This is probably the one release OG will be remembered for, the first release of the famous Osaka ’71 second show “soundboard/on stage mic” tape, released in 1974.
Discussion regarding its origins found here: http://forums.ledzeppelin.com/index.php?/topic/14227-osaka-71-aud-vs-sbd/
Side 1: Immigrant Song / Heartbreaker medley incl. Feelin’ Groovy, Bouree / Since I’ve Been Loving You
Side 2: Tangerine / Moby Dick
Side 3: Stairway To Heaven / Celebration Day
Side 4: You Shook Me / Whole Lotta Love / Communication Breakdown medley incl. Just A Little Bit / Organ Solo / Thank You
Recording Includes: [ supposed to be not recorded: Band Announcements ] Immigrant Song [ 4:40 ] >> Heartbreaker (<< Feelin’ Groovy, Bouree..) [ 8:14 ], Since I’ve Been Loving You [ 7:43 ], Out On The Tiles Intro [ 0:13 ] >> Black Dog [ 5:09 – cut ], Dazed And Confused (<< Pennies From Heaven [ cut ].. ) [ 30:29 – cut ], Stairway To Heaven [ 9:35 ], Celebration Day [ 4:45 ], That’s The Way [ 6:17 – cut ], Going To California [ 8:41 ], Tangerine [ 3:19 ], Friends [ 3:45 ], What Is And What Should Never Be [ 4:12 – cut ], Moby Dick [ 15:05 – cut ], Instrumental Intro [ 0:46 ] >> Whole Lotta Love (<< Boogie Chillun, Tossin’ And Turnin’, Twist And Shout, Fortune Teller, Good Times Bad Times, Instrumental Improvisation [ cut ], You Shook Me..) [ 31:05 – cut ], [ cut ], Communication Breakdown (<< Just A Little Bit..) [ 7:37 ], [ cut ], Organ Solo [ 4:26 ] >> Thank You [ 7:39 ], Rock And Roll [ 3:38 ].
Source: Incomplete excellent soundboard recording. Near 185 minutes.
Details: With the exception of acoustic set it is overloaded by the drums. The vocals are also partially inaudible for most of the show. The story goes that two tape machines in synch were used to record 16 tracks simultaneously because Japanese company didn’t have 16-track machine, then secretly taped to 1/4-inch recorder (probably 2-track machine) using separated line. The reason why there are so many cuts and bad balance between the instruments is most likely taper was very careful of group’s control during the show and this caused of tape edits throughout. The person who taped this is not responsible for leaking, however. Someone else did it and spread several copies over the world and thus we have so much different circulating versions that differs in timings and cuts.
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Contemporary ‘eye witness’ account:
“I bought this bootleg directly from manufacture when I was sixteen about 35 years ago. Now, I remember that one and only way to get this first press was mail order only, and then I have memorized 50 sets were pressed.
I have been to the manufacturer’s house located near my house several times.
There were many OG records in his house Eric Clapton, YES, and so on.
Almost all of LIVE IN JAPAN which were released by OG Record remained unsold at that time.
This is why I think there is a possibility that records which has been known as second press were not produced by OG Record.”
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I have found the following versions, not sure about which came first. Someone in Japan knows for sure, so feel free to leave a comment 🙂
1. Red label version (I believe this to be the original):
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2. Black label version (with insert):
Matrix: LZL1 – 4
Auction text for this version:
“This is original second and best pressing from ’76, first issue from ’74 are pressed in wrong speed(too slow), 3rd, or later pressing are inferior sounds.
This second issue pressed in correct speed, and best sounding ever! Heavy, dynamic live set and without doubt, their best performance…..
Original insert is still loose. Thick vinyl and beautiful black & sliver deep groove label.
Also this copy come with some special photo copy inserts.”
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3. Orange label version (with photocopied inserts – front of tour program and newspaper concert review):
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4. UFO 1001 version
Quality reduced to “Very good mono soundboard“. I would guess that this is the later pressing with inferior sound mentioned in the auction text above.
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THE AMAZING KORNYFONE LABEL 