairport Convention!) but if I had the choice of LZ at Knebworth or seeing the classic UFO line-up at their reunion gig at the Dominion Theatre in London in 1998-ish (which I did get to), the latter would always be the winner. My mate John is an absolute LZ nut but even he agrees that "How The West Was Won" is the better live album.

[@COLDMKULTRA]

The Song Remains The Same ... Dazed and Confused ... Jimmy page and Bonham at their most wasted and Spiritual ... Absolutely stunning live performance. ( Did not like the film though ... cheesy, and embarrassing nonsense ! )

[@richybatty234]

And I thought it was just me ! TOTALLY agree with what you said Phil about the different versions . The original album versions were the best , with all the way the tracks ran throughout , but the sound quality on the remastered ones were better . 👍