From Yardbirds to the New Yardbirds to a drastic name change, major label contract (Atlantic Records w/ $200,000 advance!), and a US tour followed by an eponymous 1969 debut album, Led Zeppelin quickly established itself in the rock world and stupendous success, both critical and commercial, was imminent. Amidst the whirlwind of live dates, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, & gang began recording their sophomore effort, Led Zeppelin II, and the lead singer puts it best when he says: "it was crazy really." It's the speedy, spontaneous process (they recorded in hotel rooms, hole in the wall studios, in between concerts, etc.) that gives this influential, heavy album its urgency, and the riff-based, blues-driven sound is timeless and iconic. Includes "whole Lotta Love," "Heartbreaker," "Ramble On," "What Is And What Should Never Be," and more. This 2014 deluxe pressing is presented on 180 gram vinyl, complete with remastered sound, and bonus disc featuring unreleased studio outtakes.

• 180 gram vinyl double LP pressing
• remastered sound
• includes bonus LP of unreleased studio outtakes
• tri-fold jacket
• music label: Atlantic 2014

reviewed by nakinboots 08/2017