Before the name
Jimmy Page became synonymous with hard rock guitar, the guitarist was a much sought-after session player in London -- appearing on a variety of artists' recordings. Some were well known (
the Kinks,
the Who, etc.), but quite a few were obscurities -- which serves as the basis for the 20-track
No Introduction Necessary [Deluxe Edition]. Although
Led Zeppelin touched upon a variety of musical styles throughout their career, the first 14 tracks could all be neatly placed in the 1960s rock & roll/pop genre -- the amps are certainly not cranked to ten here. But you do get a glimpse into
Page's playing as a 'hired gun' -- "Lovin' Up a Storm" and "Boll Weevil Song" are enjoyable (yet not exactly 'must-hear') selections. Closer to the hard rock sound you expect from
Page are several tracks that close out the collection, which are taken from the obscure 1970
Screaming Lord Sutch recording,
Lord Sutch and Heavy Friends.
Page produces and plays on the record (even co-penning a few tracks), and while the music does reflect early
Led Zeppelin at times (
John Bonham also plays), the vocals of
Screaming Lord Sutch don't come close to matching up to those of
Robert Plant. Overall, not a bad compilation of
Page's early playing. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide