LED ZEPPELIN - ACHILLES LAST STAND

Llançament: 31 de març de 1976

Àlbum: Presence

"Achilles Last Stand" és la primera pista del setè àlbum d'estudi de Led Zeppelin, "Presence". Jimmy Page i Robert Plant van començar a escriure la cançó l'estiu de 1975, inspirant-se en la música oriental, la mitologia i els seus viatges. Amb més de deu minuts de durada, és una de les gravacions d'estudi més llargues i complexes de la banda, amb seccions entrellaçades i múltiples parts de guitarra editades.

"Achilles Last Stand" es basa en el mite d'Aquil·les, que va ser submergit al riu Estigia per guanyar la immortalitat però va seguir sent vulnerable al seu taló. París el va matar durant la Guerra de Troia disparant-li una fletxa al taló. La lletra de Robert Plant també reflexa els seus viatges per Marroc, Grècia i Espanya, inspirada en el flamenc i les tradicions marroquines. També es fa referència a la poesia de William Blake, especialment a "La dansa d'Albion", simbolitzant un ressorgiment. La menció de les muntanyes de l'Atles serveix com a doble sentit, al·ludint tant a la seva presència física com al mite del tità Atlas, que sostenia el món.

Robert Plant i la seva dona van patir un accident de cotxe a Grècia, trencant-li el turmell a Plant. En lloc de fer una gira pels Estats Units, Plant i Jimmy Page van escriure material per a "Presence", enregistrant-lo a Munich, Alemanya, amb Plant en una cadira de rodes. Durant la gravació, Plant va patir una recaiguda en el seu turmell, reflectint el destí d'Aquil·les. El títol reflecteix la lesió de Plant i també rendeix homenatge a l'atmosfera mística de les muntanyes de l'Atles al Marroc, que va influir en la lletra.

"Achilles Last Stand" va rebre resenyes positives dels crítics musicals. Stephen Davis, periodista de Rolling Stone, en una crònica de 1976 de "Presence", la va comparar amb els Yardbirds, elogiant la intensa percussió de John Bonham i el treball de Jimmy Page amb una feina de guitarra molt elaborada. Andrew Earles, periodista musical, en una ressenya retrospectiva, la va descriure com una pista de heavy metal potent i emocionant, suggerint-la com a precursora de la nova onada de heavy metal britànic.

LED ZEPPELIN - ACHILLES LAST STAND

Released: March 31, 1976

Album: Presence

"Achilles Last Stand" is the opening track on Led Zeppelin's seventh studio album, "Presence". Jimmy Page and Robert Plant started writing the song in the summer of 1975, drawing inspiration from Eastern music, mythology, and their travels. At over ten minutes long, it's one of the band's longest and most intricate studio recordings, featuring interwoven sections and multiple overdubbed guitar parts.

"Achilles Last Stand" draws on the myth of Achilles, who was dipped in the river Styx to gain immortality but remained vulnerable at his heel. Paris killed him in the Trojan War by hitting him in the heel with an arrow. Robert Plant's lyrics also reflect his travels through Morocco, Greece, and Spain, inspired by Flamenco and Moroccan traditions. They also reference William Blake's poetry, particularly "The Dance of Albion," symbolizing a resurgence. The mention of the Atlas mountains serves as a double entendre, alluding both to their physical presence and to the titan Atlas's mythological burden of holding up the world.

Robert Plant and his wife were in a car accident in Greece, breaking Plant's ankle. Rather than touring the US, Plant and Jimmy Page wrote material for “Presence”, recording it in Munich, Germany, with Plant in a wheelchair. During recording, Plant reinjured his ankle, mirroring the fate of Achilles. The title reflects Plant's injury and also pays homage to the mystic atmosphere of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, which influenced the song's lyrics.

"Achilles Last Stand" garnered positive reviews from music critics. Rolling Stone journalist Stephen Davis, in a 1976 review of “Presence”, likened it to the Yardbirds, praising John Bonham's intense drumming and Jimmy Page's takeover with intricate guitar work. Music journalist Andrew Earles, in a retrospective review, described it as a galloping and exhilarating heavy metal track, suggesting it as a precursor to the new wave of British heavy metal.

 

LED ZEPPELIN - SINCE I’VE BEEN LOVING YOU

Released: October 5, 1970

Album: Led Zeppelin III

"Since I've Been Loving You" is a track by Led Zeppelin from their 1970 album “Led Zeppelin III”. It's notable for its live-in-the-studio recording approach with minimal overdubbing, making it one of the hardest tracks to capture during the album's sessions. John Paul Jones contributed Hammond organ to the song, using bass pedals instead of a bass guitar, while John Bonham's distinctive drum pedal, the Ludwig Speed King model 201, produced noticeable squeaks during the recording, earning it the nickname "Squeak King." Additionally, the opening and closing lyrics bear a striking resemblance to those of the 1968 Moby Grape song "Never."

"Since I've Been Loving You" stands as one of Led Zeppelin's most soulful tracks, characterized by Jimmy Page's meticulous guitar work, which oscillates between restrained moments and fiery, impassioned solos. Regardless of spending months perfecting his solo, Page ultimately decided to use his original demo, a decision that proved fortuitous given the song's raw, emotive quality. John Paul Jones's blazing organ adds depth to the arrangement, while Robert Plant's vocals convey pure heartbreak.

Robert Plant's vocal performance on "Since I've Been Loving You" showcased his impressive vocal range, yet it also posed a considerable challenge due to the song's demanding nature. In a 2003 interview with Mojo, Plant reflected on the song's musical progression, particularly the chord choices at the end of each verse, noting that they were not typical and required a shift to a higher, more emotional register. 

The iconic riff at the beginning was borrowed from "New York City Blues" by The Yardbirds, a band in which Jimmy Page had not yet joined at the time of its creation. Page's guitar solo on the track was accomplished in a single take. Engineer Terry Manning hailed Page's solo as "The best rock guitar solo of all time," recognizing its technical brilliance.

LED ZEPPELIN - MOBY DICK

Publicació: 22 d'octubre de 1969

Àlbum: Led Zeppelin II

"Moby Dick" és un solo de bateria instrumental de Led Zeppelin, inclòs al seu àlbum del 1969 “Led Zeppelin II”. Anomenat en honor a la novel·la de Herman Melville, inicialment era conegut pels títols "Pat's Delight" i "Over the Top" durant la carrera de la banda. La peça és considerada un dels grans solos de bateria de la història del rock.

Segons la dona de Bonham, Pat, el nom de la cançó va originar-se quan el seu fill va demanar "la cançó llarga", comparant-la amb alguna cosa tan gran com Moby Dick. La peça va evolucionar a partir del solo de bateria de Bonham, inicialment titulat "Pat's Delight" en honor a la seva esposa. Les cintes d'estudi de les sessions de "Led Zeppelin II" revelen que el solo de bateria enregistrat per "Moby Dick" va ser editat d'una versió molt més llarga. Jimmy Page gravava les improvisacions de Bonham a l'estudi, muntant-les eventualment en la composició final. El riff de guitarra va sortir de la pista no utilitzada "The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair", enregistrada a l'estiu de 1969 a la BBC.

"Moby Dick" va servir com a mostra del talent del bateria John Bonham durant les primeres gires de Led Zeppelin. El seu solo podia durar fins a 20 minuts, amb la resta de la banda marxant de l'escenari. El vigor de Bonham a vegades provocava que es fes sang a les mans amb la caixa i els tom toms. El nom del solo de bateria de Bonham va ser canviat més tard a "Over The Top" per a la gira pels Estats Units del 1977.

S'han publicat diverses versions en viu de "Moby Dick" al llarg dels anys. La primera versió oficialment enregistrada va ser d'una actuació a l'Olympia de París, França, el 10 d'octubre de 1969. Aquesta versió es va incloure al disc dos de l'edició de luxe de Led Zeppelin (primer àlbum). La primera versió oficial enregistrada en viu es va incloure a la pel·lícula "The Song Remains the Same" i la seva banda sonora corresponent. Les versions originals de l'àlbum i de la pel·lícula presenten interpretacions diferents de les tres nits al Madison Square Garden del 27 al 29 de juliol de 1973. Altres versions oficialment publicades inclouen una actuació filmada al Royal Albert Hall el 9 de gener de 1970, presentada al "Led Zeppelin DVD", i una actuació al LA Forum el 25 de juny de 1972, presentada a l'àlbum en viu "How the West Was Won".

LED ZEPPELIN - MOBY DICK

Released: October 22, 1969

Album: Led Zeppelin II

"Moby Dick" is an instrumental drum solo by Led Zeppelin, featured on their 1969 album Led Zeppelin II. Named after Herman Melville's novel, it was initially known by the titles "Pat's Delight" and "Over the Top" during the band's career. The track is considered one of the greatest drum solos in rock history.

According to Bonham's wife Pat, the song's name originated when their son requested "the long song," likening it to something as big as Moby Dick. The piece evolved from Bonham's drum solo, initially titled "Pat's Delight" after his wife. Studio outtakes from the “Led Zeppelin II” sessions reveal that the drum solo recorded for "Moby Dick" was edited down from a much longer version. Jimmy Page would capture Bonham's studio jams, eventually assembling them into the final composition. Additionally, the guitar riff can be traced back to the BBC unused session track "The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair," which was recorded in the summer of 1969.

"Moby Dick" served as drummer John Bonham's showcase during early Led Zeppelin tours. His solo could extend up to 20 minutes, with the rest of the band stepping offstage. Bonham's vigorous playing sometimes resulted in him drawing blood from his hands on the snare and tom toms. The name of Bonham's drum solo was later changed to "Over The Top" for the 1977 US tour.

Several live versions of "Moby Dick" have been officially released over the years. The earliest recorded official release was from a performance at the Olympia in Paris, France on October 10, 1969. This version was included on disc two of the deluxe edition of Led Zeppelin (first album). The first official release of a live version was included in the film "The Song Remains the Same" and its accompanying soundtrack. The original album and film versions feature different performances from the three nights performed at Madison Square Garden from July 27 to 29, 1973. Other officially released versions include a filmed performance from the Royal Albert Hall on January 9, 1970, featured on the "Led Zeppelin DVD," and a performance from the LA Forum on June 25, 1972, featured on the live album "How the West Was Won."

LED ZEPPELIN - GOING TO CALIFORNIA

Publicada: 8 de Novembre de 1971

Àlbum: Led Zeppelin IV

"Going to California" és una balada de Led Zeppelin que es troba a l'àlbum sense títol del 1971, llançat el 8 de novembre de 1971. La cançó va ser escrita per Jimmy Page i Robert Plant, inspirant-se en "California" de Joni Mitchell.

La cançó de Mitchell reflecteix la seva nostàlgia pel seu país mentre recorda les seves aventures a l'estranger. En contrast, "Going to California" mostra un protagonista que busca un nou començament lluny d'una relació problemàtica, amb Robert Plant cantant sobre trobar una noia semblant a Mitchell, algú amb "amor als ulls i flors al cabell" que encarna l'esperit de Califòrnia.

"Going to California" i altres cançons acústiques de “Led Zeppelin IV” van ser influenciades pels entorns tranquils de Headley Grange, on la banda va escriure i gravar gran part de l'àlbum. Les sessions nocturnes de guitarra de Jimmy Page van portar a la creació d'aquesta cançó dolça i reflexiva, que es va gravar a l'aire lliure sobre la gespa amb una unitat d'enregistrament mòbil propietat dels Rolling Stones. L'ambient pastoral de Headley Grange va contribuir al to acústic íntim de la pista.

"Going to California" destaca en la discografia de Led Zeppelin com una cançó acústica sense bateria, cosa que significa que John Bonham no va participar en aquesta gravació. En lloc d'això, Jimmy Page va mostrar la seva versatilitat tocant tant una guitarra de 12 cordes com una de 6 cordes, mentre que John Paul Jones va contribuir amb la mandolina, mostrant les seves habilitats com a multiinstrumentista i ampliant la paleta sonora de la banda més enllà del seu so de rock tradicional.

LED ZEPPELIN - GOING TO CALIFORNIA

Released: November 8, 1971

Album: Led Zeppelin IV

"Going to California" by Led Zeppelin is a ballad featured on their untitled fourth album, released in 1971. The song was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, drawing inspiration from Joni Mitchell's "California."

Mitchell's song reflects her longing for home while reminiscing about her adventures abroad. In contrast, "Going to California" portrays a protagonist seeking a new beginning away from a troubled relationship, with Robert Plant singing about finding a girl reminiscent of Mitchell, someone with "love in her eyes and flowers in her hair" who embodies the spirit of California.

"Going to California" and other acoustic tracks on Led Zeppelin IV were influenced by the tranquil surroundings of Headley Grange, where the band wrote and recorded much of the album. Jimmy Page's late-night guitar sessions led to the creation of this gentle, reflective song, which was recorded outdoors on the grass using a mobile recording unit owned by The Rolling Stones. The pastoral ambiance of Headley Grange contributed to the intimate acoustic vibe of the track. 

"Going to California" stands out in Led Zeppelin's discography as an acoustic track devoid of drums, which meant that John Bonham did not participate in this recording. Instead, Jimmy Page showcased his versatility by playing both a 12-string and a 6-string guitar on the track, while John Paul Jones contributed with mandolin, showcasing his multi-instrumentalist abilities and expanding the band's sonic palette beyond their traditional rock sound.

 

LED ZEPPELIN - BABE I’M GONNA LEAVE YOU

Publicació: 12 de gener de 1969

Àlbum: Led Zeppelin

"Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" va néixer com una cançó folk escrita per Anne Bredon a finals dels anys 50 i va ser posteriorment enregistrada per Joan Baez el 1962. Jimmy Page es va inspirar en la versió de Baez i va començar a treballar en la seva pròpia versió al començament de la seva carrera com a guitarrista de sessió. Va presentar la cançó a Robert Plant durant la seva primera trobada a casa de Page a Pangbourne a finals de juliol de 1968.

La discrepància en els crèdits de "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" va sorgir del seu llançament inicial a l'àlbum de Joan Baez, on es va etiquetar com "tradicional". Això es va corregir més tard, però la versió de Led Zeppelin inicialment va acreditar la cançó com "Tradicional, arranjament de Jimmy Page" perquè Page tenia una còpia de l'àlbum de Baez sense el crèdit adequat. No va ser fins molt més tard que l'error es va rectificar. Anne Bredon i Anne Johannsen Smith, que van coescriure la cançó, no estaven al corrent de la versió de Led Zeppelin fins que el fill de Smith els hi va fer saber. Finalment, es va donar el crèdit adequat a tots els compositors: Page, Robert Plant i Anne Bredon.

Jimmy Page va parlar del seu enfocament per adaptar "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" per a Led Zeppelin, destacant el mètode de tocar amb els dits incorporant un toc flamenc per a un efecte dramàtic. Va subratllar la importància de la dinàmica de llum i ombra i la intensitat de les seccions més potents per crear impacte. Page també va reflexionar sobre la seva col·laboració amb Robert Plant, assenyalant que la interpretació vocal de Plant afegia profunditat a la cançó. Va elogiar la capacitat de Plant per adaptar-se a l'ambient creat per la guitarra acústica i la secció flamenco, amb el resultat d'una interpretació vocal increïble.

Jimmy Page va parlar sobre la seva pobre col·lecció de guitarres durant els inicis de Led Zeppelin, que consistia en una acústica Harmony i una Telecaster. La seva perspectiva va canviar després de visitar la casa d'Eric Clapton, on va veure una extensa col·lecció de guitarres a cada habitació, inspirant-lo a ampliar la seva pròpia col·lecció. Pel que fa a la guitarra acústica utilitzada a "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You", Page va prendre prestada una Gibson J-200, que va descriure com un bell instrument amb un so dens i fàcil de tocar.

LED ZEPPELIN - BABE I’M GONNA LEAVE YOU

Released: January 12, 1969

Album: Led Zeppelin 

"Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" originated as a folk song written by Anne Bredon in the late 1950s and was later recorded by Joan Baez in 1962. Jimmy Page, the guitarist of Led Zeppelin, was inspired by Baez's rendition and began working on his own version early in his career as a session guitarist. He introduced the song to Robert Plant during their initial meeting at Page's home in Pangbourne in late July 1968.

The credit discrepancy for "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" stemmed from its initial release on Joan Baez's album, where it was labeled as "traditional." This was later corrected, but Led Zeppelin's version initially credited the song as "Traditional, arranged by Jimmy Page" because Page had a copy of Baez's album without the proper credit. It wasn't until much later that the error was rectified. Anne Bredon and Anne Johannsen Smith, who co-wrote the song, weren't aware of Led Zeppelin's rendition until Smith's son brought it to her attention. Eventually, proper credit was given to all the composers: Page, Robert Plant, and Anne Bredon.

Jimmy Page discussed his approach to adapting "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" for Led Zeppelin, highlighting the finger-style method and incorporating a flamenco burst for dramatic effect. He emphasized the importance of light and shade dynamics and the intensity of louder sections to create impact. Page also reflected on his collaboration with Robert Plant, noting how Plant's vocal interpretation added depth to the song. He praised Plant's ability to embrace the mood set by the acoustic guitar and flamenco section, resulting in an incredible and plaintive vocal performance.

Jimmy Page recalled his early guitar collection during Led Zeppelin's inception, consisting of a Harmony acoustic and a Telecaster. His perspective changed after visiting Eric Clapton's house, where he saw an extensive collection of guitars in every room, inspiring him to expand his own collection. Regarding the acoustic guitar used in "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," Page borrowed a Gibson J-200, which he described as a beautiful instrument with a thick sound and easy playability.