While searching through archives for the recently released Led Zeppelin DVD box set, guitarist Jimmy Page discovered two forgotten audio recordings of two concerts from the summer of 1972. The concerts were recorded at the Los Angeles Forum and Long Beach Arena, and are prime examples of Led Zeppelin at its absolute best.

The three disc set of “How the West Was Won” a spin-off audio release is comprised of material from those concerts, and serves as a reminder of why the mighty Zeppelin was untouchable in its arena-rocking heyday.

Disc one opens with an audio clip of the crowd right as Led Zeppelin comes on stage. Titled “LA Drone,” the track gives the listener a sense of how enormous the crowds were when they came to see Zeppelin live.

The disc moves from the sounds of an eager L.A. crowd, to the point where Led Zeppelin launches into a spirited version of “Immigrant Song,” from the band’s self-titled album. This song presented live is forceful and strong, but still stays true to the original studio recording; it is high energy, but is not full of the bluesy improvisations that the band was known for.

Zeppelin classics “Heartbreaker” and “Black Dog” from are performed in brilliant fashion, and run a bit longer than their studio counterparts. The songs sound crisp and clean, and unlike many live albums from the 70’s, they don’t sound dated at all.

No Led Zeppelin set would be complete without the song by which all other hard rock songs are measured: “Stairway to Heaven.” The song translates perfectly from the studio version; the acoustic parts performed on Page’s 12-string echo clearly and hauntingly, making for a totally hypnotizing listen. The solo is longer than the original, but not as long as some versions of the song.

The all acoustic “Going To California,” follows and pulls the crowd from a fevered pitch, to a cool mellow. It is not that the song isn’t performed perfectly; it just shows the power that Led Zeppelin had to entrance its audience and dictate the pace and emotions of its live show. The track features only Page and Plant on stage, and even in front of thousands of people, the song maintains its warm intimacy. Page’s acoustic guitar rings out beautifully and Plant’s singing is showcased at its peak; the listener can sense the magic that the two artists share, and can easily see why their partnership continued on after Led Zeppelin was no more.

“How the West Was Won,” disc one, is rounded out by tracks “Over the Hills and Far Away,” “Since I’ve Been Loving You,” “That’s the Way,” and “Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp.” Each song is an especially inspired performance, and elevates even some of the lesser known residents of Led Zeppelin’s back catalogue to hit status.

Disc two starts off with the Zeppelin anthem, “Dazed and Confused,” is one of the highlights of “How the West Was Won.” The track also shows the band’s penchant for going from a standard song to an impromptu jam, and back again without missing a beat – something that may bands aren’t able to effectively pull off.

Disc two also features “What is and What Should Never Be,” and “Dancing Days.” Both songs are performed well, but after the breathtaking “Dazed and Confused,” the songs seem to be more of a recovery period for the next extended Zeppelin jam, “Moby Dick.”

The song is performed almost as hypnotically as “Dazed and Confused,” but at just over 19 minutes, the track highlights the rhythm section of the band as opposed to the front men Page and Plant. The drumming of John Bonham is as furious as it is flawless, and it is easy to see why he is still regarded as one of the best drummers of all time.

Disc three opens with another long epic in the form of the 23 minute “Whole Lotta Love.” While the track is magnificently pulled off, and all the band members are flawless in their execution, the listener is kind of weary after the lengthy onslaught of “Dazed and Confused,” and “Moby Dick.” Still, the track is a gem of this collection – especially when one thinks of modern bands’ limited sets and then looks at what Zeppelin did on a regular basis.

Disc three closes out with a high-octane rendition of “Rock and Roll,” “The Ocean,” and the well placed and aptly titled track, “Bring It On Home.”

At first listen, it’s understandable why these concerts were two of the most bootlegged concerts in music history. The performances captured on the three discs of “How the West Was Won,” are as legendary as the band performing the music. The power and mystique that Led Zeppelin had are captured in full force, and the set is an absolute must for Zeppelin fans.