The Lost Mixes EP Vol. 1  (Empress Valley Supreme Disc EVSD 89)

Four Sticks (alt mix with Bonzo chat & drum intro), 
Black Dog (alt mix with count-in), 
When The Levee Breaks (no drum intro alt mix), 
Wanton Song (alt mix with count-in), 
Trampled Under Foot (alt mix) 

This is a single release by Empress Valley of new out take material.  The source 
for the first three tracks is from Olympic Studio (the monitor mixes being found 
in the garbage like the first album out takes, according to the liner notes). 
The version of Four Sticks begins with Bonzo playing the drum motif through, 
and remarking that it sounds very "African."  The complete song is the source 
used for the fourth LP, but with much less echo used.
Black Dog again is the version used for the LP. Bonzo's count in between the 
opening guitar and Plant's vocal is left in.  Jimmy Page mentioned in an interview 
that Bonzo had to keep time throughout the song by banging on his sticks, and that 
is very audible.  Also, the guitar solo is much more extended. When The Levee Breaks 
is missing the opening drums, beginning on the first verse.  The Wanton Song and 
Trampled Under Foot are new discoveries from the 1974 Physical Graffiti sessions.  
The Wanton Song sounds a bit clearer with the drums louder, and Trampled Under Foot 
likewise is clearer and ends in a fade. All in all, they are interesting without 
revelations.  This is recommended for those who have a Beatle-like fascination with 
alternate mixes.  (Gerard Sparaco Dec 01)

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The Lost Monitor Mixes EP Vol.1 (Empress Valley Supreme Disc EVSD-89)


Four Sticks (alternate mix with [allegedly] Bonzo's chat and drum intro)/
Black Dog (alternate mix with count-in)/
When The Levee Breaks (no drum intro alternate mix)/
The Wanton Song (alternate mix with count-in)/
Trampled Underfoot (alternate mix)

Packaging is a single jewel case, limited to 300 copies only.  
Front liner cover is a B & W tinted image of a very young Page 
in the studio, possibly at the mixing desk.  Inside liner notes 
are in English and Japanese explaining each of the 5 tracks, 
although it does state there are only 4!  Reverse cover shot 
is a B & W image, again tinted, of Jones, Plant and Bonham in 
the recording studio and is quite possibly taken from the 
Led Zeppelin II sessions.

This release, in excellent soundboard quality, has sparked a debate as 
to the validity and authenticity of these song mixes/takes. One thing 
for sure is that it is not John Bonham's voice on the first track. 
(Brian Damage Dec 01)