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- CLASSIC ALBUM OF THE
WEEK
- Led Zeppelin "III" 1970 (UK)
Spring
has sprung, so here's a classic acoustic folky record from the hippy
era, but also it's kinda metal. Led Zep is the type of band that
defines "iconic": all four members were among the best in the biz in
their respective roles, and they bowed out with a set of precisely ten
classic albums (including the live one and outtakes compilation, and
you must include them because ICONS!) By this point, I think the idea
that Zep III
is their most underrated gem is a cliche - yeah, they broadened the palette
after the first two albums. Although the second side is arguably the
crucial part, in that it is mostly folky acoustic music (but Bonham
still makes it metal), side one is where I find the biggest buzz. Check
out this immortal sequence from the golden age of seamless album
sequencing: "Immigrant Song" kicks it off with a literal Viking
war cry, then "Friends" is led by slide guitars playing something
"Indian" until overtaken by orchestra and synthesizer, immediately into
"Celebration Day" which is a truly rousing song that shoulda been one
of their "hits", AND THEN "Since I've Been Loving You" is one of their
finest heavy blues songs, AND THEN "Out On The Tiles" is a prog-metal
riff orgy that points the way to Rush. |
