Led Zeppelin are premiering an unreleased version of “The Rain Song” as a preview of the upcoming expanded reissue of their 1973 release, “Houses Of The Holy”, due on October 28.
“The Rain Song (Mix Minus Piano)” strips John Paul Jones’ piano from the tune, allowing the guitar and vocal to breathe.
"The Rain Song" is the sort of piece of music that Led Zeppelin could approach and do so successfully and so masterfully,” said Jimmy Page. “This whole genre of the sensitivity, where it can sort of caress you, it’s something that I’ve always been very proud of. The companion disc version is really a good blend of everything that’s actually being played.”
Released in March of 1973, "Houses Of The Holy" features legendary tracks such as "The Song Remains The Same" and "No Quarter" while also showcasing the continuing evolution of the band's signature sound with the reggae-tinged "D'yer Mak'er" and the funk jam "The Crunge". The album has been certified diamond by the RIAA for sales of over 11 million copies.
The seven unreleased tracks on the companion audio disc include rough and working mixes for "The Ocean" and "Dancing Days" that reveal a deeper look inside the recording sessions of these classic songs. Other standout recordings include the guitar mix backing track for "Over The Hills And Far Away" and a version of "The Rain Song" without piano.
The group are releasing both "Houses Of The Holy" and “Led Zeppelin IV" on the same day.
Led Zeppelin kicked off their reissue series in June with the release of expanded editions of the band’s first three albums – “Led Zeppelin I”, “Led Zeppelin II” and “Led Zeppelin III” – each with a companion disc of bonus material.
"Houses of the Holy" track listing:
01. The Song Remains The Same
02. The Rain Song
03. Over The Hills And Far Away
04. The Crunge
05. Dancing Days
06. D'yer Mak'er
07. No Quarter
08. The Ocean
Companion Audio Disc
01. The Song Remains The Same - Guitar Overdub Reference Mix
02. The Rain Song - Mix Minus Piano
03. Over The Hills And Far Away - Guitar Mix Backing Track
04. The Crunge - Rough Mix - Keys Up
05. Dancing Days - Rough Mix With Vocal
06. No Quarter - Rough Mix With JPJ Keyboard Overdubs - No Vocal
07. The Ocean - Working Mix
NOTE: Audio of "The Rain Song" is not available in all regions due to restrictions at source...beyond hennemusic's control.
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