They took their time!

[BillyBones]

45 years after its release, Randy California's family finally get round to sueing Led Zep.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36022876

Best not to rush these things.

[Fretless]

I had a good listen to Spirit's 'Taurus' from their debut album this morning - the 'Stairway' riff is unmistakeable.

Taurus- Spirit

Spirit were an enormously talented and underrated band. Their first 4 albums are all exceptionally good : 'Spirit', 'The Family That Plays Together', '!2 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus' & 'Clear Spirit'. Give 'em a listen.

[BillyBones]

Don't worry Fretless, I've been into Spirit for well over 40 years now, and the similarities between Taurus and the start of S.T.H are obvious.

I went to see Randy California circa 1980, and along with Johnny Winter was probably the unhealthiest looking artist I've ever seen. As my mum would have said, "they both need a decent dinner inside them!"

.

[Fretless]

With you there, Billy - 'Sardonicus' blew my adolescent brain in the mid 70's
(dont think I've ever recovered!)

[Quarknosis]

I first saw Spirit and Randy California on the OGWT performing Turn to the Left from the Potato Land album, consequently I got hold of a few of their early LPs and while I don't have most of them now I've been meaning to but the Original Album Classics box set of their first 5 albums.

I still have the Farther Along LP as it's my favourite of theirs, as an album to relax to I prefer it to John Martyn's Solid Air and Bless the Weather even though I love those too.

[BillyBones]

I bought the Potato Land LP back in the 80's when it was eventually released in the UK on Beggers Banquet label, came with a comic if I remember rightly. I loved that album, though god knows what they were on when they recorded it

Some years later I bought the CD version of the album and that is very different and not as good. The LP is a tight 40 minutes, no flab. The CD version has a totally different running order, lots more filler in it, and just not as engaging. Still worth having though.

As is this...






I

[BillyBones]

My minds blown! Just as I was typing the last message and listening to Radio Paradise, what should come on but Morning Will Come off the Dr. Sardonicus album, the very first Spirit song I ever heard on an old CBS sampler LP.

[Stemcor1990]

I hope the litigation is successful because Zep were notorious for ripping off other artists and giving the impression that the work was their own. Listen to Jake Holmes Dazed and Confused. Sounds familiar ?

Spirit were a great band. Their first album and Dr Sardonicus are wonderful. Managed to see Randy C and his bank in Sydenham in the mid 80's. I have to agree with Billy Bone's Mum - he was a mess but a great show.

That reminds me, I stupidly sold my copy of Kapt Kopter so time for a replacement.

[Fretless]

I had the 'Potatoland' LP when it first came out and was totally baffled by it. Got the 2CD completed/expanded version a few years ago - and I still can't get to grips with it.
My head just isn't in the right place for this one

Explanation about the history of Potatoland on Allmusic:
http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-origi ... 0000349282

[Fretless]

This discussion has reminded me that I have to get hold of a copy of 'Feedback'; the album after 'Sardonicus' where Randy California had left to pursue a solo career. An overlooked gem that isn't easy to find.