In Through The Out Door Sessions
May 1978 - February 1979

MAY 1978 - CLEARWELL CASTLE, FOREST OF DEAN, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM
Carouselambra is yet still under its initial title, The Epic. Some reports says that Page brought Shake My Tree riff to the band but only Bonham was interested and nothing developed.

Recording Includes: Fire (Say You Gonna Leave Me), [ cut ], Carouselambra (take 1) [ cut ], Carouselambra (take 2), [ cut ], Carouselambra (take 3), Carouselambra (take 4) [ cut ].
Source: Incomplete excellent cassette demo recordings. 17 minutes.

Bootleg CD Reference(s): Bizarre (Tarantura), Brutal Artistry II (Midas Touch), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), In Through The Outdoor Sessions (Boogie Mama), The Lost Sessions Volume 4 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Missing Links (The Diagrams Of Led Zeppelin), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     An excellent snapshot of the Zeppelin in another tumultuous time. Reconvening in a secret location after the tragic circumstances of the pastime, this amateur recording shows them "saying hello" to each other again and attempting to formulate their future sound. Page is playing very well and the music sounds nothing like what would be eventually released on In Through The Out Door, obviously Jimmy sounds very dominant. Fire (Say You Gonna Leave Me) sounds like the beginning of what would be an epic track written and dominated by Page. It stands in contrast to the keyboard dominated numbers that would form the final album, with loud drums and Jimmy taking flight over the chaos. This song unfortunately never went past the rehearsal stage and, to the best of our knowledge, was never recorded in studio. The four takes of Carouselambra are simply wonderful, albeit raw. The guitar tone is excellent and Jones' keyboards naturally have a dominant place in the mix, but nothing else than Bonham is the true star of this recording and leaves you wondering if they would have ever played the piece live. The band has put considerable work into the song, and Plant has vocals in place for much of the piece. Great stuff here!

OCTOBER 13, 1978 - EZYHIRE STUDIOS, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
The band rehearsals Carouselambra (then under working title, The Epic), In The Evening, All My Love (then under working title, The Hook) and Wearing And Tearing.

NOVEMBER 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
This is very likely one of the mixing sessions for the upcoming album. Carouselambra is yet still under its initial title, The Epic. Southbound Saurez is yet still under its initial title, Southbound Piano.

Recording Includes: Carouselambra (take 1, instrumental), Untitled Instrumental [ cut ], [ cut ], Wearing And Tearing (with count-in), [ cut ], Fool In The Rain (take 1, with count-in), [ cut ], Hot Dog, [ cut ], In The Evening [ cut ], [ cut ], Southbound Saurez, [ cut ], Darlene (with count-in), [ cut ], Fool In The Rain (take 2, with count-in), [ cut ], Carouselambra (take 2, with vocals) [ cut ].
Source: Incomplete excellent soundboard recordings. 60 minutes.

Bootleg LP Reference(s): In Through The Out-Take (Toasted Records), In Through The Outtakes (Widget Recordworks & White Box), & Out Through The Back Door (Amazing Stork Records, Atlantic Recording Corporation, & White Box)

Bootleg CD Reference(s): All My Love (Tarantura), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), In Through The Outdoor Sessions (Boogie Mama), The Lost Sessions Volume 4 ( Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Sessions (Antrabata Reference Master box), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     The first take of Carouselambra is the instrumental track used for the final mix without vocals. This is the last of their epics that incorporates new wave elements within a bombastic idiom that only Zeppelin could pull off. This sounds brighter than the final version and does not end in a fade out. The untitled instrumental fragment is a very short snippet of some unknown tune kept in a rock and roll vein. Wearing And Tearing was going to be a special maxi-single to commemorate the Knebworth shows but was scrapped and it has been later released on the Coda album. This is the version with a count-in by Bonham and additional Plant interjections throughout the song. The first take of Fool In The Rain also begins with a count-in from Bonzo. Robert refers to the Latin flavour of the tune, and shouts "quatro". An additional "oh yeah" at the beginning is present, but the whistle, the vocals in the bridge and the middle guitar solo are missing. Hot Dog is the same as the final version, except with the guitar solo missing and Plant throwing in funny interjections here and there. In The Evening sounds dull and fuzzy compared to the others. Since it has the vocals, guitar solo and additional vocal and guitar overdubs, this is the final product but has a drone introduction rather than the one used for the final take. Southbound Saurez is the version that sounds kinda close to the one from the album. Darlene is another song that was thought to be a part of a maxi-single, but was abandoned and released on Coda eventually. It has a nice, bluesy feel. The second take of Fool In The Rain again misses "quatro" and the guitar solo, but it has the whistle and the vocals in the bridge. The second take of Carouselambra begins with a snort and giggle and contains the final take of the lyrics.

NOVEMBER 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
This is very likely one of the mixing sessions for the upcoming album. Carouselambra is yet still under its initial title, The Epic. All My Love is yet still under its initial title, The Hook. I'm Gonna Crawl is yet still under its initial title, Every Little Bit Of My Love aka Blurt aka Blot aka I Could Crawl.

Recording Includes: drum segment [ cut ], [ cut ], Carouselambra [ cut ], [ cut ], Ozone Baby (take 1), [ cut ], Ozone Baby (take 2), [ cut ], All My Love, [ cut ], Wearing And Tearing, [ cut ], I'm Gonna Crawl [ cut ], [ cut ], Fool In The Rain (with count-in) [ cut ].
Source: Incomplete superb soundboard recording. Near 29 minutes.

Bootleg CD Reference(s): Bonzo's Last Stand (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Coda Advanced Tapes (Boogie Mama), Eternal Magic (Empress Valley Supreme Disc 3CD), Evolution Is Timing 2 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc box), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), The Lost Sessions Volume 4 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), & Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box)

     These are drum tracks of versions later mixed and used on In Through The Out Door album. Stellar quality, you hear a drum's view of the songs. We can clearly admire Bonham working on the drums, with the tape of the vocals and guitar faintly in the background. It's a brilliant insight into a brilliant drummer that makes us wish the band had not released the officially mixed outtake from this session with exposed drum tracks. They all sound fresh and excited. Bonzo let's out a "fookin' ell" right before Fool In The Rain, and it's a joy to hear.

NOVEMBER 14, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
All My Love is yet still under its initial title, The Hook. One of Ozone Baby takes was later mixed at The Sol Studio, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom and released on Coda album in 1982.

Recording Includes: Ozone Baby (rough mix, take 1) [ cut ], Ozone Baby (rough mix, take 2) [ cut ], Ozone Baby (rough mix, take 3) [ cut ], All My Love (alternate mix).
Source: Incomplete excellent to superb soundboard recording. 9 minutes.

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

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

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), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), In Through The Outdoor Sessions (Boogie Mama), The Lost Sessions Volume 4 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), The Lost Sessions Volume 8 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box), & Studio Sessions Ultimate (Scorpio box)

     Ozone Baby are three compact and already finished takes with different endings and only very slight differences. Very sadly, no one is truly complete. The Coda album version is made from one of them. On the contrary, All My Love is one of the greatest outtakes from these sessions to emerge. It begins with giggling and tuning before Jones counts the band in. After an abrupt stop and another giggle, the band begins again. There is a deeper drum sound than on the final release, but the vocals are the same. No middle guitar solo nor trumpet fanfare, just a basic rhythm accompaniment. It also comes to a stop instead of a fade. What is chopped off is some of Page's most lyric and sublime playing on record. It is a mystery why the final edit chose to omit these beautiful and delicate riffs.

NOVEMBER 15, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Southbound Saurez is yet still under its initial title, Southbound Piano. All My Love is yet still under its initial title, The Hook.

Recording Includes: In The Evening (rough mix), Southbound Saurez (rough mix), All My Love (rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 16 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     In The Evening reveals alternate effects on the drone intro which recalls the live Knebworth arrangement, giving it a more Eastern in feel. A much cleaner vocal track with less echo, this really adds a new majesty to the piece. The guitar is also mixed higher. On the slowed up refrain with guitar effects, this mix allows you to clearly hear Jonesy playing that beautiful flute like keyboard motif that could be heard on the live versions. His bass playing is also exemplary. Moving into the finale, the outro sounds very live and pure. All in all, this version is a total joy. Southbound Saurez mix has the piano right to the fore and the solo from Jimmy is much more prominent. Overall, this take highlights how much is going on here, with the vocal overdubs and stomping piano adding to the busy nature. A once underrated track that will command deserved renewed attention now. All My Love has significantlyhas clearly exposed vocals, but muted everything else, and in general the whole mix is ​​much less bright than the album version. It does not have also the extended fade out and full ending as is on the bootlegged version. Such a shame the long ending was not retained.

NOVEMBER 16, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
One of these takes was later mixed at The Sol Studio, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom and released on Coda album in 1982.

Recording Includes: Darlene (take 1, rough mix with vocals), Darlene (take 2, rough mix with vocals).
Source: Complete excellent & superb soundboard recording. 10 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), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), The Lost Sessions Volume 8 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), & Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box)

     This is one of the last rock and roll-influenced song in the band's catalogue. Makes no wonder why it has been removed from the album eventually, as it clearly do not match with the other tracks. A pity, as this is a really nice tune, reminding of the old days. Robert sings in a very stylish way, and his syrupy vocals only adds a picantique. These two takes are complete rough mixes, from which the Coda version is made. Both differs in a very slight details only.

NOVEMBER 17, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
All My Love sessions.

NOVEMBER 21, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
One of these takes was later mixed at The Sol Studios, Cookham, Berkshire, United Kingdom and released on Coda album in 1982.

Recording Includes: Wearing And Tearing (take 1, rough mix with vocals and count-in), Wearing And Tearing (take 2, rough mix with vocals and count-in).
Source: Complete very good to excellent soundboard recording. 11 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), In Through The Out Door Sessions (Wendy Records), The Lost Sessions Volume 8 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc), & Studio Magik - Sessions 1968-1980 (Godfatherecords box)

     This song is the best example that Zeppelin was not an ageing dinosaur. Punk energy mixed with the strength that has always characterized this band makes itself felt here with full force. Originally, this composition was supposed to be part of a maxi-single promoting the performances at Knebworth the following year, but it was finally released on the Coda album eventually. These two raw mixes differ mainly in the separation of instruments. While the first take has more panoramic exposure, the second one is more narrow in the mix. Otherwise both versions sound almost identical.

NOVEMBER 22, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Recording Includes: Fool In The Rain (rough mix), Hot Dog (rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 9 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     Not too many differences on Fool In The Rain are found from the album version except that the rough mix sounds much less bright. The guitar solo is slightly clearer and more up front in, and generally the effects are more pronounced behind the vocals. Bonham is brilliant throughout, of course. Hot Dog is a much punchier rendition, with the harmonized vocals sounding less harsh. Bonzo's rim shots at the end of the chorus are more to the fore. Overall this zips along with renewed gusto, there are some minor extra parts to be heard on the solo. Jones' final piano sign off motif at the close is slightly cleaner in the mix.

NOVEMBER 23, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Carouselambra is yet still under its initial title, The Epic. I'm Gonna Crawl is yet still under its initial title, Every Little Bit Of My Love aka Blurt aka Blot aka I Could Crawl.

Recording Includes: Carouselambra (rough mix), I'm Gonna Crawl (rough mix).
Source: Complete superb soundboard recording. 16 minutes.

Official LP Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

Official CD Reference(s): In Through The Out Door "deluxe" and "super deluxe" editions (Atlantic)

     On this mix of Carouselambra, the guitar is the lead instrument, with the synthesizer work further back in the mix. Bonzo is also more to the fore. The link into the slowed down sequence at the start of four minute has Jimmy's guitar runs chiming away with increased clarity. Some time later there's a double track vocal effect on the “I heard the word, I couldn't stay ... another day“ line. The vocals are slightly higher in the mix, but not radically so. The fade out has differing nuances from Jonesy GX1 synthesizer to have improved separation with the synth effects echoing away. I'm Gonna Crawl is less sheen on the vocal here and the solo is more upfront, highlighting the sheer brilliance of something of an underrated performance which will now enjoy rightful acclaim. The guitar solo is just exquisite.

DECEMBER 19, 1978 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Guitar overdubs and the final mixes midway through the final week of sessions for the In Through The Out Door album.
FEBRUARY 1979 - POLAR STUDIOS, STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
The final mixes for In Through The Out Door album.