Classic Album Retrospect (Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin)

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin

 

 If the original Led Zeppelin Record is not a classic I don't know what is. Released originally in 1969 but more recently remastered and reissued in 2014. Led Zeppelin was the self titled debut album from the British rock superstars of the same name. Although when released it only peaked at 6 on the UK album charts and its single peaking at 80 on the billboard hot 100. When released it received generally poor reviews from critics; since then the album has gone on to become rated gold or above in ten countries (8 times platinum rated in the US) and is widely regarded as an album to hear before you die. Originally, Led Zeppelin was released through Atlantic Records.

 That was forty-five years ago, does it still hold its own today? Lets find out.

Notable Tracks

 Good Times, Bad Times - Good Times Bad Times was the first track on the album and also acted as the first single. Starting with a simple chord and drum intro which builds to the bluesy rock track that made the world aware of Led Zeppelin. To add even more flair to the track, the solo at around 1:40 mark showcases Led Zeppelin's musical talent.

 You Shook Me - Opening with a slow and low intro builds to an awesome sounding whammy bar battlefield. Lasting for around six minutes, You Shook Me has plenty of time to showcase the talent of the guitarists in the form of solo after solo.

 Dazed and Confused - Starting with a simple guitar intro. Dazed and Confused focuses more on the vocals but still has the kindness to not damper the caliber of the instruments. Dazed and Confused in a very minimalistic track but still packs a punch with its vocal and instrumentals combined.

 Communication Breakdown - Communication Breakdown is one of a list of tracks where everyone knows the tune but not the artist. Communication Breakdown is the shortest track on the album at on 2:30 but is still worth mentioning. On the 2014 reissue a live version of this track and Good Times Bad Times was released as a single.  

 I Can't Quit You Baby - With a vocal intro, ICQYB is the most storytelling track on the album. The track is slow and very bluesy but still finds time to add in the prominent guitars for their solos. 

 After a few playthroughs, I can say that, Led Zeppelin 45 years on still has some fight left in it. Although not the band's most well known material (that title goes to the untitled album) the material can still hold its own. With the emergence of bands like Wolfmother; Led Zeppelin still remains on its high throne without relying on the fact that its a classic. I am surprised with this finding but respect it. I think that if I had reviewed the vinyl; it would have had an even better review but CD will have to do for now.

 To finish, here is a nostalgic video of Dazed and Confused being played live on the supershow in 1969. Its a good one (and its linked here for mobile users)