classic rock

All posts tagged classic rock

Ep. 288 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

This week we listen to a compilation put together by Led Zeppelin Boots, of Copenhagen and Odense (May 4 and 5 respectively). These are shows in which Led Zeppelin truly were exception. In addition to being on top of their game, with a ridiculously powerful Robert Plant at the fore, they played Gallows Pole and Four Sticks! These songs have only been played a small handful of times, and you’re going to hear these amazing rarities, along with a stellar Whole Lotta Love. It’s a great time to be a Zep fan.

You can download this complete compilation, courtesy of my Patrons, right here: https://mega.nz/folder/T5kBhYIb#FRHr8fSXAfHG7oA6L8A7cA

Ep. 286: The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

I couldn’t keep this one just to myself. It’s too good. Sept. 21 1998 at the Cox Arena is San Diego is a truly magical night. Everyone is playing at 11 and they achieve that elusive synergy wherein the total equals more than the sum of their parts.

In How Many More Times, I’ve never heard the rhythm section sound better or more locked in. Jimmy is 10/10 judged on a Zeppelin scale. He’s precise, inventive, and just a demon with the bow solo, the medleys, and just overall on top of it. Better than the Bizarre Festival in my opinion. There’s a brief Achilles reference played by Jimmy, a bit of Trampled Underfoot, some of the Isley Bros. It’s Your Thing, all played with insane TIGHTNESS.

I play Most High, a tight a modern Whole Lotta Love, and the best How Many More Times I’ve heard since the early 70’s. I must say that Robert is an 11/10 hear both in range and in engagement. If you watch the video of this show (Dario Romero’s YouTube channel) you will see a borderline ecstatic Robert bouncing throughout the show. Just unreal.

You can download this complete concert recording, right here: https://mega.nz/folder/ThtEDIhJ#zeJx-8GXpMtFT4LfwDTykA

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Ep. 285 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

I find this to be my favorite of the 5 nights at Freddy’s Earls Court. Jimmy is playing with passion and dexterity. One of his best 1975 shows, imo. I’m playing a source mix making an excellent, complete recording. These excellent audience tapes allow us to hear Tangerine with the four part harmony, unlike on the videos which only had Robert’s voice. That alone makes this show pretty dang okey dokey, but I’ve included a white hot Over The Hills And Far Way (Jimmy is spectacular), and one of the best No Quarters I’ve heard in a bit. Again, Jimmy is rolling 20’s throughout and sticking every landing, solo-wise. His inspiration and his dexterity were both at their best.

Three songs. One great podcast. It’s a good thing.

Consider becoming a Patron and get extra shows others don’t. You can download this complete concert recording right here: https://mega.nz/folder/us9HxL5Z#4ShPuzymK7WJDK4LTkSYFQ

Ep. 284 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

On November 28, 1983 Jimmy Page walked onstage in Dallas, Texas for his first American appearance in more than 7 years. He was newly free of the chains that heroin addiction had weighing him down, and he was working on getting back to fighting fettle.

Paul Rodgers is joining him for this tour, as Steve Winwood was in the studio and couldn’t reprise his Royal Albert Hall performances. We have the gestation of The Firm as Jimmy and Paul debut Midnight Moonlight, for the first live performance ever.

Overall Jimmy seems ok throughout most of the show. It’s obvious he had practiced with the band as the songs were tight and solid, especially Midnight Moonlight. Paul obviously hadn’t gotten the lyrics committed to memory, as City Sirens has some hilariously mumbled lines. His passionate singing makes up for any flubs.

The recording has the full show with sets by Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, and the ensemble jams at the end, finishing up with Goodnight Irene by Ronnie Lane himself.

You can download this full show, and the next night as well right here: https://mega.nz/folder/H8diQRbJ#GYMdDstm3upK0GBQF2pfOw

Ep. 283 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

This is one of the canonical ‘best of’ shows for Led Zeppelin. April 26, 1969 at the Winterland in San Francisco is a high water mark for a band with very… high water. Robert Plant is beyond belief and the rest of the band meets that level, just run with it.

I have covered this show in the long long ago, but I have not repeated any songs, so we have fresh tunes to enjoy. I play Communication Breakdown (the show opener), a How Many More Times that can’t get any better, and a psychedelic cacophony which is As Long As I Have You. This is among the best of the telecaster days. You’ll like it.

You can download the whole recording (both sets) right here: https://mega.nz/folder/S5MD3Z5K#TxbA4fnlNVBJobm6F41Jsg

Or consider becoming a Patron.

Bonus – The Heart of Markness Classic Rock Podcast

This is a fun one! April 2, 1980 at My Father’s Place in Roslyn, NY from an FM broadcast on WLIR. The sound and the performances are stellar. Nice, short, story songs sung impeccably… kinda in a Kinks vein.
If you’re like me you’ll be reminded of a whole bunch of great songs that had slid over the horizon over the years, overshadowed by the fame of “Tempted”. You’ll enjoy this one.

You can download this complete recording here: https://mega.nz/folder/S41HGa5Z#YkWSWVcbb-thxvDrp6KucA

Ep. 282 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

Bonzo is the star of this show. Led Zeppelin in St. Paul, Minnesota July, 9, 1973 is a top tier NA 1973 show. Jimmy and Jonesy are on fire, but John Bonham is head and shoulders above them this night. He plays stuff I’ve not heard before, adding complexity to Heartbreaker and ingenuity to No Quarter and, and bombastic fire to Whole Lotta Love.

The band playing at full tilt reminds one of a cheetah running at top speed in pursuit of prey. Absolute beauty and grace. I must confess, I have covered this show before (Ep. 206) but this recording is a brand new remaster by Dario Romero, and it’s totally worth the repeat performance. The only repeated song is No Quarter, and it’s totally worth the additional listen.

You can download this complete remastered recording right here, courtesy of my Patrons, upon whose shoulders rests this humble, yet mighty, podcast: https://mega.nz/folder/WpdR1IIC#0fSV49X3t5XPIPcUMUrPKQ

Ep. 281 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

Robert Plant (right) and Jimmy Page playing together, for the second time since the break up of Led Zeppelin, during the encore of a concert by Plant and his band at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, 13th December 1983. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

This is a good one. Robert Plant is in amazing voice with lots of oomph. Richie Hayward (from Little Feat) is killing it on drums, Robbie Blunt is a bloody virtuoso with his emotive playing. This is December 13, 1983 at the Hammersmith Odeon, on his Principle of Moments tour.

Jimmy Page had four days prior finished up with the ARMS Tour, and was aflame with renewed enthusiasm for his musical future. The energy and fun the pair are having is evident. Jimmy is playing his typical 1983/84 b-bender solo but with some crunch instead of chorus. It’s an amazing moment in time. These guys did not typically get along in the 1980’s.

I play an incendiary Burning Down One Side, and emotive and evocative Big Log, and the showstopper, Treat Her Right with Jimmy Page. What a night.

You can download this complete concert from Dario Romero’s excellent “low effort matrix” right here: https://mega.nz/file/fgcAXbBS#yVArrUl3uY4eOEpXiI8sqmZmIRiERDsF6dEW9_S1OO4

Ep. 280 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

For this episode we hear the thunderous John Paul Jones on tour for his Zooma album, at The Fubar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March, 10, 2000. This is a very well recorded show for around 200 people. The sound and vibe are incredible. Jonesy is very chatty and interactive with the audience.

I play Grind (from Zooma), Crackback (from the Scream for Help soundtrack), and B. Fingers (again from Zooma). Great musician and a great show.

You can download the complete concert right here: https://mega.nz/folder/P0MRXZqI#evYyPBK8n9I1WMRinlhdVQ

Ep. 279 – The Heart of Markness Led Zeppelin Podcast

Today we hear some music from Led Zeppelin playing San Diego, 5/28/73, on a soundboard recording remastered by DADGAD. This show has some towering highs and tumbling low points.

I play two of the highlights. First is a smokin’ Since I’ve Been Loving You with gorgeous, smooth cooooool jazz piano from Mr. Jones, and Jimmy delivers in spades. Then I play glorious Whole Lotta Love with a trillion medleys, played with abandon and joy, like it’s 1971. Some magic here for real.

You can download this complete soundboard recording right here: https://mega.nz/folder/zg1GWQiC#tvshDIU99jx9Js036jHiaw