REACTION TO Led Zeppelin - Four Sticks

[@rylinhansen9019]

FYI, They did another version a year later with some local musicians who played tablas, which was never released. It sounds the way it does because Bonham was using 4 sticks, and because the engineer put a compressor on the drums during mixing. There are no tablas on the version from IV. The we recorded version with tablas did not appear on a record until Coda in 1982.

[@MojoPin1983]

Plant’s primal moaning, during the outro, is my favourite example of his singing in Led Zeppelin’s entire discography. He sounds like some savage wolf man, in a tree, painfully wailing into the night sky, on the top of a mountain. It is so animalistic. Four Sticks is my favourite track on this album, and one of their most overlooked songs. It deserves more recognition. It just goes to show how strong this record is, as this song is often considered to be an outlier that gets little attention.

[@Scoobydcs]

have you heard the live version from copenhagen 71? roberts voice is brutal on that gig!

[@m.b-ee8815]

Reminds me of African tribal chanting. Couldn't imagine this track without his amazing vocal.

[@alexpaulyoungthemuso3937]

@@Scoobydcs he sounded stronger than the studio version in Copenhagen

[@Scoobydcs]

@@alexpaulyoungthemuso3937 yeh he was INCREDIBLE! gallows pole was amazing there too and afaik they only did it live twice

[@rylinhansen9019]

Ya, me too!

[@theStacyJames]

Four Sticks is one of the great, yet mostly unmentioned songs in the Zepp catalog. Such a great song! Smoke a little and put this sucker on, followed by No Quarter, Over the Hills and Far Away, Tea for One, How Many More Times, Friends, That's the Way, Thank You, Celebration Day, and other lesser-known Zeppelin staples, all in a row. You'll be Flying!

[@satori03]

love your choices

[@mysticsofthemaya]

@@satori03 agreed

[@tektoniks_architects]

Bonzo playing the drums with two drumsticks in each hand, therefore 4 Sticks. Page and Plant often played great live versions of this song in the mid to late 1990's on their tours, with the late great Michael Lee killing it on the drums.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Zeppelin played it once that I know of.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I LOVE the music from that tour!

[@rylinhansen9019]

Only means they played it once live that was actually recorded. Doesn't mean they only ever played it once.

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

This is the song the band was working on that was frustrating them so much, that Bonzo started playing Little Richard's song "Keep a Knockin'" and the rest of the band joined in and created their song Rock and Roll instead. Robert adds some of his fondness for histories, mythologies, etc. with lyrics like "brave, I endure", "strong shields and lore", etc. There's a lot of compression on the drums, but even so, you can hear the sticks click/clack against each other as he plays. There was also some processing on the vocals to change the tone. I love this song for its hypnotic, swirling feeling.

[@helenespaulding7562]

But the tone on the vocals, to me, sounds unpleasant on this mix. I don’t think Page did Plant any favors on this one. 🙄

[@rylinhansen9019]

I think the album version sounds a lot better. I don't think it's the mix - I don't think there IS a mix here - this sounds like a bootleg. I think it's likely that for whatever reason, Plant couldn't hear the monitors. I know from personal experience what a disastrous effect that can have.

[@sumitamishra5160]

Indeed !! Such an underrated song on this masterpiece album

[@jonhoward4884]

Appreciate this song a lot more now than my earlier years of listening to Zeppelin. Very progressive and unique, especially for 1971.

[@SalvoG]

That is so true I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on this while listening to it this was probably so progressive at the time

[@alejandraperez3034]

Bonzo is playing drums with four drumsticks!!!! GREAT MASTER EVER 🥁👑♥️😜

[@johns7097]

I've been seriously into Zeppelin for almost fifty years, and I can't pick a favorite song. But for some reason when I think "Led Zeppelin" this song pops into my head.

[@garrya4304]

You will appreciate Four Stcks more when you listen to the album in its entirety. Every song on the album has its place that makes each track sound unique and more defined. This applies to all Zeppelin's albums

[@nicholedisaia8525]

Very excited for you to listen and react to the next two. Going to California is not as well known as When The Levee Breaks... but it is one of my absolute FAVORITES... more folky, but Robert's voice gives me chills. Really excited for you to start Houses Of The Holy as well... the last 3 songs are INCREDIBLE.....

[@antarcticorb9197]

Although this song doesn't rank up there with me, I give immense credit for Zeppelin willing to experiment with new sounds...that's part of their genius. They were never afraid to take risks, and I love them for that!

[@xytrius8194]

The Crunge and Dyer Maker both come to mind

[@jmar7631]

Raga rock has east Indian/south Asian influences. Page once said that the song is meant to be an abstract piece, and that it is. It was apparently very difficult for the engineer to capture what Page was after. He was always experimenting. It's also a very difficult song for a drummer to play using four sticks, which is probably why they only performed it live once. Glad you enjoyed it! Last two songs on this album are two of my favorites. Looking forward to your reactions to those. :)

[@nicholedisaia8525]

Yes! Same for me on the last two songs. I can't wait for him to listen and watch his reaction. Really excited for Houses Of The Holy album too!

[@andrewweatherhead4127]

it is in 5/8 and 6/8 giving it an 11/8 feel like indian raga. Great song.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

One of my favorite DEEP CUTS. 💯🔥

[@henryhartley9993]

There is a great live version of this track on the Page&Plant Unledded album from 1994 with an entire Egyptian orchestra..

[@ptxaholic]

There is probably just that one live you read about because it was incredibly difficult to do live, so they barely ever did it. I had no idea John was doing it with 4 sticks, that's bonkers

[@giantclam1822]

Its not that hard to play....but its a marathon run.

[@Scoobydcs]

they did this live ONCE! copenhagen 71, roberts voice was INCREDIBLE that day!

[@PeterTea]

I would think that the issue with playing with four sticks is that it would probably sound a bit softer since Bonham’s power would be diffused over four sticks instead of just two. Maybe that’s why they brought some of the other levels down a bit. I love the tribal vibe of this almost shamanic beat.

[@brianmountain3358]

Gallows Pole = a must Enjoy

[@mattbrady284]

It’s just the download. You can listen to it as loud as you like. We all like it louder. When you hear the real version, you’ll like it X3.

[@yozaseig3870]

Going to California live version at Earls Court 1975 is great

[@666tubedragon666]

on vinyl on my Phillips turntable and Marantz amp/receiver and JBL speakers... this song did not have volume issues...it's the upload on the vid...this was meant to listen to in the entirety of the album with going to Cali and when the levee breaks to follow...still good reaction bro

[@richdiana3663]

They've thrown off a lot of people over the years.

[@juliemanarin4127]

I thought you'd like this! I love this song! I recommend watching the live version of this...fabulous! It is louder on other videos...you are talking about bongos.

[@shaykosovac8722]

The unplugged version is great!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

This sounds more proggy than their previous stuff. Prog was in full flower in 1971 and they wanted some of that. Similar to how they adopted some of the folk rock stylings in other songs.

[@joannparker1977]

They had such difficulty with this song that it’s said they were afraid to play it live.

[@gistechrep3816]

The original audio version is clear, and louder.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Helene here. So looking forward to next two…..a lovely folk piece and then ending with one of my top three Zep songs….just lose yourself in the rhythm and vibe of the last one, Sal…..and I’ll tell you in advance; it’s about a real flood, not a metaphor.

[@yivanov82]

One great live version exists - from Copenhagen 1971, but you need "bootleg ears", cause recording is AUD, but quite listenable)

[@MojoPin1983]

Jeff Buckley incorporated an amazing Four Sticks medley into a live version of Van Morrison’s, The Way Young Lovers Do, circa 1995, in Germany. I’d post it here, but YT doesn’t allow links in comments, any longer.

[@glass2467]

This is a very loud rock'n song. And Robert's voice is also loud in the mix. I checked the original video and found it's a little low, but I could listen to it very loud by turning my computer volume up. So at some stage on your computer the volume is too low. You haven't really heard the song until you hear it loud.

[@timpwhit]

True. I bought the LZ-IV album back in the 70's as a teenager, and have (of course) listened to it many times over the years, and this recording sounds extremely muted compared to the original--especially the vocals, as you stated.

[@traci3422]

I think it is just the sound on remastered version as on the album, sound is fine and you can hear Plant’s vocals. Checked a couple of reactors that and sound was fine; it appears it maybe just this remastered version. I actually like this song and I loved how Zeppelin always were willing to experiment and broaden their musicality. I was a teenager in the 70’s and this was the favorite band for many in my generation.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Right on Traci. I don’t think there was ever a musical era that created a more imaginative experience for a teen to explore. As someone who never relinquished my turntable and vinyl, my kids and now grandkids love to go through this “ blast from the past!” We really did have it good, thanks to Zeppelin and their many contemporaries. Regards

[@ronaldelliott4373]

P.S. Wait until he gets to “Levee.” 🤯

[@zosometalgod]

Drums sound different because Bonzo is playing with 4 sticks!

[@craignourie8853]

what your hearing is a style of drumming i think but i forgot the name of it

[@bobbyn.9773]

Definitely not reggae rock....Its hard to label this song but I always found it to have a mystical feeling about it to me

[@jmar7631]

Not "reggae" but "raga", which has Indian or southern Asian influences.

[@bobbyn.9773]

@@jmar7631 OK that makes sense i misunderstood his pronunciation....and I can hear the raga influence actually !

[@juliemanarin4127]

To me as well

[@brianrussell6570]

its the upload

[@atorthefightingeagle9813]

There is an instrumental version of this that Bonzo recorded with the Bombay Orchestra when the band were in India. I agree the LP version would have been better without the vocals. Robert's a distraction.

[@kedrone5814]

Bonzo isn't actually on that version. Page and Plant were the only ones involved and neither is actually on the track.

[@pinkierural]

Audio a bit quiet . But still one of my new favourites . Airbeats reacted to this an it was loud.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Robert should have played harmonica and held off on the vocals a bit.

[@debbystasinopoulou4696]

There must be a problem with that upload -- I've been listening to this album (vinyl) since it was first released, and have also purchased it on CD, and have never noticed any drop in volume compared to the other tracks. I hope you will acquire a different version of this song, and listen again!

[@AndyBlue131]

I´m almost sure there was a problem with this re-upload. The original song is definitely not that low!

[@cslloyd1]

This is one that is an acquired taste. Several listens required

[@samdog8087]

JPJ could play half the notes and it would still rip.

[@ThailandTed]

Pausing is ok. It is a reaction to the song, not just a playing of the song.

[@juliemanarin4127]

I think that is Jimmy's guitar...not a synthesizer I think...not sure.

[@helenespaulding7562]

The synth is the keyboards in the bridge

[@kentaylor2416]

The audio didn't sound right.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Sounds like a problem with remaster. On the original album I do not recall this song being any quieter at all. For those out there who have the original vinyl…do you agree? Sal, don’t worry about not liking something. And even I , who put Robert Plant as my favorite male vocalist, I do not like the sound of his voice on this. I think somethings been done with the mix. Usually Page does a superlative job on the remasters. I agree that thus wasn’t up to the quality I remember.

[@dickcnormis1444]

Page mixed this song differently than most Zep songs , the drums are muted, not the usual thunderous drums and crisp sound. Plants voice also mixed down. They were going for an Indian sound so that’s why the drums sound how they do. I think Plants vocals are awesome in this. It’s also in a crazy time signature. To really appreciate the song you have to look at the lyrics, it’s a mystical song about Castles and Dragons, Plant tells a great story, the lyrics are just as important as the music , unlike the fake bullcrap music of today

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@dickcnormis1444 I’ll check out the lyrics. You know, even after fifty years, I’ve ever read the lyrics to this particular song……my bad.

[@antarcticorb9197]

Don't do yourself a disservice by pausing too much....even you yourself admitted that.

[@LarryJnyc]

So, I know you are reacting the music via video. That is far from the ideal audio. When your person Zep-a-thon is over, I recommend focusing on the Mothership audio. That is all officially remastered by Jimmy. Also, unless it is live, the visual on the videos are mediocre at best. BTW - the Zep-athon is where you sit your ass down and listen to all nine Zep albums in a row, the thing that every true fan must do at least once in their lifetime. (It's) the pilgrimage to heavy metal mecca." ...Jack Black

[@helenespaulding7562]

But it’s not heavy metal, so it can’t be it’s Mecca. 😏😉

[@nomasker1360]

Yet again , takes a few listenings sometimes . Crank it up next time with a normal version.

[@markacuna2828]

Omgd dude it's call the bongo's 🙄

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

In this case, being influenced by Indian raga music….think it’s tabla.

[@SalvoG]

I couldn’t remember the name of it for the life of me

[@SalvoG]

I couldn’t remember the name of it for the life of me