Artist of the Week: Led Zeppelin

LED ZEPPELIN

"Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea."

Led Zeppelin is and was as close as you can ever get to an all-star team of a band. Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, and John Paul Jones were among the best at their individual crafts. So much so, that two members of The Who suggested that such an immense collection of talent would "go down like a lead balloon". The idea struck a chord with the band, hence the name "Led Zeppelin". Rather than leading to a disaster, Led Zeppelin resulted in easily one of the greatest rock bands of all time. 

Every time I listen to Led Zeppelin, I rediscover just how amazing they are. Jimmy Page is easily one of the greatest and most innovative guitarists of all time. I simply cannot get enough of him in every single song. Robert Plant's voice and poetic lyrics are just as incomparable. And it would be unfair not to mention the incredible talents of John Paul Jones and the late, great John Bonham. 

One of the most amazing things about Led, is the way they managed to transcend genres. They pioneered hard-rock and through their bluesy-rock sound could assume many forms. Always though, their music and lyrics had the ability to surround you and penetrate your mind. Again I mention Plant and Page, but Plant's vocals were so deep and emotionally charged and Page's guitar so other-worldly and intense, there is simply no comparison. They created a sound that even today is unlike any other, and that is what makes them so awesome. 

Another thing about Led that I love and respect is their dedication to releasing only album-based rock. They refused to release singles because they saw the album as a complete and inseparably work of art (I agree, when an album is assembled correctly). They were just so good at what they did and never gave two craps about what the suits told them they ought to do. They did what they wanted and always succeeded. You gotta love a band that doesn't take crap from anybody and just plays what they know is good. There will only be one Led Zeppelin!

(Despite Led Zeppelin's belief in albums) 

My Top 5 Songs

1. Dazed and Confused

2. When The Levee Breaks

3. The Battle Of Evermore

4. The Lemon Song

5. Stairway to Heaven