Led Zeppelin

Posted Thursday, April 30, 2009, at 11:31 AM

Last night, on my way from Reno to Sacramento, I decided to not listen to the Obama news conference / worship service, and instead turn the ole Sirius dial to Deep Tracks, and got a fabulous surprise.

I am a huge Zeppelin fan. I have been since 1969, and I thought I had all the Zeppelin music there was to have. WRONG! To my delight, the boys down at Sirius had a live version of "Whole Lotta Love" that ran about 28 minutes. This particular version was a combination of six different songs, and was simply amazing.

When I got to Sacramento, I quickly dug out my Zep CD's and had a great time. I have never had the pleasure of seeing Zeppelin live. The one time they did come to Denver, I was fifteen, and my folks didn't quite think I should be going to rock concerts. (Although three months later, they let me go see Johnny Winter).

Hard not to be a fan of Zeppelin and not appreciate Jimmy Page. Even today, I think Jimmy ranks among the all-time great guitarists.

In the 1976 movie "The Song Remains the Same", Zeppelin showed their 1975 two hour long concert at Madison Square Gardens. I went to the premier of the movie in Denver at the old Paramount theatre, and sat in the front row of course. Simply wonderful. It was, and still is, a super show to watch when the political world just gets too much.

There is a scene in the movie that still cracks me up. During the song, "Since I've Been Loving You", a blues rock song which features a fantastic guitar solo by Jimmy Page, the camera follows Page as he flat rocks it! Just towards the end of his solo, the camera pans to the crowd, cheering in awe. Then the camera catches a New York City Policeman, who is standing there with his eyes and mouth wide open in absolute wonderment. I don't think that policeman had ever seen anything like Led Zeppelin before.

Ah, there will never be another band like Zep for sure. Still popular today more than forty years after their first album, the group is a treasure to me.

"Stairway To Heaven", off their fourth album, still ranks as the all-time favorite rock song. My favorite album of Zep's was Led Zeppelin III. If you like rock and roll and have never really listened to Led III, try and get a copy and listen.

It always irritated me that Led Zep was labeled a "heavy metal" band, as the guys were very versatile.

The very distinctive voice of Robert Plant is still heard today in various forums. Robert Plant just finished an album with no less than bluegrass superstar Allison Krauss. I have heard some of these tracks, good stuff.

Led Zeppelin was a part of the great era of Rock and Roll bands that tried new things, worked very hard at their profession, and delighted many for years.

I still hear talk of a Zeppelin re-union of sorts, with John Bonham's son, siting in on drums for his deceased father. John Paul Jones, bass and piano, still works with the guys whenever he can.

I know there were allot of great bands during this time, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Ten Years After, Foghat, Queen, and on and on.

If you have a chance to see Zeppelin's movie, remember, it is 1975. Zeppelin pioneered the idea of music video, and even though the production is not up to taday's standards, it was a great concert to watch.

I still get goose bumps when Page brings out the fire red double-neck guitar. Sheer magic.

Rock and Roll!

Correction: The concert at Madison Square Garden caught in the 1976 film The Song Remains The Same was from 1973, not 1975. And, Jimmy Page's double deck guitar appears to be more a kind of burnt red in color than fire red. Thanks LOL

Comments
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I often enjoy the spark of debate from your other blogs but I find this to be a nice change of pace and I applaud you for it.

Keep up the good work.

-- Posted by Food for thought on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 12:03 PM

Five things:

1) Still no comment about that missing blog? Sam, I'm disappointed.

2) Didn't Zep reunite for the Live 8 concert in Londen a couple years ago? I know there were massive rumors about it, but the only group I remember seeing is Pink Floyd.

3) Their '76 movie = awesome.

4) Best Zep album (in my opinion) is II. It continues to set the standard for guitar (instead of vocal) driven rock. That album's influence can be still be seen in some of the better rock bands America has to offer today (namely The Black Keys and Explosions in the Sky).

5) I would like to know why "Stairway" is you favorite Zep song. Personally I think it's far and away the most overrated song ever put on the radio, but I'm hoping you can convince me otherwise.

Thanks Sam. Rock on.

-- Posted by billyjb on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 12:08 PM

Holy moly no hate towards those evil liberals, except for the off handed comment on the press conference, too bad you didn't listen you might have learned something!

-- Posted by goarmy67 on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 2:33 PM

Sam,

None of us can be placed in a box and forced to remain in it, atleast not this side of the grave.

Duly noted, Sam the Redneck Super Conservative, with his livlihood totally dependent upon tax supported and heavily subsidized freeways, highways and byways -- IS A TOTAL ZEP FAN.

This country boy, who receives minimal governmental subsidies for business or self, and whom you clearly consider an emotional liberal -- IS A FAN OF MANY MUSIC STYLES, BUT FAVORS HEAVILY TRADITIONAL COUNTRY/WESTERN.

The fact my business does not rely upon public subsidies for survival and profits ---

While the business of the arch conservative does rely upon public subsidies -- IS IRONY AT WORK.

Hope you are around Sacramento long enough to swing by Carmichael between that incredible Capitol Building and the foot of Donner Pass.

Somewhere on the river in Carmichael is the site of the 1920s to 1960s, WILLS GARDEN AMUSEMENT PARK, owned by Bob Wills of Western Swing Fame.

It was Bob's youngest brother, Billy Jack, who was 16 in 1942, an apprentice plumber working on the air bases around Sacramento days, and leading a Western Swing band three and four nights weekly at Wills Garden.

In true capitalism, Bob got the box office. Billy Jack's band got the concessions profits. The musicians and their wives cooked the food, hustled the drinks and split the profits.

Capitalism in the summer of 1943 determined what fast and energetic music left thirsty dancers.

Billy Jack Wills, "The Drumming Plumber," developed a fast stepping, back beat style which sold a lot of "soda pop" and beer.

Thus was born Rock and Rolls -- Son of Western Swing, which music heritage incorporated Gospel, Mountain Celtic-based traditional music, Blues, Dixieland jazz from the New Orleans brothels, Hawaiian, Ranchero from Mexico, Big Band Swing and southwestern Cowboy styles.

You, the Conservative gearjammer worshiping at the ZEP throne.

Me, the centrist businessman, still preferring traditional "redneck" music.

Who knows, we might even agree on Charlie Daniels.

-- Posted by HerndonHank on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 3:31 PM

That is an interesting post Hank, but I find it hard to relate choice in music to party affiliation.

-- Posted by Food for thought on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 4:18 PM

I don't think Stairway to Heaven is MY favorite, if I had to choose one, well...I can't choose just one. LOL

I guess Gallows Pole (Zep III) No Quarter (Houses of the Holy) and The Rover (Physical Graffiti)

AND, anything Zep does live.

Regarding the "missing blog"

The str8t scoop is this. I awoke at three AM, and in a grouchy state, responded unkindly to a comment someone made. The comment I made was rude. Upon reflection, I decided that my comment should not stay, and not being able to edit the comment, I took off the post.

I am passionate about what I believe, but I don't want to be a jerk. (anymore than I can help it)

As always, you folks are appreciate.

-- Posted by sameldridge on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 5:20 PM

Thanks for coming clean Sam. A lesser man would not have done so.

Again, I urge you to rocketh oneth.

-- Posted by billyjb on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 5:55 PM

Indeed, Sam, this is an eloquent description of Led Zeppelin. I'm rather conflicted about them as a band. They're so good that many young people in high school chose them as a way to end their lives. In particular, the Stairway to Heaven song was the song to which they committed suicide. I remember my 8th grade year as the year that 10 kids (cluster suicides) were found dead near the basement stairways of their homes. It's that kind of band....we all listen for different reasons.

-- Posted by Resilient Justice on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 7:58 PM

correction: The song "No Quarter" is on the album "The Song Remains The Same".

I don't know what happened to the blog about Montana. I will check it out, maybe I hid it by mistake.

-- Posted by sameldridge on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 9:32 PM

I was often in real battles with my Christian peers regarding "Stairway to Heaven." Twenty or so years ago, their were goofy Christians who believed that if you played Stairway backwards, it was a worship song to the devil.

It was at this time, I realized that in the Christian community there are a few of what I refer to as Granola Christians, fruits, flakes and nuts.

Regarding the heavy subsidy that you say trucking receives...Hank, bro, already more than half of my gross income goes to Uncle Sugar. Should I just give it all to Uncle Sugar?

Could I not argue, that my profession is a absolute necessity, and that maybe I should be subsidized even more than you say that I am?

After all, you have nothing in your home, ranch or farm, that trucks did not carry at some point. Of course, I don't include items which you grow on your farm, however, the fertilizer you use, did have to be trucked at some point.

And as far as country music goes, I love all sorts of music, but old time country is my favorite country. Faron Young, Don Williams, Hank and Hank JR. And yes, we can agree on Charlie Daniels. Isn't ole Charlie now a conservative?

Thanks for your comments, everybody.

AND no Guillermo, I would not beat you to death with a cheater bar. I would most likely figure a way to set you up with a fat chick when you got drunk instead. (nothing against fat chicks) LOL

-- Posted by sameldridge on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 9:53 PM

"The Song Remains the Same"--Nothing can compete after a night at the Gothic in Denver, yes, I am old.

-- Posted by fred2 on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 10:42 PM

I remember the Gothic! And the Federal! Wow, does time fly my friends!

-- Posted by sameldridge on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 11:06 PM

Howdy Sam, just a slight correction, the MSG shows were actually 73' for TSRTS.

Cheers

Tom.

-- Posted by ZepDawg on Thu, Apr 30, 2009, at 11:23 PM

Hey Zep Dawg, are you familiar with the live version of Whole Lotta Love I heard on Serius Deep Tracks? Is there a recording of this live version? There must be, if Serius had it.

-- Posted by sameldridge on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 1:40 AM

Sam, we actually agree on something. Led Zeppelin ROCKS!

Imagine my suprise after an 8 hour trip to come home and find this blog post...after I'd listened to Zep for the majority of the 8 hours.

I wish they would re-unite for a tour. I feel like I missed out because they were before my time.

Not sure I could pick a favorite track. But "No Quarter" ranks pretty high, as does "When the Levee Breaks".

-- Posted by jhat on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 9:15 AM

I cant believe all this c---; everyone treating each other decently. Why does politics change everyone so?

-- Posted by doodle bug on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 12:39 PM

Doodle,

I know. What a difference.

I was thinking of commenting "Led Zeppelin sucks! The Who is so much better!" just to keep an argument going. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. Zep is the greatest. Hands down.

-- Posted by jhat on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 1:04 PM

When the Levee Breaks was always my favorite song to "mellow out" too. That and "the Battle of Evermore".

Still would like to know where that live recording of whole lotta love is I heard on the radio.

Jhat, glad to know you're a Zep fan!

-- Posted by sameldridge on Fri, May 1, 2009, at 9:50 PM

Sam,

I've got a live version of "Whole Lotta Love" that runs 23:07. It might be the one you're looking for. (It has an early drum solo followed by a guitar solo. And they break down into a few other songs during the track.)

I've also got a few more live versions, but none that are longer than the 23 minute one.

-- Posted by jhat on Sat, May 2, 2009, at 3:24 AM

one glaring mistake in this article...The Song Remains The Same was filmed in July 1973, not 1975

-- Posted by PARTSDIVA on Sat, May 2, 2009, at 4:17 PM

Hey Sam......being 28 minutes long, it's gotta be a bootleg. you gotta ring Sirius Radio and get it.

Cheers

Tom.

-- Posted by ZepDawg on Sun, May 3, 2009, at 6:45 PM

It could have been only 23 mins. Prob the one you have jhat

-- Posted by sameldridge on Sun, May 3, 2009, at 7:52 PM

corrections made

Jhat - is that version you have part of an album?

-- Posted by sameldridge on Mon, May 4, 2009, at 5:01 AM

Sam,

I got it online from either Rhapsody or Amazon's mp3 download service. It came as a track with "The Complete Led Zeppelin".

I think this is it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013AW...

Unfortunately, I think you can only get the track by buying the album(it says "album only") and the album is about $100. Thats a pretty steep price, because I'm sure you already have alot of their music. (and we're not even sure that's the track you're looking for.

-- Posted by jhat on Mon, May 4, 2009, at 8:35 AM

Perhaps what you heard is off the Zep Live CD, How the West Was Won? The WLL medley is 23 minutes on that. It was released in 2003. At the same time they also released the DVD, which is a must have for Zep fans, containing concert footage from MSG, Earl's Court and Knebworth shows, plus lots of delicious extras, covering the band from 1969 to 1979.

Strange thing about Zeppelin, conservatives and flaming pinko feminist tree huggers (like myself) both love them. It's wonderful to think that people from all sides of the spectrum are toolin' down the road listening to Zep, probably scowling at each other's bumper stickers. Let the music be your master...

-- Posted by CatToo on Mon, May 4, 2009, at 9:43 AM

Thanks to both of you. LOL Fabulous stuff. Let the music be your master indeed.

-- Posted by sameldridge on Mon, May 4, 2009, at 10:07 AM

Re: Bob Wills amusement park, carmichael, CA.

I was raised in Carmichael. The amusement park

was at Wills Point, Auburn Blvd & Winding Way.

It now has a 3 story mental hospital at the site.

It had a small amusement park, a large swimming

pool, Chuck Wagon Chow food concession, bungalos,

apartments, Dance Hall and a miniature railroad.

Betty Wills ran the amusement part. I believe

Bob Wills & his playboys came to the area in the

mid 40's. It was on the corner of Auburn Blvd

and Winding Way. On winding way, there was a

house with a long driveway and two large white

bears. That's where Max Baer lived - with his

wife and Max Bear Jr. (jethro). It was across

the street from Del Paso Park. Was a fun time.

-- Posted by Chickie on Tue, Jun 2, 2009, at 12:36 PM

Re: Bob Wills amusement park, carmichael, CA.

I was raised in Carmichael. The amusement park

was at Wills Point, Auburn Blvd & Winding Way.

It now has a 3 story mental hospital at the site.

It had a small amusement park, a large swimming

pool, Chuck Wagon Chow food concession, bungalos,

apartments, Dance Hall and a miniature railroad.

Betty Wills ran the amusement part. I believe

Bob Wills & his playboys came to the area in the

mid 40's. It was on the corner of Auburn Blvd

and Winding Way. On winding way, there was a

house with a long driveway and two large white

bears. That's where Max Baer lived - with his

wife and Max Bear Jr. (jethro). It was across

the street from Del Paso Park. Was a fun time.

-- Posted by Chickie on Tue, Jun 2, 2009, at 12:37 PM

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