LED ZEPPELIN Led Zeppelin II Red Plum LEMON SONG CREDIT

	£		75
	$		99

A BREAKDOWN OF THE ARTIST/S :-

This pivotal heavy rock quartet was formed in October 1968 by British guitarist Jimmy Page (Born James Patrick Page, 9 January 1944, Heston, Middlesex, England) following the demise of his former band, the Yardbirds. John Paul Jones (Born John Baldwin, 3 June 1946, Sidcup, Kent, England; bass, keyboards), a respected arranger and session musician, replaced original member Chris Dreja, but hopes to incorporate vocalist Terry Reid floundered on a contractual impasse. The singer unselfishly recommended Robert Plant (Born 20 August 1948, West Bromwich, West Midlands, England), then frontman of struggling Midlands act Hobbstweedle, who in turn introduced drummer John Bonham (Born 31 May 1948, Birmingham, England, d. 25 September 1980), when first choice BornJ. Wilson opted to remain with Procol Harum. The quartet gelled immediately and having completed outstanding commitments under the name "New Yardbirds", became Led Zeppelin following a quip by the Who's Keith Moon, who, when assessing their prospects, remarked that they would probably "go down like a lead Zeppelin".

They were guided and managed by Peter Grant (Born 5 April 1935, London, England, d. 21 November 1995). He was best known as the heavyweight manager of all UK rock groups, both in size and stature. Armed with a prestigious contract with Atlantic Records, the group toured the USA supporting Vanilla Fudge prior to the release of their explosive debut, Led Zeppelin, which included several exceptional original songs, including "Good Times, Bad Times", "Communication Breakdown", "Dazed And Confused' - a hangover from the Yardbirds" era - and skilled interpretations of R&B standards "How Many More Times?" and "You Shook Me". The set vied with Jeff Beck's Truth as the definitive statement of English heavy blues/rock, but Page's meticulous production showed a greater grasp of basic pop dynamics, resulting in a clarity redolent of 50s rock 'n' roll. His staggering dexterity was matched by Plant's expressive, beseeching voice, a combination that flourished on Led Zeppelin II.

The group was already a headline act, drawing sell-out crowds across the USA, when this propulsive collection confirmed an almost peerless position. The introductory track, "Whole Lotta Love", a thinly veiled rewrite of Willie Dixon's "You Need Love", has since become a classic, while "Livin' Lovin' Maid (She's Just A Woman)" and "Moby Dick", Bonham's exhibition piece, were a staple part of the quartet's early repertoire. Elsewhere, "Thank You" and "What Is And What Should Never Be" revealed a greater subtlety, a factor emphasized more fully on Led Zeppelin III. Preparation for this set had been undertaken at Bron-Y-Aur cottage in Snowdonia (immortalized in "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp"), and a resultant pastoral atmosphere permeated the acoustic-based selections "That's The Way" and "Tangerine". "The Immigrant Song" and "Gallows Pole" reasserted the group's traditional fire and the album's release confirmed Led Zeppelin's position as one of the world's leading attractions. In concert, Plant's sexuality and Adonis-like persona provided the perfect foil to Page's more mercurial character, yet both individuals took full command of the stage, the guitarist's versatility matched by his singer's unfettered roar.

Confirmation of the group's ever-burgeoning strengths appeared on Led Zeppelin IV, also known as "Four Symbols", the "Runes Album" or "Zoso", in deference to the fact that the set bore no official title. It included "Stairway To Heaven", a group tour de force. Arguably the definitive heavy-rock song, it continues to win polls, and the memorable introduction remains every guitar novice's first hurdle. The approbation granted this ambitious piece initially obscured other tracks, but the energetic "When The Levee Breaks" is now also lauded as a masterpiece, particularly for Bonham's drumming. "Black Dog" and "Rock 'N' Roll" saw Zeppelin at their immediate best, while "The Battle Of Evermore" was marked by a vocal contribution from Sandy Denny. IV was certified as having sold 16 million copies in the USA by March 1996. However, the effusive praise this album generated was notably more muted for Houses Of The Holy. Critics queried its musically diverse selection - the set embraced folk ballads, reggae and soul - yet when the accustomed power was unleashed, notably on "No Quarter", the effect was inspiring. A concurrent US tour broke all previous attendance records, the proceeds from which helped to finance an in-concert film, issued in 1976 as The Song Remains The Same, and the formation of the group's own record label, Swan Song.

Bad Company, the Pretty Things and Maggie Bell were also signed to the company, which served to provide Led Zeppelin with total creative freedom. Physical Graffiti, a double set, gave full rein to the quartet's diverse interests, with material ranging from compulsive hard rock ("Custard Pie" and "Sick Again") to pseudo-mystical experimentation ("Kashmir"). The irrepressible "Trampled Under Foot" joined an ever-growing lexicon of peerless performances, while "In My Time Of Dying" showed an undiminished grasp of progressive blues. Sell-out appearances in the UK followed the release, but rehearsals for a projected world tour were abandoned in August 1975 when Plant sustained multiple injuries in a car crash. A new album was prepared during his period of convalescence, although problems over artwork delayed its release. Advance orders alone assured Presence platinum status, yet the set was regarded as a disappointment and UK sales were noticeably weaker. The 10-minute maelstrom "Achilles Last Stand" was indeed a remarkable performance, but the remaining tracks were competent rather than fiery and lacked the accustomed sense of grandeur. In 1977 Led Zeppelin began its rescheduled US tour, but on 26 July news reached Robert Plant that his six-year-old son, Karac, had died of a viral infection. The remaining dates were cancelled amid speculation that the group would break up.

They remained largely inactive for over a year, but late in 1978 they flew to Abba's Polar recording complex in Stockholm. Although lacking the definition of earlier work, In Through The Out Door was a strong collection on which John Paul Jones emerged as the unifying factor. Two concerts at Britain's Knebworth Festival were the prelude to a short European tour on which the group unveiled a stripped-down act, inspired, in part, by the punk explosion. Rehearsals were then undertaken for another US tour, but in September 1980, Bonham was found dead following a lengthy drinking bout. On 4 December, Swan Song announced that the group had officially retired, although a collection of archive material, Coda, was subsequently issued.

Jones went on to become a successful producer, notably with the Mission, while Plant embarked on a highly successful solo career, launched with Pictures At Eleven. Page scored the movie Death Wish 2 and, after a brief reunion with Plant and the Honeydrippers project in 1984, he inaugurated the short-lived Firm with Paul Rodgers. He then formed the Jimmy Page Band with John Bonham's son, Jason, who in turn drummed with Led Zeppelin on their appearance at Atlantic Records' 25th Anniversary Concert in 1988. Despite renewed interest in the band's career, particularly in the wake of the retrospective Remasters, entreaties to make this a permanent reunion were resisted. However, in 1994 Page and Plant went two-thirds of the way to a re-formation with their ironically titled Unledded project, though John Paul Jones was conspicuous by his absence (for want of an invitation). The duo cemented the relationship with an album of new Page And Plant material in 1998.

The discovery and release of live tapes and video footage in 2002 carried the Led Zeppelin phenomenon over into the new millennium. Decades after their demise, the triple-live CD How The West Was Won entered the Billboard chart at No 1 in June 2003. Although their commercial success is unquestionable, Led Zeppelin are now rightly recognized as one of the most influential bands of the rock era and their catalogue continues to provide inspiration to successive generations of musicians.

Discography:
Led Zeppelin (Atlantic 1969)****, Led Zeppelin II (Atlantic 1969)****, Led Zeppelin III (Atlantic 1970)****, Led Zeppelin IV (Atlantic 1971)*****, Houses Of The Holy (Atlantic 1973)****, Physical Graffiti (Swan Song 1975)****, Presence (Swan Song 1976)***, The Song Remains The Same film soundtrack (Swan Song 1976)**, In Through The Out Door (Swan Song 1979)***, Coda (Swan Song 1982)**, BBC Sessions (Atlantic 1997)****, How The West Was Won 3-CD live set (WEA 2003)****.

THE RARITY OF THE RECORD :- Second release from Led Zeppelin, rare on the red and plum label, of the four albums this one had the most fragile cover due to it being a completely un-laminated gatefold, not many of these survived without the cover recieving significant damage. It goes without saying that this was Zepps' finest album also. Contains Lemon Song credit which was later changed to Killing Floor for legal reasons.

THE COVER :- Non laminated gatefold sleeve

THE LABEL :- Rare Red & Plum atlantic label

THE VINYL VISUALLY :- On initial inspection this quality piece of vinyl sits perfectly flat on the turntable!! and retains an original very deep glossy shine and looks beautifully clean for a 41 year old record!! There are one or two very fine hairlines and paper scuffs but nothing that would affect play. I cannot see any other areas of concern.

THE VINYL PLAY GRADED :- On play grading this iconic piece of vinyl I have found it to be a very clear and vibrant sound that hasn't lost any of it's magic over the past 30 years. It certainly hasn't been played overplayed, there are only some small signs of static and crackle in cetain areas. A couple of cleans after playing will significantly improve this as it is only slight dust build up on the vinyl. I would say the vinyl plays to an Excellent condition

THE SLEEVE ARTWORK :- The album sleeve design was from a poster by David Juniper, who was simply told by the band to come up with an idea that was "interesting". His design was based on an old photograph of the Jasta 11 Division of the German Air Force during World War I the famed Flying Circus led by Manfred von Richthofen the Red Baron  After the picture was tinted, the faces of the four members of the band were airbrushed on from a 1969 publicity photograph, as well as the faces of band manager Peter Grant and tour manager Richard Cole. The woman in the picture is Glynis Johns, the mother from Mary Poppins. Her presence in the photo is an obvious play on the name of recording engineer Glyn Johns. Contrary to popular belief, the guitarist Blind Willie Johnson is not featured on the album cover. There is only one known photo of Johnson in existence, and it is not the same face as the one shown on the album cover.The cover also pictured the outline of a Zeppelin on a brown background, which gave the album its nickname "Brown Bomber".

THE SLEEVE FRONT CONDITION :- The front cover shows an amount of shelfwear that is commonly displayed with this particular cover but has faired better than the majority I have seen over the years. It is nice and straight and still retains most of its original feel and lustre. There is some wear to the seams but no seam splits. There are no obtrusive stickers or any writing etc. Overall it is quite a nice acceptable example that hasn't been abused or trashed as the majority were. For a 41 year old front of this fragile nature i would rate it as a strong Very Good condition

THE SLEEVE REAR CONDITION :- The rear cover is a plain cover with just a small image of the Zeppelin ship at the bottom middle. It displays much of the characteristics of the front cover as regards shelfwear and seam wear but as indicated previously it has not been trashed or abused in any way. Again I would rate the rear cover as a strong Very Good condition considering the age and delicate nature.

THE COVER INNER CONDITION : - The inner of the gatefold cannot be faulted. It has not suffered from any age related shelfwear and remains very sharp and clean. It is as near to pristine as you could get, free from any stickers or writing. It gives full track details and production notes. It is a fine example and rates as Excellent condition.

THE LABEL SIDE ONE CONDITION :- An original Red & Plum first press label, no writing or sticker damage and minimal signs of play around the spindle hole. Produced by Jimmy Page credits. Excellent condition.

THE LABEL SIDE TWO CONDITION :- An original Red & Plum first press label, no writing or sticker damage and minimal signs of play around the spindle hole. Produced by Jimmy Page credits. Excellent condition.

THE SPINE CONDITION :- The writing on the spine has faded due to the fragile nature of these covers but there are no spine splits at all just the pre-mwentioned signs of shelfwear in places

THE INNER SLEEVE CONDITION :- EMI Atlantic advertisement issue sleeve free from splits and tears.

THE EXTRAS :- No extras were given with this album

THE CATALOGUE NUMBER :- 588198

THE YEAR OF RELEASE :-  October 1969

THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN :-  UK

THE MATRIX NUMBERS :-  588198//A2  &  588198//B5

STAMPERS :- 1235  & 114

TRACK LISTING :-

SIDE ONE :-

1. WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
2. WHAT IS AND WHAT SHOULD BE
3. THE LEMON SONG
4. THANKYOU

SIDE TWO :-

1. HEARTBREAKER
2. LIVIN' LOVIN' MAID (SHE'S A WOMAN)
3. RAMBLE ON
4. MOBY DICK
5. BRING IT ON HOME

WHAT WE PLAY THE RECORD ON :- 

We use a Project 6 Perspex Turntable to play grade our records which delivers a rich authoritative sound and achieves a rich and weighty vibrancy unrivalled by the majority of decks within its price range

HOW WE CLEAN YOUR RECORD :- 

We use a V.P.I. HW-16.5 record cleaning machine to clean your vinyl. "A highly recommended machine" as quoted by Stereophile magazine. This removes any excess dirt before playing

HOW WE PACKAGE YOUR RECORD :- 

Your record will be package very securely to minimise any risk of damage during transit. We remove the record from the outer sleeve unless asked not to do so. This helps to minimise the risk of seam spliting. We use a high quality record mailer which is designed to give superior protection for your vinyl record. We place stiffeners either side of the record for added protection. The album will also be placed in a 450 gram Poly outer sleeve for even extra added protection

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING CHARGES FOR UK CUSTOMERS :-

We advise that items reaching over £39.00 in price to be insured and sent by Special Delivery. This protects both of us and ensures better handling of the parcel during transit.We are in no way out to make money from postage. The postage price includes the record mailer, stiffeners and plastic sleeve. We just want your item to reach you in the best possible condition. A breakdown of insured postal services are listed below. Please choose to use the relevant postal service for your own protection as once these rare records are lost they can quite often seldom be replaced

FIRST CLASS RECORDED FOR RECORDS INSURED UP TO £39  :-   £3.75

SPECIAL DELIVERY NEXT DAY :- £6.40

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION :-    

All records reaching under £15.00 are sent to the European Union by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15.00.

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £6.00 (For items under £15.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :-  £9.75 (For items £15.00 - £39.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £11.99 (For items over 39.00)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE USA AND CANADA :- 

All records reaching under £15.00 are sent to the USA & Canada by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15.00.

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £8.00 (For items under £15.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £11.75 (For items £15.00 - 39.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.00 (For items over £39.00)

POSTAGE AND PACKAGING FOR THE AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN AND ROW :- 

All records reaching under £15.00 are sent to the Australia & Japan by Airmail small packets. We will not ship abroad without insured post for items reaching over £15.00

AIRMAIL SMALL PACKETS  :-  £8.00 (For items under £15.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £11.75 (For items £15.00 - £39.00)

INTERNATIONAL SIGNED FOR :- £16.00 (For items over £39.00)

NOTE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS:

PLEASE AWAIT AN INVOICE BEFORE PAYING SO WE CAN WORK OUT THE CORRECT POSTAGE/SHIPPING CHARGES

BUYERS OF MULTIPLE ITEMS :- 

Postage prices and courier methods for multiple purchases will be calculated after the auction end. It is impossible for us at the pre auction stage to determine these prices as the final weight is unknown.If you are the winner of multiple items the please await contact from us or alternately contact us yourself for a breakdown of the shipping costs.You will only pay the stamp price + relevant packaging charges so there are big savings to be made with multiple purchases

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR RECORD :-

We can accept the following payment methods

UK BUYERS :- 

• PayPal
• Personal cheque (Please allow to clear)
• Bankers Draft
• Postal Order

OVERSEAS BUYERS :-

• Paypal only

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :-

We always try to appraise the record for sale as openly and honestly as possible and provide plenty of pictures for you to look at but please be aware that errors however rare do occur and not everyone has the same audio  equipment. There is no problem that cannot be worked out in a civilised manner. We urge you to contact us so that we can discuss any small problems that may occur. We offer a refund of the purchase price for returned items within 7 days of purchase and are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have during the auction

SAVE US TO YOUR FAVOURITES LIST AS WE INTEND TO LIST MANY MORE RARE VINYL TREATS OVER THE COMING MONTHS AND YEARS