Repost from AXS (06-23-16): The top 10 best Led Zeppelin songs
In 1968, Led Zeppelin, one of the greatest rock-n-roll bands ever, formed in small town called London. The group is famously known for its singer, Robert Plant; guitarist, Jimmy Page; bassist and keyboardist, John Paul Jones; and drummer, John Bonham. Go listen to the band's top 10 best songs!
I don't know about you, but I think of Jack Black (Mr. S) from "School of Rock" singing this cult classic at the top of his lungs, driving around his rock band aka his students. Plant had stated in interviews that the song was inspired by a trip gone wrong in Iceland when the band was snowed in, forcing a cancellation of their concert, until fans protested. The show, indeed, went on. Although the song is seamlessly tackled on by Trent Reznor for David Fincher's "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo," something that was highly anticipated prior to the film release as mentioned inIndiewire, nothing beats Robert Plant's screaming echoes for this short head banger song.
It still amazes me that this song was never performed entirely during the early concert days by LZ, who had often intertwined some versus with another classic, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.” It was reported that the song was played in its entirely at the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert in 2007. Nothing tops this catchy upbeat tune, one of the peppier songs by LZ.
Ah, LZ continues to NEVER disappoint their fans, including me. I remember seeing the cover album for the first time as a kid, wondering why the naked kids (or creatures) were lavender and what the hell they were climbing towards. Beats me. Guitar fans will be impressed and blown away with Page’s poppy strums. Check out the behind-the-scenes story of the children models for the "Houses of the Holy" cover album on Ultimate Classic Rock.
Duh-duh-duh…Okay, so I take it back—this is probably one of the cooler guitar verses from Page. Something very cool and chill, probably a blast for the seventies kids (like my parents) who probably rocked out, smoked weed, and drank to this medium upbeat tempo. If do not find yourself dancing or, at least, swaying to this tune…shame on you! This has to be the ultimate karaoke song.
This has one of the dopest openers ever—dun, dun, dun; sort of an homage to the infamous “Jaws” theme song. If you are a film buff such as myself, then you may (or may not) remember the perfect fit this LZ song had with the trailer to David O. Russell’s “American Hustle.” The song was often featured for the opening of “Communication Breakdown.” Fast. Loud. A cool little guitar solo by Page, who purposely wanted a “swirly” after effect sound, this tune will certainly take anyone back to the seventies (or one can imagine).
Originally titled, “In the Morning (aka ‘Take Me Home’),” this tune incorporates an awesome violin bow and an acoustic guitar by Page (hands down—the best guitarist ever, aside from Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King). It is sad that rumors are true of LZ never playing the song live at their concert. Some diehard fan forums predict the reason why. I assume this is primarily for the technical and synthesizer that are heavily relied on for the song, sometimes giving Plant a robotic auto-tune voice throughout some verses, as if in a galaxy far…far…away…
Probably one of the most UNDERRATED LZ songs. This brief, slow melody is a nice mix in-between the rock-n-roll and prolonged guitar and drum solos. Kind of similar situation when the heavy metal band, Extreme, had released“More Than Words.” With a light strumming from Page, Plant’s vocals really pop out, a perfect picture to how the song was recorded, after the band came back to their cottage from a hike in Wales, as reported in 2010's Mojo magazine interview with Jimmy Page. DO gives this tune a listen, especially if looking for something tranquil and, perhaps, write and journal to.
I still have a difficult time sounding just as cool as Page for a karaoke session with this—at first—slow and fast tune. Just shy from being a complete eight-minute song, the song opens up with a bittersweet use of recorders (or flutes), before the tempo picks up as Plant belts out, “…makes me wonder.” This may not be the easiest song to keep up with, but it is certainly every singers and guitarist’ dream to rock out to their own audience. I mean…that guitar solo—I would certainly give it a try to learn.
Want to hear a cool use of a harmonica? This was said to be one of the hardest songs for LZ to play live, because of its unique transitions and mixture of a harmonica, guitar and drum solos. What’s to hate? The song itself was recorded with pieces of the drum kit being set onto different stair levels. It is no wonder what the opening drum beat is often sampled, including films such as Ben Affleck's "Argo" and Adam McKay’s “The Big Short.” LZ cover band, Zepparella, also does a killer homage to the song.
I am not amazed if this is nobody else to go-to song, especially if writing. This is probably one of LZ’s mellowest tunes, immediately giving images of California and the spectacular landscapes. Or of a “girl with love in her eyes and flowers in her hair,” as Plant states, often sitting down during live performances of this soft ballad. Hauntingly beautiful lyrics, I think many listeners will take different meanings of the song. At least for me, it truly is the perfect movie montage song for a character who comes to a resolution(s) for their life problem(s). Something to listen to, while reflecting on life.
Rolling Stones was one of the many to cover the last reunion tour back in 2007, where LZ had reunited after a thirty-year break. Hopefully fans will be able to enjoy another night of headbanging, hair flipping, and a good time. So, please Led Zeppelin...please make a comeback tour as soon as possible Fan can also enjoy the tribute band, Led Zeppelin 2, who frequently tour throughout North America. Ticket prices can be found here.