Theres only so much you can say about Led Zeppelin that hasnt been said before...They have become the "Gods" of rock, the band that you wish you could be in no matter which person you were....pretty much the most talented group of people to ever come together and play. I just read in a poll that "zoso" or w/e you want to call Led Zeppelin's 4th album the most popular and best album they've made....while I agree that its no doubt a very good album, I'm here to talk about Led Zeppelin V or better known as 'Houses of the Holy.'
MEMBERS:
Robert Plant-vocals
Jimmy Page-guitar
John Paul Jones-bass, mandolin, keyboard, piano
John Bonham-drums/percussion
THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME-This song starts out with a huge surprise with the crash impact of the first notes then going into and lengthy beautiful intro that is pulsating with a great beat, awesome bass fills and some very fast picking and soloing guitar. Then finally stopping and going into a dramatic two chord accent then into the verse which is dreamy and kind of a carnival-esque. This song goes for a good while, not really going into anything really crazy or out of the bounds of the song but everytime it gets to the end i dont realize it and im a little let down only because i wish there was more of the son. Awesome musicianship from all members and highlights of Plant's squealing high notes are all present in this song. rating-4.5/5
THE RAIN SONG-In my opinion the most beautiful song they've (except maybe 'Goin' to California) the guitar work in this song is phenomenal , bringing a modd that is alittle distraught but more of a reflecting song and it goes through some choruses and bridges with strings and beautiful arrangements from Jone's, who composed all classical arangements to the album, after a while of all that beautifulness the whole band joins in for a great and very impactful ending to the song. rating-5/5
OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY-Probably the most famous song on this album, starts out with a very 'Irish jig' feel to it very vibrant guitar work, after awhile of that Plant comes in with the lyrics talking of his lady and how much she means to him and comparing what hes got wither to other relationships 'many times i've loved many times been bitten' great song with great lyrics. The overall beat is great with that classic zeppelin bompy feel and the impact notes after each riff makes it a great song. (have you seen)The bridge is pretty cool too, can't compare it to other songs they've done before with an off beat ascending note riff that goes back into one of he mian riffs of the song. rating-4/5
THE CRUNGE-A fun little short song that is definitely funk influenced. The bass line is groovin, the drumbeat is fat, the guitar is dancy and the vocals are sexy how could any song go wrong with that...oh yeah it can't happen. This is a great song.Iits real funky and i like to listen to it when im on a break at work, it gets me in a better mood. theres Plant singing the whole time then at the end this guy with a very proper voice asks "have you seen the bridge?" and ends the song with "where's that confounded bridge." alittle odd and confusing but no matter its a good song. rating-4.5/5
DANCING DAYS-Great riff that just starts out the song with a bang, and a real hippies haven song that has a real weird keyboard effect that goes in the verses theres really much to the song but the parts that are there are pretty weird and original with out taking away from the over all mood and groove of the song. rating-4/5
D'YER MAK'ER-The stand out song along with 'The Crunge' on this album i believe. Its a Jamican feel backbeat, reggae song thats talkin about love and how he loves his girl and needs and all that good stuff no the most thought provoking song but still a good one i dig the guitar solo he does its not bad ass but it fits the song perfectly as he always seems to nail. This song i could'nt listen to for the longest time becasue it made me think of my ex too much but i'm able to now and its still a great song. rating-4/5
NO QUARTER-Probably the best stoner song they wrote, if youre wanting to listen to this song at its full potential take some time to toke and turn off the lights and listen to it with a single candle burning in the room and its just magic its a big trip and its awesome and...emotional (for lack of a better word). T he keyboard is haunting and eerie as well as plant's voice with an odd effect on it then when page and bonham come in its great beat and makes me think of the west texas vibe alone in the desert at nite wandering laone thinking...living. AWESOME SONG. rating-5/5
THE OCEAN-Page displays why he is the riff god when it comes to guitar and everyone knows it. one of my fav zeppelin riffs/songs. the choppy beat of the verse then goin back into the riff then the solos, and at the end the blues jam at the end with a seemingly never ending bass run and the impact of the cymbals on the ending its just a great roocking tune . rating-6/5 (yeah thats right)
So overall 'Houses of the Holy' is a great album which everyone needs to buy cuz you get the whole gammut of what zeppelin is some of their softer melodic and beautiful songs mixed with some of their heavier grooving songs with a funk song that comes from no where. If you want a for sure good album to buy the is the safest bet i think... unless you feel ballsy and want to buy the greatest zep album in my opinion and go buy 'Physical Graffitti' and get ready for some fun.
I hope this helps someone decide to buy their first zep album and get into the greatness that is Led Zeppelin. Because everyone should.
welcome to sputnik, btw.
