What Are You Listening To?

[Big Ears]

The recent Jimmy Page remasters of Led Zeppelin's I (1969), IV (four symbols) (1971) and Houses of the Holy (1973). I am not really a Led Zeppelin fan, although Houses of the Holy is one of my favourite albums by the band (probably for the reasons it is disliked by the purists). These albums sound very clear, but the sharp production only serves to highlight their weaknesses: the tracks are too long and I lose interest halfway through each one, Page's guitar playing doesn't flow, Bonham is a distraction and Plant is too mannered. Something I did find myself listening to, on every track, was John Paul Jones's bass playing, which is dynamic, melodic and exceptional throughout. However, even my preferred tracks like The Song Remains the Same and When the Levee Breaks are a struggle. The first album has few redeeming features and I did not get as far as listening to the bonus material. Listening to these albums just made me want to hear more refined blues rock, such as that by Cream or Robin Trower. Led Zeppelin may have been hugely influential, but they are no longer listenable to these ears.