Led Zeppelin
How The West Was Won - Disc 1-2-3

The grand discography of Led Zeppelin included albums of all sorts, semi-acoustic ("Led Zeppelin III"), visionary ("Presence" and "Houses Of The Holy") or more classically hard rock ("Physical Graffiti"), and the only live album, certainly not outstanding, "The Song Remains The Same." All this until one fine day in 2003, dear Jimmy rediscovered the tapes of two concerts held in Los Angeles in 1972, on June 25th at the LA Forum and on June 27th at the Long Beach Arena, and decided to release them... thus was born "How The West Was Won," the live album that definitively explains why the Zep is the greatest rock band of all time. Unlike "The Song Remains The Same," which was recorded in 1975, during the group's declining period, this shows the English quartet at the peak of their creative arc, situating itself exactly between the release of the masterpiece "Led Zeppelin IV" and the best-seller "Houses Of The Holy".

The album, divided into three discs, opens with a brief intro that allows us to hear the audience waiting for their idols, who immediately launch into their battle anthem "Immigrant Song" that delivers a Jimmy Page at the height of form and creativity, a Robert Plant capable of literally making love with the audience, a reserved yet absolutely indispensable John Paul Jones, and a demonic "Bonzo" Bonham. This is quickly followed by a splendid "Heartbreaker," in which you can almost see Page attacking the riff with his guitar slung low and the ever-present cigarette in his mouth. Extended for over seven minutes, it features various rhythm changes and even a part with an almost Southern guitar style. Without giving the fans a moment's respite, "Black Dog" starts right away, with a meowing and smoldering Plant, while the guitar follows the bass in complex and lightning-fast key changes. Surprisingly, the next piece is a song featured in "Houses Of The Holy," the gorgeous "Over The Hills And Far Away." After all, the album would be released a year later, and this was the right moment to test the public's appreciation of the new tracks. No better spot could have been found, especially since in the five minutes of the track, the Zeppelin set everything on fire. The sixth track is a sensual and moving "Since I've Been Loving You," a famous monument of white blues. We ascend to the peak of Olympus for the next track, drum roll... an impeccable and miraculous "Stairway To Heaven," introduced by Plant: "Ladies and gentlemen this song is called Stairway To Heaven" and greeted by a roar that, 35 years later, still gives goosebumps. The classic acoustic set of the group begins now, which traditionally strings together "Going To California," a tribute to the new Californian folk, a beautiful "That's The Way," and "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp," dedicated to the Welsh buen retiro.

The second disc begins with the song that made the use of the bow on guitar strings famous (Ron Wood fans may hate me, but so be it), a visionary, psychedelic, and disorienting "Dazed And Confused" containing in medley "Walter's Walk" and "The Crunge," enriched by a noisy and ultra-rapid guitar accompanied by an overwhelming rhythm section. Not forgetting to tip a nod to romantic sentiment with the famous "What Is And What Should Never Be," containing a guitar hammering that alternates with Plant's sharp voice. Another spot for the new album is the following "Dancing Days," a fresh piece of hard rock 'n' roll. Now Bonzo is free to have fun with his beautiful interpretation of the acoustic piece "Moby Dick," where he drums like a madman but maintains unmatched delicacy, closing the disc.

Third disc and the opening is breath-taking with one of the "Whole Lotta Love" ever performed, with Page conjuring around his theremin and Plant groaning with pleasure in this orgiastic mass. Then headlong into a medley containing "Boogie Chillen'" by John Lee Hooker, "Let's Have A Party" by Jerry Leiber, "Hello Marylou" by Gene Pitney, and "Going Down Slow" by James Oden. A "Rock And Roll" follows that drives the fans crazy, performed impeccably and enriched by Page's guitar flights. The penultimate track is "The Ocean," one of the most significant and interesting tracks from "Houses Of The Holy." The whole thing ends with a vastly extended "Bring It On Home" featuring Plant's harmonica. Goodbye and everyone home after more than two hours of breathtaking show.

The greatest live album ever released in the history of music is served and is adorned with a splendid packaging, which doesn't hurt. Recommended to all Zeppelin fans and to those who want to try to understand what it meant to attend one of the best concerts ever.