Houses Of The Holy Sessions
December 1971 - November 1972

DECEMBER 1971 - STARGROVES, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
The date and location is still speculative, but since the band was touring extensively during that time, it is possibly that this short clip comes from one of the initial rehearsals they did for the forthcoming album.

Recording Includes: Untitled Instrumental (take 1), Untitled Instrumental (take 2), Dancing Days (take 1, instrumental), Dancing Days (take 2, instrumental), Dancing Days (take 3, instrumental) [ cut throughout ].
Source: Incomplete very good to excellent cassette demo recordings. Almost 5 minutes.

     A real mystery, this recording features some very obscure fragments. The first instrumental take is a very nice acoustic melody, sounding much different from anything we know. The second instrumental take is another surprise. A fully electric rehearsal featuring the whole band jamming on some unknown tune. However, the most interesting part of this short tape are three takes of Dancing Days, during which we can follow Page composing this classic song. The structure is not yet fully polished. The first take is actually still highly improvised attempt, but in the second and third ones you can already hear the well-known main guitar riff.

DECEMBER 1971 - ISLAND STUDIOS, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Commonly attributed to one of the mixing sessions that took place in Electric Lady Studios, New York City, New York on June 1972, these takes are more likely comes from this period of time. They are also sounding not as rehearsed than the rough mix originally recorded on December 3, 1971 except for the final take, which sounds identical minus vocals and middle guitar section.

Recording Includes: No Quarter (take 1, instrumental with count-in), [ cut ], No Quarter (take 2, instrumental with count-in), No Quarter (take 3, instrumental with count-in), No Quarter (take 4, instrumental with count-in), [ cut ], No Quarter (take 5, with count-in), No Quarter (take 6, with count-in), No Quarter (take 7, rough mix with count-in, vocals and overdubs).
Source: Almost complete excellent soundboard recording. 25 minutes.

Bootleg LP Reference(s): Studio Daze (Scorpio)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): Alternates And Outtakes Led Zeppelin IV & Physical Graffiti Volume 3 (Boogie Mama), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Sessions Volume 6 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Scorpio Rising (Akashic), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     What we have here is a fine example of the evolution of one of the most iconic tunes the band ever made! The first take opens with Bonham banging the sticks and singing The Who's Pictures Of Lily verse before Jones begins the familiar cold organ intro. This is a complete seven minute run-through without vocals or guitar solo, but with the same timbre of the official version. Bonham starts his middle section a bit timidly and without confidence compared to the next attempts. The second take is thirty seconds and is aborted by Jones with a giggle. This is followed by another attempt stopped after twenty seconds since Jones hits a bum note. After that the second full run-through starts, lasting another seven minutes. Again no vocals, guitar solo or grand piano is present, but Jones and Bonham change the rhythm during the solo. After two more aborted takes, with Jones hitting a really nasty note, we are rewarded with the final take of the song. This one is complete with vocals, guitar solo, and grand piano flourishes in the middle section. There are also additional effects and more guitar tracks by Page. Some Plant moans were eventually cut out of the final release. Finally, this is also the take that sounds almost identical to the version released on companion disc.

DECEMBER 3, 1971 - ISLAND STUDIOS, NOTTING HILL, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM

Recording Includes: No Quarter (rough mix with keyboard overdubs and without vocals).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 7 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

      This is already well rehearsed and maturated mix with the excellent piano overdubs, spacey Theremin section and the drums sounds so crystal and clear in this version. Another well up tears moment is at the point where the expected guitar solo has yet to be added and Jones extends his keyboard input on grand piano that sounds just superb. His input here has the feel of the live versions from the era. More keyboard overdubs are presented as the song fades out. This is an enlightening rough attempt that highlights John Paul Jones incredible contribution to this masterpiece. This is also definitely a showcase of the rhythm section captured here in one of their finest moments ever. The guitar is almost inaudible throughout, allowing Bonham to really come through.

APRIL 30, 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Over The Hills And Far Away is yet still under its initial title, Next One. Houses Of The Holy was originally recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, United Kingdom on April 12, 1972. Over The Hills And Far Away was originally recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, United Kingdom on April 16, 1972.

Recording Includes: Houses Of The Holy (rough mix with overdubs), Over The Hills And Far Away (instrumental guitar mix backing track).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 8 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic) & Physical Graffiti "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic) & Physical Graffiti "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     Houses Of The Holy is an interesting rough take with overdubs, the guitar riff is recorded with less compression, giving it a much chunkier if not live sound. Robert's initial vocals have less echo and are pleasingly upfront and clear. Bonzo's cowbell is much more pronounced, and the backing vocal "oooh oooh" is also higher in the mix, and you can clearly hear a tambourine as additional percussion towards the close. Over The Hills And Far Away is a bit of disappointment in opposition. It has no revelation anywhere, and it sounds already very close to the finished album version except for some small details. The biggest difference is when the acoustic guitar cuts back in after the middle solo, it sounds like it has been pasted at the end rather erratically, making this section a bit jarring. It could have been mixed more precisely, but we can guess this is just one of a so-called reference takes.

APRIL/MAY 1972 - PUDDLETOWN, RIVER PIDDLE, DORSET, UNITED KINGDOM
Jimmy Page rehearsals extensively on various songs for the upcoming album, on which there are documented evidences of working on The Song Remains The Same (then known still as The Plumpton And Worcester Races) and The Rain Song (then known still as The Seasons aka best One Yet).

MAY 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Rain Song is still yet under its initial title, The Seasons aka Best One Yet. The initial rehearsals were done at Puddletown, River Piddle, Dorset, United Kingdom. Due to the information given on the official Jimmy Page's YouTube channel, the first set of recordings were done at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, England, and then were moved to Stargroves, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom with Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. However, the date and location is speculative.

Recording Includes: The Rain Song (instrumental mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 6 minutes.

     The newly surfaced instrumental mix that has been published on the official Jimmy Page's YouTube channel. In his own words, the original idea for the opening tracks for Houses of the Holy was that a short overture would be a rousing instrumental introduction with layered electric guitars that would segue in to The Seasons, later known as The Rain Song. Again, there would be a contrasting acoustic guitar instrumental movement with the Mellotron that could lead to the first vocal of the album and the first verse of the song. This composition was a memo to Jimmy as a reminder of the sequence of the song and various ideas he would have for it in its embryonic stage. He worked on it over one evening at home. During the routing of the overture then titled The Plumpton and Worcester Races, the half-time section was born, and the overture shaped in to The Song Remains The Same. The difference between this and later version used on the companion disc is that it is played a bit faster, the heavy middle segment as well as drums are completely absent, and the overdubs are still not completed. A real treasure!

MAY 15, 1972 - ROLLING STONES MOBILE STUDIO, STARGROVES, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
One of vocal takes was later mixed at The Sol Studios, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom and released on Coda album in 1982. Black Country Woman was also recorded during that time, yet still under its initial title, What's The Matter Here.

Recording Includes: Walter's Walk (take 1, instrumental), Walter's Walk (take 2, rough mix with vocal overdubs), Walter's Walk (take 3, rough mix with vocal overdubs).
Source: Complete very good to excellent & superb soundboard recording. 13 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda (Swan Song)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda (Swan Song)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): Coda Advanced Tapes (Boogie Mama), Different Mixed Coda (POT), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Sessions Volume 8 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     Initially, it was the instrumental track recorded during the rehearsals and recording of Houses Of The Holy. This tune would find its way into Dazed And Confused during their eighth North American tour in 1972, and it has been later resurrected on the Coda album. This is primarily a rather simple but monumental sounding, guitar dominated composition concentrated around the heavy sounding rhythm section. Bonham plays one of his best drum licks ever achieved on tape, he simply leads the band throughout. The first take is instrumental and has much longer ending which end with a final hit on the drums, while others two have vocal overdubs and the ending fades out. Worth to note is that Plant recorded his parts at that time for Coda sessions, and this represents his final known vocal performance as a member of Led Zeppelin. It is also confirmed that while producing the album, only the original guitar parts were a remainder of this session.

MAY 16, 1972 - ROLLING STONES MOBILE STUDIO/STARGROVES, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
Mixed at The Sol Studio, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom. While producing the album, only the original guitar licks were a remainder of this session. The rest of parts were recorded (minus the drum tracks) and finished after 1980. Some reports says that Page also played the bass track.

Recording Includes: Walter's Walk (jnstrumental rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard tape. 3 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

     Brash instrumental take, sourced probably from the session that took place one day before, and smoothly edited in the studio. It sounds just about the same as the instrumental take from the already mentioned recording session listed above, but it is shortened for more than a minute. The clarity and instruments separation are exceptional, though. It also fades out at the end, just like the vocal version.

MAY 30, 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Song Remains The Same is yet still under its initial title, The Overture aka The Plumpton And Worcester Races. It was originally recorded at Stargroves, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom on Rolling Stones Mobile Studio on May 18, 1972. The Crunge (originally recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, United Kingdom on April 16, 1972.

Recording Includes: The Song Remains The Same (guitar overdub reference mix), The Crunge (rough mix - keys up).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. Near 9 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     The wonderful The Song Remains The Same is a real gem. What we can examine with this instrumental version are all these repetitive lead parts that were significantly shortened, as they have way more impact on the album version. Page plays very softly on the new lead parts, and the entire composition has more breath. It's almost as though he went through the song, removed all the air and had Plant add lyrics in those parts to finish the tune. This alternate mix that stands not so far away from the original release also shows Jimmy's guitar army at his best. The Crunge is also very nice. The drums sound pretty punchy, almost like live version. The bass is also much exposed here, with much more ambient in the mix. A bit of difference in the keyboard towards the end is present.

AUGUST 4, 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Originally recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, United Kingdom on April 12, 1972.

Recording Includes: Dancing Days (rough mix with vocal).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. Near 4 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     This alternate version is better than the official release because of one thing and one thing only, John Bonham. With the guitar overdubbing stripped down, the clarity of the drums and specifically the cymbals highlights the memorizing drum playing by Bonzo. The added clarity of the cymbals' breath new life into this song. Jones' bass is also much more clear and also sounds incredible. However, another recently revealed alternative mix posted on Jimmy Page's official YouTube channel, titled The Seasons, completely beats this version.

AUGUST 9, 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The Rain Song is yet still under its initial title, The Seasons aka Best One Yet. Originally recorded at Stargroves, Newbury, Berkshire, United Kingdom on Rolling Stones Mobile Studio on May 18, 1972.

Recording Includes: The Rain Song (mix minus piano).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. Near 8 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     The acoustic on the right channel sounds superb, as does the electric on the left. Kind of reminds us of the Unledded version. The strings sound superb. The drums are a perfect balance. This should have gone on the album in the first place, just like Dancing Days from the above session. Furthermore, if we focus on the acoustic channel hard enough, then we find piano. Why it has been removed really is a mystery and a sort of disappointment. Anyway, this take sounds much more reacher in some arrangements and instruments separation is definitely better. A great discovery, but they should choose the instrumental alternate mix released on the official Jimmy Page's YouTube channel on the companion disc instead.

OCTOBER 19, 1972 - EMI STUDIOS, BOMBAY, INDIA
Robert Plant and Jimmy Page rehearsals with Bombay Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vijay Ragav Rao. Four Sticks is re-named as Four Hands on the companion disc for Coda album.

Recording Includes: Friends (rehearsing the tune) [ cut ], [ cut ], Four Sticks (take 1, orchestra only), [ cut ], Friends (take 1, orchestra only), Friends (take 2, with guitar, vocals and orchestra), Friends (take 3, with guitar, vocals and orchestra), [ cut ], Four Sticks (take 2, orchestra only), Four Sticks (take 3, orchestra only), [ cut ], Four Sticks (take 4, orchestra only) [ cut ].
Source: Incomplete excellent soundboard recording. 52 minutes.

Recording Includes: Four Sticks (orchestra only), Friends (with guitar and vocal).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 9 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

Official CD Reference(s): Coda "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Swan Song)

Bootleg LP Reference(s): The Making Of Friends (III)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): All That Glitters Is Gold (Celebration Definitive Masters), Alternates And Outtakes III Volume 2 (Boogie Mama), Complete 1972 Bombay Sessions (Tecumseh Recording Co.), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), The Lost Sessions Volume 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box & The Diagrams Of Led Zeppelin), The Smithereens (Akashic, 1CD & 3CD box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     Page and Plant recruited famous Indian musician Vijay Ragav Rao to assemble an ad hoc orchestra comprised of both Western and Indian instruments. What can be clearly heard are both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant speaking to Rao, and Rao translating their instructions to the musicians. The orchestra tries their best, but the different takes reveal missed cues and misunderstandings. This is the first time they tried to interpret their musical ideas to anyone other than members of the band, and they have difficulty in explaining what they want. Rehearsals exist only for Friends, as well as a very good final take with vocals. For the Four Sticks, the other eastern inspired tune they practice, only more polished takes without vocals exist. The official tracks have better stereo separation and precise quality is also much improved over bootlegs. Still a gem and something worth of attention.

NOVEMBER 16, 1972 - OLYMPIC SOUND STUDIOS, BARNES, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Originally recorded at Olympic Sound Studios, Barnes, London, United Kingdom on April 15, 1972.

Recording Includes: The Ocean (working mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 4 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): Houses Of The Holy "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     This is the last song on the album and also the last one on the companion disc. There is no famous introduction and count-in at the start. The guitar is favoured over the bass throughout a bit. The solo is mixed in, but we can dig the live feel to it. The drums coming through crystal clear and the bass is well exposed finally, but between this and album version no big difference is detected.