HOW THE WEST WAS WON

Finally, Led Zeppelin has got the epitaph they so richly deserved.

It is a well known fact that Led Zeppelin first of all established their reputation on the roads in the USA before their studio albums cemented their status. They came, they conquered. Hence the title of this album which perfectly describe the music on these three CDs. Jimmy Page did a very good job in compiling and cleaning up these songs.

The argument on who was the best rock'n'roll band in the world was also largely settled by this live album too. Led Zeppelin it is, no contest. One of the far too few Led Zeppelin live albums, dubious bootlegs excluded. The Songs Remains The Same live album is the only other worthy live album in addition to this one.

The Songs Remains The Same is really pretty poor compared to the three discs strong How The West Was Won. It is tempting to quote the famous lines from Immigrant Song when describing How The West Was Won. The music here is like a Viking invasion pillaging the villages and settlements in the west. Make that an invasion from the Midlands in England.

The music is stunning and Jimmy Page has done the best possible clean up job on the sound. How The West Was Won is how Led Zeppelin sounded and I am sure it is what Jimmy Page wants Led Zeppelin to be remembered. As he writes himself in the liner notes: "This is Led Zeppelin at it's best". When he says so, I believe him.

The music here is mostly jawdropping excellent. Bonham and Jones lays down the law with their drums and bass. Page's riffs is just superb and Plant's vocals is out of this world. The quality of their songs is just brilliant too. I write this despite not being a Led Zeppelin fan. I am just an admirer like I admire top end quality when I encounter it. That is not often when it comes to music. Led Zeppelin has the ability to make my jaw drop to the floor, though. In particular on this album which is faultless and a true masterpiece.

How The West Was Won goes straight into the top five live albums of all time and also features on my ten desert island/retirement home albums list.

5 stars

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