Review of Led Zeppelin IV

[@Bootradr]

Stairway to Heaven has always been a song that sounds to me like it's traveling through time. The beginning of the song kind of sounds like it's a look back in one's past and it moves ahead to the present time as the song reaches the changing point. But then it moves ahead as if it's looking ahead into the future as we get into Jimmy Page's solo. And then it wraps everything up and comes back to the present when Robert Plant finishes the song with "and she's buying the stairway to heaven". What a masterful way they put that song together. It's the same way hearing it live too. From when they first started playing it before it had been released, all the way up until the last time they played it in the 1980 European tour, the song has kind of taken me on a trip through my own life in my mind. And one thing I find fascinating about the 1980 Tour live performances of Stairway to Heaven is the way Jimmy plays the solos on that tour. It's a totally different feeling and sound compared to earlier years. And to me, it sounds like he knows things are about to be over and it's really sad. Not sad in a way that it's not played good but sad in a way that it's reached its end. Of course John Bonham was still alive, but listening to Jimmy's solos just sounds as if he knew things were about to end. I'm not saying he did. I'm just saying it sounds like he did. He plays some tremendous Stairway solos on that tour. I can't remember if it's the Hamburg 1980 or one of the other Germany 1980 soundboards out there? But Stairway sounds so beautiful and just like I was explaining and perfect. I remember Spitfire was the name of the CD that I first heard the version I'm talking about on. If you haven't heard that June or July 1980 version of Stairway to Heaven, you need to find it and give it a listen. You might understand what I'm talking about or it may make better sense anyway :-) Thanks for the reviews on the Led Zeppelin albums lately! I've really been enjoying them 👍 Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@markorchard2272]

My favourite LZ album EVER!!

[@barrymoore4470]

Same for me. Favorite album from my favorite group.

[@top5records796]

I might even agree!

[@markorchard2272]

In 2016 I went to New Zealand and visited many LOTR locations. Stayed with an old friend and you could see the Misty Mountains from his kitched window!

[@barrymoore4470]

I share your enthusiasm for this great album, my favorite LP from my favorite band. It also has my favorite cover art and design for an album. Every song is a secure classic, but my personal favorite is "Going to California", so gentle, tender, and beautiful.

[@top5records796]

Love the artwork! Hard to pick a favorite song though!

[@markorchard2272]

I have just received my Belle & Sebastian album. I'd planned to listen to it tonight..... but now LZIV is my priority!!😜

[@top5records796]

Haha happy to hear that! Play both and have a lovely evening!

[@michaelrogers8126]

This is a record that should be in everyone’s collection

[@megafrayder736]

I have a 1975 US reissue that is quite underwhelming. Ive always wondered what pressings are the best. I've heard the 1982 reissue is good but im assuming the plum UK is the best here.

[@_JS__16]

Early US pressings cut by George peckham are good. Will have "porky" or "pecko duck" in the runouts.

[@top5records796]

That’s right! Early UK reissues also sometimes have those stampers! I friend of mine found a nm of those for 30,-