So it’s here. Tight But Loose issue 22 is on the streets.

It’s always quite an epic moment when the fruits of our labour become a reality which all started in late August. I must acknowledge the input of Steve Jones, Cliff Hilliard, Simon Cadman, Mick Wall, Ross Halfin, Gary Davies and Gary Foy in making this issue what it is. 

Such is the close proximity to Christmas day itself, I half expected the TBL logo masthead to have a layer of snow on like seasonal issues of The Beano or Hotspur comics I used to eagerly snap up when I were a lad (there are still a few of those in the loft somewhere!)

Martyn has delivered another fantastic design job in bringing it all alive – and one big advantage publishing at this time of year is for a majority of readers, they’ll be plenty of time to soak up the contents of another TBL outpouring over the holiday season. 

To aid my own enjoyment of it all, I couldn’t resist compiling a personal playlist that effectively acts as an aural companion to the magazine – ie an imaginary cover mounted CD ala Uncut magazine etc .

Each selection here mirrors the accompanying text on the relevant page. You might want to have a go at compiling a similar playlist when the magazine drops on your doormat.

For me this is the music that inspires the content of the twenty second issue of the magazine that continues chronicling the world of Led Zeppelin.

So over the Christmas period keep reading and keep listening to this:          

TIGHT BUT LOOSE 22

THE PLAYLIST

Page 3

For Your Life

(Source –Live At The O2 –Wendy label CD)

As the ‘’Will they or won’t they’’ saga goes on, this track is a permanent reminder of how potent they were, are and always will be.  

Page 5

Four Sticks

Kashmir

(Source Jimmy Page Robert Plant No Quarter/Unledded CD)

The sad news of Michael Lee’s death prompts this tribute to the drummer who’s total empathy for their catalogue made this MTV reunion so memorable. The last minutes of this version of Kashmir is one of the most compelling Page & Plant performances in or out of Zep. Not least due to Michael’s subtle sense of percussive dynamics.

Page 5

The Battle Of Evermore

(Source – Led Zeppelin IV CD)

Robert’s guest appearance at the Cropredy Festival to sing this famous lament in memory of Sandy was a fitting testament to a singer who’s achievements and stature grow with each year of her passing.

Page 7

Celebration Day

Out On The Tiles

(Source – Led Zeppelin III CD)

Recollections of Zep 3 from the designer of that famous album cover on a lovely English night just outside Stevenage. 

The Song Remains The Same

(Source – Knebworth Lost Masters  CD)

…which of course led us back to the scene of the best blind date I ever went on –

together with a few thousand others.

Page 8

Please Read The Letter

Stick With Me Baby

(Source -Robert Plant Alison Krauss Raising Sand CD)

Much has happened since this album innocently seeped out. A perfect match that has reaped much creative and commercial reward for both partners. Yoko Ono she ain’t.   

Page 9

And I quote ‘’If we need heroes rather Jimmy Page than political bafoons,or licensed jesters or sporting apes: rather the shy, nervous steely youth whose songs are inspiring a generation’’

Tony Palmer Observer magazine/Earls Court programme notes May 1975

Heartbreaker

Communication Breakdown

(Source When We Were Kings CD)

Tony Palmer was right there when these glorious May Days were upon us.

This final onslaught from the Earls Court stage on may 25 1975 might just be their greatest ever encore. 

Page 10/11

Since I’ve Been Loving You

(Source – Led Zeppelin III CD

Achilles Last Stand

(Source – Presence CD)

Robert At 60 ‘’It works contrary to public opinion’’: loud and proud here in the golden era  

Like I’ve Never Been Gone

(Source – Pictures At Eleven CD)

Come Into My Life

(Source – Fate Of Nations CD)

..And equally as emotive in his post Zep years

Page 16

Black Dog

Dazed And Confused

Source – BBC Sessions CD)

How they sounded when Steve Jones first saw them in Manchester University

Page 17

Immigrant Song

Heartbreaker

(Source – Ipswich 1971 CD)

….And again around the time Steve was there at the Free Trade Hall/Belle Vue

Page 18

Rock And Roll

Over The Hills And Far Away

(Source – Southampton 73 CD)

…And a year later when they were developing into something very special and unique

Page 20

Nobody’s Fault But Mine

(Source – Presence CD)

The Zeppelin At 40 Scrapbook Of Memories Part 3 kicks off in 1976 when ‘’Led Zeppelin Storm Back’’- did they ever…

Page 21

No Quarter

(Source – The Song Remains The Same CD)

‘’Thundering good’’ said the Evening Standard as this mystical performance testifies. And I’m of the opinion Jimmy’s solo is exquisite on any of the versions officially available.

Page 22

The Song Remains the Same

Sick Again

(Source – Listen To This Eddie CD)

Biggest of Them All’’  read the Melody Maker headline and boy did they sound like it on this incredible opening salvo from the famous Listen To This Eddie show in Los Angeles on the night of June 21 1977.

Page 23

Fire

Carouselambra

(Source – Brutal Artistry CD)

Darlene

(Source – Coda  CD)

‘’Zeppelin Back’’…well maybe soon –these rehearsal remnants from Clearwell Castle show that the spirit was still very much willing…while visits to see Duane Eddy and Jerry Lee Lewis prompted rock’n’roll cornball such as Darlene. Clearly they were having fun again.

Page 24/25

In The Evening

Whole Lotta Love

(Source DVD soundtrack)

‘’It took Led to lift the roof off’’ observed the Record Mirror. Or the sky in this instance. Two of the finest Knebworth moments

Page 26

Carouselambra

(Source – In Through The Out Door CD)

‘’Close the door put out the light’’ ran the Sounds headline…I begged to differ as did millions around the world as we soaked up what we believed to be the artistic rebirth.

The Train Kept A Rollin’

All My Love

Stairway To Heaven

(Source – Berlin 80 CD)

‘’Uber Alles’’ indeed.  The last hurrah in Berlin tells us Led Zeppelin still had new places to go. Jimmy’s solo in Stairway is utterly mesmerising.    

Page 27

We’re Gonna Groove

Wearing And Tearing

(Source – Coda CD)

‘Coda::The independent and often elaborate passage introduced after the main part of a movement’’ So explained the Melody Maker at the time. And Rolling Stone noted ‘’Led Zep goes out with class’’.

Ten years divide these two frantic performances, which can both rightly be deemed to being best described by the phrase Jimmy and Robert once used to describe the ethic of Led Zeppelin’s music.

‘’Tight But Loose’’

You have been listening to issue 22

Enjoy reading it…..

…..

Here it’s been full-on in the midst of retail frenzy and getting organized for Christmas. It’s a big week ahead with the Zavvi sale due to launch (bargains galore – perfect for you late gift buyers-get in there!).

This year I’m not working on Boxing Day so it will be fantastic to have two days out to enjoy the season’s festivities. Which for us revolves around Christmas dinner at the good lady Janet’s Mum and Dads.

All talk of Zeppelin of course will be banished….though I might just sneak a listen to the TBL 22 playlist on the i-pod as I drift off to sleep after the Queens speech!

Wherever you are, have a great Christmas and thanks for all your support throughout the year.