DVD REVIEW: LED ZEPPELIN - CELEBRATION DAY

'Celebration Day' heralds the unique, creative chemistry and craftsmanship which first immortalised Led Zeppelin with 1975's classic 'The Song Remains The Same'. With Jason Bonham eloquently and capably filling his father’s footsteps (demonstrating an ‘encyclopaedic knowledge’ of the essence of Zep rhythms), John Paul Jones on keyboards and bass and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in the driving seat, the stage is set for a memorable DVD event for the millions who were unfortunate enough not to be present for the sold out London gig in 2007. This 16 track exultation of well loved tracks and gig footage (from 'rousing' opener 'Good Times Bad Times' to an epic rendition of 'Kashmir') enables rock's premier band to stand up and be counted ‘to a fresh young audience’ as suggested by guitarman Jimmy Page. The old magic is still strong!

Amanda Gentle

ROCK iKON Magazine

ALBUM REVIEW: BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION - AFTERGLOW

Black Country Communion return with their third studio offering ‘Afterglow’, another blistering blues and soul infused rock album. No drawn out improvisations here, just solid and instantly 'catchy' songs ('Midnight Sun', ‘Big Train’, 'Confessor' and 'The Circle' being prime examples) featuring great playing from musical masters Bonamassa/Bonham/Sherinian, an excellent production job courtesy of Kevin Shirley and sublime 'Purplesque' lead vocals from ‘The Voice of Rock’ Glenn Hughes. The epic title track features an understated Led Zep intro before taking off in a totally different direction allowing guitar god Joe Bonamassa to launch into a spectacular solo. Perhaps the real uniqueness of BCC is the seamless way they transcend the notion of rock sub-genres delivering a clearly defined classic rock sound that is both organic and original!

Christopher Franklin

ROCK iKON Magazine