A Deep Dive into Alex Johnston's Favourite Led Zeppelin Tracks
Always flattering to have a question addressed to me personally. I’m Alex Johnston, and while I might not have grown up with Led Zeppelin firsthand, I have developed a profound appreciation for their music over the years. Here, I'll share my favorite tracks, some of which are rarely discussed in the same breath as the band’s more iconic tunes.
Embarking on a Led Zeppelin Journey
Like many adults who discovered Led Zeppelin later in life, I didn’t experience the bands' legendary moments like some of their fans might have. However, I was already a critical listener when I started exploring their music, and I’ve found myself binging on their albums for a couple of days at a time. After that musical feast, I often find myself craving something more cerebral and less testosterone-fuelled.
Fascinating Tracks and Insight
Bring It On Home
Led Zeppelin II is one of my favorite songs to play on guitar because of the stark contrast between the song’s first and third sections. The middle portion, which diverges from Willie Dixon’s original, was crafted by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Coming off the low-key boogie thumb picking, I find it refreshing to crank up the treble and blast out that iconic riff.
Thank You
Led Zeppelin II is notable for its rare sweetness, though led by a typically apocalyptic vibe. The line, "Little drops of rain whisper of the pain / Tears of loves lost in the days gone by…" exudes a melancholy charm. The sheer sound of the track, with its doomy organ, acoustic guitar, and Robert Plant’s spooky harmonies, is truly captivating.
Black Dog
II, featuring that fiendish riff devised by John Paul Jones, is one of the band's most epic songs. However, I can't help but feel that Jimmy Plant's generic lyric, "Hey hey mama, gonna make you sweat," underserves the music's complexity. Despite this, the band's meandering lyrics, coupled with their imagination, contributed to their controversies in the following years regarding copyright issues.
When the Levee Breaks
Somewhat atypical of the band, When the Levee Breaks stands out as a widescreen, disaster movie of sorts. My favorite moment is at 2:26, “when the levee actually breaks,” which triggers a hairs-on-the-back-of-the-neck experience for fans of the genre.
The Song Remains the Same
Houses of the Holy offers a poem-for-song feeling that I particularly enjoy. The galloping-unicorn feel paired with sparkling guitars and John Bonham's classic 'pushed' drum part is a standout for me. The stonking fill he does at the end of the guitar solo remains one of the band's most memorable moments.
The Rain Song
Daft hippy nonsense at its finest, The Rain Song manages to be both heavy and pretty. Written in response to George Harrison’s comment about the band's lack of ballads, it’s a beautifully crafted guitar piece that sounds even more impressive when played note-for-note.
No Quarter
A truly menacing track, No Quarter effectively uses keyboards to create a sense of dread and mystery. For me, it’s superior to “Immigrant Song” when dealing with the theme of naughty Vikings.
Custard Pie
Physical Graffiti brings a unique joy, especially when Robert Plant’s food-related metaphors for sex pay off. The fantastic riff, the interplay between the guitar and the clavinet, and the overall unity of the band create a dynamic and exhilarating listen.
Kashmir
Physical Graffiti cannot be explored without including "Kashmir,” a piece of faux-Oriental nonsense that captures the band's epic stride across the burning sands, becoming a fan favorite.
Achilles’ Last Stand
Presence features an oddly satisfying eight guitar parts, with John Bonham pushing the boundaries on his kit while John Paul Jones plays an eight-string bass. While "less is more" is often preached, sometimes more is more, and this track is a prime example of that philosophy in action.
Royal Orleans
One of the few white UK rock bands capable of being hellaciously funky, Royal Orleans is a standout track that you can actually dance to. It’s a testament to the band's ability to seamlessly blend various genres and styles.
In The Evening
In Through The Out Door aims to prove that Led Zeppelin can still rock, despite the changing times. It has a killer riff and a big, strutting feel, making it an impressive bid for the band's relevance in the late 70s and early 80s.
Wearing and Tearing
Written as a response to punk rock's fast and aggressive style, Wearing and Tearing proves that the band still had it. While the track might seem dated, its sheer conviction is impressive, especially considering the only punk band that could have taken on this style was Bad Brains.
In conclusion, my favorite performance of a Led Zeppelin song is the all-female Lez Zeppelin’s gender-busting but sonically accurate and thoroughly kick-ass version of "Good Times Bad Times." While I couldn't track down a high-quality video of their live performance, the audio is excellent and should satisfy any Led Zeppelin fan.
This article has been posted in hopes of not only entertaining but also helping fellow Led Zeppelin enthusiasts discover fresh perspectives on their favorite band's music.