Todd's Reviews

Zeppelin II
From squeezing lemons out of the heartbreaking Delta Blues, to referencing classic British literature and inconceivable drum solos, Led Zeppelin II is the unrivaled champion of rock recordings.

Zeppelin II Original Recording Remastered
by Todd McFliker

        The Mississippi Blues had been the undeniable style of Jimmy Page's first band, the Yardbirds.  Never before had radio listeners heard crashing sounds comparable to Zeppelin’s debut release featuring “Dazed and Confused” and “How Many More Times.”  Recorded on the road, Led Zeppelin II is the Brits’ brilliant second release from 1969.  The band begged, borrowed and stole from American legends, such as Otis Redding and Howlin’ Wolf, creating a sensation with their brash creations in a studio.  Zeppelin’s explosive LP turned Platinum that’s recently been remastered established the 1970s’ and 80s’ long-hair heavy metal genre.  From squeezing lemons out of the heartbreaking Delta Blues, to referencing classic British literature and inconceivable drum solos, Led Zeppelin II is the unrivaled champion of rock recordings.

Inspired by the States’ Baba Blues’ deep country single “You Need Love,” Zeppelin II rips straight into men’s hearts with “Whole Lotta Love.”  The thunderous statements and jungle rhythm set the initial tone for the album.  The complex number is no more than Jimmy Page’s inventive guitar riffs meshed with Robert Plant’s seductive moans and simulated orgasm with a psychedelic twist.  “What Is And What Should Never Be” is a feel-good tune about sonic wizardry.  Plant’s poetry discusses a cherished lover being taken for a walk to a castle.  The lyrics are emphasized with high-pitched yelps and topped off with a shimmering gong. 

“The Lemon Song” is another one of Zeppelin’s frantic and unrivaled tempos.  Inspired by Howlin’ Wolf’s “Killing Floor,” the fierce blues reference a woman who refuses to stay true.  The heavy guitar solos and double-tempo section make for blistering synchronization.  “Squeeze my lemon, ‘Till the juice runs down my leg,” Plant bawls out to listeners.  Following bass player John Paul Jones’ passionate solos in “Thank You,” “Heartbreaker” is a hard-hitting, mock-dramatic lament, propelled by Page’s intricate wails.  The angst leads straight into the diabolical pounding of “Living Loving Maid.”  The fast-paced melody about a Zeppelin groupie has a saw-grass feeling

Exercising diversity in both songwriting and performing, “Ramble On” draws lyrics from J.R.R. Tolkien’s celebrated Lord of the Rings trilogy.  The softer acoustic single discusses a man’s rounding the world to find the right girl, while emphasizing Page’s influences from Arabic/North African music.  He actually plays with an Egyptian violin.  The instrumental “Moby Dick” possesses an extended solo from percussionist John Bonham that will make listeners’ mouths drop.  Never before, nor after, has a drummer lifted a song to such a heavenly plateau as music’s finest achievement.  “Bring It On Home,” another Baba Blues’ influenced number, is full of mystery and lusty menace.  The acoustic guitar, slow drag tempo and echoing harmonica are ideal for an erotic striptease.  As “Bring It On Home” winds down and Zeppelin II concludes with a bang, listeners are left with the inescapable reminder of the miraculous link between rock and the Delta Blues.