IN THROUGH THE OUT DOOR

For their Swansong (very much an intentional pun even if they were not aware of it), this album is one of the worst final chapter for a band to finish their illustrious career with. With Page busier with other worries than music, this album really became JP Jones' baby. And as much as I appreciate the man, let's face it , he was in a bit over his head here.

Bar the lone In The Evening, the album is filled with tracks that would've barely made the cut on the previous albums, even if those were not up to par with their early career. Boring, overlong and repetitive Carouselambra, the overlong All Of My Love (I remember most kids disbelieving this was a Zep track until their fanboy-ism actually got them to like it) and the equally long and boring Gonna Crawl, in all these tracks there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENING.

Suarez, Hot Dog and overlong Fool In The Rain are very much fillers on this poor showing, and frankly even on the ensuing and posthumous Coda, they would've had problems placing it. Indeed a sad end to one of the greatest band around. But at least Zep would not suffer the 80's, like other groups. That might just be what saved their legend. Give another halfstar just out of respect for their overall career.