This Album (which I bought on vinyl for $20) is the first, and only, album of new Led Zeppelin material after John Bonham's death. The album was released in 1982.
Coda was produced by Jimmy page, and released through Swan Song Records.
The Cover is very plain--just the word "CODA" and underneath "Led Zeppelin" but on the inside (of the vinyl anyway) are many pictures of the band varying form the early days of Led Zeppelin to the last days of John Bonham. It is actually quite sad.
on to the track by track:
We're Gonna Groove--
As with all Led Zepelin, this song is high energy. it opens with a drum roll taht is remeniscent (sp?) of live versions of Moby Dick, and is solid through the song. As always Jimmy Page takes centre stage with intriguing guitar riffs, and a nice solo. John Paukl jones is in top shape to keep pace with Page and Bonham, and Plant's vocals are better than ever on this album. excellent musicianship, and just a plain, pure rock n roll song
4/5
Poor Tom--
Opens with a solid drum riff and Plant singing softly. comes in with what sounds like an acoustic guitar. Drums are the predominant instrument through the early stages, and Page let's this continue, only taking the focus away for a short period of time. Plant's soft singing style is a nice change from "We're Gonna Groove" as the transition is made smoothly, and he has such a nice voice anyway.
3.5/5
I can't Quit You Baby--
This song is also on Led Zeppelin I (their first album) so I'm not exactly sure why it's included on this record. Heavily influenced by Blues riffs, and slow bass/drumming. Page's prescence is felt moreso that the rest, but that doesn't take away from the beauty of this song. A nice flashback into the earlies days of the band.
4/5
Walter's Walk--
Opens strong with the guitar, followed by a solid drumming. Plants vocals, although strong, sound like they are in the background, and that takes away from this track. musicianship is strong on this track which is a good pick-me-up. This is by far weakest song on Side A. It is a good song, but not the usual LZ calibre.
3/5
Ozone Baby--
this song opens promisingly, and musically it continues. Plant's vocals are not top notch, but far from imperfect. as always, he sings well in tune with the music. Not the most entertaining song on this record, but it is good. It leaves so much to be desired however, and musically, could have included so much more. Has a nice solo.
2.5/5
Darlene--
A lot of led Zeppelin's lyrics (especially from the first 2 or 3 albums) are very cheesy. This song alludes back to those days. Plant's voice is great, but the lyrics are pure cheese. the song has a great beat, and if my ears don't mistake me, Jones is great on the piano once again. (ahh the joys of multi-instrumentalism) as for the Song as a whole, it's very GOOD, not great or excellent, and a far cry from outstanding. it is better than Ozone Baby however.
3.5/5
Bonzo's Montreux--
Roughly translated this means "Bonzo's Show". It is an extremely entertaining drum solo (the whole thing) much like Moby Dick, except that it doesn't open and close with Page taking centre stage. At the beginning he stops, making you thibnk that the song is very short and over. It's not, don't let it fool you. Some piano comes into to accentuate the drumming. This is a great track, and it shows for a last time, just how great a drummer John Henry Bonham really was. For what this track is and was meant for--
5/5
Wearing and Tearing--
This is definatley a solid Rock n Roll track form the start. The best since the opening track. (not including Bonzo's Montreux) when the vocals first kick in, music slows down, to a dull whisper, and this tyrend is continued through the bulk of the verses in this song. That is about the only part I dislike about this song. Otherwise very solid, good vocals, and you couldn't ask for much more.
3.25/5
OVERALL SCORE: 28.75/40
AVERAGE RATING: 3.59/5
MY SCORE: 3.5/5
This is definatley not Zeppelin's best work. Given the credit that it is posthumous for John Bonham, and I'm sure while mastering, it was emotional for Page. That beeing said, its not a
bad record, but not a good one to start off listening to Zeppelin with. Fan's of the band will probably enjoy this to no end (as I do) however on the other hand, people who hear this as thier first Led Zeppelin record would probably be turned off by it.
This record is on about the same level as "Presence" and on a higher level than (what I've heard of) In Thorugh the Out Door.
-Rob
