How to Appreciate Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin not only teamed with the likes of Jimi Hendrix to create heavy metal, but it is still considered the premier hard rock band in history. What made the tandem of guitarist and band founder Jimmy Page, vocalist Robert Plant, bass guitarist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham so brilliant? And what was their finest work? Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Led Zeppelin II
• Led Zeppelin III
• Led Zeppelin IV
• Physical Graffiti
• CD player

1. Delve into their history. Led Zeppelin was actually an extension of the British Invasion group The Yardbirds, which featured at different times legendary guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Page. Page was the last one standing. He went on to form Led Zeppelin.

2. 
   Led Zeppelin: Heavy metal just didn't get any better

   Understand that Led Zeppelin's music was not simply heavy metal. Much of the guitar work was acoustic and they incorporated many other musical genres into their rock. Their work was also influenced by country, jazz, Indian and even classical music.

3. Pop in Led Zeppelin II. Enjoy the groundbreaking feedback in "Whole Lotta Love" and "Heartbreaker" and understand why Page is still considered one of the premier guitarists in rock history.

4. Listen to Led Zeppelin III. Appreciate Plant's soaring vocals in "The Immigrant Song".

5. Try Led Zeppelin IV on for size. Play "Rock and Roll" and discover why it defines the genre in its title. Move on to the epic "Stairway to Heaven" and realize why it has been suggested to be their greatest work.

6. Place the double-album Physical Graffiti into your CD slot. Play the first side. Sit back and appreciate the the creativity and brilliance of "Custard Pie", "The Rover" and "In My Time of Dying". Realize that Led Zeppelin wasn't all about the vocals. Their lyrics always had a message.

Tips & Warnings

• If you like what you hear, buy Led Zeppelin I, which is a bit more experimental and less melodic. Some Zeppelin aficionados, however, consider it their finest album. And feel free to try their last two records - "Presence" and "In Through the Out Door".
• Purchase the "Song Remains the Same" DVD, which features plenty of Led Zeppelin concert footage. It will have you off your seat and rocking!
• Don't sit too close to the speakers! Led Zeppelin music must be played loud, but consider that you do want to use your hearing in the future!

[gluestickgirl]

on 11/18/2009 Cool article!