Re: Zep By Numbers (again)

["Rob O'Reilly" <roreill@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 31 Oct 1997, David Anderson wrote:

> That Holdren guy again:
> 
> >8.) Despite the multitude of well-documented flaws regarding 
> >TSRTS... if Plant still had his circa U.S. Tour '72 vocals at the
> >time of these shows, all would be forgiven.
> 
> Very true.  Robert's throat is raw, but there's nothing wrong with the 
> instrumentalists.  The film has some great musical moments and stunning 
> guitar playing all around from Page.  

It does have some good musical moments, yes.  It also has what I think are
a lot of uninspired and lethargic moments.  TSRTS is good, "The Rain Song"
is very good, and "No Quarter" is excellent (even if it is an edit job).
The medley section of WLL is also very good.  For the most part, however,
the rest of the playing doesn't strike me as being particularly special.
"Rock and Roll" and "Celebration Day" are o.k., but they aren't anything
to get excited about.  "Dazed and Confused" has its moments, but it gets
pretty tedious after Page finishes his bow solo. And I've never liked that
version of "Stariway;" it's too schmaltzy and "arena-rock"-ish for my
tastes.  Plant's voice being in better shape might have helped, but I
don't think it would elevate the performance that much; it certainly
wouldn't put it in the league of 8/21-22/71 or 3/21/75 or 6/23/77.


Rob