@AirplayBeats reacts to Led Zeppelin’s When The Levee Breaks Like comment and subscribe patreon.com/user?u=81569817 Airplay Beats 3609 Bradshaw Rd Ste H #337 Sacramento, CA 95827 Www.Airplaybeats.com
Not a lot of talk about Robert's mouth harp skills, but here he shines. The sustained riffs, shifts in dynamics, phrasing, all masterfully done. Exceptional.
Seems like harmonica was every lead singer's secret weapon back in the day. John Kay, Ian Gillan, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, etc, etc. Robert's playing is so underrated. He's right there with Sonny Boy, and all the greats.
This is The ONE. Probably my favorite Led Zep song ever. The story of the Mississippi River flooding the lower river parts in the late 1920's. Written by Memphis Minnie about a year or two later. One of several Zep cover songs, and the best one, IMO. Mr. Bonham's work here is very impressive, and iconic.
I get this one, Achilles Last Stand and another 10 Zeppelin songs as "my best Zeppelin song!" in rotation. Their biggest hit Stairway To Heaven is never in my Top 20 favorite Zeppelin songs. Which is a testament to the greatness of Zeppelin.
I don’t even consider this a “cover song” at all. The arrangement and melody are light years beyond Memphis Minnie’s version. Robert lifted some lyrics and the title, THATS the problem. Otherwise, no similarities whatsoever.
Ain’t never heard a band play so many songs with different emotions and stories. Led Zeppelin will remain the greatest Rock and Roll band, until ears fall deaf……
"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin.[1] Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song.
This song has been sampled over 31000 times, per an article I read, because of those banging drums... Robert is playing the harmonica but Page added the reverse echo during the production... Robert is the only one who's singing on time, everyone else has been slowed down a beat during production.. praises to Jimmys recording skills, he was underrated for his producing mastery
The B-Boys didn’t just sample the drums, they went and added that drum texture to the hip hop repertoire. That’s thee hip hop drum sound on a million cuts.
I would highly recommend any 'reaction' videos stick with the studio versions of Led Zeppelin! Their live performances leave a little to be desired! If it's your first time listening to a song, avoid the live recordings!
I think the Beatles would have a lot to say about being considered anything less than #1. So would a great deal of other musical artists, as well as many critics.
They can say what they wish. We, the people can say what we wish. Many, many a great Rock'nRoll Band. Hat's off to them all. So many , I'm not going to mention. There are many more who are so under-rated (The Hollies for one), and that's a shame. They all , in my opinion, were talented, and listening to them was a thrill & a joy. In my opinion, & many might think otherwise; the 60's & 70's produced the best Musical talent---EVER !
I stand by my opinion about The Beatles. But, yes, I don’t disagree that The Hollies were underrated, and I love their music. Very good stuff! I’ll also agree that the 60’s-70’s most certainly produced some of the best music this world will ever know.
II, I, Houses, IV, Physical, III, In Through, Presence [The Song Remains], [How the West Was Won], [Celebration Day], [Coda] [No Quarter - combined versions], [Walking into Clarksdale]
Absolute Masterpiece. John Bonham drags you deeeeep into the river. Those Paiste giant beats…that right foot. Son..there won’t EVER be another John Bonham
Jimmy Page is often overlooked as a producer, there is so much going on in this song. From the drum kit in the hallway. to the echo recorded then played back first with the harmonica, to the song played back at slower speed while Plant sings in real time.
The more I listen to and read about Led Zeppelin, the more I realize that they were way more than just the hard-living, drug-taking, wild-partying proto heavy metal blues-based rock band they were seen by most as back in the 70's, but incredibly talented consummate musicians who thought out and engineered their music no less exquisitely and deliberately as did say the Beatles, Pink Floyd or Steely Dan, other rock bands also seen as rock musicians' rock musicians. Unlike most artists from the "classic rock" era, they will stand the test of time and only improve with age.
I swear to God, this is the best drum line in all of music. This song comes on, this first few drum beats, whatever I'm doing gets put in hold. Great song to react to!
The huge stairwell at Hedley Grange where this song was recorded contributed to the Drums sound, but they also used a delayer tool to give that intense thunderous double kick on the bass drum. Effing epic tune!
This song is a reworking of the original song recorded in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the flood of the Mississippi Delta in 1927. It was part of the Great Migration which saw more African Americans come North for better opportunities ("go to Chicago"). There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of Headley Grange and they had mics placed around and hanging above the drum kit to help get that amazing sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy uses a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica and various effects were added to the vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound. This song is a groove, it's menacing, it hits hard, almost bludgeoning you with intensity while the circular drone carves furrows in your brain. Masterpiece.
Well said and true, of course its a cover but Zepp gave it real kudos, a lot of blues were copied from the days of Robert Johnson and its a mark of respect to the old blues men and women, what a wonderful compliment to them, Zeppelin took it to another level of sophistication
Yeah, but they used reverb. There's a whole episode on "What makes this song great" that dispels the myth that the reverb is from the stairwell. Worth a watch.
Drums played in the hallway at Headley Grange, microphones over the staircase bannisters. Have a look at 'It Might Get Loud' for a great insight to this and all things Zep, It's fascinating
@@AirplayBeats I didn't forget. I'm ignorant about the man. Of course I know the king of soul, James Brown, (you'll love him in the movie The Blues Brothers if you haven't already seen it). But ignorant I will be no more thanks to you guys. Imma definitely check him out. Thanks!
@@AirplayBeats Please do some reactions of your favorites... Like many others I have some superficial knowledge, but it would be nice to take a deeper dive...
The song was played at a faster tempo, then the recording was slowed down, giving it the dark, warbly, swampy, unsettling sound that absolutely makes this song what it is: one of their very best. Also why you were right when you observed that it sounded different to the rest of the album, as it was a recording technique unique to this one song. Page was a genius as the producing mastermind behind it all in the studio.
My first thought when you said faster tempo is Bob Dylan's version... his version had a different feel to it.. I knew the Zep version before I found Dylan's. I feel like I like Zep's more because of the slower, darker feel. It just hits differently..
Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good No, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move, ooh All last night sat on the levee and moaned All last night sat on the levee and moaned Thinkin' 'bout my baby and my happy home-"Memphis Minnie" Lawlers
It's such a great beat. 4/4 with an accent on the + of 3. Some say he doesn't double the bass on (3) +-a. I say he does most of the time. For me it was Misty Mountain Hop.
When my son was 5 he got into my IPod. I came home and he was excited”Dad! I found a new song” it was Levee. When I asked him why he said: “Because it sounds like THUNDER”!!!!
When I was 15 someone gave me zep 2, 3 and 4 on tape since they had gotten the CDs, I was so blown away by the albums how they sounded new and like they were 100 years old at the same time.
The unofficial song of the apocalypse. That is a harmonica with a backwards echo effect on it. The reason it sounds live has to do with a serendipitous confluence of factors that led to it being one of the most analyzed songs ever. One, of course you have the amazing Bonzo! Two, you have his drums set up in the hallway of Hedley Grange which gave it that live ambient quality, etc. And lastly you had the amazing engineering and production of the song from Jimmy Page and pals. They added some echo and other wonderful wizardry to the final mix. This is the tune that introduced me to Zeppelin as a teen. It's been one helluva ride.
My 7th favorite Zep track. And for those of you who are familiar with the quality and depth of the Zeppelin catalog, you'll know that is very high praise.
@@johnbolton7657 "Four Sticks"?? Wow, that's an unusual Top 5 (or even Top 10) pick. Okay, let's see. Here are my Top 15: 1) K 2) STH 3) WLL 4) BIGLY 5) GTC 6) HHWCID 7) WTLB 8) RO 9) BOE 10) DAC 11) TO 12) GTBT 13) TRS 14) FITR 15) IS
@@Cosmo-Kramer That's Kashmir, Stairway and Whole lotta love top 3, cool. There's something about Four Sticks that really floats my boat but that's just me.
This whole album was recorded in a large estate house called Headly Grange. Page put amps and mics all over the halls and in the main entrance to achieve all different kinds of sounds. The first track of this album "Black Dog" was because when they were recording the song a Black Lab kept roaming around the estate.
The recording was done at Hedley Grange. Drums recorded in a 3 story area in the home, The acoustics were amazing thus the special sound you hear on the drums.
You got to love these British Boys doing American old blues songs, and crushing it. This song is very old and is not an original, and Led Zepp took it to a new level. They recorded the beginning drums in a tall stairwell of a mansion that they were staying at, to record the album.
This is the one! I’d always get in trouble cause I’d glow up the speakers every time I’d play this! Can’t help it! Aggressive drumming from bonz! Chiguy
If someone hasn't said this already, one thing that makes the drum sound so memorable is that it was recorded in a big open room using a Binson Echorec. One of those things argued about over the years till JP finally confirmed it.
Awesome seeing the young generation getting into stuff I've been growing to since 71'! Thanks guys, and love the head movement..KC, you could make some serious dough selling dashboard bobbleheads! Nothing but respect.
Great song! "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. (Wiki). I'd like to say this is my fave Zep song, but Zep fans know the deal.
This is a COVER a 1929 blues song from Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy that was written about the great 1927 Mississippi flood that wiped out 27,000 sq miles and wa the biggest flood to date in US history
All I needed was the opening drums to know this would be another Led Zeppelin song I really dig!!!!!!! Later, Page/Plant did this song with younger musicians - including a hurdy gurdy player!!! It’s excellent!!! ☮️❤️
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Sorry, I meant to say something earlier, but you guys get me amped! I like your objective analysis of the music, and your personal musical insight. I feel like you have some experience playing music, and your commentary is sincere and right on, unlike so many other "Reaction" channels. Thank you for doing what you do! Its fun watching someone discover these old gems for the first time. Glad you're enjoying what a lot of us have been digging for so long. Enjoy yourselves!
Deep deep metal blues! Look up the facts behind the drum intro, special acoustics from a manor house entrance hall and stairwell in England. The bass and snare drum echo is unique in rock history.
That 7:27 bass drum kick fill is absolutely magnificent. Not many catch it. The fact that he does it so clean , not pushed …devoid of tension with amazing control ( using primitive spring tension type pedals) is astonishing. I personally feel it’s one Bonham’s best fills ever. .
I love when people notice and appreciate the same stuff I do. I get chills at some of the fills and that one is right up there. He absolutely dominated this song without overpowering it. He was an amazing team player, they were all lucky to meet each other and we are even luckier to be able to enjoy them.
You two have become my new fav reaction channel over the last 2 months or so... Fantastic reactions and song choices... after all the 3 best bands, in my opinion, are... Zeppelin Floyd Original Bad Co. (Paul Rodgers era) ... I'm looking forward to more videos!! .... Zeppelin multi-tracked many of their tracks, hence the difference between studio and live.... both amazing. Oddly enough, Bonham rarely multi-tracked... used 3 mics, and nothing else was needed. I respect their decision not to continue upon Bonham's death. That, you don't just replace
Memphis Minnie wrote and performed the song 🎵 with Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. 94 years ago. Led Zeppelin gave her credit for writing the song in 1973 right around the time she passed away...
Yes that's the great Robert on the harmonica. He plays it on a lot of songs. Glad you liked this one. It is a cover but made it there own as usual. Great job guys thanks 😊
The precise sonic/soulful vocals of Robert Plant and some of the tightest arranging and producing Jimmy Page had ever done were on this album. Plants Harmonica, Jimmy's playing, and of course, the drumming and base are spectacular on the song of the African American migration from the flooded South in the late 1920s to take the blues and gospel music to Chicago and other cities of the north. Led Zeppelin was sampling blues and blues riffs, just like rappers sample music from Steely Dan, and old Rock Band today. Music is a circle of life. Thanks for the great tunes, guys.
Love this❤️So- Jimmy Page, Edge from U2 and Jack White( The white stripes) did a thing in England at Jimmy Pages house called “ It might get loud”. He gets into Kashmir which is on the Physical Graffiti album, and recognizable by most as it’s been sampled a ton. Check out - “ It might get loud” sometime…..insight from Jimmy himself…..cmon now.❤️
guys, they were at Headley Grange, Page's house. Bonham was in the basement stairwell and speakers were put in the main floor to capture that sound. That is Plant throughout the song playing harmonica through a microphone.
My husband & I were in commercial & residential construction. An office complex we did in Farmington Hill was doomed. Both of the end units had pipes freeze & flooded. I occupied one that did then the other one did. I requested this song on WRIF in Detroit 😂😂
My Momma is from Memphis; as a girl in 1930's. ( Deppression Era) ...When we were grown...we'd call her, ask : " How Are You Doin', Momma?" ... she always say: " Fine... Long As The River Don't Rise And The Levee Don't Break!"
