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Led Zeppelin - The Lost Mixes EP Vol. 1 (1971)

Track listing:
  1. Four Sticks (Island Studios, London, UK - 1971) 5:28
  2. Black Dog (Headley Grange, Hampshire, UK - 1971) 5:07
  3. When The Levee Breaks (Headley Grange, Hampshire, UK - 1971) 5:42
  4. The Wonton Song (Headley Grange, Hampshire, UK - 1971) 4:16
  5. Trampled Underfoot (Headley Grange, Hampshire, UK - 1971) 5:19

Notes

This is a single release by Empress Valley of new out take material. The source for the first three tracks is from Olympic Studio (the monitor mixes being found in the garbage like the first album out takes, according to the liner notes). The version of Four Sticks begins with Bonzo playing the drum motif through, and remarking that it sounds very "African." The complete song is the source used for the fourth LP, but with much less echo used. Black Dog again is the version used for the LP. Bonzo's count in between the opening guitar and Plant's vocal is left in. Jimmy Page mentioned in an interview that Bonzo had to keep time throughout the song by banging on his sticks, and that is very audible. Also, the guitar solo is much more extended. When The Levee Breaks is missing the opening drums, beginning on the first verse. The Wanton Song and Trampled Under Foot are new discoveries from the 1974 Physical Graffiti sessions.
The Wanton Song sounds a bit clearer with the drums louder, and Trampled Under Foot likewise is clearer and ends in a fade. All in all, they are interesting without revelations. This is recommended for those who have a Beatle-like fascination with alternate mixes.

Four Sticks (alternate mix with [allegedly] Bonzo's chat and drum intro)/
Black Dog (alternate mix with count-in)/
When The Levee Breaks (no drum intro alternate mix)/
The Wanton Song (alternate mix with count-in)/
Trampled Underfoot (alternate mix)

This release, in excellent soundboard quality, has sparked a debate as to the validity and authenticity of these song mixes/takes. One thing for sure is that it is not John Bonham's voice on the first track.