OUT THROUGH THE IN DOOR

A cover album dedicated to Led Zep songs?

Just to complete Bungalow Bill's review, it is true that Led Zep did open some Fudge gigs in their first US tour. Let me just add that the audience was so thrilled about the Led Zep set that they were asking the latter to come back on stage after the Fudge concert. After a few of these ill-mannered acts, the Fudge will refuse Led Zep as opening act.

I guess that with all the fuss about a possible reunion (which took place as you might know since over TWENTY million people did apply to attend their London gig in December 2007-of which I belong) it was maybe a good idea for the Fudge to release a Led Zep cover album (tribute?).

When I listen to the first two numbers, I was going to throw this CD out of the window. A heavier and slower beat "Immigrant Song" with keyboards? Do you need this ? I DON'T.

The worse is being achieved with a disgusting version of "Ramble On". If ever you fancy a gospel version of this great hard-rock song, you might listen to this one. In my case, it is the last thing on earth I would have expected. Press next or as in my case, quickly run to the toilets.

The first good song here is a cover of a cover. "Dazed & Confused" was a complete stolen track from Jake Holmes. I am not even talking about "inspiring" riff or so, no : completely stolen from and credited to Page. Shame on you Jimmy! And don't get me wrong, I am a passionate fan of Led Zep (you can notice this while reading my Led Zep reviews).

Do you fancy more covers of a cover? OK, there you go. The great "Babe,I'm Gonna Leave You" is just there. Same treat as for "Dazed" as far as Led Zep is concerned; except that the original writer of the song (Anne Brendon) went to court to get her credits and finally got them in 1990 (FYI, this song is featured on Led Zep II in .1969). The Fudge version is also a good version, but very close to the Led Zep rendition, but don't expect to get the fabulous Plant vocals here.

The Fudge is of course introducing almost each song with a short instrumental of their own. They have always done this. But they did it with brio. In this case it is just a useless usage of CD time. This version of "Dancing Days" is another awful moment to bear on this album. Press next. Immediately.

Most of the songs featured on this "work" are second tier tracks to be honest. No "Stairway", no "Since", no "Black Dog", no "Whole Lotta Love". I would have liked to listen to what the Fudge could have done with, let's say "No Quarter". Instead, we'll get a great drum solo from Carmin (one of the greatest drummer in rock history, let's not forget this) for "Moby Dick". A wonderful homage to John but not a memorable studio track (it was immortalized, though while played on stage).

To have chosen to cover "All Of My Life" is rather bizarre. This is a very personal song for Robert. Even Jimmy was not really convinced to record it. So closely linked to Robert's life that it is one of the most dubious choice here.

On the contrary, "Rock'n Roll" is very good but just one out of many weak re-worked songs. The intro of the final number also reminds me of the good old Fudge days. But "Your Time Is Gonna Come" can hardly be considered as a great Led Zep song.

Forget about this very average album. Get the genuine ones instead. This is a historical mistake. Maybe that the next Fudge album will be a cover album from Tull or Purple songs?

Two stars for this masquerade.