A First Reaction To Ramble On By Led Zeppelin

[@PowderedToastMan420]

JPJ is just killing it. What a BASS line. ✌️

[@TheNaFun]

The entire album is a JPJ showpiece

[@gsparkman]

Couldn’t believe you made the Tolkien connection before Mordor lyrics even appeared. Uncanny! Was in my mid-teens when this was released. It cemented my opinion of the band after being introduced through their killer first album. So good.

[@johncarpenter3751]

Uncanny indeed…. Boo this man for lying to us. Boooooooooo

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

yeah,..... sometimes the lyrics are up on screen and you accidentally see the words Mordor and Gollum out of the corner of your eye and it doesnt register but it gets in there subliminally. Sure...

[@PeterTea]

Lol. Yah. I thought he had read up about it beforehand but I guess not. Zeppelin can definitely paint a sonic picture like no other.

[@faithcat7675]

Finally! 🔥🔥🔥

[@samiam261]

A little too coincidental for me.

[@huascar66]

Led Zeppelin III was considered their "acoustic album". Jimmy Page and Robert Plant wrote most of it deep in the countryside of Wales in an isolated cabin. It is my most favorite of Led Zeppelin's albums.

[@OutOnTheTiles]

Led Zeppelin are… ancient….modern….and futuristic all at the same time. All round greatest band ever.

[@jameshuston9589]

"The Battle of Evermore" set to "the Lord of of the Rings" is too cool. Think you might like it.

[@tektoniks_architects]

Isolated bass tracks for this song can be found on YT. They highlight the brilliance of JPJ.

[@filipraickovic2577]

One of many Tolkien inspired songs in the Led Zep catalogue. Definately one of favourite songs! Keep up the great reactions my friend!

[@chriscody2778]

This was the first song my self taught bass playing son played for me I was in tears😢& he taught himself to play drums as well 🎸🥁

[@triscat]

One of my favorites of The Mighty Zep. Someone once said that the Tolkien estate owes Plant and Zep a debt of gratitude for keeping the idea of hobbits alive in the 70's. LOL. That may be right. Plant still performs it with his current lineup. I saw him do a blistering performance of Ramble On with his Band of Joy a few years ago. Absolutely LOVE this song!

[@goodbyedemocracy5678]

It's delightful to watch you listen for the first time to a song/songs that I have listened to 3,988,085 times.

[@vicprovost2561]

Nice as always Syed, Tolkien seeps into a few of their songs, no big surprise but pretty cool they were doing it way back then. This album is a touchstone in my musical existence, the first album was still fresh and could not imagine a better debut effort but when Whole Lotta Love came blasting out on the car radio the first week it was released, that cemented them in our minds as the best hard rock band, period. And then they just continued to grow and exploring others styles, showing their unmatched musical chops. You will not hear a bad Led Zeppelin song, just some are better than others, after hearing their discography, your 10 ten songs might be similar but different than mine. In any event, enjoy the monster that is Moby Dick!. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@MrDiddyDee]

Thanks for giving a shout out to John Paul Jones, I've always loved his bass work on this track, he so often gets overlooked with the others being such big characters in the band.

[@brezz6759]

This one is on of my fav songs of all time

[@Mike-rc8se]

The "pencil tapping" you refer to....I read somewhere that to get that sound the drummer was actually playing on his drum stool itself.

[@duncansbuddy]

Syed is so good at absorbing music and articulately expressing. I said I wasn't subscribing to anymore reaction channels, but how can I not.?! Got some catching up to do.. Thanks for sharing.

[@juliemanarin4127]

I LOVE this song!! Cool references to Tolkien...lol I have the same birthday as both Tolkien and JPJ...Jan 3rd!!

[@DavidRosenbloom-vv8tl]

It just shows how great you are at listening openly and understanding the nature of the song.

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Nice job predicting the Tolkien reference!

[@zeppelinmexicano]

The piece hits it out of the park. Each musician was hot, but I think Robert's vocals were showing what he was capable of doing - things nobody else could do.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I love this song so much. And I also point out John Paul Jones with his bass line there, that is one of the greatest kind of meandering walking but simultaneously funky and rocking bass lines ever. It is so fun. And of course Bonzo there with those heavy back beats on the kick drum!

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

I love this song; the overdubbing is rich, lush, and tasteful. The tapping is Bonzo pattering on something - no one knows what (the 3 have been asked and no one remembers). Some say he's tapping on an empty guitar case, some say his knees, or a stool/chair and I'm sure there's other theories as well. Personally, I think it's an empty guitar case. I love how the acoustic guitar remains throughout even after the electric guitar comes in. There are isolated tracks on KZbin of the acoustic guitar, Jonesy's bass, and I think some of Robert's vocals. Near the end, Jimmy had asked Robert to improvise more lyrics, which is why you can hear him continue through the entire fade out. Question for you, Syed. Why do you mention favorite quotes from other bands during a Zep reaction? I would expect they'd be more appreciated by the fans of those bands if you commented or pinned your favorite quote to the reaction for that band.

[@rogeebundy6002]

Cant wait to hear u react to bob Dylan's Bringing it all back home Your lyrical interpretation is Top notch

[@donnamangrum2149]

As I said in the last resction, please react to Moby Dick live from 1970 Royal Albert Hall. It is amazing.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

Plant says the symbol he created was drawn from sacred symbols of the ancient Mu civilization, a fantastical place that supposedly existed until 14,000 years ago. The last remnants are said to be the primitive statues at Easter Island. 🤯✌️

[@seajaytea9340]

Lyrically, I always felt the Homeric scope: the story is the journey and not the destination. The reference to JRRT always makes me smile (another tale of "forced" travel). Musically, this song is Plant and percussion, all the way!

[@mumbles215]

Baselines and trippy acoustics. And plant naturally.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

One of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs.

[@bowtiefidenine]

Ramble on, Heartbreaker, and 10 years gone-All 3 Songs have a mention of 10 years 😮

[@cuales1955]

Excelente tema !!! Desde Buenos Aires, Argentina , Saludos !!!!!!!!!

[@Dan-zq5wt]

Great analysis! Check out Rick Beato’s video on this song where he breaks down in detail the musical intricacy of this song. It’s very cool how they interlock bass and guitar parts.

[@lisarainbow9703]

There's another Zeppelin song with definite Tolkien references, but I don't want to spoil the surprise... Keep going ! Appreciate your insightful reactions!✌

[@walterfleury3840]

That tapping was John Bonham the drummer hitting his drumsticks on Jimmy Page's guitar case.

[@trexpixx4590]

One of my favorites! This is my ringtone "Mine's a tale that can't be told, my freedom I hold dear How years ago in days of old, when magic filled the air" I love it all, but that line strikes me in the heart & soul.

[@johns7097]

Jone's bass sounds so good on this entire album.

[@textank6733]

Led Zepplin is my favorite of all time. I just recently discovered your videos. And, may I say, you are gorgeous! Anyway, this is the music I grew up with. You said something in a video about the reaction videos you and others are doing with this great music could be a bridge to bring us together. I believe that as well. And I truly hope it will in the future. Led Zepplin, Rush, Pink Floyd Fleetwood Mac are the only videos I've seen of your reactions so far, but GREAT JOB! I love the way you describe how the songs make you feel and you have helped me look at all of it in a totally new light. Thank you for that. Keep it up. There is so much more to explore. We had some of the best and most raw music at that time. It is well worth exploring for everyone, even those of us that know it because we don't, not really.

[@OutOnTheTiles]

You’re spelling your favourite bands name wrong. It’s Zeppelin not Zepplin. 👍

[@EventHorizonMK]

You should check out the live performance of this song from their 2009 reunion concert. As far as I know it was the only time they performed it live. All the living members of the band were in their late 50s. Bonhams son Jason was filling in on drums. The whole concert was legendary.

[@antonballard2212]

Just brilliant 👏👌 thank you!!

[@PowderedToastMan420]

If Zep was a traveling minstrel band in days of old they'd be the most BADASS minstrel band ever. ✌️

[@Scoobydcs]

1 of my favuorites, GREAT bassline and i love the general vibe too

[@jeffreyobrien6683]

Great reactions!! Great job brother!!

[@robertlear2735]

One of my favorite Led Zeppelin songs. The bass part is over the top.

[@daveman_50]

Great reaction! A personal story if I may... I was at a bar listening to a very good cover band - I chatted with the bass player on a break - I had just met him that minute - and he asked if I wanted to sit in for a couple of tunes so he could hang with his wife. I must have talked a good game, but I didn't know what they wanted to play. I strapped on the bass and they called this song. Gulp. Luckily I knew it from a band I was in 30 years before and it came back to me. Such a great bass part!

[@johns7097]

This was Jimmy's concept of shade and light. The gentle acoustic section followed by the power of the electric rock.

[@mumbles215]

Then revised 25 years later by the Pixies….then a few years later Nirvana.

[@jilldiable8119]

JPJ was amazing on this track. Awesome, love Roberts voice.been a huge fan since early 70s.still am now.

[@tonyfleck3029]

Loving your Reactions and Analysis to so much Music that I've loved for Decades!! You should check out the live version of 'Ramble On ' from the 2007 Réunion Gig at the O2!! It's Very Impressive! And the Band are in their 60s!!!... X

[@jtj909]

JPJ's Bass in this one is EPIC!

[@dmwalker24]

There are 4 Zeppelin songs which contain references to works by Tolkien. I remember as a kid first getting into the band shortly after I first read the Hobbit. I think the band found it a bit embarrassing later to be 'borrowing' from Tolkien that way, but what has always stood out for me is the way they pull some of that English folk atmosphere into what is otherwise Blues-Rock music.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

After the studio version of Moby Dick you must watch the live version. You have to witness this with your own eyes. ✌️

[@binkymagnus]

I will now forever envision Bonzo tapping a pencil when I hear the beginning of this song!

[@scotttrainer9704]

In the Song Remains the Same during Dazed and Confused Jimmy is actually a wizard.

[@deanhovey8348]

My precious :)

[@kenrogers1948]

Bass carries the melody here... props to JPJ

[@benmaxwell4422]

JPJ is a beast on the bass! Carries the song! You should check out Them Crooked Vultures JPJ plays bass with Dave Grohl on drums they have a couple of jams!!

[@scotttrainer9704]

In concert footage Robert is clapping that tapping sound. I would imagine it's just in time with John tapping the edge of a drum.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

But Gollum, and the evil one Crept up and slipped away with her Her, her, yeah Ain't nothing I can do, no. Plant loves his Tolkien. ✌️🔥

[@Dreams4U2]

That's a bass, John Paul Jones at the beginning. One of the best bass players ever, but so underrated and overlooked. Oh, and Robert Plant was a huge fan of the "Lord of the Rings" books.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Great song by the greatest rock band. Nice reaction. Might want to listen a song called Roundabout by Yes the greatest prog band ever. However with Yes words tend to be an instrument. If think your reaction would be interesting.

[@owl-gd6ce]

my friend if you want to enjoy Zep live? listen to madison square garden dazed and confused. It is so amazing and food for the soul. peace to you !! rock on brotha!!!!

[@altjacobs]

Regarding 4:49 Mr Page called this principle "Light and Shade", and it was/is very intentional.

[@dalmac5978]

Light and shade

[@phillipharrison7283]

Plant's lyrics basically introduced LOTR to a whole new generation who really hadn't a clue about Tolkein's epic novels.

[@chriscody2778]

Bonzo was playing on a guitar case

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

Good call! I was going to mention that.

[@colinbenfield326]

The reunion live version is fierce.

[@triscat]

That whole concert is mighty.

[@bostonvair]

Loved your LotR comments before the lyrics took you there. Led Zeppelin was heavily influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien (see Misty Mountain Hop). Love your reactions... so thoughtful.

[@scotttrainer9704]

Moby Dick you should do the 15min live version at the very least. You could do live versions up to 42 minutes if you feel adventurous.

[@michaelmontgomery8424]

If you are going to ever do I full album of Iron Maiden can I suggest Somewhere in Time? Every Track is a banger! Thx

[@kenhewitt7357]

The tapping is bonzo drumming on Jimmy's guiter case

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Bonham's triplets..... ridiculous. JPJ holding it down, tapping.

[@mijmijrm]

60's LSD saturated musicians loved Tolkein (as you might expect) ps: .. it's worth checking out the first attempt at what would become Led Zeppelin ... Beck's Bolero (Wikipedia says 1966) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ6yYYKQeJt8nM0 Keith Moon, [Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones], Nicky Hopkins, Jeff Beck.

[@shannonpace9433]

Please do the live version of Moby Dick, much better than the album. Live at Royal Albert hall 1970.

[@sgt.blkdog3840]

1:46 “Ah, maybe an acoustic track” hahahahahah

[@darlenesmith761]

HEY SYED 🥰 HOW ARE YOU ? GOOD I HOPE THIS IS DARLENE FROM ANNISTON,ALABAMA YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS !!?? BUT YESTERDAY MORNING I WAS DRIVING TO MY DOCTOR APPOINTMENT AND ON THE RADIO THIS SONG CAME ON !! 😂 BUT IT IS ONE OF MY TOP FAVORITE SONG'S BY LED ZEPPELIN , I LOVE THE SOUND WHEN IT FIRST COMES ON !! OHHHH MYYYYY GOODNESS I GET HAPPY CHILL'S NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES I LISTEN TOO THIS SONG ,BUT ANYWAYS I TOLD MYSELF I HAVE GOT TO RECOMMEND THIS TOO SYED 😊 AND I JUST CUT ON MY UTUBE AN GUESS WHAT ???? 😁 THERE YOU WERE REACTING TO IT , I AM ABOUT TOO WATCH YOUR REACTION IN BOUT 15 MINUTES CAN'T WAIT TOO SEE WHAT YOU THINK !! 😘 LOVE YOU SO MUCH 💥🎙️🎶🎧💙😉

[@SyedRewinds]

haha Thanks for the comment Darlene, so glad you're enjoying the videos! :)

[@sahewins]

Plant does shine.

[@fightingwords8955]

Nice 🔥

[@TheDivayenta]

Robert sounds like Jay or Crow to me. I like that.

[@grelch]

Tolkienesque?! Tell me you didn't see the Mordor/Gollum verse before you said that. lol Did you react to 'Thank You' yet? It's one of my all time favorite love songs. Absolutely beautiful.

[@SantamanitaClauscaria]

"the girl is the ring" is close... its more like the *next* girl is the ring. that was their life. And yes, Page is a magician. He was really into the occult.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

On your interpretation of The Doors' "The End" -- a 19th century Scottish writer of fantasies and fairy tales named George MacDonald wrote this about people interpreting his stories: "One man will read one meaning in it, another will read another." And should a reader’s opinion differ from the author’s, MacDonald allowed that “your meaning may be superior to mine."

[@DC-ih8bv]

Jimmy plays Roberts subconscious. They feed off each other .

[@helenespaulding7562]

Zeppelin is my favorite band. Love them as a band snd individually. But I’ve never understood why this particular song is so highly regarded. I love the acoustic verses and JPJ bass work. It’s the chorus I guess that sours it for me. Not in my top 20 Zep songs. Perhaps it feels a bit dated with all the LOTR references? Don’t know, but it feels weird to me to be a Zep freak but not like a song of theirs that’s so popular.

[@viacrucis2509]

I get it, like it or not. But as a musician I find the instrumental arrangement exceptional.

[@dalmac5978]

I love the feel of this song, its light airiness interspersed with the harder driving melody. And, as a frequent traveler, I identify with the “ramble on” message. I love them all, but this has always been a favorite of mine.

[@johnathanstruble1064]

JPJ...Cmon man,!

[@doughaviland1729]

Did you pick out the Theramin? 😀

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

Hi Doug, if you're talking about the long, sustained tone, that's not a Theremin. According to Jimmy in Guitar World magazine: Page explained that he achieved the smooth, sustaining violin-like tone on the solo by using the neck pickup on his Les Paul with the treble cut and utilizing a sustain-producing effects unit built by audio engineer Roger Mayer.

[@heliotropezzz333]

Bonzo playing the bongos I think, rather than playing with his pencil.

[@e84harrison77]

Warning: Moby Dick is an instrumental. No lyrics to review.

[@griffygut7683]

John paul goes off too

[@philipsavickas4860]

zeppelin are masters of music misdirection

[@jameshuston9589]

This guy is alright with his response and analysis, but he never acknowledges the bass line. Sorry, he just did. Thanks.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

If you have not read the books before seeing the movies then shame on you.

[@rodhanson7112]

John Paul Jones is a very good bass player but the best BASS player was PAUL McCartney of the BEATLES and Roger GLover of DEEP PURPLE is a very good BASS player

[@richarddefortuna2252]

Tolkeinesque, eh? Funny you should say that ... ;-)

[@mr.zeppelin9384]

Greatest band that ever walked planet earth led zeppelin

[@annakermode6646]

Light and Shade