Boots & Zep Chat

[percy@xxxxxxx]

Hello.

The "Last Stand" label redid some classic boots.  I  heard that they did
"Tour Over Europe."

I picked up Last Stand's "Texas Pop Festival," which lead me to ask
everyone about how it compares against "Plays Pure Blues."  I asked this
question because the sound on the Last Stand version is pretty bright
and shrill to the point where I can't leave it too loud for too long
without my ears falling off.  So, I suspect that maybe they did not do
such a good job or that they copied from a later generation source. 
They do brag on the CD package how it was not equalized, which may be
why its so bright.  But I still don't know if Plays Pure Blues is
equally as bright.

While I'm tempted to pick up Last Stand's "Tour Over Europe,"  I'm
concerned that the same might happen. 

Anyone familiar with what Last Stand is doing?

If I can switch gears for a minute.......(anyone who does not want to
hear me ramble should stop reading at this point)  

Amazing to me how Plant's voice was so amazing/powerful and high between
68 and 72.  What the hell happened after that?  I mean he was still
young and I don't see why his voice changed so dramatically after that.
Lots of other high note singers lasted much longer (i.e., Sammy Hagar,
David Coverdale - please don't shoot me for mentioning his name).  I
know Plant screamed for many hours and many shows - but still!!  

This is why many people (not including us fans of course) that hear Led
Zep live (usually from "The Song Remains The Same" and later) often say
that they don't like Zep live.  What they often really mean is that
Plant's voice live does not sound anything like the voice they hear and
love on the records.  His voice was shot so many times on the concerts
between 73 and 80.  

And whats with that chipmunk voice recording technique they used on
Houses Of The Holy? I think that's part of the reason why the Houses
stuff sounds so much better live. 

Don't get me wrong, I think Plant's voice was still great after 72, but
not in the ball park of what it was.  I just wish it lasted longer.  I
can't help but think about how dramatically different his voice is today
every time I hear his current voice.

I'm really pissed at Page for giving in and letting Plant have so much
control over their new relationship.  Page ruled Zep in the 70's and its
amazing to me how dramatically reversed their relationship is now in the
90's.  Plant rules him.  If I ever had a chance to talk to Page I would
ask him:
"Before Page/Plant you and Jones clearly stated publicly that you wanted
to get together with the other Zep members to record and do a tour. 
Plant said no.  Then he said yes, as long as Jones is not included." 

*****A desperate Page agrees, without any consideration/regard for
his old mate  - Mr. Jones.****  

I would then ask Page: "How would you feel if Plant and Jones got
together and left you out and they were the ones doing the tours of 95%
Led Zep material?  Your selfish and
inconsiderate(but crazy talented)!!!"

Phew.  Just thought I'd spill out my Zep opinions all at once.  Felt
pretty good actually.

Thanks for listening

Dave