Legendary performances by legendary rock icons. Thought not known as one, LZ certainly qualifies as a "jam band" as evidenced here. A must have for any and every fan of classic rock. Masters at the top of their game.

Not that you needed another five-star review to think about getting this, but I have to chime in. This is one of the finest live albums I've ever heard. Zep were in their prime here (the material for this album was taken from two concerts in June of 1972, one in Los Angeles and one in Long Beach) and boy, does it show. My favorite song on the album is "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp" which the fellas play with a great deal of energy and the appreciative crowd enthusiastically claps along. Their big hits from that era are here, like "Black Dog", "Rock And Roll", "Immigrant Song", and of course "Stairway To Heaven." If you're even kind of a Zep fan, this album is absolutely essential.

1. the dvd-audio sounds a bit compressed and bright. needs to sound fatter.

2. the subwoofer needs to be turned up a tad.

3. where are robert plant talking through the whole concert?? thats a big part of zeppelin live.

other than this its cool :)

This is a very mixed up set in terms of quality of version. Some of these it's like, "Yeah, this is alright." Some are like, "Eh, whatever." And some are like, "No, that was bad." Like the acoustic songs, Robert Plant sounds kinda like he's bored! Now maybe its just me, but I don't like it when they drag out Whole Lotta Love. It's one of those songs where it's just fine at the length that it is. The only REALLY good song here is Immigrant Song. If you want to get it, go ahead, but don't really recomend it.

This is an excellent album. If you have not heard this, you have missed a big part of what Led Zeppelin is about. What I especially liked about it is that shows sides of Led Zeppelin which you do not hear if you buy greatest hit compilations. I personally like Led Zeppelin best up to this stage. What came later is not as good - in my view.

Only at the end of a legendary career, long after the release of their last studio album, can a band just sort of shrug and say, "Yeah...why not put out a triple live?"

Early, it would be seen as arrogance. A triple live album? For most bands, it would still remain a daunting task. But this is Zeppelin. The normal rules, and quite possibly the laws of physics, just don't apply.

Disc one is just great. The opening notes of "Immigrant Song" seem SOOO heavy, when compared to the studio track, and Robert Plant's vocals take on an almost haunting quality over the heaviness of the riffs. And then comes "Heartbreaker," which might as well be labeled "The Jimmy Page Show." "Black Dog" really highlights Plant's stage presence (yes, even on an audio album), in that he constantly changes the vocal melodies from those found on Led Zeppelin IV, taking the performance from audience sing-a-long to one in which he is a captivating performer, teasing the audience with a silent break in the music, followed by a soaring high vocal line that contrasts nicely with the lower tones used in this performance of the song.

It is only then, after a heavy, full scale rock n' roll start that things slow down a bit, with the subdued opening of "Over the Hills and Far Away," before the groove infused riffs burst forth, as if they just can't be contained. The deliciously slow blues of "Since I've Been Loving You" plays well, live, and once again lets Page's playing shine ever so brightly...and so continues the first disc, with great performances of what have become classic Zeppelin songs.

The second disc is remarkably different. "Dazed and Confused," initially stretched out to a tortuously slow pace, seems all the heavier for it, taking on a sinister, almost Sabbath-esque quality. When the song bleeds into an extended jam, Page's use of a bow on his guitar strings lends a great atmospheric quality to the music, creating a dark, eerie sound, before leading back into a reprise of "Dazed and Confused," all told, clocking in at an impressive 25 minutes in length. The crowd is then treated to a playful rendition of "What Is and What Should Never Be" and a pretty by-the-book rendition of "Dancing Days," before another incredibly long performance, this time of "Moby Dick." While there's no question that John Bonham is an incredible drummer, the solo here is excessive, and takes away from a song that had such a cool back and forth between a great riff and killer rhythm section. If you really dig a drum solo (which I do not), then you'll love this track. If you don't...well, it drags on a bit too long.

Disc three begins with an incredible "Whole Lotta Love" medley, going from heavy to bluesy to an oldies feel to slow blues, and then back to "Whole Lotta Love." After another such incredibly long track, the album closes off in fairly straight forward fashion. "Rock and Roll" is played pretty much by the book, as is "The Ocean." "Bring It on Home" is a great closer for both the disc and the album, and is played with a lot of energy and soul.

All together, this is a great live set. It captures the energy and talent of what I think may have been the best band ever to play. Excellent!

The greatest band of the 70's at their peak. If you enjoy Led Zeppelin, this must be part of yor CD collection.

This is a good triple disc set of live Zeppelin to be sure. Maybe it is my comfort level with TSRTS that makes it hard for me to vote this higher, I don't know. There is much that is very similar, especially Dazed and Confused and parts of Whole Lotta Love although both of those are not as pleasing to me as TSRTS versions.
The big pay-off for me is the acoustic set on the first disc. Actually, the whole first disc is fantastic, but the acoustic is such a bonus and so well done here.
It has been recommended that you buy this AND TSRTS and that's a valid argument. Together they give you a pretty comprehensive overview of live Zeppelin from the early seventies, right around the time of Houses of the Holy. If you are not familiar with live Led, you should know that these are not note-for-note studio reproductions. Additionally, Jimmy Page has a tendency to get a bit sloppy live and some of the editing seems a bit more jagged than on TSRTS. Still, it is a very worthwhile collection of live performances and gives you a great companion piece to The Song Remains The Same. If you don't mind the somewhat steep price tag (although it is three discs), you'll enjoy the mighty Zeppelin live in all their sometimes ragged glory.

This is simply a fantastic collection of performances and songs. But i hasten to add that there is much excellent material on zep's original live album set 'The Song Remains The Same' - which is why I am so puzzled at all the garbage people are throwing at that album! It is insane. I defy any zep fan to deny the greatness of The Rain Song, No Quarter, The Song Remains The Same (the song), Rock and Roll, and much of Dazed and Confused on the earlier live album (Page's 'violin-bowed' solo is absolutely spooky...and powerful). What live zep doesn't have its share of over-the-top (indulgent people say) guitar at points? (it's more fun that way! it's live for chrissakes) Also, each of the live albums has a long drum solo in Moby Dick. What's more...those 'Houses of the Holy' tracks i mention above - do not appear on How The West Was Won (though many others do). Get both I say..and refrain from this childish over-choosiness haha. Both albums have their attributes and even a different sort of mix. 'The West' has some wonderful acoustic songs by the way.
I have them both in my portable stereo and am happily suffering another bout of zeppelin-isme.

If you're a Zep fan (why else would you be reading this), you need this set. If you never got to see the Mighty Z in concert (even if you did), you need this set. If you're tired, and I know you are, of hearing the same version of all Zep's hits on the radio, then yes, you need this set. If you want to hear Jimmy P set So Cal on fire, you need this set... Get the idea?

Truly, the sound and music is awesome. I got the chills the first time I played it.

Play Disc 1 for the Zeppelin that you missed on The Song Remains the Same. Every cut smokes, particularly "Since I've Been Loving You", which handily obliterates the studio version. Even the overplayed, unnecessarily stretched-out "Stairway to Heaven" is a stunner. Don't forget "Black Dog", "Immigrant Song", etc. These guys were at their best in this performance, and this disc is proof positive that their legend is well deserved. What a ride.
Discs 2 & 3 are 4-song affairs, each with 2 relatively short, fairly amazing versions of songs you know and love, bookended by LONG cuts that you can take or leave. "Dazed and Confused" is a monster of a song, groundbreaking, terrifying, blah blah blah. But here as in SRTS, Jimmy Page turns it into a 25-minute, self indulgent, BORING showoff opportunity for his rich-guy guitar tricks. Who cares? Did I mention it's BORING? As for "Moby Dick", it's a 20-minute drum solo. See above. "Whole Lotta Love" runs just as long but actually regains its momentum after the middle section, running through a medley of old songs before they charge through the climax. "Bring It On Home" is the best (and shortest) of the long numbers, and a pretty hot ending for the set.
The bottom line is that Zeppelin was an incredible live band, with or without their indulgences. And since this is the only worthy live set available from them, you need it. What do you think the skip button is for?

Great concert collection of songs. This CD is awesome and should be part of your Led Zep collection.

I think all that needs to be said about this very generous 3-CD live set from Led Zeppelin, recorded in 1972 in L.A. and Long Beach, CA, is that it ROCKS! Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones & John Bonham are nothing less than rock titans on this amazing live set. The thunder---and the beauty---of their performance is simply astonishing. I wouldn't say "How The West Was Won" is necessarily *better* than "The Song Remains The Same"---and that live set has "No Quarter" on it, so nuff said---but "How The West Was Won" is damm great. There's no need for me to point out a single track. It's ALL high-octane rock, gorgeous acoustic stuff, and a towering rock band at the peak of their powers. So buy it and get the Led out at *high volume* with "How The West Was Won".

Do we really need another review of what is quickly becoming the definitive live album of Zepplin? Probably not. But is that gonna stop me from saying what an immensely satisfying live album this is? Heck no!

1972 was the year we saw Pink Floyd's Obscured by Clouds, the Grateful Dead's Europe '72, Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, Don McLean's American Pie, and Lou Reed's Transformer. Could there be any more room for brilliance? You bet!

By this stage of their career, Zepplin was functioning on another plane of existence, but fortunately they'd gate in from time to time and share the majesty of their creations. Prepare to fail those will saves.

This was made at Rock's peak and Zeppelin's Peak it has all the essentials except for When the Levee Break's.
As for all of those studiophile's who are afraid of Live music take a chance this has been produced with the utmost care and Zepp outside of the Dead, The Who, Pink Floyd and Blue Note had the best of everything. The sound quality is great except for a few songs that they rush through but that was how they performed back then like every performance was going to be thier last. For the icing on the cake John Bonham is on FIRE. I have been wanting this for years after I heard it at a buddy's house don't hesitate any longer this is a must for the summer and for your ears.

This is without a doubt a mind-blowing collection, from the first to the third CD, clear and refined recordings of Led Zeppelin's California concerts from 1972. You will not be able to sit still, I guarantee you that, and if you are not up on your feet stomping along with Robert's vocals and Jimmy's guitar and John Bonam's driving drums, with the groovy bass of John Paul Jones from the very start, then you are not a rocker!
The first CD is my favorite one, starting with the good old hard rock we love Zeppelin for, and no one could do like them, songs like ""Immigrant Song", and of course, "Heartbreaker", the wailing bluesy "Since I've been loving you", then the brilliant,"Stairway to Heaven", with Robert Plant's comments adding a touch of familiarity and charm ("You remember laughter?"), continuing with the finest acoustic version of "California", and "That's the Way", ending with "Bron-Yr-Aur-Stomp", Robert Plant's song for Strider, his dog.
The third disc has a spectacular version of "The Ocean", so fine!
Do I recommend this album? Yes!!! Most definitely, and it will most likely become the most prized CD in your rock collection as soon as you hear it.

I will leave the track by track analysis to others. I just simply want to say that this serves as a stunning reminder of what Rock was all about. The energy and passion pouring out of these performance will leave you dumbfounded. And remind you that no over dubbed studio recording can ever match this peerless band in full flight.

I have at least 100 DVD Audio and I'm a Zep big fan. DVD Audio is the best format to listen hi fidelity. But nt in this edition. The DVD with DTS is much better this time (only)

Well for years the best live albums ever have been Hendrix the Gypsies and 2nd Allman bros DELUX EDITION.

This cd has taken over number one hands down. I have had it in my Ipod since last year, what a strange little piece of stunning cd holder and player, I dont still dont get why it sounds so good. When I turn this cd almost all the way up, with Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones, many people anyone within a few feet of me can make it out.

btw, do your self a HUGE favor, get rid of those apple headphones that come with the ipod and get these headphones, several friends have also done so. it will change your world like you wont believe. The Apple store in the main mall in our town now carries them. I saw that and went haha I knew this 2 years ago!

anyhoo, what else can be said for this cd other than thanks to Dick and Page for the killer clean up job. along with the DVD that came out the same year, best things ever released by any band any time. nothing comes close. only took how many years??? better late than never. imagine all the youngin's coming up now and hearing this haha.

When these 2 shows were played, over 2 nights in Long Beach Arena, 1972, I was a little boy, who had no idea what rock and roll was yet, living about a 30 min drive from the Arena, riding around in my Big Wheel and playing cars. man what I missed that night, but I am there now anytime I want! yea!

I have listened to Zep for 37 years, and thought that nothing new would ever be worth my time and money. My brother got this set as a gift and told me it's pretty good. I said "yeah, right..." and forgot about it. Then I borrowed it about a year ago and haven't given it back since. It's got some of the hardest, tightest, best versions of their stuff ever recorded. The engineering is pretty good, considering Jimmy Page is three quarters deaf and produced the older remastered box sets and rereleases with way too much treble. It has multiple versions of some songs but each is distinct and worthy of their inclusion in the collection. I would have liked to have lesser known or odd songs included - I've downloaded bootlegs of very poor quality versions of "Hey Joe", "Paint It Black", and others which could have used some expert remastering. I'm sure there's other offbeat Zep tunes in the vaults that are worth a listen. The package is sharp and the notes are well done, thanks to Cameron Crowe. Zep Live are the best garage band you'll ever hear.

the title is appropaite these great live versions show why zep was able to become popular so fast.stairway is better than other live versions and bringiton home heatbreaker bronyaurstomp sinceibeenlovingyou are great to me this dazed and confused is better wholelottalovetoo

How The West Was Won is the rare live album that will have you preferring the live versions of the songs to the studio versions. The entire first disc is a tour de force and an all-out assault on your auditory senses. All of the cuts are first rate, but the highlight would have be the version of Black Dog included here. Leading off with the Out on the Tiles intro in lieu of the amplifier effect present on IV, Plant's powerful vocal along with Page's relentless guitar riffing will leave you breathless.

Buy it. Now.

POR FIN UN REGISTRO DE ZEPP EN VIVO QUE REALMENTE TE VUELA LA CABEZA!! SONIDO ESPECTACULAR, POLENTA INIGUALABLE Y UNA SUCESION DE TEMAS EXCELENTES.... NO CABEN MAS PALABRAS...ESCUCHALO A TODO VOLUMEN..UNA EDICION QUE ATESTIGUA LO SUBLIME QUE ERA ESTA BANDA. NO PODES DEJAR DE ESCUCHARLO!

this live album was taken from zeppelins glory years, and is a long awaited release, the best tracks are heartbreaker, the ocean, stairway to heaven immigrant song and black dog. buy this, bbc sessions and avoid the song remains the same

Well what can anyone say about Led Zeppelin? its the toughest thing anyone can possibly be made to answer. Maybe it's wise to start with the other great human endeavours, the Ancient Greeks, the Pyramids, The European Rennaisance, Beethoven, Einstein. Put these in a melting pot and the end result would stll be vastly inferior to teh worst song by Led Zepplin. In fact it's wrong to think of Zeppelin as having a worst song. How dare I. HOW DARE I. Every single song Zeplin wrote is the utter peak of human GENIOS. The human mind is simply unable to comprehend the dizzying magnitude of Led Zeppelins genios. It cant be done. Its like trying to comprehend the vastness of the Cosmos. Every single man woman and child on the planet must do 60 years of penance for failing to be in the same league as Led Zeplin. Led Zeppelin is far far FAR and away the greatest thing to have EVER happened in history. We are but sinful WORMS in the Almighty prescence of Led Zeppelin. ANYONE WHO DOESN'T BOW DOWN BEFORE ZEPPELIN IS WORTHLESS.

This is the set list from a concert at Southamton University which the band performed in 1/22/73.

Rock n Roll/Over The Hills and Far Away/Black Dog/Misty Mountain Hop/Since I've Been Loving You/Dancing Day/The Song Remains The Same/The Rain Song/Dazed and Confused/Stairway To Heaven/Whole Lotta Love/Heartbreaker/Thank You/How Many More Times/Communication Breakdown

This show was mixdown for possible use but they ultimately decided to issue the show that we heard on How The West Was Won. I think the reason might be that set list from this show is quite similar to the one on The Song Remains The Same.

Set list imformation is from "Led Zeppelin The Concert File" by Dave Lewis with Simon Pallett.>>>>>>>>>GREAT BOOK!!!!

Led Zeppelin, from humble beginnings as the struggling last members of the yardbirds, to triumphs as one of the greatest rock sensations in history have come so far, and this album really shows them in their prime.

The 20+ minute tracks, I'll admit, can be kind of mindboggling just looking at them. But when you play them you'll never want them to end. Suddenly, twenty minutes isn't all that much.

But I believe that a real highlight here is 'Stairway to Heaven'. While this is, by far, not my favorite Led Zeppelin song, it is one of them. And this version is the one that, when it comes down to raw talent, has the most to offer. I've listened to it again and again, and I don't plan to stop anytime soon.

The song features an extended guitar solo, which is amazing in itself, and some excellent vocals from Robert Plant. From 'Remember laughter?' to 'Wait a minute!' I just can't pull myself away from his voice.

Other highlights include: 'Immigrant Song, The Ocean, and Over The Hills And Far Away'.

By this album. You won't put it down.

Why didn't you just release the complete, unedited, four hour+ LA Forum show, warts 'n all, after giving it a good remastering? Instead of all the mix-matching in pursuit of some sterile "perfection" that is the very antithesis of what Zep was all about?

Sure, HTWWW is phenomenal, far better than TSRTS(tho No Quarter is sorely missed) or anyone else's live album. One can only imagine the reactions from the fans who were hearing the HOTH material for the very first time.

But I sure feel bad for the people who will never hear the between songs banter, including a lecturing of a security guard; or the Louie, Louie/Everyday People/Thank You medley, for starters. Just a travesty that medley was left off.

But, yes, this is well worth buying just for the blazing performances of Over The Hills, Ocean, RnR, Black Dog, & Dancing Days, which are all far superior to the studio versions.

The bootleg is called Burn Like A Candle. Well worth looking for.

This 3-disc CD set is an amazing set of live work. It only has songs up to houses of the holy, but there is no reason to discredit this compelation because of it. I found that the best results were from using surround sound, you can really feel like you are there and experiencing Led Zeppelin live. I will definately have to buy the DVD.

Came highly recommended by a friend and I wished I had purchased it sooner. I was never able to see Led Zeppelin live but if I had this would be the ultimate "live" capturing of in concert album that I have ever heard.

I would rate Led zeppelin's How the west was won as one of the best live cd's along with Ten years after's live at fillmore east.This contains terrific renditions of anthems like Immigrant song,Dazed and confused,Black dog,Rock and roll and Stairway to heaven.This is a must in every collection.Very highly recommended.Please ignore all one star reviews and get this classic.

Blue Racer: say bug, Who does that guy I love MTV think he is, he is Cranky Reviewer's lover. Japanese Beetle: Serpent son, any guy who likes the 80s Backend Q*eers Turdran Turdran(whom are all h*mos*xuals) deserve to be HAASAH(karate chopped). Blue Racer: This was an all live album but Dazed and Confused and Whole Lotta Love take it down a star as they versions which pale in comparison to The Song Remains versions. Japanese Beetle: However, this is still a great live record. SAYONARA!

What a masterpiece these live performances are. There is a special something about these songs that make every minute priceless. I think that it might be the time period as all four musicians were on top of their game. Led Zeppelin is the greatest rock back ever. This live album is a treasure!

'How the West Was Won' is nothing short of a godsend. The greatest hard rock band ever, recorded at the very apex of their incredible but short career, what more do you want? 'BBC Sessions' whetted the appetite for vintage Zep but 'West' delivered the goods for sure. So it's been about 31 years, better late than never! If you are a true Led Zeppelin fanatic and are not blown away by the live versions of the admittingly tired classics then what the hell is wrong with you! I couldn't believe how powerful this performance was and now it is mine to play over and over again. "Immigrant Song", "Heartbreaker" and "Black Dog" immediately deliver aural destruction and sensation in their majesty and power. "Stairway" and "Since I've Been Lovin' You" are in peak form! "Dazed and Confused" and "Whole Lotta Love" combined clock in close to an hour and leave their respective originals in the dust with their innovative, loose jam structure and musical dexterity. The covers medley in the latter is a blast with standbys John Lee Hooker, Ricky Nelson and Elvis making an appearance. If you think because you have 'Song Remains the Same' and you don't need this masterpiece, you are screwing yourself! 'West' blows the former any in so many different ways. "Rock n'Roll" and the three previews from 'Houses of the Holy" add some extra spice along with Bonzo's calling card, "Moby Dick" (outrageously 19 minutes long!) Set closer "Bring it On Home" is a nice treat and an extended goodbye from a "I wish I owned a time machine" type show. Zeppelin's reputation as a top live act was always secure even when regarding the soundtrack album, but 'West' leaves absolutely no doubt. Could be my favorite live album of all time, or at least top five. Greatest Zep album! Just might be! This the real deal!

Unfortunately, I regret buying these CDs. I am a lifelong Zeppelin fan - growing up there was no other band I would listen to - but this isn't what I'd call Led Zeppelin at their best. For starters Robert Plant's voice frequently breaks and he struggles with high notes; I think this was around the time before he had throat surgery. The ad-lib sounds he makes to go along with the guitar in the longer medolies actually become kind of annoying.

Having said that, the live version of 'Immigrant Song' is incredible ... in fact all of disc 1 is worth a listen. However I suggest you go with 'The Song Remains the Same' if you want Zep at their best onstage. This compilation isn't bad, but there's a reason these tapes weren't released as Zep's original live album.