Zeppelin update: Spotify, reissues, and session samples

Without fail, every year there are bits of Led Zeppelin news to share. In December, they finally released their catalog to Spotify. In January, Jimmy Page claimed he would start releasing remastered albums this year. This week, you can listen to sample practice recordings made during Physical Graffiti sessions.

Rough mixes from Physical Graffiti sessions
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Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters, Forecastle 2013

Zepfanman has finally seen (a fourth of) Zeppelin. Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters played at 7pm on the final day (Sunday, 7/14/13) of Louisville’s annual Forecastle festival. The performance was the icing on the cake of an epic weekend of music, with a set on the main Mast Stage between Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and The Avett Brothers.

Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters
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Last chance to see Led Zeppelin: This Tuesday

Before I get to my quick review, I’m happy to report that it’s not too late to see Led Zeppelin “live” (on the big screen). U.S. cinemas will be doing a reprise of the 2007 reunion concert, originally released in theaters on October 17th, this Tuesday (November 13th, 2012) at 7:30 p.m. I’m sure there will be other special showings throughout the world from time to time by the end of the year, as well. Check the official listings in your area.

Led Zeppelin, O2 Arena
Audience member photo, Led Zeppelin, London, 2007, by Paul Hudson (CC BY 2.0)
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A blues primer

A coworker of mine has never heard of B.B. King. This must be remedied. In response, I’ve created “An Evolution of Blues” compilation. It’s not a definitive list and I had to question if certain songs could truly be considered blues tracks (when they’d likely first be catalogued as jazz, rock ballad, folk, country or downtempo, to name a few).

John Mayall
John Mayall by Federico Giammusso

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The best long, live Zeppelin tracks

While there are only seven official CDs of live Led Zeppelin material, many of the tracks are over 10 minutes long.  I’ve picked 5 of the best pieces for your listening pleasure—listen via the Grooveshark widget embedded below.

1975 (photo via Steve Selwood)
1975 (photo via Steve Selwood)

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