Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Oh let the sun beat down upon my face..., April 23, 2003
The 1994 release of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's "No Quarter" or "Unledded" was part of the MTV unplugged series. It is not a Led Zeppelin reunion, but there are plenty of guest musicians who shine, including Najma Akhtar on vocals and the Egyptian Ensemble, Musicians in Marrakech and the London Metropolitan Orchestra.
Rather than trot out the hits, Page and Plant chose lesser known and acoustic-based tunes, especially from LZIII, and did some significant reworking of songs like "Nodbody's Fault But Mine" and "Kashmir." The result is multi-textured and organic, with an outside feeling.
"Nobody's Fault But Mine" has a country flair, and although Plant's voice sounds strained, he makes up for it with effort.
"Thank You" is a love pledge ballad, and Plant's vocal in a lower register sounds better here.
"No Quarter" is really missing John Paul Jones. Page's guitar playing gets a bit creaky, but overall this song is effectively haunting."Friends" brings in some of the traditional North African instrumentation, along with acoustic guitar, and with this number the musicians start to sound more comfortable and relaxed.
"Yallah" is one of three new songs here, with soaring vocals by Plant, strong percussion and an exotic feel sounds like one staring into the desert at sunset.
"City Don't Cry" features more North African instrumentation, a one chord rhythm with strong percussion, and strong vocals from Plant and the backing singers.
"Since I've Been Loving You" seems kind of out of place as the only blues number on the disk, but Page's soloing is crisp and Plant shows some howl. Strings on the blues?
"The Battle of Evermore" is one of the standout tracks, with the instrumental backing, mandolins and outstanding female duet with Plant.
"Wonderful One" is ballad where Plant and Page weave their magic of vocals and guitars.
"That's the Way" is one of my all time favorite songs, and this version does not disappoint. Guitars and banjos and some of the most heartfelt lyrics Page and Plant ever wrote.
"Gallows Pole" is a great acoustic number from LZIII that gets a nice treatment here, especially when it picks up tempo and the other instruments join in.
"Four Sticks" also stands out in this set. It's one of the more obscure tunes from LZIV, but the rapidly strummed guitars, strings and especially the percussion make this an outstanding performance.
"Kashmir" fits the organic, exotic theme of this set perfectly, and while Bonham's physical presence is missed, he's there in spirit. The orchestra playing is excellent, and there are some nice surprises.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure Class, July 3, 2000
This album is amazing. When I first bought it I didnt expect much, just the same old songs Ive heard befor, but when I listened I was surprised. When I first got the album the first thing I did was look through the booklet. I could see by all the different weird and exotic istruments that this album was going to be great. The first song I listened to was 'Since Ive Been Loving You'. Straight away I could see 'Jimmy can still play'. This song is one of the greatest songs Led Zeppelin ever did but its still not one of the highlights on this album for me. From the oldies the songs which really grabed my attention were: 'The Battle of Evermore'. Its still a great song and the new percussion added to it sounds great and the extra vocals sang by the tradditional Indian singer (or something) are really beautiful; 'Four Sticks'. This new version sounds great played acousticly with bongos or something similar and the beautiful sound of the African vocal group singing harmony; 'Kashmir'. This version just blows my mind. The weird Indian instruments sound amazing, I have no idea how they create that sound. Its an extended and powerful arrangement with loads of different changes not on the original arrangement. The new songs are great. they managed to create a beautiful mystical sound to them. My particular favorate is 'Yallah'. My final verdict is: Page and Plant have created a beautiful and culturally diverse album. Any serious musician should have a copy because of the wide range of instruments and different cultural musical and vocal sounds. This album ranks among my favorate Led Zeppelin albums, and I have heard them all.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Zepaficianato Delight!, June 25, 2001
This is a wonderful live set that combines blues and Middle East sounds. I really enjoyed the traditional arrangement of "Nobody's Fault But Mine", stellar picking by Page. I have to admit that "No Quarter" was different, I really didn't care for it too much; it lacks Jones' personal touch. Three "new songs" complement this set: "Yallah", "Wonderful One" and "City Don't Cry". Page adds his signature style to these songs which sorta preview the "Clarksdale" project.In my personal opinion "Since I've Been Loving You", "Gallows Pole", and "That's The Way" are the best tracks. Page/Plant really shine on this track; both are playing their guts out! My personal favorite is "Battle Of Evermore", I think it instead of "Kashmir" should have been nominated for a Grammy - but who am I? I liked the arrangement of "Kashmir" until the "Black Dog" reprise at the end - sorta seems out of place. A good arrangement overall. This set is a redemption of sorts for "The Song Remains The Same", the intensity through out the whole set is constant. A good addition to your collection. I would give it 6 stars if Jones (John Paul that is) had appeared on it.
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