LED ZEPPELIN in through the out door SS16002
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Artist = LED ZEPPELIN
Title = in through the out door
Label = SWAN SONG
Catalog# = SS16002
Barcode = none
Release = USA
Year =
RPM = 33rpm
Disc Size = 12"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
letter "b" on spine
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The Final Chapter: Led Zeppelin’s ‘In Through The Out Door’ (SS 16002 – Variant B)
Today’s entry examines a specific collector’s variation of the final studio album released by the rock titans Led Zeppelin during their active career. This is the 1979 US pressing of “In Through The Out Door,” released on the Swan Song label with the catalog number SS 16002.
This release is famous for its unique packaging designed by the legendary art group Hipgnosis. The album was originally sold wrapped in a brown paper bag, hiding the cover art. There were six different cover variations (labeled A through F), each depicting the same scene in a New Orleans bar from a different perspective. This specific copy is the “B” Sleeve Variant, identified by the letter “B” printed on the spine of the cover.
Furthermore, this copy is a Monarch Pressing (indicated by the ‘MO’ suffix on the label matrix). Monarch pressings from this era are highly sought after by audiophiles and collectors for their reputation of having a punchy, superior sound quality compared to other US plants.
Musically, the album represents a bold departure for the band. Recorded at ABBA’s Polar Studios in Sweden, it is characterized by the prominent synthesizer work of John Paul Jones. It features an eclectic mix of styles, from the epic hard rock of “In The Evening” and the synth-driven epic “Carouselambra” to the samba rhythms of “Fool In The Rain” and the country romp “Hot Dog.” It also includes the touching tribute to Robert Plant’s late son, “All My Love.”
SS 16002 (Variant B) is a fascinating piece of rock history, combining the band’s final musical statement with one of the most creative packaging concepts of the vinyl era. The inner sleeve also featured a unique “magic” design that would become permanently colored if wiped with water.