LATTER DAYS: THE BEST OF LED ZEPPELIN VOLUME TWO

The way I see this Latter Days of Led Zeppelin really depends on how - the new explorer who want to know Led Zeppelin music - views the Early Days (volume One) CD. If judging from the Early Days compilation you think that the music of LZ is the one you love, you should not buy this Latter Days compilation. What you need to day is to purchase each individual album starting from "Physical Graffiti", Led Zeppelin II, and then IV, III, "Presence" and Led Zeppelin I is the latest one to purchase. Why Physical Graffiti is first? Because, I think, that is the best album of Led Zeppelin. But, if you don't still feel that LZ is in your cup of tea, you might try purchasing this compilation CD of volume Two - which comprises songs from fifth album onwards.

The compilation starts with a legendary song "The Song Remains The Same" which was taken from the fifth album "Houses of The Holy". The song was originally intended as an instrumental part until Robert Plant added the lyrics. It continues with my all-time favorite "No Quarter" with jazzy touch and powerful keyboard work by John Paul Jones. It's quite funny that the album title track "Houses Of The Holy" was considered as fifth album overspill and was then included in the next sixth album "Physical Graffiti". You will also hear syncopated funky rhythms in "Trampled Underfoot" which also indicates Bonham jaw dropping drum work. "Kashmir" sees the band in its diverse style as this track projects an intense eastern nuance coupled with symphonic sounds through the electric guitar play by Jimmy Page using violin bow. It's a legendary track that not only demonstrates great guitar work but also powerful vocal by Plant. You might hear something different with "Ten Years Gone" that does not sound like typical Zepp tracks but it's really enjoyable. "Achilles Last Stand" (taken from "Presence") is a fast tempo track with excellent combination of fast paced rhythm and vocal, and dynamic drum work by Bonzo. "Nobody's Fault But Mine" is also taken from the 7th album "Presence". The concluding tracks "All My Love" and "In The Evening" are taken from "In Through The Out Door" album (1979).

Overall, this compilation contains all good and excellent tracks from the band from its fifth until 8th album. It's not a good representation of prog music, really. However Led Zeppelin has influenced many bands that came out after their glory days, including Rush, Saga, Dream Theater and many more bands - prog or non prog. Keep on rockin' ..!

"Persistence is stubbornness with a purpose."