Led Zeppelin - Self-Titled (1969) (FIRST REACTION)

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0:00 intro
0:41 Good Times Bad Times
2:24 Babe I'm Gonna Leave You
6:33 You Shook Me
10:46 Dazed and Confused
15:11 Your Time Is Gonna Come
18:39 Black Mountain Side
20:07 Communication Breakdown
21:26 I Can't Quit You Baby
24:32 How Many More Times
30:39 final thoughts

[@DAVECHER]

I really appreciate all the support on this video so far and your guys' passion for this album, but holy it's actually astounding how many comments I still get about editing these videos. For those of you that don't know, me uploading an un-edited video of an entire album usually results in the video getting blocked. If you want to listen to the whole album, idk what you're doing here. The point of my videos is to add my thoughts and commentary onto the album. The only time I get these kinds of comments is when i review older albums with a generally older audience, which is pretty telling lol. Okay, rant over. I'll probably be reacting to Led Zeppelin II soon.

[@tektoniks_architects]

So that you understand: you complained about the transition from track to track, but there is a great reason why that is. Jimmy Page, guitarist and producer for the albums, was trying to get as much DJ airtime from FM radio stations, so by overlapping the end and beginning of tracks, he wanted to fool DJs into playing more than one Zep track at a time....which is exactly what happened. Zep was an undiscovered band, trying to break thru. FM radio was just beginning to get big, so album-oriented music was a new thing. Jimmy wanted to take advantage of radio airtime as much as possible, and by having tracks overlap, Zep got more airtime than other bands. By the way, this is exactly what happened to you, when you went directly from You Shook Me into How Many More Times without stopping....so Jimmy's concept still works more than 50 years later.

[@philshorten3221]

You can pick absolutely any track from Live at Madison Square Gardens 1973 and be a happy bunny for the rest of the day!

[@davidvanmatre3235]

Ignore the haters man. Your reviews are great, its almost like truly reliving my first time experiencing some of this stellar music almost 40 years ago now. I appreciate the nostalgia and reminder. Cheers.

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@tektoniks_architectshey there Tek! New channel for us? If he does Zep run, for sure! First time to this dude. Zep brought me….of course

[@helenespaulding7562]

It is “telling”. I’m 77…..and it’s by watching mucho reaction channels for several years that I can abide the editing….which is, as you say, absolutely necessary… unless you have a Patreon channel. Allot of “oldsters” haven’t adjusted yet and they are immersed in memories of listening to the albums all the way through and kniw every note and riff …so it’s jarring. Please try to cut some of my generation some slack. We just love the music SO damn much and we love to see younger folks get off on it. The positive side is that we will be incredibly loyal, supportive (and informative) as you listen to more of this music.

[@ciscostudent6316]

You have to fully appreciate this was written and recorded in 1969. Either 8 or 16 track. This was inventing rock.

[@dalmac5978]

1968, actually. Released in January 1969.

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Surely reinventing?

[@jamesleblanc7437]

“The drums sound so good here” is gonna be a common theme…😂

[@Danjoker.]

John Bonham's drumming hits you like a thunder. The guy was a beast.

[@CatharticCreation]

Every member of this band is genius in their own way. I used to bump this album a lot when i was in highschool in the early 2000’s. Glad that its still hitting! Led Zeppelin IV is a classic too as well as Houses of The Holy, though the latter is a lot more experimental.

[@lawrencesmith6536]

The Physical Graffitti album is gonna blow your mind. Chronological order is an excellent idea

[@dandrechsler6884]

Like I tell everyone. It's the best Zeppelin song until you hear the next song. Love the reaction check out Zeppelin II

[@katyharrs278]

Welcome to the best rock band in the whole world!!

[@robertembury6094]

Dazed and Confused was a song that LZ played live through out their existence .Jimmy Pages guitar solos on this song used to last 25 to 30 minutes long and he was versatile enough to keep everyone hooked.

[@LordEriolTolkien]

20 to 30 minute guitar solos are simultaneously the worst and best thing about classic rock.

[@brandonj162]

Babe I'm Gonna Leave you is such an epic song... really hits when you're out on an early evening drive and it comes on.

[@barry1369]

Apparently plant hates it

[@timtubemusic]

Keep going thru their album catalog. The greatest songs of all time are yet to come.

[@brettschacht4183]

Fantastic reaction. Definitely check out the albums in order because Zeppelin progressed throughout their catalog as few bands ever have. Favorites include Led Zep 3 and Physical Graffiti, but the first six are all essential listening.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

When Led Zeppelin I came out, I bought it immediately as did all my friends. We were blown away by their talent and raw musical power. I saw them live in '69 in S.F. Would love to have you react to all their albums, preferably in chronological order.

[@sabenchristopher47]

Really good reaction first. Zeppelin is greatest band all-time 4 masters in there craft together. I would suggest going in order because the evolution of there sound Is amazing and unmatched. Every album offers something different and there all great.

[@lutherfloyd597]

Controversially my favorite album by them

[@jackiegiannino6835]

You NEED to hear “ When the Levee Breaks”. The drumming and whole vibe is AMAZING!!

[@gsparkman]

This was a great reaction. Led Zeppelin delivered what can be argued as the best debut album ever. Agree with your Communications Breakdown assessment, but a stunning album all the same. John Bonham was a beast, and as is in the conversation of best drummers in any rock band; regardless, he fit the music of Led Zeppelin perfectly, and is a,big reason I kept coming back for more. Looking forward to your reaction to their subsequent albums. Resist calls to jump around to various songs. Stick with full album reviews.

[@anahatatutu]

Transitions are perfect on the vinyl. This is album # I. They only got better and better.

[@K4neki_CNTP]

LZ 2 is a step down without much growth, but otherwise agreed, they only got better from here on out.

[@K4neki_CNTP]

@@stabishop1769 The step down thingy? Yes, that’s very subjective. I just think in a 1 to 1 comparison, almost every track loses to its track list counterpart from LZ1. The thing about growth? I think that’s analytically correct. Not much changed stylistically from 1 to 2. 2 is also less ambitious, except for its prod and mixing.

[@Ledzepnut]

You guys need to stop.giving this young man so much grief, it isn't his fault that KZbin is the way they are, I know the music well enough, I've been listening to it since '71, so let the guy do what he has to do to be able to upload it, and let him enjoy his Zeppelin journey without harassment, he's gonna be blown away by the time he gets to IV, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti, when the true experimentation comes to light, that is if you don't piss him off and he says fuck it. Looking forward to your reaction for the second album, it starts off with a banger, and ends with one as well, plus all the great songs in between, cept for msybe one

[@carlgutierrez3993]

Definitely go by order of release! It will be an incredible journey for you!

[@sensationaldenny]

I'll never forget my first Led Zeppelin Journey! Glad you enjoyed the debut album but the music gets way crazier (in a good way) as you carry on with the next 4 albums. If you thought the drumming was great on this, your brain is gonna melt by the time you finish Led Zeppelin 4

[@dbclassic8733]

Guess some insight might include that Robert Plant and John Bonham were only 20 years old and John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page guitar a couple of years older. So to be so accomplished, musically tight and ambitious just adds to the legend

[@patrigilligan2112]

You have just listened to arguably the greatest debut rock album of all time!

[@sicotshit7068]

If you love drums Bonham has a 15 to 20 minute drum solo called Moby Dick, watch the Madison Square Garden 1973 live. He’s the greatest drummer ever, sadly passed away in 1980.

[@helenespaulding7562]

First time viewer. Zep brought me. If you “do the run”, we’ll all be with you. Yes, do it chronologically ….it’s the best way. And DEFINITELY sprinkle in some live. You’ll have to smack a big COPYRIGHT on the screen, or make it opaque so it doesn’t get blocked. But it’s definitely doable. The energy, charisma, intuitiveness of this band toward one another meant massive improv during live performances. Watching them perform was an experience. After Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page was in the first handful of “guitar gods”. He also formed the band and was also the producer.

[@derraumdeuter3671]

Love the reaction brother Keep LZ reactions coming in the future 👍

[@DrVonChilla]

There are MANY reasons why Led Zeppelin is one of the most-influential, best-selling & most-beloved groups of all-time. No one alive today will ever see their kind again. This is not merely my opinion....It's Just The Way It Is. I'm proud to say that I lived through their time. I was a teenager when Led Zeppelin ruled the world. 😄

[@BreakthroughGD]

Truly one of the greatest bands of all time - definitely the best hard rock band. The rest of their discography is also amazing, very excited for you to go through it. 27:53 Also if you're more curious about this go read Lori Mattix's wikipedia page

[@bowtiefidenine]

Going in chronological order is a perfect way to experience Led Zeppelin

[@dynjarren8355]

This debut blew the doors off the house! They were playing with dynamics and the Soft/Loud sonic technique that the Pixies and Nirvana did later. The light and heavy dynamic. Hence the name: Led which was really Lead and Zeppelin which was the balloon filled with Helium that floated. And they did Blues but in a heavy way. The Jeff Beck group did something similar with Rod Stewart. They actually covered You Shook me as well. I like I ain’t Superstitious. But Becks group broke up. Plant really sounds incredible here because he was young and had something to prove. I like how the song before Communication Breakdown sets it up. It’s almost a Punk song. It’s a blastoff! Then I love How Many More Times the closing song. It’s stunning and leaves one breathless! The debut is my favorite! Enjoy!

[@dbclassic8733]

Love that you appreciate that soft slide up chord in "I can't quit you" and played it 3 times, I did the same thing and it's been melting my brain for many years. Great reaction and analysis to the whole album 👍

[@richardctaylor79]

John Bonham, probably the greatest drummer of all time... for his best performance you need to check out Moby Dick live at the Royal Albert Hall 1970....

[@SlowUnsteadyTV]

Their production and mixing improved a lot over time. Would love to see you continue their discography.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Jimmy plays the guitar with a violin bow on this and a few other songs. Also Jimmy produced all their albums!

[@philshorten3221]

If you liked the drums here just wait tf till you get to "When the Levee Breaks" John Bonhams drums just so sweet.

[@TheRandalltex]

This warms my heart young man :) That's album #1, now on to album #2.

[@CatharticCreation]

LOL love your brain melt reaction to “How Many More Times”.

[@willyroussel3563]

Jimmy Page was a very sought after session player in the 60s. He said that the drums always sounded like they were in a can, he brought the drums forward in his production of Zeppelin.

[@bishlap]

Nice going Dave, you've hit the mountain top of classic ROCK.

[@donaldallen4285]

I remember when this album came out Led Zeppelin was the best band there ever was and ever will be. I was lucky enough to see them in concert.

[@katyharrs278]

Led Zeppelin are magical live,maybe take a look at some of their Royal Albert Hall 1970 performance,it will blow your mind 😊

[@JohnFloss]

i havent watched it yet but i know this video will be good

[@414pancake]

Don't be too freaked out on the "school girl" reference, most of the tunes borrowed (and outright stole) from older blues songs. "Good Morning School Girl" by Sonny Boy Williamson was one from the 1930's. [Cut and paste explanation]: "Today when we think of “school girl,” we often think of a younger age, say before 10. Why is that? We have word for ages after 10, pre-teen and teenager. Or, we (in America) use “middle schooler,” or “high schooler.” These are ways to suggest age. But before those words were used, anyone is school was a “school boy” or “school girl". Don't get me wrong though, I think they are the greatest band of all time. A little more info on this album: Jimmy Page is playing his guitar with a bow in parts of Dazed and Confused and How Many More Times (maybe in another track too?). Do the albums in order, you'll be amazed at their progression, and I guarantee they will not let you down. Some of the greatest music ever made coming your way. It will be fun to watch.

[@donaldallen4285]

Every one of their albums are so good you can listen to them from beginning to end and enjoy every song. You got a lot to learn about Led Zeppelin.

[@helenespaulding7562]

That line about “school girl”. Two points. First; Zeppelin’s first two albums were heavily influenced by old blues songs from the Mississippi Delta as well as Chicago. Each member loved the old black blues masters. Zeppelin often “borrowed” certain lyrics from old blues, and this is one of them. Certainly none of the Zeppelin members would have been that happy with eleven kids ( part of the lyric you noticed) Second point; The reason for that remark about “you can tell Jimmy wrote that lyric” (not true btw) is that Jimmy was noted for liking young groupies. I know, I know Now there’s a word we use for that . But in 1969, in some states, you could still marry at 14. Different ethos. And people were much more indulgent about rock stars and groupies…glamorizing it. Authorities and hoteliers looked the other way with all the young women hanging around these bands. Different times. The power imbalance was not noticed and some of the girls became famous. Check out the movie “ Almost Famous” for s very accurate portrayal of the early 1970’s rock scene and the groupies. It’s based on a true story and Zeppelin was definitely the band with the wildest reputation for “shenanigans” and wild goings on. 🙄😁

[@eatthisvr6]

They exploded out of the gare with this album. Then they just kept going!! There was nothing like this until they came along. The spacey bits in dazed and hmmt are jimmy playing electric guitar with a cello bow!!. All 4 were master musicians and their chemistry together is unmatched

[@juliemanarin4127]

Greatest band to ever grace the planet!! Every song...every album!! You won't believe them! Go through each album...Jimmy Page...greatest guitarist ever...John Bonham...greatest drummer ever...John Paul Jones...unbelievable bassist/keyboardist/mandolin/banjo/guitar/arranger...Robert Plant...fantastic singer/harmonica player and performer! I swear you will not regret watching their live performances or going through every song they made! I subbed fir more Zeppelin!

[@aviadilo]

A stunning debut album. Fantastic guitarwork, drumming and vocals throughout.

[@kathyedleman633]

Now, go to the next album . Yep ,go in order. ❤

[@13terapyn]

Fellow Nerdist, great reaction. You're going to want to hold off on declaring your favorite song or album you have many more songs and mind-blowing sounds to hear on this wonderful and fantastic journey on which you're about to embark. And pay no mind to the stuck in the past geezers who are picky and just ignore them okay. Your true reactions is what people want. So please do not censor yourself. And thanks for the geese reference I'm going to check that out. Finally, I was eight (1973) when I first heard this album in its entirety. And it's still blowing my mind 50 years later. Cheers

[@anitapaulus937]

I think those fills you’re talking about are bass drum triplets.

[@ursgeiser6570]

Dazed And Confused and How Many More Times were live standards; there are a few 20'-30' versions, partly How with an integrated song medley; e.g. both Internet/CD Royal Albert Hall 1970/Jimmys Birthday Bass (live from LZ I 5 of the 8 songs), Dazed on the two official live albums How The West Was Won 1972 and The Songs Remain the Same 1973 and also on DVD Earls Court July 25th 1975. Have fun discovering LZ!!!

[@craighenshaw4487]

Thanks. What a great job.

[@davidg5506]

Bonham was 20 when he recorded this. Just unreal.

[@slimpickins9124]

Very nice of you to play the whole album, thanks!

[@KarlKloie]

Authentic reviews from a young man who knows and appreciates music

[@AngeloMarcheschi-vj9em]

Jimmy Page produced all of Zeppelins albums he is a master of it. They are the GOATS

[@K4neki_CNTP]

Loved your reaction man. LZ is one of my favourite bands. Keep it going!

[@user-fc8lz1cg4x]

OK, you passed the test. SUBSCRIBED. ❤😊

[@helenespaulding7562]

Subbed on the hope of more Zeppelin. We’ll see. 😁

[@mikaelkarlsson2929]

Communication Breakdown is such an important song. Without that one, no Paranoid from Black Sabbath and the heavy metal that would follow.

[@rogercaruso9337]

Nobody I said nobody will ever surpass

[@philshorten3221]

"I think this is as good as it gets...." absolutely it was... but this was just for starters, they didn't stop, they kept on going!

[@dynjarren8355]

Jimmy Page produced and recorded this entire album. He did mic placement and EQ mixing on the drums to get the best drum sound possible. He made the album sound incredible. He captured the power of Led Zeppelin in their young and powerful prime!

[@LordEriolTolkien]

This is the best way to listen to classic bands. One Album At A Time.

[@user-fc8lz1cg4x]

Yes, go in order...we will guide you.

[@robertlear2712]

This album was Jimmy Pages project after The Yardbirds broke up.

[@Alan_CFA]

In Dazed and Confused, there was a call-and-response interwoven with another call-and-response. One with the guitar and vocals, the other with bass and drums! Talk about creative!😁😁😁

[@teacherlucas9982]

Only people who really listen to 60's back on music knows how modern this album was and will forever be. To eternity Led Zeppelin I.

[@eatthisvr6]

The singer and drumner were 20 years old

[@dewaynejiles3885]

I don't think there's a right way or wrong way to react organically, but my young friend, I think you got the essence from the outset and throughout, and once you stopped thinking about Greta Van Fleet, I think you were welcomed into another awesome part of this worlds experiences. Zeppelin has gifted mountainous ⛰️ amounts of joy for 55-years and counting.

[@davidepperson3685]

It is really amazing to think that these guys were 19 and early to mid 20s. Incredible

[@benaiah2119]

Yes you should go in order. I love this band and I enjoyed the reaction.

[@dynjarren8355]

This album sounds so good because Page was using Mike placement and equing in order to capture the live sound in the room. Page is brilliant and captured a young Led Zeppelin in their youthful prime for all time.

[@shannonpace9433]

Can't wait until Zeppelin II

[@bernardsalvatore1929]

DAVE, what you are hearing John Bonham do in "I Can't Quit You Babe" are triplets with his bass drum foot pedal. This is a technique that he learned from jazz drummers such as Buddy Rich!!! THERE MAY HAVE BEEN ONE OTHER ROCK DRUMMER THAT DID THAT DURING THESE TIMES AND IT'S WHAT MADE JOHN BONHAM STAND OUT AS A ROCK DRUMMER, HIS UNIQUE TECHNIQUE!!! There's a great video on KZbin somewhere that breaks down John Bonham's drumming through several different songs!!! One of the most important things is that unlike most other bands that had the Bass player and the drummer playing with each other in Led Zeppelin you had the drummer playing with the GUITARIST!!!! Any member of the band would tell you that John Bonham was the DRIVING FORCE and the REASON for Led Zeppelin's sound AND success!!!

[@clab5864]

55 years ago, we had to steal away to listen to these tunes. LZ was WAY ahead of their time!!

[@philtred21]

The four first albuns of Led Zeppelin are perfect (I, II, III, IV).

[@Olavodorini]

Best band Ever!!!!!

[@LordEriolTolkien]

I clearly remember hearing the announcement, on the radio, of the death of John Bonham and the immediate disbandment of the band. They said in that announcement that Led Zeppelin was only ever 4 people, and what they did together. There could be no replacement. This remained true until John's son Jason joined as drummer in his fathers place years later...

[@anitapaulus937]

I think LED Zeppelin II is better. Going through the albums in order would be good. You will hear how they mature and change.

[@mikefetterman6782]

Jimmy Page is a well know studio musician who was a major name in the 60s, with his other Yardbird brethren, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. Robert Plant was a powerful vocalist who was in a band called Band of Joy, with an extra talented drummer John Bonham, considered to be the best, or in the top 3 of rock drummers of all time. Their secret weapon, a studio musician friend of Jimmy's, John Paul Jones was a master of bass and keyboards, plus could do a mean duet with a mandolin, Jones seem to fill any blank spot with his own tasty creations. All 4 were top of their game from 1968-1975. After 75, their endless touring, family deaths, injuries, sicknesses and substance abuse started to wear them down. Bonham's demise from alcohol poisoning in 1980, marked the end of the bands existence. To see them live from their first couple years is a sight. I saw Plant and Page in concert in 1997 and they were still the best concert I will ever see.

[@mikefetterman6782]

All 4 of the band members had a plane full of 13-16 year old girls that would meet up with the band after each show. Their tales of debauchery are legendary.

[@mikefetterman6782]

At the time, Elvis had just married Priscilla a few years before who was 13 when they started dating, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 14 year old 2nd cousin on her birthday, and was ousted out of his UK tour. In the 1920s-1950s it was not uncommon for people to leave school around 8th grade, get married and start having as many children to help around the farm as possible.

[@ronniecarter2645]

Nailed it...

[@sicotshit7068]

Jimmy Page lead guitarist plays with a violin bow in some songs, jumping around your listeners might miss great parts like that. Each of these guys are the GOATS of their crafts, together the ultimate GODS. Draw in new listeners by playing each song in full.

[@Bluewizard7131]

You've got to watch some live Zeppelin! The greatest live band in history.

[@WEREWOLFCaT_STORIES]

High water guitar tone on you shook me // creamy slide / plant following with his vocal really ahead of its time. Also if you have time - my microsongs shorts have wonderful feel if you have reaction 😮

[@jeffreyodiff1806]

So,, instantly HOOKED!

[@mikeballentine1984]

1 and 2 are the greatest albums of all time imo

[@bobsbigboy_]

Listen to Close to the Edge by Yes

[@whiplash415]

My favorite band ever I'm finally glad that you're getting to them. Please do more of their albums its only gets better and better. I would highly there live stuff (msg) in my opinion it's better

[@Lebowski55]

I went through a Zeppelin phase when I was a little younger than you are now, probably back in 2000 -2001 ish. I rarely listen to them anymore but still totally appreciate it. But when I do have that rare Zeppelin itch these days for old skool rocknroll w/ a bluesy twist, I always go to III or Houses of the Holy.

[@helenespaulding7562]

You love the drumming? Good ear! John Bonham (Bonzo) is considered by many to be the best rock drummer in history, along with Neil Peart of Rush and Keith Moon of The Who. There are literally dozens of GREAT drummers… but Bonham will always be mentioned as one of the very best. He was a monster, but with infinite finesse. And, contrary to most drummers, at least of that time, he not only set the beat, but also followed the guitarist, Jimmy Page. He could turn on a dime. And the bassist, John Paul Jones, was glued to Bonham. One of the very best rhythm sections in rock, EVER. That enabled Page and Plant to soar and improvise… often playing off of one another, as you heard. Plant often used his voice as an instrument…adding to the mix. So, one of the best drummers, one of the best guitarists, one of the best vocalist and frontman in rock ( who basically set the mold for rock frontmen for a decade or two….(nickname “the golden god”. See them live and you’ll see why) and then John Paul Jones… bassist, keyboardist, mandolin, top-tier arranger……the “secret sauce” who stayed out of the limelight on purpose. The calm, steady one. Masters all. Each at the top of their game. And there you have Zeppelin. No, you did not “over/hype”. You are tight on the mark. 😁👍

[@badbob6689]

Funny, most consider black mountain side is the hook to communication break down and should be played together. Love your reaction!!

[@steven.6227]

Just imagine seeing these guys live!

[@stevePsutton]

Suggest watching the live in Denmark (black & white footage) to see Zeppelin in their first gigs in Europe playing songs from Zeppelin I album before recording them in the studio

[@trexpixx4590]

The tracks do flow nicely on the original recordings, vinyl ! 😁

[@LordEriolTolkien]

''It feels a little bit 'by the numbers'..'' for nearly 60 years ago... It was exemplary at the time.

[@LordEriolTolkien]

Re jimmy and school girls. He would been about 25 and not so long out of school himself and likely aiming his lyrics at the oldest of the schoolgirls likely to have been in his audience. As the Beatles sang ''She was just seventeen, if you know what I mean.'' or KISS with '' Christine, sixteen''. And also in the era of Elvis marrying a 15yo Priscilla, and Jerry Lee Lewis marrying his 13 yo cousin. It was viewed differently in the past. I remember: I was there.

[@moviemania2269]

That's why they are my favourite band of all time. Also i would love to see you react to marquee moon by Television.

[@bugscorb]

Fascinating to get an honest modern day prospective on music (that was even before my time). Not sycophantic looking for likes, either. I would really be interested in seeing what you think of led Zep 2 and 4.

[@shannonpace9433]

You like John Bonham? Try their song Moby Dick, live at Royal Albert hall. Bonham is a beast. It's awesome.