24th Feb - Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti

Artist – Album: Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffti

Released:  24^th February 1975    

Sounds Like: Led Zep-jam

Led Zep are the rock band’s rock band. They’ve got the look – long luxurious hair, prominent cheekbones, hipster flares. They’ve got the sound – blues influenced hard rock, with Jimmy Page’s genius guitar solos and Robert Plant’s impressive range of vocals. They’ve also got the mythology. This morning I woke up sat upright in an armchair, with one saltshaker worth of salt in my right pocket, a definite hangover headache and only a vague recollection of the final hours of the night before. But there’s no doubt that whatever stories may transpire, they will pale into significance up against the corridor motorcycle riding, television throwing, cake attacking, weird sex legends of Led Zeppelin.

They’ve also got the albums, with this being right up amongst those considered their best. It’s easy to see why with songs such as ‘The Rover’, ‘Houses of the Holy’, ‘Kashmir’ and ‘Bron-Yr-Aur’ in tow. The album switches between a variety of rock subgenres and the boys capably hold their own in every jam.

As a double album, the record does suffer from a lack of direction. Although I appreciate the skill and musicality involved in creating each of these epics, I do prefer the shorter, earlier albums for their clear thinking. Some of the tunes are little more than jams, which can grate despite their enormous talents. It is good but I have my other favourites.

Now, you may have guessed I didn’t sleep so well in that chair last night, so it’s time for me to go to bed!

Albumaday... rating: 7/10

1.       Custard Pie – 4:13

2.       The Rover – 5:37

3.       In My Time of Dying – 11:04

4.       Houses of the Holy – 4:02

5.       Trampled Under Foot – 5:37

6.       Kashmir – 8:32

7.       In the Light – 8:46

8.       Bron-Yr-Aur – 2:06

9.       Down by the Seaside – 5:13

10.   Ten Years Gone – 6:32

11.   Night Flight – 3:36

12.   The Wanton Song – 4:10

13.   Boogie with Stu – 3:53

14.   Black Country Woman – 4:24

15.   Sick Again – 4:42

Listen to ‘Houses of the Holy’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSd3yys69AE