My Review of Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti! Is it as good as The Beatle’s White Album?

[@BBaldwin]

“Ten Years Gone” is criminally underrated, with a gut wrenching solo than can make a grown man weep. “In The Light” is another jewel in the rough-those stunning lead fills toward the end are sinful ear candy that lend a colorful ambience to the song.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

That’s it, B! Color! There’s a color to this album!😉👍

[@robertmead9234]

If I had to pick only one track, Ten Years Gone would be my favorite from Physical Graffiti

[@farrellmcnulty909]

The solo, yes, but the intro also gets to me.

[@lucasdelaluz2159]

"Ten Years Gone" is understated, moody and beautiful. It took me a few years to come to this conclusion. One of my favorites now.

[@bishlap]

TYG is the type of composition that doesn't get written often, if at all - certainly not by ROCK Bands. This record/PG/ could've been better if a few tunes were left off - too much "filler" IMHO. I would have liked the alternate takes of tunes like "In the Light" "TAKE ME HOME" it's on youtube, and it's a KILLER...but who could complain when ICONC numbers like, In My Time of Dying/Trampled(much better LIVE) and of course Kashmir. I still believe a double album w/ alternate takes instead of some filler like "Bron y' Aur and boogie w/ stu...those are ok, but could've been left off PG.

[@davefieramosca6974]

I would recommend this album for anyone who has never listened to Zeppelin. It is the perfect example of everything this the band is about. In my opinion this album defines Zeppelin. A true Zeppelin fan will know what I mean.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Absolutely Dave! It’s THE album to suggest to anyone who seriously needs an honest introduction to just what the band was, these 2 discs are it!

[@JimRiley21261]

This was my first Zeppelin album too. At the time it was the most recent. Everything from the cover to the amazing variety of music was astonishing. Still my favourite album of theirs and the competition is impressive.

[@davidhall8231]

It's their best album for me

[@joemuir2575]

Unbelievable and still fresh and exciting even today

[@thetownspeople6486]

My #1 rated Zeppelin album.

[@AldousHuxleysCat]

Thank God after 47 years someone has finally reviewed this album, maybe now it can get the long-awaited recognition it deserves

[@invisiblemoviegeek]

Ten Years Gone is one of my favorite songs by them. It might just be my favorite! Love this album. Led Zeppelin is my favorite band of all time. You have a new subscriber :)

[@BruceColon-BSides]

Absolutely Zep’s White Album without question and arguably the strongest double-album in rock history. On vinyl, this is my favorite artwork on any Zep album as well. Just a brilliant package overall. Great video and insights as always. Love the passion that always comes across for these wonderful artistic creations.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Bruce! Yeah I want to cover the whole album artwork process for aLed Zeppelin in a future video!😉

[@elementrypenguin3116]

One thing that really hit me with PG was how loud and prominent Bonzo’s drumming is. It’s fantastic. I like Custard Pie, Kashmir, Ten Years Gone, in My Time of Dying. They do have several different sounds on this album which adds to its mystique.

[@Cincinnatus1869]

Wanton Song is the essence of Zeppelin. Everyone in the band shines on that song. To me that song represents the band at his peak. It's dynamic, its funky and heavy , it's not like anything before it or since.

[@jakewaldman6243]

If you ask me it goes #1 Zeppelin 4 and #2 physical graffiti! What an incredible album. Absolutely STACKED with legendary songs! With Ten Years Gone and Kashmir being my favorite. Most underrated song on this album is either wanton song or night flight

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree with your analysis of Night Flight & Wanton song, Jake! Both seriously underrated in general, and both true stapes of this wonderful collection of songs! Thanx!👍👍

[@22julip]

Crazy idea Zeppelin transcends lists . Lists work with pop and top 40 but with all the different styles and types of music hard soft Celtic , Indian eastern and so on . I really find it hard to categorize and quantify their music because each faze of their music is at the top for that time period .

[@bishlap]

zeppelin 1 was a life changing experience where MUSIC is concerned. The rest of the Albums are tied for greatness in any order.

[@kwmusic4560]

Physical Graffiti is the greatest album ever released by any band, ever. It is perfection from start to finish.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

In scope, nothing can touch it, KW!

[@treff9226]

Towers above all else-makes good bands seem amateurish....almost feel sorry for other artists!

[@fildevi0717]

Totally agree....best rock album ever produced

[@philipsk]

@@fildevi0717exile on main st.

[@joanpahls4520]

This was my mother's absolute favorite double album, although her favorite song was not on it, she said every song is in perfect order from the first until the last and she thought it was the best produced. And out of all the Led Zeppelin albums and of course she listened to constantly, this was her favorite as a whole set of songs and in their exact order, very nice video thank you. Then, unfortunately in 81 she passed away cancer, and in our house, we were not allowed to purchase the coda because my dad couldn't deal hearing Led Zeppelin for quite some time, because it would upset him, because he missed her so much, it just took a little time. There's no question Physical Graffiti is genius.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

What a wonderful story Joan! Your mom obviously not only had taste, but she understood album sequencing very well! I agree with her regarding the track order of this album! It’s the track order that perfects the listening experience on the whole album!❤️👌👍

[@MJEvermore853]

Joan, thank you for sharing your personal story. ❤️ Just out of curiosity, would you mind me asking what your mom's favorite song was (the one not included on PG)?

[@joanpahls4520]

My parents favorite song of course was Stairway to Heaven and that song is a very interesting song uniquely and mathematically because it's improving over time if we keep our music three minutes or above and continue to do that. However I think my parents did a little bit of role-playing and I caught them in the kitchen and they were dancing to Royal Orleans and they were older parents cuz I'm one of the younger kids I didn't know my parents could dance and they were dancing and I went into shock but I got over it. Who was whiskers? I suspect that was my dad he was wearing the scarf. I am like what is going on in this kitchen? Maybe they thought I was at the neighbors for a sleepover we will never know. Too funny but a true story sorry about the verbal texting I have visual issues

[@tomy.1846]

Beautiful story! It's really wonderful how we get share music with so many of the people we love. Think back to the countless good times and smile! ❤

[@richardschmidt8787]

Knew a lot of Zeppelin songs from my older sisters their boyfriends and the Radio.But one night I went over to my sisters apartment. They just purchased the album at Alexander’s department Store in The mall in Brooklyn, NY. We rolled up some Doobies and had some Wine.6 or 7 of us . and had put in on the Turntable. Had four speakers all around us. What can I say… one of the thrills of my life to sit in a circle all of us and yes, just be blown away by the diversity of the Album! Kashmir, in the light,Ten Years gone, and on and on. In my time of dying was incredible. Brun yr Aur such a beautiful acoustic piece just took me away. I thought how do they put out album after album that everyone is A Gem, and this one had 4 sides of near perfection! I remember thinking this is the greatest band in the World , no one compares. This is my music. “ Kashmir” Cmon just can’t get any better then this song being cranked to 11 And disappearing into the Desert 🐪. Some young guy asked me stranded on a desert island which album, no hesitation I said Physical Graffiti. Told him End to End Superb music every song and it’s got four sides to listen too. More bang for your buck!! Still my favorite, bands put out albums lucky if you get two greats 2 ok rest ehh. Zeppelin albums are entire classics each one unique each one a Gem. Rock N Roll and then some at its finest. Physical Graffiti is a Diamond in the Rough. My stranded island Album. Thanks for the fun , think I’ll go and put it on now!!!❤😂

[@chriskmb5150able]

I was in 6th grade around 1978 When i heard Kashmir for the first time. It was like a sprirtual moment when i first heard those first few bars.... I listened to that album over and over

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Ditto, Chris!👌

[@Bigchet1223]

First time I heard kashmir was while watching fast times at Ridgemont high. Ratner took Stacy out for a date. Damone told him to play side 1 of zeppelin 4 as much as possible. I didn't get the joke at the time. But Ratner blew it with Stacy that evening.

[@leokimvideo]

An incredible band, even their throw away songs are collected up to become one of their greatest albums and top album of all time. And it's a double album of glory

[@marksheefel3796]

Great take on Physical Graffiti!!! Ten Years Gone has a special place in my heart! It was the 2nd song I learned to play on my 1977 Ibanez custom! Stairway to Heaven being my first!! Please do “Presence “ in the future!! Definitely the most underrated Zep album I think!!! Achilles Last Stand is just brilliant!! Rock on 🤘 ✌️

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree, Dan! I actually rank Pressence these days higher than even the magnificent Houses of the Holy!👌

[@zofo666]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Love Presence due to it's feel and sound!You can feel the angst and anger in some of the tracks,Page is on fire and Plant's mournful story telling in Tea for One is incredible and my wife's favourite guitar solo!

[@TBonzzz]

PG is the quintessential LZ platter that I never get tired of listening to after many years of doing so. Love the channel Michael! 👍🏼 🎸

[@esteban1487]

The Rover has to be one of my favorites on this album. What a riff!

[@michaelfavreau7617]

I was the drummer in a band years ago that played The Wanton Song . I loved playing this tune . It taught me to really be aware of my roll in playing a song and also, letting go to feel the groove and quick changes on the snare. The crowd were always very pleased with our version.

[@danallshaw1131]

Nobody could have given Physical Graffiti the honor it deserves but you, Micheal. Boogie with Stu is my sleeper. I always add a little butter and toast with this Jam.:)

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And a spot of tea for one, Dan? 😉👍 Butter a slice for me as well!

[@Gretzky2857]

What an album, has always been my favorite one from Led Zeppelin!! So much diversity all over this record, my personal fave is The Rover, love that tune!! Thank you for this awesome review, so cool🤘🏼

[@tomy.1846]

The Rover is awesome! The solo at the end gives me chills as it fades!

[@OutOnTheTiles]

An absolute masterpiece. Can’t say enough about it. I love the opener Custard Pie…..that song just kicks the door down and the journey begins. Great job,Michael. Loving your enthusiasm and positive spirit. Can’t wait for your Presence review. Presence was my fav album by them for a long time….but I really can’t nail down a fav album by Zeppelin anymore. I love all 8 studio the same… including Outdoor which was my fav for a long time too! Cheers ✌️🇨🇦❤️

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Pressence is next, E! When I have a chance to catch my breath and actually breeeeeathe! 😉

[@OutOnTheTiles]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine Hey you’re doing great! Take your time,brother. ✌️

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

@@OutOnTheTiles Thanx, E! It’s a whole juggle & see when covering so many bands! But you know, all of these wonderful bands (whether I cover a viewer’s particular favorite band per video or not) is all part of this wonderful, almost mythical tale told to us from 1963, and up to and even including even some of the 80s is like reading The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings all at once! Holy Houses of the Holy, Batman!😉👍👌✌️❤️

[@jeffreydaigle5917]

Hand's down, I've gotta say, my fav. Maybe because it's a double album with so much to offer or it's diversity. A true masterpiece! And to boot, after having this work of art only on CD, I finally got a clean copy on vinyl in a friends collection dump. 😁

[@olaf1191]

This is the best double album of all times if you ask me. Some say there are fillers on side four; well... I say it might feel that way having just listened to side three with the magnificent tracks: "In the light", "Bron-Yr-Aur", Down by the seaside" and "Ten years gone". Favourite tracks: In the light, Ten yrs gone and the Rover. This album is my favourite LZ album on and off; it is between this album, no IV and no I. Right now I say Physical Graffiti is no 1.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Ola! Yeah, I think the more casual Zeppelin fans find this album difficult to absorb! They want every track to sound like ‘Whole Lt Of Love’ ‘The Immigrant Song’, or ‘Stairway To Heaven’. And that’s fine, that’s what greatest hits albums are for!😉

[@dennissweeney6774]

What a great album just love this band. Thanks for your time and love of the GREAT ZEP. Rock on my friend. You are doing good stuff HEAR . After the gold rush Harvest two masterpiece of music .

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Yes After the Gold Rush is marvelous! And thank you Dennis!😉👍

[@breech123]

I went through four versions of Bron-yr-Aur as a self taught guitarist. Last year I went into a studio and recorded it. I'll never forget hearing just a snippet of the original instrumental in The Song Remains The Same movie as Jimmy leaves an airplane and walks into a limo on the tarmac. I didn't own Physical Graffiti at the time, so it was during that movie where I first heard it and it just stuck with me. It was easily a decade of trying to play it in standard tuning when I then found and tried alternate tunings, eventually landing on CACGCE. I play it pretty closely to Jimmy's version now and finish when he does, in the same amount of time. I don't know if he built this instrumental off of something he had heard prior? It seems like it is complete in just over two minutes. Leaves me perfectly wanting more (less is more), and has a sort of nursery rhyme feel to it. Like maybe an old Welsh ditty got Jimmy started on this one.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx for the info, breech! I’ll fool around with it!😉👌

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Jimmy only played it live a handful of time in 1970 which is unfortunate. I would take this song over White Summer / BMS any day.

[@paulkazakoff9231]

I remember when Physical day of release back in 75' I was at a local small record shop hangin' out and the guy ordered in about 60 copies and within an hour they were sold out.Was amazing and this along with the 3rd album are my favorites.Like them all really.As far as this and the white album are concerned I would play P.G. a lot more these days.The white album is of course a classic no doubt !!Yep they are the 2 best double albums in all of the Rock genres.I'm in Australia and was very lucky to see Zep in 1972.

[@youtoo2233]

I cut my Led Zeppelin teeth on this album when I was only about 10 years old around 1980. Amazing album! In my time of dying REALLY killer! I agree the song houses of the holy would have fit great on that album but it also fits well on here. There's a great uptempo version of trampled underfoot from Earl's Court 1975 you should check out if you already haven't.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

YesYt, the Earl’s Court is aces, I agree!👍

[@stevechisholm84]

The Earl's Court concerts are absolute masterpieces and in my opinion one full concert should be released officially.

[@billbez7465]

Superb review. Every song sub-review was excellent. I bought Physical Graffiti when it first came out. I recall putting it on my turntable, and during "In the Light" I dozed off, but heard the song in my dream-state - what an experience. At the time, I thought the album was a bit too riff-heavy; over time, I've come to appreciate the album even more.

[@robertwheatley2471]

My all-time favorite album by anyone, bar none. Physical Graffiti has been aptly described by a well-known music critic as the aircraft carrier of rock albums plowing through the ocean which is a good way to describe it. Just a mind-blowing album that had everything..

[@ontherhodes8088]

The EMS VCS3 of In the Light. The organ of Night Flight and the Hohner Electra piano of Down by the Seaside. JPJ just keeps on giving.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Even more excellent examples, OTR! And you and I haven’t even brought up the other wonderful instruments he plays on other Led Zeppelin tracks! Like I’ve said JPJ was Led Zeppelin’s ‘Secret Weapon’!👌😉❤️

[@treff9226]

JPJ-the not so secret weapon! Got to be one of the most criminally underrated musicians of all time!!! Great post!

[@tektoniks_architects]

You know you are a band of greatness when Trampled Underfoot isn't considered the greatest song on its album SIDE. I go back and forth between Physical Graffiti and the untitled 4th album as their greatest works, for me. Ten Years Gone is one of my favorites, and In My Time of Dying is lightening in a bottle....but this album is so thick with greatness that its hard for me to choose any song as my favorite. Hey Jude and Kashmir is a great comparison of epic tracks between these two great bands. "Ziggy-zaggy".....lol. Great work again, Michael! You really put a lot of great thought and content into your videos.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know, I think one of the reason that 4 & PG are among the best of LZ’s albums is because they both feel ‘Big’! Even 4 at single disc length seems to have a girth to it! Thanx, E!👌

[@misty671]

Physical, IV and III are my favorite Zeppelin albums. Nice review 🍻

[@easygojunkremoval3564]

Excellent thoughts on this Album. You almost make me want to revisit this band! 😜

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, bruddah! At least reinvestigate this album! It’s a corker! Tell me I did NOT say that😉👍👌✌️❤️

[@treff9226]

Yeah, "this band" was pretty good!

[@ctcards2636]

Love this album :-) Thanks for all the videos as always :-)

[@chrishaugen8648]

When I first heard it I was a little disappointed but I rediscovered it a few years later and now it's still up there as one of my top favorites

[@luvbasses5487]

When I first heard Physical years back, I often wondered why Robert’s voice was so very powerful on some tracks and others’ sounding like a guy in the background - struggling almost compared to what we’ve been used to by now and on the previous five records. As the years rolled on and I put the entire Zeppelin puzzle together, I then had full understanding as to why this was the case. The constant touring from ‘68-‘73 all but depleted their physical abilities. Though by ‘75, as composers they were never better: Custard, TYG, Kashmir, Trampled, In My Time, Wanton, The Light, Sick - all completed in ‘74. The others date back as early as ‘70! Robert’s throat operation in ‘74 robbed him of his upper vocal register. I learned of this just a couple years ago and it all makes sense now. He gave everything he had into those first five albums. Great writing and vocal performances...and constant touring. I tend to take my hat of to him and give his later vocal shortcomings a pass. He had to reinvent the way he sang. Imagine being the world’s best Rock singer and then overnight almost not being able to sing? He made it through though...and the lyrical content on Kashmir is mind boggling! Only world travels can give a 25 year old man such ideas to write about. “With talk and song from tongues of lilting grace, the sounds caressed my ears.” I mean, come on. I never heard about lilting grace in my life until I heard this incredible track. Like a fine Burgundy wine it really does get better with time...and never gets old. By the way, if JSB were alive and heard Jones’ synth intro to In The Light, something tells me he’d give it a thumbs up.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Dude! Hadn’t heard about a throat procedure! Thanx for that little morsel, lb!👌

[@luvbasses5487]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine ...this is why Robert at times sounds like a background singer on some of the new ‘74 tracks: In My Time, TYG, Wanton and even Kashmir too. His teeth were corrected too in ‘74 and this I’m sure interfered with his previous ways of achieving that Janis Joplin howl. Just think if Freddie Mercury got his teeth done. Queen would’ve never been the same! Hey...it’s still Zeppelin and Robert certainly proved himself by then so...I’m not ever gonna criticize him. He too I’m sure was frustrated w his new vocal limitations in ‘75. The boots from that tour demonstrate this. He had the flu as well and was hoarse from much of Jan-Feb of ‘75. Though there are moments of brilliance too, in ‘75 live performances. Baton Rouge, Long Beach and Seattle ‘75 gigs are all excellent!

[@Kashmir.820]

Yep luv basses is correct Robert had nodules on his vocal cords removed.

[@treff9226]

Just an awesome read-your comment was gold! Great insight into Plant's vocals! Big thanks, brother!

[@luvbasses5487]

@@treff9226 thank u. I’ve been listening to this band for 40 odd years and I never ever tire of it. It’s so very clear to hear that they truly were a gift from on high. Even from the very beginning of my time with this band (I’m talking back in the early eighties,) I could hear that John Paul Jones was so talented that he didn’t ever need to be in a band. My ears told me this after hearing especially LZ II. Between his bass chops and mind boggling organ work, on Your Time and Thank You, I’ve arrived at this conclusion. So, it didn’t take me long to realize that these guys were untouchable right outta the gate. Bill Graham, Ahmet, Jerry and even a Clive Davis and all industry top brass - all of em knew it, too. No one - be it an individual artist or band - could ever follow Led Zeppelin.

[@rickferrari9042]

Michael remember fast times at Ridgemont high they were at the restaurant...and damone said always listen to side 2 of led zeppelin 4 then Kashmir played... remember

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx for the reminder Rick!

[@treff9226]

What a botch that was-actually made me angry, cause I dug the movie! Sean Penn-a genius actor is born!

[@petersamboy2578]

Wow ! What a great analysis of my favorite album from my favorite band ! “Ten years gone “ is the epitome of Zeppelin ! So beautiful & haunting then so damn powerful !!! Still to this day over 40 years after I rode my bike to the record store to buy the vinyl , this album gives me goosebumps !! Absolutely Sublime !! Would like to know what you think of Quadrophenia , which to me is the other 2 album masterpiece

[@davesbucket]

Thanks for the video. IMO this is the greatest record every made.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Dave!

[@treff9226]

The pinnacle of rock music-a unicorn that won't be seen again! Graffiti shows what man is capable of...makes me proud to be human! You nailed it-it simply has no peer, like Jimmy Page. Take care.

[@Ds_Drums]

I go through phases of which albums I listen to regarding Zeppelin. I will focus on one for a while then switch to focusing on another album from them. Right now I listen to Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti a bunch. Before that it was Zeppelin 2. On PG, I really enjoy The Rover but must say that Ten Years Gone is one of my favorite Zepoelin songs ever. No matter how many times I hear it I get these emotions just like the first time I heard it. To me it is a very powerful song that really moves me every time I hear it.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I agree with your whole point here, D! I too go through phases much like you!👌❤️👍

[@orange8167]

My favorite Zeppelin album. 3 was my favorite many years ago, but it took many more years and listening to this album to appreciate it's mastery. In The Light is particularly moving, and The Rover is another favorite. I think this album was the peak of Zeppelin's success.

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

Thanks Michael I enjoyed this. This is by far my favorite led Zeppelin album. In the light is one of my favorite zeppelins tunes. The guitar solo in 10 years gone I consider one a Page's best. For me there's not a weak track on this album I totally agree this is their White album.

[@22julip]

If this was one album it would be their best bar none . And what’s left over would be the crowning achievement of most other bands Kashmir , in my time , the rover ,ten years gone , houses of the holy , you get my drift . The older I get the greater zeppelin gets 45 years and I still think their awesome. Rock on

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

My sentiments exactly, nick! And I’m getting old enough for them to transcend to Nirvana at this point!😉

[@sambochen2010]

I agree that to a newbie Zep listener, Zep IV & Zep II would probably rise to the top due to their more radio-friendly songs on there. But as a longtime Zep fan of 40+ years, Physical Graffiti is by far my favorite Zep album for its sheer depth & breadth of material. Side 3 on the LP tends to be the mellower sleeper side as most would gravitate to Side 1 & 2 with Kashmir and the faster songs. But again, as my appreciation deepened thru the years, songs like Ten Years Gone, In The Light, Down By The Seaside rise to the top to counter balance the sheer epicness and energy of Kashmir, In My Time of Dying, and Trampled Underfoot. Best Album Ever!

[@thomastrafford5739]

Custard Pie is an absolute awesome jam. Love it!

[@tedwojtasik8781]

Three Zep albums, IV, HotH, & PG were all delayed due to album artwork. IV was supposed to be released in June 71' but artwork pushed it to a November 71' release. HotH was delayed by almost an entire year due to the album artwork as it should have been released in September of 72. PG was in the can by Feb of 74' and mixing completed by July but not released until Feb 75'.

[@adrianlee3497]

I got PG when it first came out. Rush's first album came out the same week because I remember seeing posters for it with the big pink album cover hanging from the ceiling and I knew they were all outtakes and that they were really good for simple "outtakes" because these songs weren't just simple throwaways and besides which Led Zeppelin never made the same album twice and Physical Graffiti is totally different from the rest of the Zeppelin catalog and I agree the spontaneity of BWS and BCW make PG a joy to listen to. My favorite cuts? Pretty much all of them. Years later Kashmir becomes pretty much an FM staple now.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And AM these days, Adrian! You’ve got exquisite tastes my friend!😉👌

[@ianmansfield68]

This is a great review of my not only favourite Led Zep album, but favourite rock album of all time. For me, it always conjured industrial images in my mind - something about Trampled Underfoot made me think of giant cast ironworks reminiscent of the British Industrial revolution. LMFAO it was probably Bonzo's drums that did that..... It's really hard to pick a favourite song, but I would go with Pagey's favourite "In the Light", THEN the best blues rock riff of all time IMO "The Rover", then it's a fight for 3rd place between Ten years gone/Kashmir. Night flight/Sick again/In My time of dying/Custard pie are all great songs and I agree with your comments on Boogie with Stu/Black Country Woman - I never thought of them as filler. Down by the Seaside always reminded me of the Beatles, in its tone and feeling, but now you mention Neil Young, yeah I can hear that in the song. Not to mention that the cover art on this is a story in itself and would make a video in itself - how about it?

[@gtrslinger6262]

As with all Zep albums -tough to call. This album is probably my favorite with Zep 2 right behind and Houses Of The Holy too close behind to call. This album has 3 what I would call EPIC Page guitar army songs - Ten Years Gone, Kashmir and In The Light - all absolute monsters.

[@rick6582CNCMedicalParts]

In the Light fav ..Saw Led Zep 3x times "live" 75 msgnyc 7th row 1st time 77 2x Great Band live & will never forget 70s concerts "Good video review" ..

[@ivanfortuny2244]

a real Masterpiece of hard rock.🎸Great video.my favorite track is the Rover.

[@yeti1002]

Four master musicians working together , you get the master album physical graffiti that changes rock n roll history forever . Plant Page Jones Bonham Thanks Michael, another great video on the mighty Led Zeppelin . Keep pumping out those videos brother 🤣.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I’m a pumpin’ Yeti! I’m a pumpin’! Thanx, Bruddah!

[@T-NUGGZ]

“A magnificent piece of artwork” - what an apt description…

[@gregorypfliger7756]

Your right about ranking led zep albums their all outstanding pieces of work I also consider physical graffiti a must have and also the remastered edition along with the alternate cuts of songs in the album are a must to listen to

[@Tones753311]

Absolutely love this masterpiece. It's #2 for me next to led Zeppelin III.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Great 2 choices there,tones! And if played side by side, a wonderful listening experience!👌

[@spilleradam]

Great album, Kashmir is my favourite Led zeppelin track.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And Kashmir was THE turn-on song for people who didn’t even care for Led Zeppelin to begin with, ADAM!👍

[@ThiagodMoraes]

Mine too. Best band forever!!

[@Gizerwizard]

As a huge Zeppelin fan who had the opportunity to discover all of their catalog at one time, I find it kind of funny how my appreciation for the albums grew alongside the length of time I'd been a fan. When I first discover them the first 2 albums were like sermon to me compared to anything else, but as time passed I started to really gain the appreciation for the latter albums and realize their masterpieces, like achilles last stand. That's the big one I didn't pay much attention to after initially hearing it

[@Taffer9876]

I saw Robert Plant in Chicago around 1984 or so and he sang Black Country Woman. I forgot about that as I just listened to it. It was a greta show, but the first 3 songs they did the monitors going out to the lawn were not working. I loved lawn seats. 5 bucks, maybe 10 back then.

[@tomball7009]

The majority would say for first place is the White Album. It reaches and connects to a wider audience. Kids, elderly's, folkies and rocker's. Something for everyone. In second is Physical Graffiti. It's fun, spiritual, dark and bluesy. Varity. Exile on Main it is an amazingly great. Like walking through a culturally strange party. Not everyone will be comfortable. But it's so unique. The Wall. It's dark humor while having psychological sit on a couch.

[@philweeks8459]

I get your comparison to The Beatles' "The Beatles" (White Album.) "Physical" being my #1 Zeppelin album and ranking it as their masterpiece, I've always thought of it as their "Pepper." My friends and I had just seen them weeks before the release at MSG. The first tune I heard off this was "In The Light" and I was hooked!! (Listening to Page discuss the making of "Kashmir" on "It Might Get Loud" with Jack White and Edge, he gives a great insight into the song.) Headly Grange was not only perfect for its structure for recording but also perfectly located. No outside distractions. A retreat where a group can literally eat, sleep, drink, and make music. Like you, I also like jam songs. I've heard that "Rock and Roll" was inspired by a "jam" between Jones and Bohnam after chatting over Little Richard's "I Hear Ya' Knockin'." Do you know if that's true? **On a personal note: Three weeks after seeing this band AND my first concert is when we bought "Physical Graffiti." The album was released AFTER that concert. Imagine hearing, "Trampled Under Foot," "In My Time of Dying," AND "Kashmir" for the very 1st time... LIVE!! I'm tellin' you the place exploded after our virgin ears were popped! When they finished "Kashmir," I so vividly recall my late friend Tex with literal tears in his eyes, drawing me in by the lapel and asking, "What the 'F' was THAT??!!" Best band ever!

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I love playing In the Light with final stretches befor weight lifting! PERFECT!👌 Thanx, Phil!

[@esteban1487]

Probably my favorite Zep album.

[@ricksalisbury4219]

Great stuff, thank you.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thank you Rick, appreciate it! ❤️

[@antoniomoreira5337]

For me, it's the best album of Led Zeppelin.

[@MDE128]

I agree that this is truly is a great double album. Kashmir is one of my favorite LZ songs. Also, Mike Noland should be called Magnificent Mike due to his usage of that word numerous times.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Oh I agree MDE! It’s my second favorite Zeppelin song barely beat out by The Battle of Evermore, but beating A Whole Lotta Love IMHO! ❤️

[@geezerbliz]

The plane and banter at the beginning of Black Country Woman was completely intentional and mimics an almost identical into of a Yardbirds tune.

[@andreabarbero782]

Best review ever.. thanks

[@rondarnell949]

This was the 2nd LZ album I have gotten as a hand me down. I believe I was around 9 or 10. And I can remember like yesterday standing in front of my mother's dresser mirror playing air guitar "In my Time of Dying". I just recently voted that being my all time favorite

[@marcrussell5344]

My brother H.R. brought home this album when it came out in 1975 and had me, his 8 year old little brother, slap on headphones and listen to it with him (dual headphone jacks back then, remember those?) I laid on that floor, played with that oh so cool cover, looking in all the little windows at the strange pictures In each little window, not realizing that my whole life was being changed. That was the first time I'd really HEARD Led Zeppelin. I have been a Zeppelin fan, and, moreso, a fan of each artist in the group, ever since. H. R. was murdered in 1987, but I will always remember that day, laying on the floor, hearing what I consider the greatest double album EVER. I play guitar because of THIS album. I don't karaoke (and, VERY well, as noted by the karaoke contests I've won) because of THIS ALBUM. THIS was my baptism into MUSIC. THANKS, H.!!! See you soon, brotha!!! I love you!!!

[@marcrussell5344]

I SANG karaoke, not I DON'T karaoke.

[@thirdgengta]

An excellent pair of albums, indeed. It oozes class. 'Kashmir' was my hands-down favorite on this one; but all the material is solid, and the band's respectability just kept on going up. I cannot help but wonder what Rush would have been like had they followed Zeppelin's lead and released a double LP of their own 'White' album of original material. Fortunately--or unfortunately, depending on your perspective--they were so eager to 'evolve' away from the progressive songs to the more commercially 'relevant' material. Sadly, we'll never know.

[@MarkMikelVideos]

Yes. I think the closest we will ever come to imagining a double Rush album would be putting A Farewell To Kings and Hemispheres together.

[@luggnutgaspar757]

I was standing in Swansong's Sam Axler's office. He was on the phone setting up a concert line up in 1978. Sam : " whata ya talking about? BAD COMPANY IS AN EXCELLENT BAND!" I wanted to submit a demo, and was waiting for him to hang up. Wow, another great moment in my rock and roll experience ! Also, while waiting the secretary whispered to me that the tall Elvis looking gentleman that walked by was from the cars, Rick Ocasek. Rick was with a lawyer that dwarfed his stature.

[@MJEvermore853]

All I've got to point out right at this moment is that wondrous guitar solo in 'Ten Years Gone'. I love the entire album ( minus 'Houses Of The Holy' which just hasn't done anything for me still). But side 3 is the best part of the LP in my opinion. In The Light, Bron Yr Aur (could listen to just that on a loop all day long), the mid section of Down By The Seaside, and of course, Ten Years Gone. And that's just side 3! 🔥👍 Other than 'HOTH', this album is a perfect beauty in my opinion. The end.

[@20cencool]

This is a masterpiece every song. 1975 was the greatest rock tour year in America so zeppelin supported it well with a 3 hr show. The who, stones , Dylan Yes, all toured that year so Zeppelin played the songs on this very well to show a jaded concert audience why Zeppelin was the best live show there was, these songs played well live.

[@jerryattwooll4864]

My favourite album. Hard to believe some of these songs were leftovers from previous albums.

[@kc0lif]

i got that album on vinyl. ten years gone great song. peter grant great manager smart guy and big guy which helped.

[@Bigchet1223]

Physical graffiti along with exile on main Street are the two greatest albums of all time. Physical graffiti is my fav.zeppelin album. Kashmir is my favorite track. Led zeppelin 3 is my second favorite zeppelin album.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I never have understood anyone who likes PG and yet didn’t like LZ2! They are practically the same album, with PG being the more grown up version, but both are gold in my book, Challenger!

[@Bigchet1223]

@@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine zeppelin did not put out a bad album. I even like coda. People hate on in through the out door. I love it. It's what zeppelin would have sounded like in the 80s had bonzo not died. In the evening is zeppelin at its best. I.dont understand anyone who.doesnt like led zeppelin.period.

[@Wolfie66]

Physical Graffiti is my favorite Led Zeppelin album and my 2nd all-time favorite album behind Abbey Road.

[@tomy8339]

I heard that 'Trampled underfoot' was inspired from 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder. Very similar clavinet intro/riff. Apparently John Paul Jones was a fan of that song and took inspiration from it.

[@Marky_MarkO]

Ten Years Gone

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And on headphones the stereo field is so wonderful!

[@rweezy3604]

Fun fact: Kashmir evolved out of a sketch of a song called Swan Song, which would later be reworked into ‘Midnight Moonlight’ on the Firm’s debut album.

[@caramanico1]

Mike, I find absolutely NO competition here, either from first imperssion gut feeling or by cold number driven analysis. I set up a rating chart for each song: 1 - Forgettable, 2 - Not good, but f it means something special to you at least, 3 - Keep if there is room, 4 - Winner!, 5 - Indespensible. The Beatles gathered 73 total points for a 2.43 average, while I gave Zep 52 points for a 3.71 average. Therefore, I rated Zep's average song 52.7% higher than The Beatles average tune. Of course, other factors come in to play, like the more songs the harder it is to keep a super high level... But this just really backed up my first thoughts. The main reasons are twofold - one is that there are no 5's on the White Album and a bunch of 1's while Graffiti has several 5's and no 1's. Didn't bother with Standard Deviation, it's obviously much lower in Graffiti. I guess you could say that Graffiti is extremely expansive with high quality, while The White Album is more all over the place and maybe unfocused. All IMHO, of course.

[@stevebrougham3930]

I agree, awesome album. My top five double albums would be: Blonde on Blonde Exile on Main St White album Tommy Physical Graffiti Unbelievably Electric Ladyland doesn’t quite make it!!

[@scottedwards33]

I'm not sure why but side 4 reminds me of Exile on Main Street's loose sound.

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

You know Scott, I hear it a bit of Exile also on this side, now that you mention it!😉👌

[@acesimmons7639]

The first time I heard Physical Graffiti I thought it was Led Zeppelin worst album. I thought it was complete crap. I bought the CD back in the early 90’s and would only play it when my beer drinking buddies came over. Needless to say it grew on me. It grew on me big time. By the time I heard it for the tenth time or so I was convinced that it was one of the greatest albums in the history of mankind. Good god, “In The Light” and “Ten Years Gone” in particular are two of the best songs in the history of everything. That was 30 years ago and I’m still loving it.

[@astrogoodvibes6164]

Depends what you're listening for in my view when it comes to Led Zep. ''LZ 1' and '2' were proto LZ, raw and still feeling their way. As a popular party album, Houses of the Holy from '73 is full of great dance tracks as well as some slow move dark theater. 'LZ3' ...mellow and folkie for the most part and breathing room for the band to create a contrast of light and shade but overall still heavy. 'LZ 4' is an album that starts a conscious change to the way I listened to albums in general. (as an aside, ''Four Sticks'' is a criminally underrated track by my standard). Physical Graffiti is definitely a swan song and a culmination of the era of the bands most refined work. It's a full immersion experience. Not so much a concept album as a best of and a tour de force of a band at their height. LZ are still very cohesive and there are no tensions or fragmenting apparent. Track highlights off Physical Graffiti for me would be ''The Wanton Song'' at the top, ''Kashmir'' of course, ''The Rover'' and ''In my time of dying'' The Beatles 'White Album' for me is almost totally chalk and cheese if I was to compare it and Physical Graffiti back to back, though I appreciate the White Album as the Beatles best of. I'm wondering if we have grown used to the strong solo careers of John, Paul and George in the apparent fragmented feel on the White Album. You can definitely see the Plastic Ono band, Wings and All things must pass on the W.A. To me Physical Graffiti is a far superior enterprise than the White Album, in both production and musical content. Both groups in my view however cannot be compared or contrasted to any other release from any other band or sound in that era or any other. (...the exception perhaps being the White Album and anything by John, Paul and George in their solo careers and of course ELO).

[@Neilios1000]

Okay... Maybe fightin' words, but here we go: 1. III 2. Houses of the Holy 3. II 4. Untitled/IV 5. Physical Graffiti 6. Led Zeppelin 7. In Through the Out Door (straight up *love* Fool in the Rain) 8. Presence You can tell they were working though some stuff on Presence, which has always made it a difficult listen for me. Conversely, a friend of mine lists it as his favourite Zeppelin album. But Physical Graffiti is an odd album for me. It's like they drew a line under everything they'd done, while also putting some pointers for where they were going.

[@MrObelisk2290]

My fave Zeppelin

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

And if I could only take 1 LZ album with me to a dessert island, it would be this one!👍

[@Taffer9876]

Down By The Seaside was always my favorite on this LP for some reason. People are like "Huh? Which one is that?" I really like songs with sudden changes. Probably why I liked Zappa so much and many others. Old Genesis as well.

[@kellieelliott5198]

The Wanton Song is the baddest ass song on Physical Graffiti! Love live the Mighty Zep 🎸🎶🎸🎶

[@normt6226]

''Is it as good as The Beatle’s White Album?'' In one word...: YES

[@1504Shawn]

Another Led's masterpiece So many gems: Ten Years Gone, Kashmir, The Rover, Wanton Song...my God

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I do so agree Shawn! Hope you caught your shout-pout!

[@unsweetenedit9090]

I have to say that, Zeppelin fan that I am, PG isn't one of my favorites. To me it's a bit bloated, and Robert Plant often feels, to me at least, detached on the is album. Having said that, 'Ten Years Gone' is absolutely my favorite Zeppelin track ever. I can't think of any rock song that is 100% a ROCK song but with this kind of emotional complexity. It's not really a sad song, it's not exactly a love song when you think about it, or maybe its both of those things and a lot more. Not to mention what is, in my opinion, maybe Page's most emotional guitar work.

[@rickferrari9042]

Michael did u know that the rolling stones video...waiting on a friend..was filmed in front of the actual building of the led Zeppelin cover of physical graffiti which is an actual building

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Whoa, Rick! No I didn’t know that! Like I said, I get as much info from you guys as could possibly impart!@ Thanx!👍

[@if6turnedouttobe9]

This one and Zeppelin II are by far the best two...The Lemon Song and The Rover though...

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Nice comparison Layne! 👌

[@frankjr.4484]

I was 12 years old and my grandmother asked me what do you want for Christmas I said "PHYSICAL GRAFFITI" true story!!! My favorite track"IN TIME OF DYING"

[@benno291980]

Hard to beat tracks like Down by the Seaside and The Wanton Song

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

I sooo agree with you there, Ben no!👌

[@chrisbonfield2645]

It's the best Zep album I think, and the best rock album I've ever heard. It's just absolutely stunning. When I heard in my time of dying I nearly died! It just completely blew me away - sensational stuff. I just thought that those guys must be from a different planet. I still do. Have you ever tried to play Bron y aur? It's impossible! Anyway I don't care what you say but this band stand head and shoulders above all other rock bands in my opinion and this album is their absolute masterpiece. It's just so dense, textured and ethereal. The epitome of classic heavy rock. Jimmy Page is the best rock guitarist ever I think. Why? - because he never had a signature guitar tone. He was always trying to push the boundaries of what the electric guitar was capable of with altered tunings and different techniques. The Beatles v Led Zep? Hmmm...it's like comparing chalk and cheese I think. The Beatles were amazing but I've never really thought of them as a rock band.

[@poitor5915]

double albums are usually an artist best work☝🏻

[@pardyhardly]

"Physical Graffiti" is a great hot summer day album.

[@keithbaker3412]

I love this album it was actually the last Zoso album I digested it's very difficult to pick a favorite I love all of the albums same goes for the Beatles,Pink Floyd, Dylan, Neil,stones,Bob Marley,Petertosh,loureed,and the doors. Down by the seaside and in the light and the rover are stand out tracks for me on pg.a lot of people might disagree but Kashmir is my least favorite zeppelin song but it has been played to death on all the classic rock radio some might say that about stairway but I never get tired of hearing it.so pg is a masterpiece and it is a wonderful double album greatly appreciated comparing it to the white album but I think it resonates more when I think of exile on main street it is more or less in the same vain. It's hard to compare anything with the Beatles they are the top a most of pop a most no one is on the level they are stones came close.great point you had when you said Beatles owned the sixties.zepp with the seventies. Pete Townshend was very upset with that idea. Lol💥🔥🎤🥁🎸🎹😈🖤❤️💗🧠🦻👀🤩🤯🤤😎💯❤️‍🔥🤟🤘✌️🤙🤞🤝⚡🌌🥝🍉🍓🍏🍑🍊🍇🫐🫒🍋🍻🏝️🎆🎇🧩🃏🎰🎨🎭🎫🕯️👑⏳⚔️⁉️🎶🎵🎼♻️☮️☯️☸️⚛️💟

[@MichaelNoland-TheBottomLine]

Thanx, Kieth! I personally think that the White Album & Physical Graffiti are the two best double albums that Rock ever presented us with! Me, a dessert Island and those two albums! Oh yeah!👌

[@adamfindlay7091]

I was turned onto this lp, by accident, took it on my head phones on a long bike ride in 84 and was stunned, i will never hear a better non Beatles album. This is their White album, wise comment on here.

[@deanfackrell488]

All I can say is this is my favourite Zeppelin album.

[@RIKLASVEGAS]

This is my Desert Island album. Ten Years Gone is a masterpiece.