Classical Composer Reacts to LED ZEPPELIN: THE BATTLE OF EVERMORE | The Daily Doug (Episode 751)

[@Doug.Helvering]

Use code doughelvering at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan: incogni.com/doughelvering

[@scastillo0923]

Except for Heart ❤️

[@kenyonmau7197]

JPJ is also playing on this track. You said you were not sure in your intro. He is playing the mandolin.

[@xyz-yf2kr]

@@kenyonmau7197yep, i was wondering cause if it was all Page they would have has to overlay the guitar.

[@MichaelSmith-xb5cp]

Cool story about Geddy Lee and Robert Plant. They had never met each other while both bands were still active in their heyday. So years later, late 80s I believe, Geddy Lee took in a Moroccan holiday near the Atlas mountains, and as he's opening his room, the door across the hall opens and it's none other than Robert Plant stepping out, they both did this awkward doubletake trying to figure out what just happened , I think Geddy finally broke the ice. It must have been one of those odd moments in life when you think you should know someone, but you really dont.

[@pcart2785]

It's almost impossible to find another band who did both hard rock and folk music so well

[@xyz-yf2kr]

Tull?

[@vermontbred]

Not really hard, but check out Pentangle for a great British Folk rock band. Jimmy Page ripped off Bert Jansch, I think on Black Mountain Side.

[@paulvale2985]

@@xyz-yf2kr No sorry, see where you're coming from but for me, no.

[@RobDavidson-u8o]

Jethro tull

[@lyndoncmp5751]

No band did both extremes as well as Zeppelin. None.

[@delorangeade]

Sandy Denny is worth a deeper dive for anyone who likes female singer/songwriters, or is interested in the origins of British folk-rock.

[@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek]

Not sure if she was the origins of british folk rock... herself was more just folk, fairport convention was tbe folk rock... not sure they were the origins eithrr...

[@gwts1171]

@@DerekDerekDerekDerekDerekDerek...but they were a good listen. :)

[@anneshepard2656]

Check out Sandy’s performance on Tam Lin on Fairport’s Liege and Lief album

[@Birger-dc5bo]

That's right. 😊

[@stevejrose]

Who Knows Where the Time Goes would be a great one to do. One Way Donkey Ride, The Pond and the Stream, The Lady, The Northstar Grassman and the Ravens, so many others...

[@Liz.Green789]

The Battle of Evermore and the Rain Song are my 2 favorite Zeppelin songs. I'm glad you enjoyed this.

[@markzimmerman2057]

Same here, with the Rain Song being my all time favorite of any band.

[@hullbarrett]

FYI, Doug just uploaded his reaction/review of The Rain Song (from Unledded) a few hours ago.

[@Liz.Green789]

@@hullbarrett I caught that. What a fabulous song.

[@lexzbuddy]

The in and out of tune was intentional by the way. Plant can easily sustain a note at pitch

[@JohnLRice]

Agreed! I've always assumed it was an East Indian influence thing, but I could be wrong.

[@WarriorOfGhengisKhan]

10:39 That's actually Sandy adding a slight vocal flip to make it sound more Eastern and not Robert struggling to hold a note.

[@adityachauhan2073]

just what i was about to say

[@57mab]

Shout out to JPJ and his many skills on the mandolin, and other strings, not to mention having Jimmy's total respect for his 'production' values.

[@cpad007-]

JP borrowed JPJ's mandolin and wrote this.

[@ryanbenedetti-kp2yx]

​@@cpad007- Yeah but JPJ played this so idk the meaning on this. He played it live everytime and leads me to believe, yeah its JPJ. I could be misunderstanding but yeah, you know.

[@mjk45]

@@ryanbenedetti-kp2yx JPJ played acoustic guitar on this and Page played JPJ's mandolin when done live JPJ often sang Sandy Denny's part and used a unique triple neck guitar consisting of mandolin six and twelve string with page playing a mandolin.

[@jimmurphy6095]

There's a live version of this with Page, Plant and Najma Akhtar from the No Quarter DVD. Heart also does an amazing job on this as well. Both are worthy of a listen.

[@paul.d.8535]

This is the version I am familiar with too...I think they even have a hurdy gurdy thrown in there??

[@ianashdown]

That version was a mix of musical cultures that just went to a new level!

[@rkb2092]

It's fantastic, gives me chills.

[@stevemonnot8218]

"The Simarillion" is the book from where Marillion took their name. As a read, it's tough. It's more like a Middle Earth encyclopedia. Also, if you listen to Heart's "Dream of the Archer", you can tell it was heavily influenced by this song.

[@clowncarqingdao]

When you listen to the whole of Zep IV first disk you get the massive power of Black Dog and its jaunty heavy rock and wailing vocals. Then the straightforward power of Rock n' Roll followed by Battle of Evermore. At this point you've been brought way up and then calmed almost to meditation. Stairway is perfectly placed to continue to an amazing ending. Probably the most perfect side of an album in rock music. By the way Doug, I think you'll enjoy some of the acoustic numbers on Zep III - particularly That's The Way.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

Agreed. Side A of 'IV' set the benchmark of rock releases in the vinyl age. Side B is not too shabby either!

[@Tom-ok2rh]

@@dogsmusicbookstravelscienceespecially when side B kicks off with Misty Mountain Hop👍👍

[@removethedinosaurs]

Still as powerful today as in ‘71!

[@bstapylton-smith1940]

Sandy Denny is one of my favourite female singers. Could I suggest 'Who knows where the time goes', 'A sailor's life' or 'She moves through thecfair'.

[@ivanhecimovic8397]

The Folk music genre was huge in the early 70's but no one was doing anything like this. Incredible to think that this song is from 1971. Led Zep were true innovators, pushing the boundaries of music.

[@kathiekinsler]

I love Robert Plant’s voice. In my opinion, he’s one of the best rock voices of all time

[@flabbylips]

Following closely behind his obvious inspiration: STEVE MARRIOTT

[@cliffbetton8893]

Listening to Sandy is a life changing event. Just the best, ever!

[@steveselby6201]

Too damn right!

[@robfractal6820]

Sandy Denny was a great singer so sad she tragically died too young. She made this great song sound better. Her beautiful song "who knows where the time goes" would be great for Doug to listen.

[@OMH0309]

I wholeheartedly agree, Who Knows Where The Time Goes, one of the most beautiful.and poignant.songs ever written ❤

[@rimmersbryggeri]

What about Meet on the Ledge? I love that.

[@barbaragale579]

Check out Robert Plant singing this with Allison Krais

[@canucklehead11]

Reynardine and A Sailor's Life are 2 fantastic songs by Fairport Convention. They have quite a few.

[@BTW...]

Yes sad... too young. Alcohol is a horrible drug.

[@MasterTapes1960]

The music 🎶 that Led Zeppelin recorded and released between 69 and 79 can never be duplicated. Their music 🎶 will forever be timeless.

[@deancarter9210]

Fairport, the core albums, (1969-70) and all of Sandy Denny and Richard Thompson's work...the Island label folk nexus that include Nick Drake and John Martyn...a whole genre in its own right...

[@RichardHarriss]

I'd love to hear Doug's reaction to John Martyn. (BTW Fairport are still gigging)

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

Although - understandably - the Sandy Denny years are always regarded as the best Fairport, the first album, with Judy Dyble on vocals, is also wonderful.

[@steveford8999]

The Silmarillion was actually JRR Tolkien's life work, history of the Elves from the Creation of Arda until the Final Battle. The Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy? Spinoffs.

[@pcart2785]

The same piece of writing also gave birth to another awesome band. They dropped "Sil" early on and just became Marillion.

[@silgen]

Sandy Denny had one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. Her vocals (and guitar and songwriting) on the three albums Fairport released in 1969 are superb, and when paired with the guitar of another outstanding artist, Richard Thompson, results in something special indeed. "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" from the album Unhalfbricking is probably her masterpiece, but any song from those three albums is worth listening to. Interestingly the genre of music on the albums changes from folk rock to electric folk, as Fairport just about invent the latter, and Sandy had alot to do with that change.

[@sethkaicer319]

The only song that Robert plant did a duet. When he was in Zeppelin.

[@Rich6Brew]

Page duets with Plant on Thank You.

[@sethkaicer319]

@@Rich6Brew an actual duet with an actual singer only happens on the Battle of evermore. Jimmy Page is just singing background vocals

[@joannecunliffe8067]

Understatement of the century ... "I've got to get to Fairport Convention". Doug, you absolutely do! Have a listen to Steeleye Span (with Maddy Prior) as well and you will be going down a deep, deep rabbit hole of UK folk/rock. You've got Lindisfarne, the Jethro Tull folkier songs (and you haven't scratched the surface), Pentangle, Strawbs, The Incredible String Band, Runrig, The Watersons, Albion Band ... the list just goes on and on. If you only take one suggestion, listen to "Long Lankin" (or maybe "Gaudete") by Steeleye Span.

[@Peterickenbacker1]

Jonesy played the mandolin when they performed this live. Jimmy on acoustic. Jonesy even sang the harmonies

[@MrAnthony872]

Just acquired a CD of the group Sandy Denny was in after her initial stint in Fairport Convention. That group was Fotheringay and they were basically in existence for the year 1970. Well worth a listen and there are some good videos on KZbin of them live.

[@patwilson2546]

It is a mandolin. It's Tolkien - straight out of the Ring Trilogy This is the only LZ song that has a guest vocalist playing such a prominent part. I think "bring it back" is Golem wanting the ring. Love this song.

[@clowncarqingdao]

It is, I believe, from the Silmarillion where the ancient forces of light and dark battle endlessly in the heavens.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

He sings of bringing the balance back to this world (Middle Earth?) so possibly meant more of the good, and less of the evil?

[@marcp3791]

This is my all-time favourite Zeppelin song. I spent many hour crafting intricate dungeon adventures for my high-school age D&D group to this track!! I can't wait to see your reaction! Thanks for one of the BEST reaction channels on this platform, Doug! You are always killing it!

[@richardlovell4713]

Another vote for Sandy Denny for future consideration - a remarkable singer/songwriter who died tragically far too young. I’d love to hear Doug’s views on her chord progressions and switches from minor to major.

[@skipklauber1162]

Sandy Denny deserves the same rediscovery as Nick Drake. She was the greatest female folk rock singer from the UK of the 20th Century

[@skipklauber1162]

@tobiasisback4605 You’re absolutely right about Dusty being a fantastic talent. She could never find the contentment in life she might have discovered had she come along two decades later. Her musical legacy is amazingly strong

[@entertain402]

this brings me back to being 15 yrs old and getting completely mesmerized by the musicality of led zep, my all time fav band for obvious reasons

[@SpookyLuvCookie]

It's their Led Zep III moment - on Led Zep IV

[@jameshooper4384]

My favourite Led Zep album is Side 2 Led Zep 3 and Side 1 of Led Zep 4.

[@toniyoung5131]

This is also the album where Robert shows his appreciation for another artist, Joni Mitchell. Going To California, beautiful.

[@JohnLRice]

That whole album is a masterpiece IMHO and if someone that was unfamiliar with Led Zeppelin and wanted me to recommend just one album that is their "best" this would be it! 🥰 (of course I'd strongly encourage them to start with the first album and listen to them all in chronological order to experience and enjoy the journey! 😎👍)

[@jasonfreeman1963]

This is the song that inspired the famous acoustic opening to Crazy on You" from heart

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Another masterpiece pretty much put together in one take. Page hadn't played the mandolin before, picked one up and banged out Battle in the first go. Pure genius

[@ImYourOverlord]

No mean feat, either, as mandolin is an unusual instrument 🙂

[@Baat23-o8q]

Ah Doug and you all, you really must listen to Sandy Denny. The greatest voice of all. None was ever her equal, she lives on for ever in our hearts.

[@steveselby6201]

Completely agree

[@StephenMarkTurner]

Back in the day, this was "the song before Stairway" on the album. I always really liked it.

[@classicrockbeagle]

Sandy had such a great voice. RIP

[@PeterTea]

I saw Alison and Robert at Ravinia (North America’s oldest music festival) about a decade ago and they were great. I’m looking forward to their return this year too.

[@scottdemayo9567]

Sandy Denny was a wonderful singer. Looking forward to watching your reaction to one of my favorite Zep songs. 🎶

[@rupertknapman9639]

One Way Donkey Ride, Listen Listen by Sandy Denny, Fotheringay, Genesis Hall and Farewell, Farewell by Fairport Convention.

[@brianmiller1077]

I picked up Fairport Convention's "What We Did On Our Holidays" and one song stood out to me. "I'll Keep It With Mine" is the title and I really loved it from the first listen. I looked up the song on Wikipedia and oh wow, of course it's great, it's written by Bob Dylan!

[@JS-yj7ow]

Sandy Denny… glad so see her featured. Such an amazing voice, and such a loss. Others have pointed out Fairport Convention. Have you ever done any Richard Thompson? Worth a listen IMO.

[@NurkePL]

The first time I heard this song back in the early 70's I was smitten by the female vocalist whos powerful notes almost overshadowed Robert Plant, I had never heard of Sandy Denny and until that point I hadnt paid much attention to folk music, this song changed all that and a new folk/rock fan was born, her voice was amazing, her story was tragic

[@DesertHomesteader]

This is my favorite Led Zeppelin song! They are great artists and have tons of great songs but this one appeals to me most.

[@craigward2710]

For me, Sandy's finest moment is The Banks of the Nile, from the Fotheringay album. It's immaculate.

[@hifibrony]

Absolute perfection. And she was in her early twenties when she recorded it. Amazing.

[@naughtmeenaym869]

Can't we say JPJ played the mandolin? Good gracious!

JPJ played the mandolin on the track and Page, who didn't play mandolin before, wrote it on mandolin. JPJ's I think.

[@rolandbullivant8700]

Try “Tam Lin” or “Matty Groves” from Fairport Convention’s groundbreaking LP “Liege and Lief”

[@ConceptJunkie]

I got into Zeppelin in high school, spinning off of the classic rock that I was exposed to by my father who introduced me to a ton of amazing music. He never cared for Zeppelin much, but I owe my lifelong interest in music to him, and some of my earliest musical memories are hearing Beatles albums when I was 4 or 5. This was one of my favorite albums in high school, and when I started college I discovered progressive rock. I never stopped loving Zeppelin, but groups like Yes and Genesis became my favorites.

[@calemobrien1139]

One of my top 4 Zeppelin songs...Stairway, Going to California, Battle of Evermore & Baby I'm Gonna Leave You! BEAUTIFUL SONG!!!!

[@raymondregis6219]

Sandy was also in the early Strawbs.

[@Morthoron1]

Listen to Sandy Denny on Fairport Convention's "Liege & Lief". The greatest Brit-folk rock album of all time.

[@Dragon-bz6eb]

Jimmy Page told Plant to move in and out of the pitch in that section to supposedly emulate good and bad - does it work? matter off opinion I guess but don't blame plant - he can hold a note no problem you need to listen to the double live album the Sone Remains the Same - JPJ plays mandolin on this song

[@JohnLRice]

Thanks for that info. I've always assumed it was an East Indian influence microtonal thing? Maybe Page was thinking that or it was totally unrelated and just a moment of creative inspiration?

[@DaveInVirginia]

I recommended Sandy Denny a while back and hope she gets feature here!

[@steveselby6201]

Quite simply the greatest ever.

[@DaveStubbs-bq6kg]

True confession.............. back in the day I had always assumed both voices were Robert's........just over-dubbed with one another. Sandy's tone and inflections were so dang close to RP ! Thanks so much Doug for doing this one! The Mighty Led Zep brings back so many high school memories for me in the late 70's ! Our high school in Pasadena, CA even had a Dazed And Confused - Led Zeppelin school club with a teacher advisor. Not kidding !

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

The really unique aspect of Zep's folkier tracks is that they still an aura of dark, menace as part of the atmosphere.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

True. And even with the 50th listen I still pick up tiny yet significant elements in either the instrumentation, vocalisation or the lyrics that went over my head the first 49 times. It's why this music endures.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

IMO the three great British folk bands are Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and Pentangle. There are others, but those are the three touchstones. I'd love to hear you react to and analyse some Pentangle ("House Carpenter" or "Light Flight" maybe). For the late, great Sandy Denny,'s work with Fairport, try "Meet on the Ledge".

[@allisonrich5061]

Seconded!

[@stevenhaffner3299]

Ann and Nancy Wilson did a cover of this as The Lovemongers. It was on a 4 song EP of unplugged songs. They were joined by Sue Ennis and Frank Cox. Epic doesn't begin to describe it!

[@wentibbetts7833]

Saw them as Lovemongers, too. Beautiful together acoustically, and their harmonies are unmatched. 👊🏾❤❤

[@capecyn]

One of my favorites!! In fact, this song has been stuck in my head for a couple days so this is really cool! ❤😃

[@mythofmar]

Long-time enjoyer of the Daily Doug. I love how you dive into the music theory side of things to explain why the music we love sounds so good. This is my first time requesting the song "Great Red Spirit" from the Dynasty Warriors 5 soundtrack for the Battle of He Fei. This track is an anthem for me

[@heatherwade2373]

Oh my god this is going to be good, this song is pure magic.

[@painless465]

Sandy Dennys Fairport Convention cover of Bob Dylan’s “ Percy’s Song” is phenomenal, I always thought the best Dylan cover of all

[@julierobins7699]

Dare I say I like Battle of Evermore better than Stairway. Also, Going to California. I forgot which Zepplin album it's on. If you want a unique album experience, listen to Alan Parsons Project Tales of Mystery and Imagination (Edgar Allen Poe). You have to listen to the album in its entirety. Bonus if you have a drink in hand, a dark ish room, and a funky mood. ;)

[@russellvanvleet7457]

It's probably John Paul Jones that did the arrangement along with Jimmy Page on guitar, as he's playing the mandolin and was very integral to the writing.

[@illgetaway]

that is, Jones is a tremendous instrumentalist.

[@allisonrich5061]

JPJ never gets the credit he deserves for his contributions to Zeppelin!

[@QuirqUK]

The Silmarillion -- the book that gave the name to a prog band, that subsequently shortened it's name to Marillion. Can't believe Doug didn't spot the similarity

[@flabbylips]

He could do with a bit more research before making a video as a "CLASSIC COMPOSER".

[@BrandonBlume]

Arjen Lucassen did a cover of this song on his solo album Lost In The New Real on disc 2 along with some other covers. It was great.

[@andersondavies3589]

Silmarillion is the book from J.R.R: Tolkien which can be counted as a history book of all Middle-Earth before the Third Age in which the LotR is playing. You may remember also, that Marillion originally named themselves after that book (a very hard read, but fascinating!). Due to copyright fears they cut their name down, losing the first syllable. Fairport Convention is a must! Try Liege and Liefe including Sandy, and Full House without her from their very early catalogue. They still bring out new records and are the organizers behind the famous annual Cropredy Festival. Enjoy

[@michael_k7356]

My suggestion for a Sandy Denny song would be John the Gun. Features both her musicianship and her beautiful voice perfectly.

[@DaCooyon]

Led Zeppelin 4 is an incredible album. So many fantastic tunes. Krauss and Plant did the Battle of Evermore and it is pure magic. Worth finding and giving a watch on KZbin.

[@storytime1536]

Got to see Robert Plant and Alison Krauss in concert a couple of years back, and it was by FAR my favorite live music experience. They performed this song toward the end of the set and it was transcendent! If anyone has the chance to see them it is well worth the price of admission.

[@dtchinacat3973]

When I was a kid, I thought this was Grace Slick: then I found out it was Sandy Deny and realized she has a "Prettier less Vibrato" voice!

[@ThinkOfANumber68]

He's currently touring as Saving Grace with Suzi Dian. He popped in to work this week and I got to see him. I agree about a female voice, it brings out something good in his. Maybe that's why he done so many collaborations in recent years.

[@gerarddion4859]

The fourth Led Zeppelin album is one of the greatest albums in all of rock/popular music. This song is unique for Zeppelin with its folk/medieval feeling.

[@Nazz1967]

should do some Hawkwind stuff .love your videos btw .

[@richsouthall1937]

This represents the sheer brilliance of Zeppelin; from a band who produced thunderous and visceral riffs of sensuality and bravado, to gentle folk-tinged gems such as this one and so many others. Each replete and fully contained, with no sense of posing; they could excel in any style of genre and left indelible marks on anything they attempted. Simply wonderful in every regard. Light, dark, mystical, emotive and transcendent.

[@5burowz]

The mandolin is everything in this song.

[@grahambennett8191]

My favorite LED ZEP track of all time off the best LED ZEP album, thanks for playing it. Try Fairport Convention’s UNHALFBRICKING album to hear Sandy Denny at her best.

[@ZEPnALE]

The Wilson sisters from Heart do an amazing cover of this song. Nancy on mandolin and Ann on guitar. Their vocals are otherworldly.

[@robertwilcox8572]

The song is based on Book 5, the opening half of The Return of the King. It almost directly describes the Siege of Minas Tirith and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. The magic runes that are writ in gold to bring the balance back are the fiery letters on the One Ring, and its destruction is what restores the balance.

[@dtchinacat3973]

Great song, check out "That's the Way" from the 3rd album, it's my All Time Favorite Led Zeppelin song!

[@Thompson9940]

I met Robert at a concert he and Alison had together. It was an awesome concert. I recommend “Achilles Last Stand” and “Gallows Pole” from Zeppelin😉

[@petersalter9359]

For English 70s folk - also listen to Pentangle

[@kingoftadpoles]

The Silmarillion is the 'prehistory' for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings tales.

[@kalamazoousa4412]

The Battle of Evermore" is a folk duet sung by Robert Plant and Sandy Denny, included on Led Zeppelin's untitled 1971 album, commonly known as Led Zeppelin IV. The song's instrumentation features acoustic guitar and mandolin

[@medea27]

Picking a favourite Zeppelin album is like picking a favourite child... you can't, you love them all equally.

[@gregthomas1346]

Sandy Denny was extraordinary, maddy prior and jackie mcshee similarly , great tune, band, collab

[@paulfranklin8636]

Love Maddy :)

[@BTW...]

Jacqui McShee, that is - Pentangle. My fave of the 3.

[@allisonrich5061]

The three Great Dames of folk-rock!

[@magicbrownie1357]

Nothing cheers me up more than Masterpiece Friday. Thanks, Doug!

[@chrisjohnston3512]

For a long time in my youth this was my absolute favourite song. I was waiting for you to point out when we finally get the V after the last verse but you were talking about how impressive that long sustained note was instead. Robert Plant is great at those. Have you listen to That's the Way yet?

[@jtsiren1676]

This is a good one, man. Heart actually does a cover of this under the moniker "The Lovemongers", which is also a great listen.

[@steveford8999]

"Side by side we wait the might Of the darkest of them all" Obviously Melkor.

[@jakeenan]

The main reason many people don't like Zeppelin is because of Plant's younger voice. But Page asked him to join the band because he wanted a voice to duel with his guitar and to go off....and to also sound like another instrument. He did not want a conventional singer.

[@zepman38]

Simply put, it's the daily battle between day and night. "Waiting for the eastern glow". If you read the lyrics with this thought in mind it will make sense.

[@jimeddard5767]

Love it when you breakdown Genesis, Renaissance, ELP songs. Try ELP Fanfare For The Common Man and/or Bethlehem

[@kevinmuzerMetalMind64]

The Lovemongers(Heart Side Project) did an excellent cover of this song!

[@julianhignell8452]

For me as I have got older I enjoy the more acoustic folk stylings more and more and generally over the more rock blues ones. I find also that it suits Robert Plant’s vocals more, he got so much better as he got older and I now love the colour and tones he brings to those collaborations with Allison Kraus and as he has said she definitely made him raise his game, he was never sure if he could sing that way but it is a beautiful union.

[@Bob1014ify]

I never, ever considered this a folk song. It is a mystical journey.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

Good point. It is not standard folk, for sure. I see it in a similar way but also as a nod to Celtic/Gaelic folk stylings in the 1960s.

[@Codex7777]

Many of my favourite moments in music, are those moments where it sounds like it's on the edge of going off-key, or even does, yet is brought back in, by what happens next. Jimmy was a master of this on guitar and it's always deliberate. Robert also plays with this vocally. For me, it's often those 'imperfections' that make something great, while technically 'perfect' music often bores me to death. :)

[@arbonne1805]

Doug, Fairport Convention's 'Liege and Lief' album is where I think you might like to go to uncover some of the best of Sandy Denny's contribution to the band. The album is considered seminal, effectively kick-starting the British folk rock movement. And it's a rare treat - every song is a banger, the chemistry is jaw-droppingly good, the musicianship right at the top of the top drawer. From there, I'd recommend her work with Fotheringay, which features the incredible guitar work of Jerry Donahue - an American guitar player who sounds remarkably at home on the other side of the Atlantic, leaving an indelible mark on British folk rock music.

[@robertwheatley2471]

With zero drums Zeppelin demonstrated that they could do pretty much do anything in the rock realm. The musical range and diversity of this band was unmatched. Judas Priest' vocalist Rob Halford best summed up the band in three words: "they went everywhere" (musically speaking). 'Going to California' also from Zeppelin IV is another gem with no drums.

[@MikePhillips-pl6ov]

I would say only Queen tried a more diverse range of styles, but at the time this was recorded, Led Zeppelin had done rock, hard rock, blues/blues rock and folk/folk rock. Their brief dives into funk, reggae, pop, and Latin/Salsa had not yet surfaced

[@andynicoll8566]

I don't know if you've done this or not but Evermore brings to mind Greg Lakes solo live version of Lucky Man. Simple guitar done with the exactness of a master, and the cutting vocal of Greg Lake. Amazing!

[@davidschecter5247]

I loved LZ growing up, but couldn't take too much of Plant's voice. I stopped listening to them for about 25 years, and when I returned to LZ I absolutely loved Robert's voice and still do. LOL! I have no idea what happened during that quarter-century to change me!

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

It's a good thing we're dynamic creatures and not static!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Which particular Plant voice though? It changed on each album. He doesn't sound the same on IV as on II and he changed further still after his surgery, and by the time we get to In Through the Outdoor he doesn't sound like the same singer who sang Whole Lotta Love a decade before.