One of my major goals for the A.L.E is to go beyond the playlist classic rock radio presents to the listener. There is no shortage of Led Zeppelin on classic rock radio...there is however a shortage of "deep cuts". That brings me to Led Zeppelin III.
1970 brought a different Led Zep to the record buyers of the day. Zep I and II were powerful blues based heavy rockers. Those first two Zeppelin albums were the very definition of Hard Rock. Keep in mind, that those first 2 albums reached huge sales without the benefit of hit singles. Zeppelin was not dependent on the sales of singles (you know...45's) to push the album sales. In fact, AOR (album oriented radio or rock) thrived with Led Zepplin as a major artist for their programming philosophy. The legions of Led Zep fans who were waiting for the next Dazed and Confused or Whole Lotta Love would have to wait. What III did bring those fans was a more mature sound with Robert Plant emerging as a stronger song writing partner for Jimmy Page. What that also meant is that a different sound meant less than stellar reviews and lower sales.
In researching this album for this blog, I found that the music for III was heavily influenced by where the music was written and rehearsed. Page and Plant spent time at an 18th century cottage in Wales called Bron-Yr-Aur. That cottage did not have electricity so composing was restricted to the use of acoustic guitars. Rehearsal was at Headley Grange a rural mansion that provided a relaxed atmosphere for perfecting the songs written at Bron-Yr-Aur.
Despite the luke warm reviews, the music stands strong 40 years later. Side 1 features the harder edge songs. While III is the "acoustic Zep album" there is still heavy and electric included. With Immagrant's Song opening side 1, the listener no doubt finds the familiar driving guitars of Page, the powerful drums from John Bonham, and the wail of Plant much to their liking. The next song, Friends, is primarily acoustic and lets you know that this album isn't I or II. Celebration Day gets electric again. Since I've Been Loving You follows and is a Blues through-and-through...for me a highlight of the album. Side 1 ends with Out On the Tiles. One more shot of heavy rock.
Side 2 starts with Gallows Pole. I mentioned this song in my blog post "So You Think You Can't Rock On An Acoustic Guitar?" With the bass guitar as the only electric instrument, this is a great example on how you don't need electric guitars turned up to 11 to rock. Tangarine may be the best song on the album. Page's beautiful acoustic intro riff, sets the stage. Plant shows he can really sing and the addition of a pedel steel guitar adds to the atmosphere. That's The Way, Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp and Hat's Off to Roy Harper all show Page's skills with different acoustic guitar styles. Simpy put, this is a great album side...unfortunately, not enough people have heard anything past Gallows Pole.
Led Zeppelin were a unique and influential force in Rock Music. Their style was unmistakable. Their talents undeniable. Few will list Led Zeppelin III as their favorite or their best album. Their isn't a Stairway to Heaven among the songs but then, maybe that is part of it's strength and among the reasons that I appreciate that album. Strong songs performed well in a variety of styles. I was reacquainted to this album when I borrowed my son's car for an errand and Zep III was in the CD player. I'm glad that was in the player that day.
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