
Originally Posted by
1234over
There is a big difference between Van Halen's master tapes, and Led Zeppelin's.
LZ's records were loaded with overdubs, and there was probably bouncing between multiple tapes going on usually. Record tracks to one 8-track reel, mix it down to 2 tracks on another reel, and add stuff to the open tracks. That would leave lots of room for improving tracks each step of the remastering process, and would take way more time. A wide variety of instruments on LZ records, too.
Also they have bonus tracks to work on.
Van Halen records? One track for guitar (some say 2, so we can roll with that), maybe another for an overdub on some tunes. All recorded to one reel of 24-track tape.
LEd Zep's was a way bigger project, and even that was hyped. I mean, of course Page is going to do interviews and make it seem like a tremendous undertaking, with amazing discoveries, long forgotten takes, misplaced reels, etc.
I really don't think the remasters are going to blow my mind. The records already blew my mind, that's why I want more recordings from them! How about blowing our minds with new stuff like we all feel they are capable of.
They are Van Halen, they could jam on a riff for a day, have Roth work up some vocals, and record a fucking song. Right there in there at EVH's home, for free! They recorded WACF in 2 or 3 weeks!
It's not that hard, they claim to play music at 5150 regularly. EVH supposedly has reel upon reel of music to work with. What's the big fucking chore to put together some new songs? Even just a new single to go with the live album, something that says "we are really an active band, not a charade"...nope.
And if it's such an undertaking to remaster, and get a live record together, wouldn't that time and energy be better spent just making a record of new music?