Search - Jimmy Page, Robert Plant :: No Quarter

Oh let the sun beat down upon my face...

Jack Fitzgerald | Seattle, WA United States | 04/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The 1994 release of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's "No Quarter" or "Unledded" was part of the MTV unplugged series. It is not a Led Zeppelin reunion, but there are plenty of guest musicians who shine, including Najma Akhtar on vocals and the Egyptian Ensemble, Musicians in Marrakech and the London Metropolitan Orchestra.
Rather than trot out the hits, Page and Plant chose lesser known and acoustic-based tunes, especially from LZIII, and did some significant reworking of songs like "Nodbody's Fault But Mine" and "Kashmir." The result is multi-textured and organic, with an outside feeling.
"Nobody's Fault But Mine" has a country flair, and although Plant's voice sounds strained, he makes up for it with effort.
"Thank You" is a love pledge ballad, and Plant's vocal in a lower register sounds better here.
"No Quarter" is really missing John Paul Jones. Page's guitar playing gets a bit creaky, but overall this song is effectively haunting."Friends" brings in some of the traditional North African instrumentation, along with acoustic guitar, and with this number the musicians start to sound more comfortable and relaxed.
"Yallah" is one of three new songs here, with soaring vocals by Plant, strong percussion and an exotic feel sounds like one staring into the desert at sunset.
"City Don't Cry" features more North African instrumentation, a one chord rhythm with strong percussion, and strong vocals from Plant and the backing singers.
"Since I've Been Loving You" seems kind of out of place as the only blues number on the disk, but Page's soloing is crisp and Plant shows some howl. Strings on the blues?
"The Battle of Evermore" is one of the standout tracks, with the instrumental backing, mandolins and outstanding female duet with Plant.
"Wonderful One" is ballad where Plant and Page weave their magic of vocals and guitars.
"That's the Way" is one of my all time favorite songs, and this version does not disappoint. Guitars and banjos and some of the most heartfelt lyrics Page and Plant ever wrote.
"Gallows Pole" is a great acoustic number from LZIII that gets a nice treatment here, especially when it picks up tempo and the other instruments join in.
"Four Sticks" also stands out in this set. It's one of the more obscure tunes from LZIV, but the rapidly strummed guitars, strings and especially the percussion make this an outstanding performance.
"Kashmir" fits the organic, exotic theme of this set perfectly, and while Bonham's physical presence is missed, he's there in spirit. The orchestra playing is excellent, and there are some nice surprises."

Zepaficianato Delight!

dc777 | Austin, Texas United States | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful live set that combines blues and Middle East sounds. I really enjoyed the traditional arrangement of "Nobody's Fault But Mine", stellar picking by Page. I have to admit that "No Quarter" was different, I really didn't care for it too much; it lacks Jones' personal touch. Three "new songs" complement this set: "Yallah", "Wonderful One" and "City Don't Cry". Page adds his signature style to these songs which sorta preview the "Clarksdale" project.In my personal opinion "Since I've Been Loving You", "Gallows Pole", and "That's The Way" are the best tracks. Page/Plant really shine on this track; both are playing their guts out! My personal favorite is "Battle Of Evermore", I think it instead of "Kashmir" should have been nominated for a Grammy - but who am I?I liked the arrangement of "Kashmir" until the "Black Dog" reprise at the end - sorta seems out of place. A good arrangement overall.This set is a redemption of sorts for "The Song Remains The Same", the intensity through out the whole set is constant. A good addition to your collection. I would give it 6 stars if Jones (John Paul that is) had appeared on it."

Kashmir....best song

Pubichair | Seattle, WA USA | 07/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is awesome. It totally blew me away. Robert Plant can still sing amazingly and Jimmy Page is plays the guitar so well, possibly the best... If you like Led Zeppelin, then get this CD. "Battle of Evermore" was fantastic with the duet and instruments, "Four Sticks" was also an instant classic. But of course, you cannot forget "Kashmir" possibly the best song by Led Zeppelin ever, one of the top ten best songs for sure. BUY THIS CD! You will not be disappointed!!!!!!!"