Jimmy Page Declares One Led Zeppelin Song Irreproducible: “That Black Hole”

Led Zeppelin’s artistry reached a peak during the recording of their fourth album, often referred to as *Led Zeppelin IV*. The band was already established as a formidable force in hard rock by 1971, with unlimited resources from their record label, Atlantic Records. However, their recording experience in Los Angeles at Sunset Sound Studios did not go as planned.

Challenges at Sunset Sound Studios

Jimmy Page, the band’s guitarist, faced significant difficulties while mixing the album in Los Angeles. Although he and sound engineer Andy Johns recorded a vast amount of material, the mixing session proved to be frustrating. The sound quality they had initially experienced did not translate well upon their return to England.

Sound Discrepancies

• During the Los Angeles mixing, the sound appeared “huge” and impactful.
• Upon returning to England, Page found the mix sounded “deflated” and lacked the depth experienced in the studio.

Page attributed this discrepancy to the studio’s “colourful” monitoring system in the U.S. He recalled that the mix they heard felt rich and powerful, but the playback back home simply did not match that energy.

“That Black Hole”: The Unique Sound of One Song

Among all the tracks recorded during the sessions, one song stood out for Page: “When the Levee Breaks.” He described its original mix as having a density that couldn’t be replicated in the later remixes. This song is notable for embodying what Page referred to as “that black hole,” an effect that contributed significantly to its unique sound.

• The Sunset Sound mix was distinct and powerful.
• This track became a hallmark of *Led Zeppelin IV*.
• Despite mixing challenges, the overall album is considered one of the band’s best works.

Ultimately, Led Zeppelin managed to produce an album that is celebrated in rock history, with “When the Levee Breaks” illustrating the unmatched capabilities of Sunset Sound Studios, solidifying its place as an essential part of their legacy. The band’s experience serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic ambition and technical execution.