SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LEVELLERS – ZEITGEIST (30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION)

LEVELLERS
ZEITGEIST (30th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION)
WARNER MUSIC

By the time The Levellers released their fourth studio album, Zeitgeist, the group had firmly established themselves, both as an excellent and exciting live band and craftsmen in the studio. It was no surprise when Zeitgeist made it to number one in their native U.K. as they originate from Brighton, East Sussex. The band formed in 1988 and with their name from a left wing, rebellious, political movement from the mid-1600s, it was clear that this band not only produced great music but had a lot to say.

Zeitgeist became an instant classic, featuring three hit singles from the album (four if you count the live version of “Exodus” released in 1996 from their live album). The word ‘zeitgeist’ is used to describe what is going on culturally, religiously, or intellectually during a certain period. It was the perfect name for the album then and now, and sadly, very little has changed since they recorded the album 30 years ago. Musically, the album has aged very well and the fact that the band and original producer Al Scott have remixed the album helps the new version a great deal.

The interesting thing about The Levellers was, and is, their ability to combine traditional folk music with Led Zeppelin. There was always an intense energy to the band. “Hope Street,” for example, has some pretty heavy guitar work in between the more folky verses. The new mix seems to highlight this aspect of the band, which is fine. It works fine and gives them a more contemporary flair. And the remix does not diminish the original. A song like “Exodus” is just as powerful as ever and sounds great in this new collection. Jonathan Sevink’s fiddle sounds better than ever and does not seem lost in the mix as it once did

I am not sure if a remix is necessary, as the original still sounds great and really there is not a huge difference, but the added bonus material on CDs two and three that will make this new version important to fans of the band and the album. CD three is an ‘Outtakes’ album and CD two features B-sides and interesting songs from the time. These tracks make for interesting listening, especially for fans. Songs like the single version of “Just The One” sound great remixed and remastered, and you can actually hear Joe Strummer talking at the beginning (he plays piano on the song). Elsewhere, songs like B-sides such as “Your ‘Ouse” are a welcome addition to the collection. Also worth your time is the wonderful “Drinking for England”.

The third CD in the set is outtakes and an interview to discuss the album and the actual tracks. While many fans will find this interesting, the deep dive into the recording of the album may not be of interest to everyone. While it is fascinating to hear how songs develop over time, in the end, it does make one want to return to CD to hear the actual album in all of its glory.

Zeitgeist – 30th Anniversary Collection, is a well-produced and well-thought-out celebration of a classic album. It is an album that has aged very well and still sounds exciting and fresh as it did 30 years ago, maybe even more so with the new remixes. The Levellers are a band who have produced quite a few brilliant albums over the decades and continue to perform. Zeitgeist – 30th Anniversary Collection is a clear reminder of how brilliant they are as a band and how well it all came together for this album.

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