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| Freak Out; The Diagrams Of Led Zeppelin (2 CDs of 4 CD set Double Clutch) | ||
| 22 August 1971; Great Western Forum; Inglewood, California | ||
| Track Listing: Walk Don't Run (intro), Immigrant Song, Heartbreaker, Since I've Been Loving You, Black Dog, Dazed And Confused, Stairway To Heaven, Celebration Day, That's The Way, Going To California, What Is And What Should Never Be, Moby Dick, Whole Lotta Love (includes: My Baby Left Me/Mess O' Blues/You Shook Me...), Communication Breakdown, Organ Solo/Thank You.
Comments: It's night 2 at the Forum and the pace is a little more low-key. Of course no effort could duplicate the previous night's exploits. This is still one of Zep's best performances; and when viewed in light of the preceeding show and what we know of the brilliant next night in Fort Worth, you realize that the Zeppelin was flying high in the early stages of the 7th U.S. Tour. It is always interesting when consecutive Zeppelin shows display such diverse sides of the band's live persona, which is the case here: as Zeppelin gives a more refined, if less explosive concert than the previous night. The show starts with a tongue in cheek allusion to the campy Ventures' song "Walk, Don't Run". How many bands would have the sense of humor to play, let alone OPEN with this Ventures tune? The parody is expanded by the contrast of "Immigrant Song" which follows close upon its heels. A revved up Page plays snatches of "Boogie" in the pause between "Heart Breaker" and "Since I've Been Loving You". This is an almost ideal live version of "Since I've Been Loving You". It is a study of contrasts between dramatic *slow* sections and Page's rapid fire flourishes, and transitions from quiet passages to sudden volume. The difference is that Plant does not force his voice as much here as he did the night before (after the previous night he is lucky to have any voice at all!) "Black Dog" is a revelation. Plants introduction is greeted by indifference (this is only the second time it has been played in the U.S. and the album is not out yet). So, except for those present the night before this is the first exposure to this song for many. Plant's vocals know no limits as he ravages the microphone (his voice is truly a fourth instrument in these shows). The thundering pace is set by Bonham in this one, as he matches Page note for note in an extended instrumental section. The audience response shows it has quickly become a crowd favorite. "Dazed" is typically brilliant, with an extremely eerie atmosphere created by Page. A professional, virtuous, but still experimental version (nearly flawless). Some discordant call+response games, and a unique melancholy mood results from Page's play prior to the coda (check this out). "Stairway To Heaven" is another new one for the rapt LA audience. The reception it receives indicates the L.A. crowd has a presentiment of its future stature. Plant continues to offer disclaimers on his voice before "That's the Way", but it actually sounds very good. "Celebration Day" is propelled by the powerful locomotive rhythm of Bonham and Jones, but the band gets lostin the chaos of this number (another new number to U.S. audiences). The "Whole Lotta Love" medley consists of some nice and obscure rarities. Page throws in some direct references to his boyhood idol Scotty Moore on the Crudup song "My Baby Left Me" (which Elvis immortalized). Page's fluency and speed is amazing in "You Shook Me" and Plant offers an extended harmonica jam reminiscent of '69 versions of the track. The elirious audience receives great versions of "CB" and "Thank You" (afterall what would a Forum show be without a "Thank You" encore) in response to their calls for "more!" Bottom Line: Nice packaging. Zep at their best. Nice sound. Affordable. Obtain a copy as soon as possible! Paul Holdren (9/22/97) The review for "Freak Out" is ©1998 Paul Holdren, and may not be reproduced in any media, electronic or otherwise, without the express permission of the author. | ||
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