What’s left to say about Led Zeppelin’s signature song, the quintessential Rock track of the 70’s, “Stairway To Heaven”? It’s become the stuff of legend ever since it came out on Led Zeppelin IV in ’71 and it’s as good today as it ever was (even if it does get played a little too often on the radio). Led Zeppelin have unveiled a new mix of the iconic song that will appear on the deluxe reissue of IV. This version is an alternate take of the classic song and it’s labeled “Sunset Sound Mix,” after the LA studio in which it was mixed.
The most noticeable differences on this version start off with the line that says “In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees…” (about the 2:45 mark) where you hear a much more prominent organ part. The guitars in general stand out much more in this mix, with a much heartier sound throughout; it’s most noticeable in the riff that leads the outro.
It’s just different enough to make you notice that this is not exactly what you’ve already heard thousands of times, and the essence remains intact; a win-win in my book.
The reissue of IV is due out on October 28th; pre-order on LedZeppelin.com. Hear the new mix of “Stairway” now over at Rolling Stone.
