After Led Zeppelin successfully re-released their first three albums, the band continued through the next two albums in their discography, Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy. Unlike previous re-releases, LZ4 and HOTH contain a second bonus disc with alternative renditions of the beloved classics.

This reissue is for the Zeppelin die-hard (which seems like most of us), and certainly a worthwhile purchase for anyone loyal to the undisputed champ of blues infused heavy metal. The audio quality is superb. A word of caution: while LZ1-3 have new tracks and live recordings, LZ4 and HOTH only contain alternate mixes. No new songs or live recordings are included.

Led Zeppelin IV
IV is probably the most successful of Zeppelin’s albums, with iconic tunes like “Rock and Roll” and “Stairway to Heaven.” The alternate mix of “Black Dog” has additional guitar overdubs by Jimmy Page, which add some real interesting texture. Not to be outdone, Robert Plant overdubs his voice in certain sections to great effect. Perhaps the more stripped down original release is better, but this version is stunning nonetheless.  

Next up is “Rock and Roll,” one of the all-time great rockers. Despite a close listen to the original and re-release, I could not detect any differences. However, the “Battle of Evermore” has  extra layering of the mandolin, a dramatic and a welcome addition. It is all instrumental and the effect is haunting. We keep waiting for Plant to belt out “Queen of Light took her bow, And then she turned to go…” it never comes but no matter, for the LZ fan, this is a nice treat.

As for rock’s greatest anthem, “Stairway to Heaven,” the new alternate includes what they call the “Sunset Mix”. Page’s acoustic guitar has an echo that gives the song a bit more depth. John Bonham’s drumming sounds more subdued. This Sunset version overall feels a little warmer. Frankly, not a big difference, but the nuances are there.

The alternate “Mandolin” mix of “Going to California” is a lovely instrumental that is soft and haunting. A nice addition to the set and worth checking out. 

“Four Sticks” has always been a great showcase for John Bonham…bluesy, ballsy and an underrated gem. The alternate take has a countdown to start things off and has a thinner feel.  Bonham’s drumming is not as pronounced, but Page’s guitar work takes a bigger role.  

The album closer, “When the Levee Breaks,” contributes an earthier version on the alternate mix, with more pronounced harmonica. 

Houses of the Holy

Kicking off the album is “The Song Remains the Same.” There are some additional guitar overdubs on the alternate take that are really cool and add a powerful element. The overall effect is a two guitar song as opposed to the single guitar on the original. This is a more layered song; a definite winner. Also John Paul Jones‘ bass work is more pronounced and most welcome.

The delicate “Rain Song” lacks the piano on the alternate take. Why listen to a song that lacks the additional instrumentation that makes it so enchanting?

On “Over the Hills and Far Away,” the alternate mix states “Guitar Mix Backing Track” and there is a different feel to the alternate mix with variations on the acoustic and electric guitar. The alternate mix is not as cohesive as the original, though still enjoyable as a slight variation. 

The funky “Crunge” and “Dancing Days” contain alternates that are called “rough mixes.” The spacey “No Quarter” alternate includes some very nice overdubbed keyboards by Jones, a real treat. To close the album, Zeppelin includes a “working mix” (their words) of “The Ocean.” It’s a bit rougher, but a pronounced difference.

Overall, I can only recommend this to the devoted fan, but any Zeppelin purchase is an excellent purchase nonetheless.  Some may consider this is a money grab, and maybe to a degree that is true, but you will be rewarded with a great remastering and some really nice subtle variations that are worth the purchase. Spending time with these albums is a joy and it’s like catching up with old friends after a long departure. You don’t realize how much you missed them until they are back in your life again.