This is definitely an upgrade of both the soundboard and the audience segments,of the previously released show. The soundboard first came out on Scorpio over twenty years ago as Jennings Farm Blues, the tape reputably stolen from Jimmy Page's home in London around the early eighties, and subsequently copied on numerous labels.
This new EV, now packs a considerable punch especially on "Celebration Day" which was slightly muddy before,and a corking version as well,with Percy singing it in all it's high pitch glory! Whether this is from a lower generation tape, or Pages original master? -I am not to sure, or EV have mixed and EQ the tape, but you can tell the difference.
This also has the best Version of "That's The Way" they ever played, the interplay between Jones's Mandolin and Plant's vocals is outstanding, even more so on this new version, sound quality is perfect.
Plant cock's up Stairway,he comes in too late on the" There's a feeling I get"you can all most see the rest of the band looking at him daggers!
But he more than makes up for it on the rest of the song, and sings the final refrain in the original high notes as per the record, one of the few times he did!
As for the rest the audience tape, this was released first back in 1993 as "In Daze"(keep out ko 93103-04)but this was absolute dog poo, and 2 AUD sound at a push. It was copied quite a few times over the next twenty years, more recent EV themselves about five-six years ago as "Maple leaf Gardens"original title! That was an upgrade, but this is the definitive version so far without a doubt, where originally the sound was inaudible unless you are barking mad, it now pushes to a very good audience 8 sound. And contains the best "Thank You" I have ever heard, often Page does an avant-garde solo in the middle which does not fit, but here he is playing a corker.
Immigrant Song is a little overloaded,as per normal,and always catchers the taper unaware,Plants wails incinerating the recording levels, and the bombastic onslaught which follows. Aside from this it is a very clear well balance sound,and highly enjoyable.
Any tape from 71-72 is worth a listen, but in this quality this is essential purchase for any Zep fan,but in fact any rock fan. It was not the best show of 1971, but it has it's moments of sheer brilliance,highly recommended.
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