REACTION TO Led Zeppelin - When the Levee Breaks

[@Cheryltwin2012]

This kind of music requires patience to listen to. Most of today's young people don't have the attention span it takes to fully appreciate what a masterpiece this song is. If I had to pick a favorite Zepplin tune, I would have to say that this one is it. It showcases each member at the top of their game. I fully realize that Led Zepplin isn't everyone's cup of tea, but man, someone must like them because they have sold a zillion records over the years.

[@privateidaho1029]

In the movie Page did with Jack White and The Edge, he visited an old building and pointed out the stairwell where Bonham set up and recorded the drum track to 'When the Levy Breaks.' With the harmonica, Plant's vocals, Bonham's driving beat, the atmospherics and crazy good slide guitar by Page it is hard to pick a more fully-realized Zep song. It is pure, unadulterated blues

[@juliemanarin4127]

Robert plays a mean harmonica! Live 1971 I think Bring It On Home...he plays it superbly! Zeppelin just never misses!

[@robertscotton9339]

Nobody’s fault but mine as well! 👍👍👍

[@kathyguyle3569]

​@@robertscotton9339👌🏼🎯

[@kenhewitt7357]

Zeppelin totally reinvented this song, it's not just a cover!!

[@thomashiggins9320]

Both this and Goin' to California are great bluesy rock jams. I lean a little more toward this one, because the song has so much more history. Two early blues artists, "Memphis Minnie" LIzzie Douglas, and "Kansas Joe" Wilbur McCoy, wrote and recorded and earlier version of this song in 1929, and it refers to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Douglas actually wrote it, but she and McCoy recorded it and played it regularly. Led Zeppelin changed a few lyrics and laid down that hammerin' percussion beat and Robert Plant's harmonica track, but the core of the song was more than 40 years old when they covered it. 😀

[@PeterTea]

Don't worry, Zeppelin has been choking folks up for over 50 years. This song has such a weight and density to it, especially the drums. By the end you feel as if you are sinking into the mire of a broken levee. This was my introduction into Zeppelin at 15 years old and all these years later I am still here.

[@pyro380]

Nothing better than blasting this song in the car with the windows down during summer times. So badass.

[@noteverton]

Written in 1927 and performed by Memphis Minnie.

[@Scoobydcs]

robert kills it on harmonica on this

[@SalvoG]

It was pretty wicked

[@juliemanarin4127]

Not a synth...that's Robert on harmonica and Jimmy on guitar! Nobody can pick a best song or best album...each one is as great as the next!

[@carolyn64]

My favorite Led Zeppelin song is....... The one I'm listening to right then! Not a bad one to be found. They're just the best group ever!

[@helenespaulding7562]

Yeah, Sal…that’s harmonica. Some of the best blues harmonica you’ll hear. Robert plays a mean mouth harp . This piece is a hypnotic vibe and you lose yourself in it. It takes you someplace. Listen again off camera all the way through and just let the vibe take you over. This song has been mesmerizing me for 50 years. One of my favorite songs of all time.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Can't wait for the next album! Try The Song Remains The Same/The Rain Song live 1973 at MSG...gotta watch them together! Also No Quarter from the same concert! All 3 songs are from The Houses Of The Holy album! I just can't wait!

[@gothmog9407]

Just posted the same three from msg. Think kashmir and achilles from Knebworth will blow his mind.

[@awmerriam4]

Julie is always on point

[@darkogregec7503]

Nobody talks about harmonica in the song. It is absolute gem!

[@johnpbh]

A couple of things..... Some of the best Blues Harmonica i've ever heard and Zeppelin taught this guy what a Levee was 51 years ago.

[@pcariola1]

I believe this pounding drum remains the most sampled drum of hip hop and rap even today. So powerful. This song just exudes power

[@SalvoG]

Yes it is!

[@tonycles1702]

I’m pretty sure that John Bonham invented some of the most used drumbeat that rap is using

[@williamcabell142]

Mr. Plant on the Blues Harp ( harmonic, for you that are not well versed ) is epic. Very underrated Blues Harp player! The GOATS! 😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@mikefetterman6782]

Recorded at Headley Grange. The drum sound was especially effective with microphones dangled over the railings of 3 stories of staircase with Bonzo and his drums echoing straight up the stairwell.

[@zosometalgod]

No synthesizers in this song! It's all drums guitar harmonica and bass! Plus Jimmy Pages wizardry on production of this song! Jimmy's guitar solo and Robert plants harmonica solo are very haunting!

[@doughaviland1729]

Seeing you hear these songs for the first time reminds me of the absolute wonder I felt 50 years ago and it really makes me smile! Keep em coming!🙂

[@SalvoG]

really glad to hear that

[@GT-mq1dx]

Wow has it been that long, I was almost 6 when it came out and didn’t get into them until I was in my late teens in the mid 80’s. Yes this song is an anthem.

[@histubeness]

47 years ago.

[@tanyaweathersby9393]

Robert on harmonica is more than a girl can bear❤❤❤❤

[@bobbyn.9773]

The part near the end where you said there might be a synthesizer is actually Pagey the guitarist playing slide on his guitar....a great song! I love how everyday you find a new favorite when you listen to the mighty Zeppelin Salvo...the GOATs fact!

[@PeterTea]

Hi Bobby! It's pretty epic work by Jimmy. I suppose if Bonzo hadn't stolen the show with his drums Page might get a bit more praise for his guitar playing here. Have you seen this guitarist's video on the Levee's guitar work? You might find it interesting, being a guitarist and all. This guy seems to have done his research, from what I gather. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp65dJd4ls6ZbZo

[@bobbyn.9773]

@@PeterTea What a great video Peter and now I am wondering if Jimmy actually did tune it to an open E string and if he removed a string on the recording of the song, I know that Jimmy is infatuated with weird tunings but the removing a string in certain tunings i was not aware of...something to investigate further! Thank you for sharing bro!

[@PeterTea]

@@bobbyn.9773 Glad you enjoyed it! Well, now you have something to talk about next time you talk to him. ;) Hope all’s well.

[@SalvoG]

seriously every new song goes to the top of my list 🤣

[@bobbyn.9773]

@@SalvoG That's great bro, I think the only song that I didn't care for much was The Battle of Evermore lol

[@tektoniks_architects]

Perfect ending to a perfect album. Perfect symmetry. 8 total songs - 4 on each album side. Each side had 2 opening killer rock tracks, one acoustic track, and one epic closing track. A perfect exclamation point ending to the first half of their studio album career. From here on, having perfected their "Light and Shade" sound, they venture into many new realms of sound... especially in the next album, Houses of the Holy.

[@SalvoG]

Wonderfully said

[@MrSadsack56]

2 things for me in this song that make into my top 3 songs of all time!!! HARMONICA and that DRUMMING!! just stunning!!

[@davidbooth7778]

Masterpieces in studio, and such a party live.....without peer.

[@RobertBreedon-c3b]

Still timeless 53 years later still kicks ass again pure gold album like I said before impossible to pick just one song as a favorite from Zeppelin

[@anitapaulus937]

That smile you had on your face! It soaks into your bones! I still can’t pick, and I’ve been listening to them for 50 years!

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

Don't worry about picking favorite songs/albums - your "favorite" is whatever you're in the mood for at that time. It may sound a bit simplistic but, truly, that's what it is. Pick a song for the mood/emotion it inspires in you because that's what will make it powerful and meaningful to you. The instruments and vocals were recorded at the same speed then the instruments only were slowed down half a step in the mix to give it a slower, sludgy feel. Distance micing was used to capture room ambiance, in addition to an echoplex on the drums to help give them such an imposing sound. Backwards echo added to the harmonica and several voice treatments were added to help match the gritty groove. In previous postings, I gave you many links to live performances for various songs, so hopefully, some of those get added to your list of live reactions.

[@heliotropezzz333]

I can't pick the best. I can't pick my favourite. In relation to LZ those are the right answers.

[@vicprovost2561]

A magnificent end to one of their best albums and for me, one of tbe best albums ever! Zepp Rule!

[@livingreflection5]

You make a perfect point about Stairway. You won't get Zeppelin fans say their favorite song by them is Stairway because it's in a class by itself. I always think of it as being like a Fabergé egg. It sits by itself above every other rock song. So then you pick your list of favourites. No one has to name Stairway.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Not one of the most. It is by any measure the greatest rock groove any drummer ever laid down. A Zeppelin masterpiece among there finest recordings. Any other group of the era would have made this, the first cut on the album, and who would blame them. The confidence of Zeppelin to put it last, says much about the strength of the song, and how well they knew their audience. A true rock mantra, on an album that remains one of a handful of truly brilliant recordings of the 70’s.

[@russellewandowski843]

I think that, in private, most rock singers wish they were Robert Plant. He's really THAT good!!

[@AncientHermit]

You might find it fun to go look at another version of this: Mr Jones (Bass) went along on a colab with some other folks from all around the world. So search for Levee by "playing for change". I can normally be about precious about covers, but that one really blew me away. It's not just what is being played, but the obvious passion with which every member of the "cast of thousands" played it with. You might not get through it in one go, it's powerful stuff emotionally. Just for your own fun, but a reaction might also be interesting to see your take on it. ;)

[@Nichwar19]

Whole Lotta Love from 1973 MSG, Kashmir from 2007 O2 concert and STH from 2012 Kennedy Center Honors. Im sure you will love all of em and I hope you're gonna start to Houses Of The Holy soon

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Listening to the original old blues version is enlightening.

[@pauletteriddle3776]

Best intro ever!

[@AlanBee1948]

This was recorded on the hallways of a mansion, with pickup mics set up at different heights of a circular stairway. The drum sound is incredible and cannot be reproduced live, since it's the reverb off the walls that makes it iconic. I doubt you will find a live version of this song, one of the only tracts that must be heard in the "studio".

[@VIDSTORAGE]

I think the word you might be looking for is drone , it is a blues drone , a steady humm with surreal echo all through it ..

[@bishlap]

another terrific song and reaction. Thanks, SALVO G.

[@angelagraves865]

This is definitely my favorite Led Zeppelin song. 🤘💜

[@Scoobydcs]

there are no bad led zeppelin songs, there are MANY FANTASTIC songs though! this is the best drum beat ever

[@penelopehornswaggle102]

That harmonica is so good. Oh boy, you knew you were in for some fun.😅

[@kevinharalson4538]

It’s like picking your favorite kid! Try Since I’ve Been Loving You live at MSG, a MUST! Also great harmonica on Bring it on Home live at Royal Albert Hall 1971!!!

[@pcariola1]

Agree. That live version is beyond epic. Blues rock live at its finest

[@kevinharalson4538]

@@pcariola1 That it is. If time travel ever gets invented most would go back to the horse track, I’ll be taking in some LZ concerts! Ha!

[@oldzephead1237]

I Can't Quit You Baby or Bring it on Home or really anything from Royal Albert Hall 1970 concert. The entire show is just incredibly awesome!

[@johnpetrie1918]

The guitar parts in this song were made by a Danelectro slide guitar, which Page played at a slightly faster tempo, then were slowed down. Portions of Plant's harmonica playing was recorded, then played in reverse. These combine for the unusual sound the song has near the end.

[@richgreenhalgh8160]

Great reactions SalvoG. This quality of music is what I grew up with and I envy you for first timing it. Racing now to watch your Going to California reaction, one of my favorites.

[@oliver6749]

In the beginning I remember you saying Kashmir was your favorite song and it is good I agree. I mentioned the more you listen you will find other songs that will surprise you because there are so many good songs. Love you channel!!

[@SalvoG]

Thanks Oliver!

[@alejandraperez3034]

Music full of soul ♥️😉👌👍

[@charlesgervais4673]

Best reaction ever. The smile in your face showed it all. Unfortunately, the best part of the song was playing while you were choking. You might want to go back and give that another listen. 😁 And like a true Zep fan you can recognize that "the greatest rock song ever" isn't even the best song on that album.

[@SalvoG]

I should of paused it, im upset at myself for that 🤣

[@Kashmir.820]

Oh just you wait for Kashmir and Trampled Under Foot…..WICKED!!!!!!! So Salvo who’s your new favorite band? Zeppelin themselves can’t be put in a category!!!! May I please suggest Whole Lotta Love MSG ‘73. You will see improv at its best!!!!……..KASHMIR & Achilles from Knebworth 1979….phenomenal!!!!!

[@robertscotton9339]

I saw a live instrumental version of this by a band called Galactica down at Jazz Fest in NOLA right after Katrina. The energy was absolutely indescribable. Love this song.

[@richardhanks8600]

I remember seeing them live at Knebworth many years ago. An incredible experience.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Suggested several live yesterday, but to reiterate…..Since Ive Been Loving You, Rock and Roll, Whole Lotta Love, all from MSG 73, Bring it On Home from Royal Albert Hall 1970. Anything you want actually from that last venue, since you won’t hit anything there that’s on future albums. Two other acoustic songs from their acoustic set at Earls Court 1975, both of which you’ve heard, That’s The Way and Bron Y Aur Stomp…..that’s a fun one. So that’s six. If nothing else, it’s Since I’ve Been Living You. Or Whoke Lotta Love from MSG ..,.Full measure of Plants rock stage persona and charisma of Jimmy’s playing.

[@SalvoG]

I like the idea of Bring It on Home live, I might do that one next

[@karenwhite5697]

You are gonna find like or love in all their music, saw them in '75 in Houston, Texas..,Karen

[@gregquante8864]

I’m sure someone has probably said this but the drums at the beginning were recorded in a large open 2 story space at Headley Grange. Lots of microphones and lots of natural echo. Lots of cool stories from there when they were recording LZ IV.

[@johns7097]

If you want live you should check out Royal Albert Hall 1970. It was Jimmy's birthday, and at that time they were starting to really grow into the live powerhouse they would become. It's a great show, anything from that would be a good choice.

[@greypossum1]

Page and Plant performed this on Australian television in the early nineties using a didgeridoo to play the driving background sound. It was brilliant.

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

My very favorite Zep song

[@LarryJnyc]

Was waiting for you to get to this one. A lot of reaction folk start with this and a few others.

[@davidepperson3685]

Really enjoy your channel, great job! Really enjoyed experiencing this song along with you.

[@davemyers3960]

Jimmy as he describes and shows where the Bonzo's kit was set up for this recording: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYisapWDmpyafqc

[@bobbyn.9773]

You should listen to The Song Remains the Same/ The Rain Song live from MSG in 1973...they are meant to be played back to back and I can guarantee that you will say its your favorite bro!

[@SalvoG]

Ive seen a few requests for this so RIGHT after the studio versions I will do the live :)

[@bobbyn.9773]

@@SalvoG Sounds great bro, I was at that show in 1973 from the Led Zeppelin movie and I was 14 years old and I got high from the cloud of pot at MSG without even taking a puff 🥴

[@SalvoG]

@@bobbyn.9773 WOW HAHA!

[@Zosohobo]

Check out live I Can't Quite You Babe from Royal Albert Hall 1/9/1970 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2SmioJ9e7KYZ9E

[@oldzephead1237]

Yes! My favorite concert and one of my many favorite songs. Incomparable band, outstanding show!!

[@christinerobinson3819]

Robert Plant on the harmonica. He doesn't show off this skill often enough for me in their songs

[@henryhartley9993]

This album is just too good ....

[@deannajones3849]

One of my favorites!

[@davemyers3960]

Rick Beato goes into further detail on Levee's drum sound: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jou8dXeOZql7erc

[@robbroome5933]

Try some more of the live acoustic songs..or White Summer from the 1970 Royal Albert Hall show which also contains Black Mountainside from the 1st album

[@boki1693]

My top Live Songs are "Since Ive Been Loving you MSG. In My Time of Dying. Earls Court. Dazed and Confused MSG. Trampled Underfoot. EC. And like 5 other songs from MSG. Song remains the same/Rain Song MUST BE PLAYED AS ONE SONG. Blackdog. Rock and Roll. Whole Lotta Love. Oh, The Ocean is good too. No Quarter is not a favorite but many people love it.

[@charlesgervais4673]

My thoughts exactly.

[@josephlinnell9855]

Loving your reactions. When you start Houses of the Holy listen to studio version of 1st two songs then live at MSG 1973 and post which one you like better. It's a no brainer. God Bless my friend

[@Allen.Mir3681]

Live Madison Square, Garden in my time of dying, days & confuse, whole Lotta love, Rainsong, rock ‘n’ roll, the ocean.. MSG…. And when you have time do you live 02 Arena 2007 for the late Ahmet Ertegun founder of Atlantic records Led Zeppelin did a live concert in 07 for him in tribute outrageous concert great No quarter song

[@cogline]

I fuckin adore this song

[@Sarconthewolf]

My favorite song by them

[@rickoshay2589]

Prepare yourself for "the lemon song" on the next album.

[@pcariola1]

Plus you still have physical graffiti coming. My personal favorite album. As for live a true must is to go back and do the 73 MSG version of Since I’ve Been Loving you. Blues and Rock and just will blow your mind

[@randyschwader1202]

Anything from msg.. No quarter.. Stairway.. Celebration day/Rain song etc

[@antarcticorb9197]

🤣🤣🤣🤣...told you!!!

[@ncbandit6409]

I agree on the below suggestions but after you listen to the studio versions first. Since you already heard Since I've Been Loving You I would recommend that MSG 1973 live version.

[@jolyroger73]

Also it was recorded at a slightly faster tempo and they slowed it down to this. You can find the other tempo versions which also sport different arrangement of the lyrics etc

[@steveandme63]

My comment on this song is always this: only Robert Plant could sing about a huge natural disaster and make it sound soooo sexy.

[@stevensprunger3422]

Memphis Minnie 1927 blues guitar

[@stuarthastie6374]

Urban Blues "Sweet HOME Chicago" by Magic Sam is good example. Mny hqve trid3s to recreate the drums nd cymbals without success. Story goes it was down to the accustics of the staircase at Pages home or mics hanging from the ceiling . Ive tea4d the drum track is slowed down.

[@zmvpainting]

Banger! APC's remake of this is worth checking out XD

[@stevenoxendine2155]

Great video again

[@Sarconthewolf]

THE DRUMS

[@markacuna2828]

Robert plant harmonica

[@r.awilliams9815]

You'll end up like the rest of us...your favorite LZ song will be the last one you listened to.

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

You have the zepplin bug now. No going back.

[@paulmahon1613]

The Rain Song, but the best cot on KZbin is the plant Page version. It's just Robert plant and Jimmy Page and an orchestra. You'll never hear anything more beautiful in your entire life. Plus you also need to see Since I've Been Loving You at Madison square garden. Another song I guarantee will just blow your mind

[@stephenjones6030]

And yes, the lead singer is playing the harmonica...

[@gothmog9407]

The rain song preceeded by the song remains the same and no quarter from msg or acilles last stand and kashmir from Knebworth

[@eggstu]

A Perfect Circle has a really good version/cover

[@roca7108]

Gotta do Ten years gone live at MSG

[@ShawnMiller009]

John F'n Bonham!! 😯😲😳

[@susanpalmer8931]

Best band ever!! Thank yo for the reaction. Please check out the filmed live version of Since I've Been Loving You at MSG in 1973 - You won't regret it!! LZ studio albums are fantastic but NOTHING is like LZ live on film and on the bootleg recordings - a whole different animal from the studio stuff. Hope you'll check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYvMf5KEprlgi9U

[@Amm1ttai]

I love IV but nothing will take the place of II in my heart.

[@PowderedToastMan420]

SalvoG You need to react to MAYNARD JAMES KEENAN's (A PERFECT CIRCLE) cover of ZEPPELIN's "WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS." 🤞💯🔥✌️

[@tim6570]

Whole lotta love msg 73, from the song remains the same soundtrack/movie

[@ros73dros]

Never played live by Led Zeppelin.

[@carlburnett5986]

It was, on the 1975 tour, about the first ten shows kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHOwmmmig5qqoas

[@gustavobarreda438]

Titanic groove!