After The Levee Broke Zepp Tribute - Topvega

Topvega, how are you, man?

Well, it looks like I arrived to the party just a little behind everyone else. Either way, I'm glad I found it!

I'm not exactly a Zeppelin fan. More of a Pink Floyd guy, myself. I am however a pretty big fan of the John Paul Jones and John Bonham rhythm section of Led Zeppelin. Bonham had such a loose, almost sloppy, but impeccable style, and Jones knew how to fill in the spaces to keep it pulled together. I've always felt like Page and Plant were doing their own thing in the band, while the Johns were busy being awesome. You've definitely channeled their rhythm on this track. The guitars aren't very Jimmy Page....but to me, that's a good thing. Honestly, what it sounds like to me is, The Johns on Drums and bass, early Gilmour on rhythm, and Billy Gibbons on lead. Damn...that would have been a sweet supergroup.

Generally, I agree with most of Statics reviews. Not this time. I don't think it's too long at all. This track is total jam band song, and that's what jam bands do. Jam. For long periods of time. When you find yourself grooving to good music, you don't want it to stop just about the time you're in full swing. For example...this song by Earthless. (link below) 21 minutes long and not once is it boring. I'd say you did a pretty good job of carrying this one for almost 7 minutes!

A few months ago I did a nod to Pink Floyd, (Red On The White) so I can totally relate to where you're coming from with wanting to do this track. I think you did a better job at just doing your own style based on their influence. Mine was a little more emulative, and I fear that it sounds like a ripoff. But, that's no matter, we're not talking about my track.
I like this one, and I added it to my fav file. Excellent work, as always. Here's the link to Earthelss- "Lost In The Cold Sun" I hope you like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HITHygbE_BA

Take care.
V.

Jammin tune hear my friend! I am especially fond of the lead guitar part, very expertly played! The drums really do give a Zep feeling. I like the part around 5:25, that change in progression is sweet! I'm listening on headphones, so it's a bit difficult to give any real opinions on the mix. I would say I'd like to hear a little more low end, but that's just personal preference. A fun one to listen to for sure! I dig it! Fave!

I`m with you on the whole idea of doing a new take on the band`s sound but doing your own thing at the same time (easier said than done)..this one nails it..my younger brother got into Zep before I did (I was drooling on Steppenwolf) but they were great...on that widening the mix thing tv...if you are making room for a vocal in the middle/up front..it may be an idea...If the lead guitar bits are to carry the melody I would be more inclined to actually do the opposite..take a little reverb off (or set a long pre-delay on the guitar`s reverb.) and get the lead a bit more in front of the band...It a dam good rock tune tv...my day is off to a good start...right on...Ed

Good tribute to one of the best bands ever.
And as pointed out by others, this has a "vague" Zep taste but it is original: this is jamming with 70s spirit in the 21st century :-)
Liked it (as usual with your tracks).
Ciao, Domenico

PS: the riff with the minor 3rd reminds me a lot of the atmosphere of a Vinicio Cappossela's song (one of my favorite italian songwriters)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaNfVJUfWV8

but this is a song on Greek mithology, so nothing to do with your work, it just excited a link in my brain

This is rocking Tv, your point of view in tribute has done a respectable representation. That guitar holds the two sides on the same team which is great. I can imagine the band jammin this at some local event, but I hear you and the difference works more than what would be expected. I believed it was an actual song from them, now I know the truth. Keep rocking it man and thanks for sharing. Peace.

More of your classic guitar work here.

Drum beats are good though perhaps they get a bit repetitive after a while. I like the change to the open hat.

1:52 trill is cool and groovy lead work.

You're right that this probably should be shorter.

I think you could maybe mix your lead playing a bit better at times as it seems a bit pushed back in the mix. Try EQing it a bit. I also use a lot of stereo widening effect (the same Cubase plugin) on my guitar parts, which can make a huge difference.

I don't put it on every single guitar part but I generally try it out to see it will help.

Not much to fault with the playing here. I think you should try to cut the track down by something like a minute or two.

However, if this were a live gig, the length would probably be fine. People would be grooving to this.

Listened to this whilst i was getting ready and it had me banging my head whilst i was getting dressed.
Aside from the beat and the tempo it's not like the original, but it does have that classic rock sound that Jimmy Page used to make.
It's a great track but if you could find someone to add a few vocals it would be even better.
That aside, it's a flawless piece of guitar playing that's been well mixed and well thought out.
My first track of the day and it's a blinder!
FR

Very good job, especially on keepin it original. Most tribute songs are covers so its pleasurable to see some creativity and originality. Now if they could only grasp that concept in the cinema/movie industry. :)

Well...if someone like live sounded rock music, it could be one from the winner...Drum nearly sounds like in the great years and this jammin tone is a good rememberance that those biggest bands played like in the same mood and feeling...colab request is for vocs? If yes, hope you find some strong and learned voice...:-)

Best, Danke