Twenty-five years have passed since blues-rock heavyweights The Black Crowes joined forces with true rock royalty – Jimmy Page. Recorded across two nights of wall-to-wall rock ‘n’ roll in Los Angeles, the already classic double live album has been further revamped.
The celebratory re-release features sixteen never-before-heard tracks, adding to an already jam-packed tracklist full of classics from Page’s time in Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds, as well as covers of blues classics and even a small dose of Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac. The Black Crowes’ songs from the performances are set to be released for the first time, with the first releases only featuring Page classics and covers.
Described on some lists as the worst Zeppelin-related live album, you’d struggle at first glimpse to see why this performance is heralded in such a way. Even the man providing the vocals, The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, admitted he isn’t a fan of Robert Plant’s singing or his lyrics, and he didn’t enjoy doing it. However, this is a double Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee playing some of the most iconic songs in music with a band that is now up for their own Hall of Fame induction – it can’t be bad.
And not bad it is. Thirty-six tracks may seem like a slog, but it is more of a rollercoaster through some serious rock classics. Like a guitarist godfather and his prodigal son, Rich Robinson and Jimmy Page’s guitar playing is outstanding from front to back, and despite his confessed lack of love for Zeppelin, Chris Robinson proved there’ll never be anyone like Robert Plant singing those songs, but he could push him for a close second.
From being kicked off by ‘Celebration Day’ until it is rounded off by ‘Whole Lotta Love,’ the song that started the whole idea when Page performed it as a special guest at a Crowes gig in London, ‘Live at The Greek’ never once feels like a business collaboration. The musicians are tight, and it does what it says on the tin—rock royalty playing rock staples.
Previously unheard Black Crowes versions such as ‘No Speak No Slave’ and ‘Hard to Handle’ are welcome additions. Performed in the Crowes’ heyday, the band sounds as good as they ever did, and a sprinkle of one of the greatest to ever pick up a guitar doesn’t go amiss either.
Zeppelin fans may think this record had enough classics, but it now has even more with five new tracks by the legendary band included in this release, such as ‘Misty Mountain Hop’ and ‘Bring It on Home.’.
Just when you think the excitement has ended after an impressive thirty-one tracks, the new release surprises listeners with an unreleased soundcheck of Led Zeppelin songs. It concludes with a ten-minute jam session, which is a delight to hear, especially considering the caliber of musicians involved. This truly showcases the exceptional talent of all the artists.
Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes put on a show from start to finish. Blending decades of musicianship and skill, the two form an unstoppable force as a supergroup. This record was great, but this version is even better. Retaining the sound of the era of both the performance and the tracks yet obtaining a smoother, cleaner sound, the performances are timeless. Hit after hit already, the added tracks make for a happier Zeppelin fan and an even happier Black Crowes fan – providing an even more enjoyable listening experience, so long as you can look past the length.
