Collectors Music Reviews

California Sunshine (Badgeholder BH008-01-02-03) 

Long Beach Arena, Long Beach, CA – March 11th, 1975
Disc 1: Rock And Roll, Sick Again, Over The Hills And Far Away, In My Time Of Dying, The Song Remains The Same, The Rain Song, Kashmir
Disc 2: No Quarter, Trampled Underfoot, Moby Dick
Disc 3: Dazed & Confused (incl. Woodstock), Stairway To Heaven, Whole Lotta Love (incl. The Crunge), Black Dog

With California Sunshine the Badgeholder-EMC people have released for the billionth time Millard’s first Zeppelin tape. Just like with the EV release Standing In The Shadow Of Midnight, they use a second, good sounding tape to fill in several gaps to give a complete show. The main source for this release is outstanding stereo, very detailed and powerful and runs at the correct speed. Of all the releases of this tape this one does sound similar to the EV and Masterport editions. It seems that Badgeholders intended to release this last year since the copy write on the back says 2004.

The sound quality is the most redeeming feature of this otherwise lackluster concert. One can understand the equipment problems, out of tune guitars and buzzing monitors but the show gets off to a slow start with “Rock and Roll” and “Sick Again”. “Over The Hills” and “In My Time Of Dying” are much better with a great Page solo in the former. “No Quarter” never picks up any steam. Perhaps the highlights of the show are an extremely violent version of “Moby Dick” and the almost full version of “The Crunge” in “Whole Lotta Love”. Plant’s claim to be reinvigorated by the “English weather” sounds very hollow.

The label again utilize the new triple slimline jewel case that “everyone is talking about” according to my jewel case supplier with a cardboard slip cover using several a fuzzy photo for the front cover. They also printed the review from The Concert File on the artwork. This is a mediocre production and not at all pleasing to the eye. The bottom line is, if you don’t already own this show this is a good affordable way to pick it up. But since most Zeppelin collectors probably own multiple versions of this then nothing new is gained here.

Related posts: