REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: led zeppelin (Page 2 of 2)

LED ZEPPELIN – Physical Graffiti

This is the sixth album from the band, and I think I mentioned when I reviewed Led Zep 2, that they are not my favourite band in the world. I only really like two of their albums and this is the second. I actually bought this on its first week of release as the hype surrounding it was off the charts, and this was way before social media. I remember feeling slightly underwhelmed after playing it through for the first time.

Side 2 is probably the best side of Zeppelin music out there with tracks like Houses Of The Holy, Trampled Under Foot, and Kashmir, it doesn’t get better than that in Zeppelin heaven. In My Time Of Dying is really cool as they sort of go back to their roots and visit the blues. The Wanton Song does it for me also with the simple riff and that big drum sound that only Bonzo could get. It’s all a bit too rambling if I’m honest, and I think this could have been a stellar single album, but what do I know right?

8/10 from The Grooveman.

LED ZEPPELIN – II

Quite a daunting prospect to review such an iconic album that is loved by so many. I will say this before we get into it, I’m not a big fan of Zeppelin for many reasons, but mainly I thought that they were so self absorbed and arrogant, and I managed to catch them live at Knebworth and they weren’t great.

Anyway on to the review, this is probably my favourite Zeppelin album along with Physical Graffiti. I actually bought this back in ’73 mainly to see what all the fuss was about. It’s quite amazing how many classic Zep songs are on this album. Things start off with probably the most iconic of them all, Whole Lotta Love, or the Top of the Pops theme if you’re British. 1969 this came out, and when you consider it’s over 50 years old it stands up really well with that easily recognizable riff and Plants amazing vocal. Plenty of improv guitar sounds from Page in the middle section to keep everyone amazed, wondering how does he do that? This leads into the bluesy What Is and What Should Never Be, and then boom, another classic, The Lemon Song. Then the only weak song on the album, which stops it from getting the full 10 with Thank You.

Flip it over onto Side 2 and Heartbraker pounds in with that simple but iconic riff played by guitar and bass with a Plant trademark wailing vocal. More Page histrionics in the middle 8 before the groove picks up pace. Living Loving Maid is next and another top Plant vocal. Classic after classic as Ramble On is next, which starts with an almost folky vibe before it kicks in with that heavy groove. Moby Dick is next, another classic, which would always be Bonham’s showpiece when playing live. Then it’s album closer the bluesy Bring It On Home with another killer riff and it’s all over.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s my fave Zeppelin album as it’s the only one I can listen to all the way through without getting bored and lifting the needle. Best track is probably Heartbreaker and it falls into the everyone should own one category.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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