Hear an Unreleased Recording of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Black Dog’

Earlier this year, reissues of the first three Led Zeppelin albums all reached the Top 10, and now the band – and their label – is moving forward, preparing new editions of Led Zeppelin IV and Houses of the Holy for October 28. 

Both sets will include their original LP (remastered by guitarist and producer Jimmy Page) and a bonus disc of previously unreleased tracks culled from the band members’ personal vaults. “Super deluxe editions” will also include an 80-page book full of unseen photos, memorabilia and a high quality print of the album cover.

Below, stream one of the unheard tracks from Led Zeppelin IV, a rough take on album opener “Black Dog” most notable for Robert Plant’s higher singing.

“‘Black Dog’ is obviously one of the songs that Led Zeppelin is really noted for,” Page tells Rolling Stone. “It’s one of the powerhouse numbers that we did with an incredible riff. The version on the companion disc is a rough mix in its early stage with minimal guitar overdubs and Robert’s original vocal. And you can hear how mean it is.”

The full reissue also features unreleased versions of album’s other seven tracks, incluiding a mandolin/guitar mix of “The Battle of Evermore” and a markedly different “Stairway to Heaven” that the group recorded at Los Angeles’ Sunset Sound Studio. To pre-order, visit Led Zeppelin’s official website.