CODA

Hard rock legends Led Zeppelin had already broken up by the time this little afterthought rolled around; a way to give the band one last 'hurrah' before closing the doors forever. Collecting some outtakes that were frankly too weak for any legitimate studio album, 'Coda' was forged. There's really not much to say here, except that even as someone who knew what to generally expect from this record, I find myself incredibly disappointed. With the possible exception of one track, these are some of the most throwaway Zeppelin tracks one is going to hear.

The tracks here remind me somewhat of what I heard on their other somewhat weak release 'Presence', basic rock tracks with forgettable melodies, some interesting riffs from Page and nothing to really spark much feeling. There is nothing here that originally endeared me to Zeppelin, the charming orchestrations and arrangements, diverse influences, and sense that rock music was really being elevated through their music. Instead, what is heard here is almost an entirely different band in terms of approach; bland and repetitive rock lacking much in terms of bite or vitality.

The one interesting highlight here however is the drum solo 'Bonzo's Montreux'. I can still see why it may have been left off of an album, but it is very cool to hear it. Although beginning as a fairly straightforward drum solo from the late John Bonham, there are new layers added before the end that turn it into some nightmarish Hawaiian luau. Simply stated; it is quite different from virtually anything else the band had done, although it's a little abrasive and rough to be heard anywhere but here.

If you find yourself really thirsty for some forgettable, bland classic rock, Led Zeppelin's 'Coda' might do the trick. It seems a shameful afterthought, especially considering that this is the same band that delivered some of the 70's greatest albums. In any case, fans of the band may want to check this out as a rule, but as long as they are prepared for some impending disappointment.

Share this LED ZEPPELIN review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Conor Fynes
• Report this review (#443283)
• Buy LED ZEPPELIN music online with PA partners
• Show all LED ZEPPELIN MP3/Stream
• Go to LED ZEPPELIN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Coda page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for LED ZEPPELIN related discussions