It’s no secret that Led Zeppelin has been my favorite band since I was 13 years old, and I’ve always gravitated to anything the band members have done since they split in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham. Jimmy Page hasn’t been terribly prolific over the years, releasing the Death Wish II soundtrack in 1982, two albums with Paul Rodgers as The Firm in 1985 & 1986, and his only solo album (Outrider) in 1988. When he paired up with former Deep Purple/Whitesnake singer David Coverdale (who was often derided for being a Robert Plant clone) many fans scoffed, but they missed out on what I consider to be the most Zeppelin-esque work that Page has done. The songwriting (with a couple of exceptions) is fantastic, and his guitar playing is as inspired as I’ve ever heard it. Coverdale was still in his prime, hitting all those high notes effortlessly. The secret weapon, though, is drummer Denny Carmassi (best known for his work with Montrose and Heart), who captures Bonham’s unique mixture of power, technique & swing like no one else I’ve ever heard. They cover a lot of musical ground, with power ballads (“Take Me For A Little While”), massive bluesy rockers (“Whisper A Prayer For The Dying”) and syncopated radio-friendly tunes (“Shake My Tree”). Ignore this album at your own risk.

Pete, I hope you're around for this possible reissue and for many years afterwards. I'm in complete agreement with you about this album. It's probably Jimmy's best post-Zeppelin guitar work but, as I mentioned in my first One And Done blog post, drummer Denny Carmassi was the secret weapon and a major reason why it's as close as we'll ever get to hearing what Zeppelin might have sounded like into the '90s. I also play it at least once a year and still love it after nearly 3 decades.


https://kamertunesblog.wordpress.com/20 ... ts-part-1/

I hope I'm around too, but my latest tests weren't so good.

I bought this on CD on release day based on Take Me For A Little While. Yeah, it's a ballad but it's definitely not cheesy by any means. The whole album rocks and is exactly what Zep could've sounded like had they never busted up. Coverdale did the best Robert Plant without even trying.

Now, I don't understand this BS about 2023. Most of us are getting older. The more they wait, the more some of us kick the bucket. Just remaster it and release it fer cryin' out loud. Gawd.

Here's one of the leftovers, Saccharin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUy5NCPj44E

Talking about including new songs with the reissue:

David Coverdale Working Toward New Music With Jimmy Page

https://www.ultimateclassicrock.com/dav ... -new-music

I don’t think I’ve listened to this in 25 years. Might have to dig it out.

I hope I'm around too, but my latest tests weren't so good.

As for this album, it's quite the firecracker,

Riffs galore, killer solos and like you said Coverdale in his prime still.

Your review is spot on, and Carmassi was basically a bottom heavy drummer like Bonham.

His bass drum on those Montrose albums was so Zep.

This album went Platinum and had four hits. I couldn't beleieve the US tour got cancelled-I was heartbroken,

I hope they have pro-shot footage from Japan and not those crappy bootlegs that exist.

I was so happy when Page/Plant broke out "Shake My Tree" when I saw them in 1995 in Philly.

You'll experience a rebirth. I think it stands the test of time. I went and bought a copy from CDJapan (Blu-spec CD2) and it sounds a bit better than my original copy. Of course, if they ever get around to this, I open my wallet.

Seriously, with all the Covid restrictions, what's the hold up? It's not like Page and Coverdale are out and about. I think some of these artists and labels wait too long. Some of us croak before stuff is remastered.