Led Zeppelin / Tucson 1972 Reel Archives / 3CD

This time, not only Charlotte, but also the same 1972 American tour to the Tucson performance will realize the release of the upper version reel. Yes, speaking of Tucson in 1972, it is known to maniacs as the last day of the American tour. It has been a hot topic as a sound source that was excavated in the 21st century, but it may be because of the distorted recording state that there is a feeling that it has not penetrated. The items released at the beginning of the excavation of the sound source had a clause that tried to solve such problems with the equalization of the technology at the time, but this is the only way.
Also, after the recording owner who released the sound source confessed that “actually there is a final encore”, “Thank You” was played, and there was a scene where “Your Time Is Gonna Come” was medleyed… It was also hinted at, but even at that time, enthusiasts dismissed it as “impossible”, and now that it has been 20 years since the sound source appeared, it seems like a nostalgic fairy tale. I have.
Fortunately, the sound source itself appeared in touch with the master from the beginning, so once the item release at the rear tie was over, there was no significant upgrade after that, which was also a factor that did not spread unexpectedly among enthusiasts. not. As evidence of that, the recent appearance of the KRW_CO Transfer version did not become a topic at all.

Under such circumstances, the reel tape that our country’s ZEP collector obtained at the same time as Charlotte was Tucson. However, the enthusiast who provided it was more skeptical about this reel than Charlotte, and since he did not know the clear identity, he offered it as a gift. In other words, the side that provided it didn’t have great expectations even though it was a reel.
“However, I was surprised when I actually played the provided reel.” It was a sound quality that surpassed any of the previous versions. First of all, not only has the sound quality improved significantly compared to the items released when the sound source appeared, but it is also one rank up compared to the previous KRW_CO Transfer version. The secret is not only that the distortion that is the chronic disease of this sound source has been reduced, but also that the miscellaneous taste that remained in KRW_CO Transfer has been removed, making it easier to hear.
This is obvious if you compare it with the existing board, but it’s not because of equalization, but because the reel is in good condition. However, this time, the volume up and down at the start of the opening “Immigrant Song”, and even the uneven rotation of the tape when entering the “Whole Lotta Love” medley are exactly the same. Nevertheless, the fact that it gives such a natural upper feeling clearly tells the good condition of the tape. Rather, the point that the sound quality itself is clearly good while being in the same state as before tells the splendor of this reel.
Regarding the uneven rotation in the “Whole Lotta Love” medley in question, it is fortunate that this mainly occurred in a scene centered on Jimmy’s theremin action, which is not a singing part. Thanks to that, I was able to listen to it from the beginning, but this time I adjusted it as much as possible, so I was able to listen more calmly.

As for the performance, it can’t be bad only after the LA Forum and Long Beach, which are famous performances on the West Coast. In the first place, it seems that the three players are on stage in an extremely relaxed state because it is the last day of the tour. “Dazed And Confused”, in which the three of them showed their own tactics, has a very impressive development among the 72-year versions including “Walter’s Walk” and “The Crunge”. Over there, Jimmy shines with the play of “Since I’ve Been Loving You”, which is unique to the final day of the tour.
Above all, it can be said that this day was the last record of the stage where Robert himself sang mainly high tones, and the way he sang the new song “Over The Hills And Far Away” at the time with the same melody as the record was exceptional. The same applies to the finale “Rock And Roll”. It is extremely valuable that the song that has become a large standard of ZEP is also a song that has been released until this tour, but it is not treated as a regular, and it is played in a state that has not yet been solidified as a repertoire. On top of that, not only does Robert sing with the same melody as the record, but the happening that Jimmy’s solo starts singing before it ends is a masterpiece. Since coming to Japan in autumn, it will be completely established as an opening, so the performance that still retains freshness is precious.
And since it’s a monaural recording with more or less distortion, the recommended way to appreciate it is definitely through the speakers. Of course, if you listen with headphones, you can clearly see the freshness that I mentioned earlier, but if you want to enjoy the swinging condition of the performance of this day coupled with the unique sound quality, it is the speaker. The scene of Elvis singing in the “Whole Lotta Love” medley by Robert (I’m really glad that the rotation unevenness has settled at this timing), etc. You should be reminded that it was a great performance. Above all, did the 72 Tucson sound so good?

* Recorded from two reel tapes that were originally obtained. The sound is overwhelmingly better than the previous ones, and the content is very good.