FIRST TIME HEARING Led Zeppelin - Going to California

[@stevenguzy570]

YOU'VE GOT IT! Music today does not compare to the era of Classic Rock and you are reviewing THE BEST of them ALL!!

[@gerrysayong1530]

Going to California is one of my favorite acoustic songs. That’s Jimmy playing all acoustic. John Paul Jones is playing the mandolin.

[@MarkH457]

And much more difficult to play correctly than it might seem, I gave up on it, my finger picking chops were just not up to the task. Page doesn't get enough props for his skill with an acoustic guitar

[@JoeandAngie]

The mandolin is an acoustic instrument

[@JoeandAngie]

​@MarkH457 hell, come here to E TN, SW VA, W NC ...everybody can pick an acoustic guitar!

[@yeti8it396]

ALL of thier songs are on my favorite wish.

[@Navarre-i1j]

You're doing what we used to do... listen to an entire album, exploring it with our friends, purchased for one or two songs and a great band, but you discover even more amazing music that you never expected on the rest of the album. These days, people buy the song they like, and that's all they get. No surprises, no discovery, no eyes widening with realization and surprise.

[@AlanWilbar]

Remember how there was this event we'd look forward to, the release of a new record. Get a bunch of people, a pile of weed and we'd sit and listen to the entire album, noting B sides or lemons tho still listening to them, I mean, the stereo's across the room, anyway. But we had this like, hour's time we knew we'd happily devote, with our friends to an album.

[@vicprovost2561]

Spot On! No matter what the big hit was we bought the album for, it was everything we had not heard and by the end of many great albums, we were in a state of euphoria! Modern reactors are finding out we had the best music ever and are making it part of their musical experience and realizing what we already knew. 1964 - 1994 - Beatles to the end of Grunge, the best 30 year stretch the human race will ever have musically.

[@AlanWilbar]

@@vicprovost2561 Zactly! And thinking when we were young this music hadn't existed, and was up against our parents' music in audio dominance so it WAS different, psychologically, there being this space to be filled, before Industrialization of rock n roll. And poor kids today have to grow up thinking what to us was rebellious, radical, sexual, drug filled rock and roll as "Classic", and "old music", and where does there natural rebelliousness go from there, you know?

[@darinmccosker6099]

Sitting listening to these albumns with my best friend marveling at their musical genius! Takes me back every time I hear it!

[@taylortyler1867]

I bought "Moving Pictures" by Rush, years ago. It was on vinyl and I only listened to the first side, over & over. It was only years later that I listened to the second side and was blown away by how good The Camera Eye, Witch Hunt & Vital Signs were. So yeah, there is music out there just waiting to be discovered.

[@anxiousappliance]

John Paul Jones on mandolin - he knows how to play within a composition.

[@billpimentel-vm6cu]

Zeppelin’s variety is unmatched. Beautiful acoustic to the hardest heavy.

[@PeterTea]

Such a beautiful tune. It’s like the calm before the storm of When the Levee Breaks…

[@jimmycompton6352]

That was john paul Jones on mandolin that you liked so much. very talented guy.

[@davidreilly8888]

It was Jones mandolin, but page played it in the studio. Jones played it live.

[@jimmycompton6352]

@davidreilly8888 I wasn't there. But I always heard page played Jones mandolin on the battle of evermore. And Jones banjo on gallows pole. But either way all 4 are incredible!

[@brianlafrazia8237]

One of their most beautiful songs, and one of my favorites. Masterpiece.

[@richardventus1875]

I love Led Zep - for over 50 years and still counting.

[@bjs7442]

Rosalie thinks of John Paul Jones as one of the great base players and on the keyboard but he is truly a world class multi instrumentalist . Here is the list: Bass guitar, electric organ, electric piano, harp, clavinet, double bass, mellotron, keyboards, mandolin, guitar, recorder, koto, lap steel guitar, continuum, autoharp, ukulele, sitar, keytar, banjo, cello, violin, Warr Guitar.. Here we see his mandolin playing which makes this track what it is. He was also a cowriter of many of Zepellns hits. In the background but a vital part of everything Zepellin did. he could not be replaced.

[@tinagilbert8902]

😊What a beautiful and intelligent reaction!! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!! BTW, you really need to see them perform this song live at Earl's Court. It's an intimate performance and absolutely enchanting! You'll get to see, close-up, who's playing which instruments. Plus... Robert's cheeky little smiles will leave you absolutely tickled!!😍😆 It's a must on a Zep journey!!😁 Peace and light...💞

[@rajsomsyhoang6385]

Only one LED ZEPPELIN is the best of the world you can listen again 1000 years from now Is really reality true by the way I m 74 yrs old now Hakhakhak

[@brucefollett8117]

Bit of trivia: The queen without a king is a reference to Joni Mitchell who famously lived in the Laurel Canyon outside Los Angeles, which sometimes tremble and shake from earthquakes.

[@sicotshit7068]

I believe I heard, that Page & at least Grant were in California, during a fairly mild earthquake.

[@JoeandAngie]

Laurel Canyon...nothing good ever happened (s) there. Bad juju .

[@spinman6432]

seemas like she had many kings.

[@brianhowell3713]

Led Zeppelin is beyond any category!! 🤘🏾😎🤘🏾

[@taylortyler1867]

You're gonna _LOVE_ the next song. Greatest drum beat in any song _EVER!_

[@tektoniks_architects]

Jimmy + Robert's tribute to Joni Mitchell.

[@Ducatirati]

Right , that's something I never knew , thanx for sharing that , good one . R

[@williamcabell142]

They always amaze! Listening 50 years, and I am still infatuated! 😎🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥They are their own genre!

[@patriciaclements9457]

Me too!

[@toniyoung5131]

The Rain Song is another of their gentle songs, it's a beautuful song about the progress of love.

[@targetshootr]

When The Levee Breaks has been known to change a persons life. When Zep turns it up to eleven.

[@angusmcdugal1]

listed for me as the greatest song ever produced.

[@vicprovost2561]

It should always come up in that debate.

[@Sanctified57]

What an absolutely beautiful, insightful, and intelligent reviewer you are Rosie. The best on KZbin for sure.

[@lookmanohands1966]

Zeppelin listener since the 70's as a kid. I get a huge kick out of your analysis of this, you provoke thought well.

[@sicotshit7068]

It’s hard to find a song you don’t like from Led Zeppelin, if there’s one your not crazy about, if there’s a live version watch that too. I’ve know the lives to change minds, their live performances are so amazing. Thanks as always for your reaction.

[@baronvonthrophousen5930]

Jimi page on guitar and John Paul Jones on mandolin. I don’t know why but for the first time I felt like I was tearing up before you mentioned feeling it yourself. Never had that reaction to this song before. There’s a guy called Rick Beato who did an interesting video about how, with proof in the form of studies of over 500,000 songs from the I think the 60’s to today, how music has been getting worse in terms of generic lyrics and chord progressions. As always, love how you review these Zep’ songs. When the levee breaks, ho crap, that is an incredible song. Robert plants harmonica and Bonzo’s slowed down drum beat, which you will have heard sampled many, many times, on that is just……….dirty, I think is the best way I could describe it but in the best way can’t wait for that reaction

[@rickshoemaker7547]

Watching them play it live at Earls Court is also a treat great reviews

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Aye, Earl's Court version is just sublime. You can see (finally) Jonesy on mandolin. The sound engineering at Earl's Court was also sublime. Instant classic.

[@juliemanarin4127]

It keeps getting better with every album too!! This live in 75 is wonderful!!

[@vicprovost2561]

Hi Julie, I see you on a lot of Led Zeppelin reactions, did you ever get to see them? I had tickets for Boston 1973 but the show was cancelled after much vandalism at the Garden when they put tickets on sale. Then in 1980 we had friends at the ticket outlet so were guaranteed tickets, then Bonham died. I regret I never saw the band, though I saw Plant and/or Page many times after. Have a rocking good day!

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

I was born in Augsburg Germany in the mid '60s & when we moved to Georgia in America in the mid '70s Led Zepplin was the first band I was exposed to & I was instantly hooked, used to spend all my grass cutting money buying albums {of all artists} & spending hours with my headphones on just jammin away in my room ✌💖☮

[@phenex551]

Yeah man!!👍

[@shannondickinson2123]

There was only one LZ, 4 young men , each arguably the very best at what they did. I was mesmerized when I first heard thrm in 1970 at 11 yo. Been thst way ever since Physical Graffiti is on my cd player in the car as I sit here. We shall never see thier like again.

[@PaulWalker-hz6zp]

Zep fan for 50 years. Love seeing people see them for the first time. Now you see why reviewing an entire album is so important, especially with Led Zeppelin. Some day, you will do the Zepathon. Every album. In order. Start to finish. 😁😁

[@transponderful]

Led Zeppelin are the most important band in Rock n Roll history

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Not sure they rank as more important than the Beatles, but they certainly were that in the era directly following the Beatles' era.

[@joerizzo53]

Led Zeppelin are four supremely talented musicians creating incredible music for the ages. Most of today's music is produced with simple formulas by technicians on computers. There is no comparison.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Absolutely right!

[@vicprovost2561]

Spot On, a modern top 40 is full of dreck, when I was young you could have Led Zeppelin, BB King, Jim Croce, Joni Mitchell and David Bowie in the top 5. Talk about great diversity of musical skill, 90% of today's music is forgotten and never thought of again while many 1,000s of songs from back in the day live on with new fans.

[@tomkelly8774]

This song was an earthquake, It changed music going forward for most rock bands, At the time , It was the end of the beatles era,, And we playing this song Over and over✌️ The greatest band of all time..

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Jonesy on the mandolin! This is the best rock-mandolin song ever to me.

[@Srbazo]

Thank you Rosalie 😊 for letting me listen LedZep I'm in a mountain resort in Serbia and chilling to the best rock band forever..new sub!!!almost every song is different in every way

[@mre9789]

Great reaction and analysis! Can't wait for "When the Levee Breaks", my favorite song from this album.

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

I've sang this song live several times and the crowd always loves it.... Love your reactions!

[@manchifatto]

There's this song: Alone Again Or by Love, surrounded by acoustic guitar playing, very refreshing

[@danjohnson2986]

I watched Robert Plant open for the Who in 2002. This song was like a religious experience. So beautiful

[@dianesorensen2549]

Zeppelin was so eclectic.

[@GM_Zeppelin]

You found so much more depth in this song than I ever did. Amazing analysis, thank you for your time and effort on this. I'd love to hear your thoughts on "That's the Way", a song that has always struck me as unusually deep when compared to the rest of their stuff.

[@randysparks5413]

Thank You Song will make you cry...

[@robertserafin-uc3qn]

California was much different then in 1971 P.s. When the Levee Breaks will blow you away. I will tell you that the drum tracks have been used a lot by Rappers

[@DarrellRaley]

Damn you're smart! I'd give anything to sit and spend the day with you discussing music. I love your interpretations! Love your vids! ❤

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

Honored. Thank you!

[@kirstenstewart5758]

Such a beautiful song with a gorgeous melody and then bring in Robert’s vocal range adding such texture ❤

[@obear1]

3:08 thank you for your perspective on the music of my youth 💙

[@mjtribby6328]

How can tomorrow ever follow today. WOW.i never looked at this song this way. Sometimes this thought process is very fitting throughout our lives. I have been listening to this song since the early 70S and did not consider this phrase. Thank you. Oh, you need to see the live version.

[@TerenceShortman]

Wonderful reaction I agree with your comparison to a lot of today's music and back then 15 years old when I bought this album in 1971 all the top bands at this time Zeppelin, Sabbath, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Genesis, Moody blues, every album different, every song on the album different when we bought a new album dropped it on the turntable and listened from start to finish with only a break to turn the album over.

[@RichardCuller-y4q]

get ready....the next song arguably has the greatest studio performance by a drummer of all time...and the harmonica.....When the Levee Breaks will absolutely blow you away....hope you next consider reacting to either the debut album or Physical Graffiti...you will not regret it...thanks much; great reaction!!

[@adlwilliams]

Such a beautiful song. Zeppelin were all musical geniuses

[@helenespaulding7562]

No harmonica my dear. Acoustic guitar and mandolin only. And the two of them weaving together PERFECTLY captures the Southern California folk and folk rock sound of the late 60’s. This song is a tribute to Joni Mitchell ( the Queen without a king, they say she’s plays guitar, cries and sings) whom Jimmy and especially Robert respected deeply and Robert definitely had a fan crush going on like so many fellow male artists did at that time.

[@helenespaulding7562]

When you are done with the studio album, you really should watch several live performances of songs from it. Going g to California from Earls Court 1975 is wonderful. Black Dog from MSG 1973 also great. Rock and Roll MSG 1973 is a fun romp. Misty Mountain Hop also. You’ve seen Stairway I believe.

[@olaspaz3079]

I saw 4 sticks and almost kept scrolling because i'd seen your reaction to it already....might wanna fix it. Loving your Zep content.❤️

[@mattpobursky850]

😆I actually like 4 Sticks better than Going To California

[@olaspaz3079]

@@mattpobursky850 I'd already seen her react to it.

[@olaspaz3079]

​@@mattpobursky850she already reacted to it.

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

Fixed. :) sorry guys

[@sicotshit7068]

Their acoustic set live is great to watch live, most of the acoustic songs are on Led Zeppelin III. This song is inspired by Joni Mitchell. JPJ is playing the mandolin, & Page the acoustic guitar. So many people don’t know their diversity with music, most of what was played on the radio was their harder songs, people would be surprised at the beauty they created too.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Yes Going To California...That's The Way...and Bron Y AR Stomp!!

[@sicotshit7068]

@@juliemanarin4127 they are all great songs.

[@bowtiefidenine]

My favorite song on a slow day ❤

[@laszlovszky1234]

I highly recommend the live version of this. (1975 Earls Court)

[@williamcabell142]

Check it live! WOW! 🙃

[@tonyn152]

Great review. Watch the live version if you can. Really cool to see them play it. Jimmy is playing the guitar part and JPJ is playing the mandolin.

[@deetotheski9642]

glad to see im one of many recommending, no, URGING, you to react to the earls court live performance of this. just sublime, the 3 on stage in perfect sync. jonesy on mandolin steals it. i would also add that for your appreciation of roberts lyricism, and again, jonesy phenomenal arrangement, you HAVE to cover The Rain Song. achingly beautiful. oh and also the much underappreciated Tangerine. X

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

Not sure how often you check your comments, as I've just stumbled across your site. Should tell you this song was a Love letter written to Joni Mitchell by Page and Plant who were both enthralled with her music, writing ability, guitar playing, and of course singing. Both members had repeatedly said they'd love to work with her. Joni being part of the singer songwriter crew living is LA's Laurel Canyon. The song was a letter to her and how much they admired and loved her. All you have to do is listen to the album BLUE by Joni and soon you'll understand why she is known as one of the greatest musicians and the album is ranked as one of the very best ever. It was also the first album of its kind where someone wrote from the heart and lyrics were extremely personal.

[@MLawrence2008]

Please PLEASE watch the live version from the Albert Hall, it is epic and fun! Great reaction Rosalie, but the best is still to come, 'When the Levee Breaks'

[@helenespaulding7562]

Think you mean Earls Court?

[@PaulWalker-hz6zp]

I have watched 100 reactors in the last few years. You are, by far and away, the best reactor... 👌 🙂

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

Thank you very much :)

[@helenespaulding7562]

I also have sampled that many over the last five years and Rosalie is easily in the top 10% for me.

[@rosalieelliottofficial]

@@helenespaulding7562 thank you so much! :)

[@vanzepafudgeingmule933]

The LIVE Version Answers ALL ur Questions - Mentally & Visually.

[@walterfleury3840]

There is a live version of this live at Earl's Court. You can see who plays what amazing version.

[@JackW467]

i'm So happy to see and hear you react to this .. John Paul Jones is playing the Mandolin.. that's what you were hearing that you liked so much, I believe .. The fade-out is tear inducing to me also 🥺 🥲 the essence of wistful. (Please react to the (Live at Earl's Court 1975) [Official Video] " version too ). You will love it very much . Thank you Rosalie ☀

[@cruesome2]

Going To Four Sticks, CA. Been there many times. Nice place.

[@lelandpowell5223]

Just waiting for “when the levee breaks”. That will be a hoot 🎉❤

[@jeffharris4593]

Video is listed as Four Sticks. Love this song. So peaceful.

[@PhilPastor]

Great reaction, Rosalie. John Paul Jones was the Swiss army knife of Led Zeppelin. He is a fantastic multi-instrumentalist, and when the Zep needed a mandolin, or whatever, JPJ was there to save the day.

[@christinawoolley6206]

It is indeed a poignant song 🎶 a favorite of mine since it came out when I was a child. 😽🎶

[@gsxrkz]

Zeppelin can do it all greatest band of all time. Greatest musical artist of all time.

[@AminalBob]

The thing about the music being so much better, richer, etc…, back in the 60’s and 70’s we didn’t even know at the time how special it was going to end up being. We thought it was going to last forever. At least as far as bands experimenting and putting so much into every song. It really makes me love the music I grew up on even more. Great reactions and analysis. Thank you!

[@AminalBob]

Also, I forgot to add, the “never, never been born” could be, and I always took it to mean, a virgin.

[@mikemitton6447]

You need to do a listen of their first album! More Blues and Rock, and phenomenal!

[@hemispheres6942]

Hope you keep Zeppelin in Rotation. You won't be disappointed, guaranteed !!!! One more !

[@beetleb1801]

You REALLY need to listen to the live version of this song. So much more vocal gymnastics from Robert! Beautiful song.

[@vicprovost2561]

John Paul Jones on Mandolin, their not so secret weapon, bass, keyboards, mandolin, the studio, whatever you need, he provides, allowing the other 3 to be arguably as good a player at their instruments/vocals as anyone in the last 60 years. They are just amazing, the perfect band and the next song is a perfect album closer. Be prepared to be enveloped in their sound! Enjoy. 🔥🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶🔥

[@WorldSpectator705]

Yes, you're right, the diversity was a real strength of the band, much of this song for example sounds like really nice folk music, while most people think of Zeppelin as being a "Hard rock", which of course they could do to perfection. But these guys were so talented and had so many interests in so many genre's, they were never going to be boring! It was John Paul Jones on the nice Mandolin work. Talk about JPJ, not only a great bass player, but excellent on keys, mandolin, and I think other instruments. And an excellent arranger I believer.

[@dorkoptimusrex907]

What you have to remember is JPJ is also known as John Paul (play anything) Jones. He also composed most of the fills for all of Zep's music.

[@SO.CAL-D.Edwards]

Double drop D tuning. It's one of my favorite finger picking exercises. One of the funnest songs to play I've ever played.. John P Jones is the secret weapon. If you hear it, it's probably arranged and played by Jones.. except for the Guitar stuff that's Page.. 🤘🎶+🌎✌️

[@bill3118]

For a real treat watch the live version. x

[@lgambertin4018]

Great insight Rosalie! I like how you are piecing together the larger lyrical mosaics per album. One song and group I think you would love dissecting is America by Steppenwolf whose lead singer escaped Germany after WWII as a small child since you have an affinity to Germany. Snow Blind Friend is another song you would love to dissect. They are a group that most of their songs are under the radar, unfortunately due to drugs and death.

[@josephlinnell9855]

Have to see this live from Earl's Court 1975

[@DamianMCrae-k4x]

I saw them live and John Paul Jones played everything that was not the guitar, drums or mouth organ. During the accoustic section of the concert JPJ sat with a ring of instruments around him. Guitar, banjo and ukelele were all given a run add to that, the keyboards and he is a complete musician. Possibly the best allround musician in the band.

[@jmar7631]

No bass, no harmonica. Page played two acoustic guitars (a six-string and a twelve-string) and Jones was on a mandolin. Great song, one of my favorites. Glad you're enjoying this album. Hope that you eventually do their entire catalogue. Thanks for a great reaction! :)

[@charlesmarkley220]

So glad you are listening. John Paul Jones on the mandolin.😊

[@MustAfaalik]

Rosie's analysis of the lyrics is sensible enough.

[@danieljean6882]

been waiting for you to finish this, the last song will blow you away, every song on this is good. I have had this theory this album is arranged for a reason. black dog to when the levee breaks . I thank you might been on to this, ??????

[@jamesmcclain5005]

😅 I live here in California, it is just like the song, very beautiful.

[@darrylmitchell7619]

Man, I can’t wait to see your reaction to the Physical Graffiti album if you decide to tackle that one too!

[@juliemanarin4127]

And Houses Of The Holy!

[@MegaIronleg]

THERE IS A GREAT LIVE VERSION, THAT IS EVEN MORE EMOTIONAL

[@BERSERKERNA39]

Absolutely one of my favorites.

[@PhilipOgden-m7z]

Very poetic and gentle.

[@dedcowbowee]

John Paul Jones is a multi instrumentalist.he joined Jimmy on guitar on this,he did live anyhow.

[@willyroussel3563]

At this point in time the jet plane was not the same, they had there own plane. Mountains tremble and shake they were in the airport during an earthquake. The girl is Joni Mitchell Robert and Jimmy thought she was great.

[@helenespaulding7562]

I thought they rented the plane in 1973 for the Houses of the Holy tour. Not in 71 or 72?

[@willyroussel3563]

@@helenespaulding7562 you are correct, i went with this review that i think is wrong. "The self titled ‘Led Zeppelin’ referred to as Led Zeppelin IV, I believe came out much too quickly. By this time they were so huge, spending tons of money, flying their own Jet, excess after excess and this album has that feel. One only need to look at the image on the album cover, a man burdened under the labor of his work, to see the strain Led Zeppelin"

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@willyroussel3563yeah…don’t know where you found that….I’ve not read it before. But it’s a bunch of piffle (BS). Zep IV did NOT “come out too quickly”. For heavens sake….They were at their peak creatively and it’s one of the best sellers in history. I’ve heard that the picture on the cover was suggested by Plant, who found the painting in a second-hand store if I recall….I think it’s German? There is a background story there for sure, but nothing to do with a metaphor for them, breaking under the strain”. Heck, , they were young men riding high. They sure as hell felt the strain later though; 1975 onwards was one personal catastrophe after another……..and massive drug use for Page and Bonham… truly sad.

[@ForeverDC_]

JPJ played the Mandolin. JP played the Acoustic. You are so right when you said we OG's 👴😆can be critical of today's music. The music of my generation is/was so much fuller than what you hear today. It just seems the musicians of the past gave more to their music, their creations, their audience. Maybe I missed it, but I wasn't sure if you knew LZ IV used symbols that had meaning to each member on the album versus naming it. In order of each symbol...Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, Robert Plant Many meanings over the years...JP=Something to do with Black Magic, JPJ=Someone with Confidence & Competence, JB=Father/Mother/Son, RP=Some Civilization in the World???

[@georgehofgren6123]

G to California has always been a standout Zeppelin tune. And yes, you can keep saying it.... it showcases their absurd Versatility ❤️ ✌️ ☮️

[@AngeloMarcheschi-vj9em]

When the Levee breaks is a cover song from the great Mississippi flood of the 1920's. The drumming is simple but remarkable.

[@audiotomb]

“Trying to find a woman who has Never been born” - she is so Goddess like - she was plucked into existence. Which indeed was Joni Mitchell - her music, her life force, her stunning beauty. Try her songs Court and Spark, Amelia or Edith and the Kingpin

[@gilbertzurita]

The Live version of Going to California is really good

[@Lightmane]

Rosalie, you got the title wrong. Glad you fixed it : )

[@JwinklerWin]

One thing you have to know. On many songs you J.P. Jones (the complete musician) playng mandolin or electric piano or mellotron (those flutes in the intro of Stairway T H or the cellos in Kashmir) and the bass (pedal bass) with hus FEET. Every time you hear sonething other than guitar it"s John Paul Jones. I suggest that you run INMEDIATLY to watch here on YT the song "The Ocean" live. You will see the complete package. Cheers. You're doing a great job

[@shannondickinson2123]

Lovely song , always been a fav. They say Joanie Mitchell was the inspiration.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Indeed she was. Joni