@AirplayBeats reacts to Led Zeppelin’s The Song Remains The Same Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827 Www.Airplaybeats.com
I'm a bit younger... I was 18 in 1988 got my first CD player, and this album and The Wall and Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions... and BDP's By All Means Necessary were the first four albums I bought...
Page was an absolute genius at layering guitars as their albums progressed and yet live NONE of the songs suffered as a result. He had it totally figured out.
I wouldn't say he 'had it, totally figured out,' BUT: he started as a 'studio guy' [session player] (pre-Yardbirds, already) and began understanding what was the LARGEST innovation, in the late '60s (and picked-up by the majority of music/musicians, in the 1970s -at SOME point!): "The studio as instrument." [George Martin and Brian Wilson "gave it to everybody," but, it had, already, begun to be explored and disseminated by: Conny Plank (Eno's primary influence), in the earlier '60s) and: Sgt. Pepper's... "gave it to everybody" ...Alan Parsons garbled on: The Beatles ("the White Album") and influenced even MORE people, via: Dark Side Of The Moon.] It "was ON!" in the '70s. Everyone hearing these, heretofore, "impossible" (or: inconceivable!) things and trying to compete with and "outdo" each otehr! ...Then, if you think of how many people Brian Eno (after he left Roxy Music, but, partculalry with what he started doing when he worked with U2 & Daniel Lanois on: The Unforgettable Fire!) influenced: ...you, basically, get "the entire '80s and '90s" (I am being slightly "exaggerative," here ...but, in essence, not by much.) -Sorry, sorry, sorry ...I DID mean to be talking about Page. You are correct that: Page (unlike many other players, at that same time [the late '60s and, really, the first 3-4 years of the '70s]) had seen and understood the advancements which: at that point were ONLY available in the studio, but enlivened and "thickened" and enriched the sound so much! ...and he, certainly, used many of them to best effect. ...but there were plenty of others (maybe not as SUCCESSFUL as Page) who did it and understood it EVEN better/just as well! ...and I think you were referring to Page as a PLAYER, as well, and in THAT case, you HAVE to acknowledge how sloppy and lazy and "not-up-to-par" he became, LIVE, ...circa... -well, I'd say: 1975-1978(-ish) is "the low point of his playing, high point of his addiction..." (and sloppiness), effectively. Sure: there are staunch, impressive (even) performances from that period, TOO ...but ether are MORE very lackadaisical, shitty ones and FEWER "truly legendary" ones. He was, still, partially, "recovering" when they were making In Through The Out Door and Bonzo died, as well. ...so: his skinny-ass, junk-shooting self was FAR from "a genius" at many of those times [look for: when he is bone-thin, sweating and can't keep his eyes open, and/or flubs 'entries' into songs or parts; on stage!!] ...and, even as a rabid fan: one HAS to acknowledge that. ...however: he was, still, amazingly, able to do what he did, to a pretty fair degree, even in MANY OF those days and, also: his INCREDIBLE band: was WITH him and helped cover for him (when he, really,"couldn't"...a LOT!) ...The most inane thing, in that periodontist, I might argue, would be: the completion of: Presence; which was AFTER Robert and his FAMILY had CRASHED off a CLIFF, in a car, in Rhodes (the Greek island)!!! and Page was "shorted" in the studio, 'cause The Stones were booked (had blocked-out dates) to come in and record what would be: Black & Blue (-their first album with Ronnie Wood. - Musicland was, also, where they had tracked: It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, their final album with: Mick Taylor (and a bit of a "comeback" for them, already; as well.) into the same Studio and Page couldn't extend his dates (and moving everything would have altered the sound and his ability to get exactly what he was imagining!). So: Page was, ultra-rushed, spent days staying up [binging on coke, of course, yes.-That was NOT a "healthy move," for him, of course-but nobody, actually, BELIEVED that "cocaine" was "bad," in the 1970s!🙄🤦-It was viewed as "non-addictive" and "helpful" 🙄🙄🙄] (I think he, essentially, stayed up: 3 days straight ["up for the whole 24," I mean, here!], "coloring" tracks and overdubs and, then, another 5-ish (🤷🤷), mixing down! (His engineer helped a great deal and, definitely, did some stuff when Page was, just, passed-out, too.) ...The fact that Plant was, still, in a WHEELCHAIR delivering those vocals, too! ...that album is INSANE! ...I mean: just the STORY of making/getting TO making it! - ...and then: it, basically. "disappeared" (never publicly acknowledged for what it was, really. -an album that had no "always in the set-list" Zeppelin songs and, ONLY post-Bonham's death (and, even MOREso: in the "era" of: streaming music, yootoob and: fans who were never alive during the band's actual tenure!: discovering the music, without any of the, then-surrounding, "drama," or thinking or, whatever... ...and getting into it, in-and-of-itself --It is in THAT context that) "Achilles' Last Stand" has become a now-legendary/"hit"-type Zeppelin track. Know it.!) and all of the just-mentioned, above, made the "comeback" energy of (what became their FINAL album, -Coda does NOT count. It's an outtakes album Zeppelin would NEVER have released, but the label had a contract and demanded they put one out to FULFILL it (despite the death of John Bonham and the band's, subsequent, disbandment!), so...)- due to the death of John Bonham: In Through The Out Door;even "LARGER"and more important. ..and: the desire to SEE the band LIVE was:INSANE (I, personally, was [planning to sleep-out for tickets, in MULTIPLE CITIES, at the time! -and I wasn't, even, in JUNIOR High, yet!). ...But, sadly: In Through The Out Door became the band's coda (terrible, pun=intentional, here ). ...ANYhow: Page was excellently-skilled at understanding: how to use differing guitar tones, volumes and parts. Yes. ..he, however, relied to a great extent on his reputation and the willingness of his fans to "forgive and forget" or, simply: NOT be as aware of: what guitar playing took and could be and resulted from (etc.!!)--and WHAT great guitar paling WAS & SHOULD be seen as (outside of: "an uneducated listener's, personal, "experience," as well as: said type pf person's unthinking worship/deference to: reputation and established expectations.. ...just believing that "...ANYTHING Jimmy Page does is, 'inherently,' great."🙄🙄 🤦-NOT a fact (and, in fact: That was what the guy had been SEARCHING for/CRAVING, since CHILDHOOD and since his childhood/schoolboy/lifelong friend (&defined-by-Page, internally: "competitor"): Jeff Beck outstripped him in (effectively) EVERY area of guitar mastery; reflexive, nuanced, textural, emotional translation and expression and compositional abaility ...but Page's ego would not accept the truth. ...only what he WANTED to be true. ...but: that is, "a bit of" "another story, "as well...🤷 😉 😛👍). Page has been excellent, but far from "perfect," or 'superb" and, effectively, since The Firm ...has not done that much of note (and nothing extremely "innovative" - not that *I* can point out, anyway. 🤷).-I say that because: in comparison: I can point-out several things that, either: Plant or John Paul Jones have done. ...and, yes: it's more than 'simply arguable' that they picked-up on techniques and ideas they used later, by having experiences with/seeing Page in the studio, during the Led Zeppelin-era. ...However: that, also, makes it seem ...at least: "odd" that he has had so little that, even, approaches the quality of his work in the 1970s. 🤷🤷 - No? (I, certainly think so.🤷)
Remembering that Jimmy Paige was a sought after session musician at 16 so he showed great ability and promise and boy did he fulfill that promise and then some. Led Zeppelin was a group that fit perfectly together and each member was given room to show their talents.
This Band is so tight they totally shine no one came close and honestly I don’t believe there’s been a band since that could rival them… for me .. the greatest!
Every album has its place. Over the many years its like depending on the mood determines which to play. There is no clear winner to which is best. They are all masterpieces and we are lucky to have listen to greatness. The best band ever in my opinion
You guys need to watch the live version from Madison Square Garden in 1973. Then let it play into The Rain Song. It’s pretty epic. IMO. It blows the album version away. 🔥
This album contains one of the most beautiful songs ever composed, The Rain Song. It also had a big hit song, D'Yer Maker. Strong album, but they weren't done quite yet as you guys will eventually discover.
This is my absolute favorite Led Zeppelin album for me. No Quarter being one of my all time faves!! Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy!! Also a warning D’yer Maker is not pronounced how it looks. It’s from an English joke and it’s pronounced Jamaic-er. It’s a pun on Jamaica 🇯🇲
In a 2005 interview, Plant discussed the different interpretations and pronunciations of the name of the song. He explained that the title is derived from an old joke, where two friends have the following exchange: "My wife's gone to the West Indies." "Jamaica?" (which in an English accent sounds like "Did you make her?") "No, she wanted to go"
Wait until you listen to The Rain Song which is my favorite song by LZ and you need to do the live 1973 version from MSG which has to be played in sequence with The Song Remains the Same/The Rain Song...its just masterful
This is the first full Led Zeppelin album I had heard as a teenager - it blew my mind. They had such energy and moxie. They just went for it. There's a pattern with Led Zeppelin - they opened up their albums with a high energy in your face rocker ! Look back - they've done it on all five albums.
This song was originally intended to be an instrumental with a working title of "the Overture". They would play this live in advance of the album release and Robert would sometimes introduce it as "the Campaign" before they finally decided on its title and you're correct that Robert's vocal was sped up a little in production. To me, this song is like white water rafting; you have slower, pretty parts as you move along the flow, but there are swirls and eddies that threaten to flip you over. The guitar parts are controlled chaos that hurtles you along with the inspired bass providing that tenuous hold to ensure you don't plummet over the falls. I agree, Jimmy is woefully under rated as a producer; he guided every song to its masterful conclusion. According to Jimmy, "As a musician I think my greatest achievement has been to create unexpected melodies and harmonies within a rock and roll framework. And as a producer I would like to be remembered as someone who was able to sustain a band of unquestionable individual talent and push it to the forefront during its working career."
That is the most correct assessement of Page and his work (by him, HIMSELF, no less!!! -and he was, nearly always, something of a quiet egotist, really!) that I believe I have ever read! 🤘🤘
This was originally intended to be an instrumental opus that lead in “The Rain Song”, which you will soon be hearing, but Robert Plant came up with lyrics that Jimmy liked, so they were added.
The working title for this song was "The Campaign" before Robert added lyrics and it was changed to The Song Remains The Same. After this album came out, it became impossible for listeners to put Zeppelin in the same "box" as other bands often compared with them, like Black Sabbath or Deep Purple. This song, and this album, took Zeppelin to unchartered waters for bands of their "type."
In his formative years, Jimmy Page made his living as a studio musician (he & John Paul Jones). So they were very familiar with the production angles of song-making...
Now you're talking this is my favorite band I grew up with the 1st time I saw them was I believe 1970 Fillmore East New York check out the live version From Madison square garden 1973 I was at old shows It was great growing up back then
Back in '73, when I was 16, I had an old Ford gas company van with an 8 track and speakers. After school, on my way to work where I flipped burgers, I would fire up a fatty and listen to tapes. Houses of the Holy was one of my go-to's. Great album to get burnt to. Those were great carefree days. Now I'm 66, semi-retired and still groove to Zep after burning one. Some things never change. And never should.
Great reaction guys. So glad u finally made to this masterpiece. The first song also sets the tone for the rest of the album, in my opinion. Jimmy Page is a musical genius. Buckle up it’s about to get bumpy. This album is 🔥
Ah man, wait until you get the rest of these songs on this album. This IMHO was their masterpiece in that they were at the peak of their powers and influence at that time. They were just killer then, and I know because I was a young lad and aspiring musician during this period back in the day. Led Zeppelin was/is one the top ground breakers of rock music at the time. They were just brilliant.
Nice review gents. Yes Roberts voice was sped up..accidentally by the way and they just left it. The contrast between the next song and his voice is stunning.
One of their best and most ambitious songs! And yes, JPJ was killing it the entire song (in the pocket with Bonham). I think they did speed up Plant's voice on some of these songs. Plant never sang that high in concert.
I believe that this was the last recording they did before Plants throat surgery. There was one track where tape speed was changed, but it was to slow No Quarter. As far as speeding up vocals with tape that wasn’t employed, from what I have read.
I'm so glad you're listening to these albums in order. Getting the same experience as when they were released. It only gets better trust this album and the next two are impeccable. Here's to good listening✌️🎼🎵🎶
The album has so many flavors and colors and layers. This song encompasses what the rest of the album showcases. There are so many gems on here. My neighbor had all these records when I was a snot nosed kid. And as I grew older went back and made sure these albums were in my collection . This was one of the first ones I grabbed some 40+ years ago. I STILL have it in my 3000+ album collection. Great reaction, you two. As ALWAYS.... I'm hooked
Highly recommend checking out the live version of "The Song Remains the Same/The Rain Song" from Madison Square Garden in 1973. One of the most epic live pieces I've seen in 50 years.
This is an epic album. Arguably their best...had they never released "Physical Graffiti". It far and away has the best "Side 2" of any album ever, imo. AND it has "The Rain Song" which is my all-time favorite Zep song.
Guys, you were spot on about listening to this song after the first 4 albums. What a shocker! You have to know it was about a year and a half between LZ 4 & Houses of The Holy for us old guys. You guys had ro wait about a week. Lol.
I had all 6 of their first albums and Houses of the Holy was the second one I bought myself. I have watched several other reaction sites and I am just lmao at the (great) reactions of people listening to what I literally grew up on starting at 8 years old with 45s and then about 300 LPs I inherited from older siblings after they flew the coup. But you guys have actually brought tears at times with your LZ reactions. The other duo reaction sites usually have at least one person who zeroes in on the lyrics and the meanings of the songs, which is really cool because most of them I had no comprehension of as an early teen or preteen, even if I could understand the words which often you couldn't with the British Rock Bands especially. But neither of you are into the lyrics and I think that's what hit me hard because you reminded me of me when I listened to them. I think you all can understand why my generation feels sorry for yours when it comes to the music we experienced. Recently I made some song requests with Zep and after the 2nd one, the 20 something young lady fielding the requests made one comment: I think I was born too late. I said I feel your pain.
I agree with others, great opening track and the title of their concert movie, you should see it live, it really comes to life. Houses of the Holy is another classic album, Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶
Generally,, they play this and the next song, The Rain Song contiguously and it fits perfectly. Great songs. Only last weekend I saw Jason Bonhams Led Zeppelin Experience and it was brilliant. They did a large percentage of the songs from this album . Jason is John Bonhams son.🎉
This is my favorite Zeppelin album. It has everything you want in a Zep record. The Rain Song is my all time favorite Zeppelin song and is definitely in my top 10 best songs ever.
1973...I graduated High School....made the album even more special, saw them live in Salt Lake City that May, double whammy! lol ...Incredible! That album has a very special place in my heart...and soul!
Robert Plant sucked down a helium balloon on this one. 🎈 Actually I think Page and the engineers probably sped up his vocals a bit. Definitely a great tune. What else is new though?
I’m telling you zeppelin was a live band at heart . All these songs hit harder on bootlegs or just react to the whole msg live album to really see what they about . Y’all also got the catchiest intro song out here
LZ has the deepest catalogue of any iconic band. The Beatles have a lot, but LZ has even more, imo. So many albums with so many great songs. This one is amazing, Physical Graffiti is amazing & I can't wait for you to get to In Through the Out Door. You'll see an evolution there that some LZ 'purists' don't appreciate, but it's a really great album, start to finish. Jimmy Page & Gonzo were deep in addictions, so JPJ & Robert Plant pretty much wrote the whole thing. A window into what LZ would've been in the 80s.
I have this album!!! It is EXCELLENT!!! A Masterpiece!!! And I play it maybe 7 or 8 times a year!!!! Especially in the Summer!!!! Great Reactions!!! The Rain Song.....The Grunge.....No Quarter are my Favorites!!!
Yes! Plant is sped up! I just found this out a week ago watching JCM's video. His voice was in trouble and he didn't think he could nail it, so they slowed the tape down to an easier key. It took me a day or two to regain my composure
I've been looking forward to this reaction more than any other. This song is a perfect segue from When The Levee Breaks into the next album. To me, both albums stand alone as complete artistic statements from a band that continues to mature. But more than any other 2 Zep albums, these 2 come closest to belonging together like volumes 1 & 2. When I watch your reactions it's like hanging out with my friends hearing it all for the 1st time again. The excitement of discovering something new is so refreshing. Thanks guys!
Another masterpiece of an album. They started to really branch out with experimenting with different sounds and styles starting here, but it’s done with the same genius as their first 4 albums. The DNA is still there but you can hear the growth. Also like you said, Jones’ bass work here is god-tier.
