Led Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin II: MOFI's Near-Legendary Alternative to the Ludwig Hot Mix

Led Zeppelin's sophomore studio album continued their meteoric rise to rock superstardom. Produced by Jimmy Page, the album featured three tracks that reimagined Chicago blues classics originally performed by Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf. "Whole Lotta Love" became the album's breakout hit, reaching the top ten, while the album itself claimed the number one position on the Billboard Albums chart.

The Legendary Ludwig Hot Mix
The Robert Ludwig mastering of Led Zeppelin II has achieved almost mythical status among audiophiles and collectors. Famous for its exceptionally "hot" mix, this pressing was reportedly so powerful that it would cause the needles of lower-quality record players to literally jump out of the grooves. This led many consumers to return their copies as "defective," not realizing they actually possessed what would later become one of the most sought-after pressings in rock vinyl history.

Those once-returned "defective" copies now command hundreds of dollars on the collector's market, prized for their dynamic range and powerful presentation of the band's groundbreaking hard rock sound.

Mobile Fidelity's 1982 Pressing
In 1982, Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs included Led Zeppelin II in their esteemed Original Master Recording series. Mastered at half-speed using the "original stereo master tapes" and with lacquers cut on the Ortofon cutting system, this release has earned considerable respect over the decades. Many collectors and critics have favorably compared it to the legendary Ludwig hot mix.

Sound Quality Assessment
Without having directly compared it to a Ludwig pressing, this MOFI release nonetheless impresses with its exceptional sonic qualities. The vinyl surface is commendably quiet, allowing the music to emerge without distraction. The presentation captures the essential elements that make this album a rock masterpiece:
John Bonham's drums deliver their trademark power and impact, Robert Plant's distinctive vocals project with remarkable presence, and Jimmy Page's innovative guitar work cuts through the mix with appropriate force and detail. The album's dynamic range is particularly noteworthy, with excellent instrument separation providing clear delineation between each band member's contribution.

The overall sound signature delivers exactly what you'd want from a 70s rock album—powerful but not compressed, detailed but not analytical, and engaging from beginning to end.

The Verdict
For serious Led Zeppelin fans or classic rock enthusiasts, this MOFI pressing represents a worthy investment despite its considerable price on the secondary market. While it may not quite reach the legendary (and possibly somewhat mythologized) status of the Ludwig hot mix, it delivers a comparable listening experience at a relatively more accessible price point.

The pressing provides a revealing window into the band's creative peak, capturing the raw energy and musical innovation that made Led Zeppelin one of rock's most influential acts. For those unable or unwilling to pursue the increasingly rare Ludwig pressing, this MOFI alternative stands as perhaps the next best thing - a stellar presentation of a landmark album that continues to define hard rock five decades later. 💰

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