The Monkey

I think a comparison between the two albums by The Who and Led Zeppelin is valid for several reasons:

- Both came from pioneers of the hard rock sound with base in the blues.
- They were recorded just two years apart.
- The bands had the same ensemble of a bassist, a drummer, a guitarist and a vocalist.

So, which one do you prefer?

Burning Down

Is there one that you prefer?

I have never listened to the Led Zeppelin one, but because it's Zeppelin, it's probably excellent. I like Live At Leeds for the amazing performances of the songs from Tommy as well as "Young Man Blues" and the older stuff.

The Monkey

I haven't actually decided yet.

I'm leaning towards Live at Leeds, because the drumming and bass playing is better and more explosive, but Jimmy Page is a better guitar player than Townshend. Then again, The Who does have more wit than Led Zeppelin in the chat between songs, which plays a bit part on Live at Leeds.

Flower Child

I don't want this to sound persnickity by any means, so I'm sorry if this comes off that way, but I feel that who cares what they sound like between songs, isn't it the music we should be judging on, and not a personality contest? I don't know maybe its just me.

Anyway, I picked "How The West Was Won" because it keeps me interested throughout the whole album and has so much more variety, whether Jimmy Page is shredding his acoustic guitar in their countryesque jam Bron-Yr-Aur-Stomp, or Plant is wildly throwing out his passionate cries in the bluesy "Since I've Been Loving You".

The Unfan

Live At Leeds, but in general I prefer The Who anyway.

Unknown Soldier

I think Led Zeppelin are the better band music wise. But live at Leeds gets it because the Who`s live performance form the late 60's and early 70's is the best I`ve ever seen dvd wise of course.

almauro

I'm down with Live at Leeds. I prefer the original non-expanded version. Yes the Deluxe version gives a a more rounded version of the band, but when talking about one of the best live albums, I'm thinking

Side A
A1 Young Man
A2 Substitute
A3 Summertime Blues
A4 Shakin' All Over

Side B
B1 My Generation
B2 Magic Bus

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cgw

I agree with this. I bought the CD to replace the vinyl. The added songs bring down the overall quality. I need to put them on a MP3 player in the original order.

neardeathexperience

The energy given off by this one performance could power Zep's amps for the rest of their career! Just a stunning performance to say the least.

Rickenbacker

I've owned Leeds for longer, but Led Zeppelin was just a better live band (here). Some of the songs don't work so well, but the overall quality of recording and musicianship is certainly better on the Zeppelin album.

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Talk About the Passion - R.E.M.'s Discography Reviewed