JPJ did the job of this entire orchestra, just incredible!! The man doesn’t get enough credit. To me, Page’s masterpiece. He originally called it “The Seasons”, but ‘71-‘72, nobody was putting music like this out! I think we take it for granted today forgetting when this was composed & released. (Just my humble opinion 🤷🏼♂️)
Actually, I think there was quite a lot of music like this at the time. I remember it very fondly. The guitar playing had elements of Beatles, Genesis, Joni Mitchel, Fairport Convention and other folk artists - to name but a few. I think it was very productive period full stop, and Zep were very much part of it, not way ahead, but part of a fabulous era of creativity. We definitely thought of them as one of the top 3 "heavy" rock acts, (Sabbath, Purple, Zep) but not necessarily above other styles of music.
Came here to say this! JPJ wrote and played the string arrangement. The song also features a string arrangement via a Mellotron Mk.II. played by John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones to add to the orchestral effect, and an EMS VCS3 was also used for special overdubs. The straight piano performance was recorded using a Steinway grand piano. The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview for Keyboard magazine, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard: ‘ The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts [two or more notes to a line] are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically. ’ The working title for this track was 'Slush,' a reference to its easy listening mock orchestral arrangement.
Exactly! As a teen,we didn't have youtube,ect.It took me forever to figure out the tuning! The Zep music book had the chords marked as if it was in standard tuning.Took me forever to decipher the tuning! But once I did, it was as if a giant light bulb went off in my head.Just a spectacular song!
Led Zeppelin is one of the only bands whos every record is a greatest hits record!!!! All of them!!! No other band like them. And to Page's credit, he knew the industry by the time this band formed. 4 amazing artists who were/ are all masters of their craft!! And not even my favorite band, but credit is due where the truth lies. Thank you Doug for your analytical gift also!
Love the way Jimmy drops the pick near the end for the finger work, love the way Robert Nods at him on the last strum... What a masterpiece in composition and execution. Thanks for the review.
Even though I never had the chance to watch Led Zeppelin live, being to young for that, I at least could be at a concert of them in 1998. It was special and among the top 3 musical events I've been to.
LZ came to the Northwest in 72, while I was a junior in HS, they were a scant 3.5 hours away in Pocatello, Id! A group of Seniors shared their experiences with us afterward. They were a bit condescending to us lowly Juniors!!
One of my very favorite Zepplin song during the dinner portion of my wedding we paid the guitar player to play some nice acoustic stuff during the bands bread and he played this I had at least ten people come up to me and say how awesome it was. I have my wife's cousin Jeff Silverstein to thank for it he asked him to play it so thank you again Jeff what a great idea and it really was it was perfect.
I keep a guitar tuned to this tuning--so I can play this wonderful song when the mood strikes...I'm sure it's been said before...George Harrison allegedly criticized them (or one of the band) for not doing any ballads. Page responded with this gem.
@stevehartke it's a fun tuning to noodle about in too. Lovely open chord voicings. Just be careful of the B string when you're tuning up. It's always a one eye closed thing
This is what got me to just love led Zeppelin and I know it's page and plant but this came out right in that teen age phase of my life when I was just in aw and wanted everything led Zeppelin.
I would be very curious to get Doug's take on Heart's cover of "Stairway to Heaven" they performed for Led Zepplin's induction at the Kennedy Center Honors. Watch his reaction when they get "taken to church".......IYKYK.
Fantastic, I still have this on double gatefold CD single! The performance of Since I've been loving you from this show is one of the best renditions of this song ever.
I also saw them in March 1995 at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, agree great show. JPJ was not with them, Jason Bonham was their drummer. We saw a good show lucifer73, cheers.
When Robert does that emotive "HUUUUUUH," it has always made the hairs on my neck stand up. But I can see why you told him not to overdo it. Thankfully, he does't there.
It was a conscious decision to exclude John Paul Jones to avoid the collaboration being a Led Zeppelin reunion, which at they point had been terrible. To reinforce that decision the opening sequence of the concert video is Page playing No Quarter on the guitar, with effects, which rankled Jones because he said the song was written for piano and organ. The use of the string section, an Egyptian orchestra and hurdy-gurdy meant the roles played by Jones on keyboard in Zeppelin were shared. Yes, there were keyboards on the MTV stage but their presence were not as apparent as they were in Zeppelin. Plant's then son in law played bass but by and large his presence was reduced by the other musicians that made up the Plant and Page rhythm section . In fact, the need for JPJ to fulfill the same role he had in Zeppelin might have been an impediment to the Plant and Page project. Only a proper Led Zeppelin reunion was going to work for the three of them to be on stage together and finally we got that in 2007.
Ahh, yes. I would sit in my car eating lunch while the 8track tape was belting this fantastic tune! I may have been a tiny bit high! (It was 1973, after all)
The Rain Song has always been a favorite of mine. I saw Page & Plant with the wife in Philly. The audience was so stoked the excitement was palpable. It was a great show but I wish John Paul Jones was there. But no one asked my advice. ;)
The one here is from the MTV special then after they decided to go ahead and tour as the band without the orchestra, that’s when they added more zeppelin songs , there’s also some good live bootleg shows one from Japan I had on VHS great show , I saw them on tour at the old Boston garden , one one of the last concerts if not the last , as for JPJ Plant said it wasn’t anything against him , He originally didn’t want it to be seen as a Led Zeppelin return Something like that. Plant thought of it as an independent project, at first anyway, something like that .
Without John Paul Jones on keyboards and Bass Pedal, they needed a double bass and an orchestra (2 separate orchestras for the finale!) to replace him.
A well known fact. He used to start fights and then bugger of into safety and let the roadies sort out the fighting. I don’t think that he liked touring. A sad person living a luxory life he didn’t really like.
Hi Doug, i wonder why you never got in touch with ROXY MUSIC. The most innovative band late 70. Crazy work ( with a exceptionnal voice of Brian Ferry ) that influenced many bands. One of the most Beautifull song at all : If there is Something.really, this is ICONIC ! Take a while for REMAKE REMODEL, and one of the most crazy VIOLIN solo on INTO THE BLUE( siren Album ) . really One of the best Band and Fully underrated. Greetings .-)
Could you make a reaction/analysis of prodigy Matteo Mancuso's solo album The Journey ? The whole piece is very rich and each track has its own world. I think that there's a lot of interesting things you could find about the harmony
Could you react to 'A little piece of heaven' from Avenged Sevenfold please? There's a whole lot going on in this song and it just might be one of the best songs they've ever written. they've also made lots of other awesome songs, in lots of different styles. They have so much good stuff. Thanks!
It's a shame you don't experience these as pairs of songs or albums. Zep IV's first for songs make a real impact and Evermore and Stairway sound different to being played solo. While I love the Rainsong, it has to be listened to after the Song Remains the Same.
Hi Doug, have you heard Ren's new peice? It's a piano instrumental. Would love to hear your thoughts on it. I've not heard this led zeplin song on a while. It's awesome!
I think that Robert and Jimmy believed that if JPJ was involved everyone would consider it Led Zeppelin reunion concert tour and album. I know Robert Plant had said previous to this album and tour that he would never play in Led Zeppelin without John Bonham. A tour that included JPJ would be Led Zeppelin without John Bonham. How are you gonna have the 3 remaining members getting together and playing Led Zeppelin music and claim it's not Led Zeppelin.
Just more reasons why Zep was the greatest rock band ever. The Beatles? Not a "rock band" - they were "The Beatles" - over, above and beyond anybody else (even Zeppelin) in a category all to themselves.
Un-leded the whole set was a fantastic experience you should check out the battle for evermore from this set with Najma Akhtar She is noted for jazz modification of the traditional Urdu Indian ghazal on vocals. ua-cam.com/video/wCQiPXDZHcc/v-deo.html and also, Kashmier with the string section and the addition of with an Egyptian/Moroccan orchestra. ua-cam.com/video/9vbeilE0UrQ/v-deo.html
The look and nod Jimmy gets from Robert at the end of the song is enough reason to watch this live version.
It’s like ‘yeah, we bad.’
JPJ did the job of this entire orchestra, just incredible!! The man doesn’t get enough credit.
To me, Page’s masterpiece. He originally called it “The Seasons”, but ‘71-‘72, nobody was putting music like this out! I think we take it for granted today forgetting when this was composed & released. (Just my humble opinion 🤷🏼♂️)
JPJ doesn't get enough recognition at all. He had to keep the beat while Bonham and Page soloed around each other.
@@Hujtir9I know, JPJ
was in many ways the backbone of LZ!
Actually, I think there was quite a lot of music like this at the time. I remember it very fondly. The guitar playing had elements of Beatles, Genesis, Joni Mitchel, Fairport Convention and other folk artists - to name but a few. I think it was very productive period full stop, and Zep were very much part of it, not way ahead, but part of a fabulous era of creativity. We definitely thought of them as one of the top 3 "heavy" rock acts, (Sabbath, Purple, Zep) but not necessarily above other styles of music.
Came here to say this! JPJ wrote and played the string arrangement.
The song also features a string arrangement via a Mellotron Mk.II. played by John Paul Jones (musician)|John Paul Jones to add to the orchestral effect, and an EMS VCS3 was also used for special overdubs. The straight piano performance was recorded using a Steinway grand piano.
The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview for Keyboard magazine, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard:
‘ The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts [two or more notes to a line] are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically. ’
The working title for this track was 'Slush,' a reference to its easy listening mock orchestral arrangement.
Yes! Jonesy never ever gets enough credit. And that is a gross miscarriage of music.
The key to unlocking this song is the alternate tuning. The chord progression is a tribute/response to 'Something' by George Harrison
When Plant was in his prime his voice was just another instrument in the ensemble and he used it almost better than anyone.
Jimmy's guitar is tuned to an open Gsus4. D-G-C-G-C-D. This gave him all the open string voicing to get the (Jimmy Page) sound.
Exactly! As a teen,we didn't have youtube,ect.It took me forever to figure out the tuning! The Zep music book had the chords marked as if it was in standard tuning.Took me forever to decipher the tuning! But once I did, it was as if a giant light bulb went off in my head.Just a spectacular song!
Jimmy's guitar playing goes straight to your soul. Everything he plays is beautiful. 😎
Led Zeppelin is one of the only bands whos every record is a greatest hits record!!!! All of them!!! No other band like them. And to Page's credit, he knew the industry by the time this band formed. 4 amazing artists who were/ are all masters of their craft!! And not even my favorite band, but credit is due where the truth lies. Thank you Doug for your analytical gift also!
Love the way Jimmy drops the pick near the end for the finger work, love the way Robert Nods at him on the last strum...
What a masterpiece in composition and execution.
Thanks for the review.
Jimmy has such great touch. Can anyone even hear his pick? It sounds like he's using a feather.
That entire Page & Plant Unleaded concert was other worldly. It was possibly the greatest 75 minutes of music ever experienced.
The Rain Song is one of my favorites. Just delicious.
Even though I never had the chance to watch Led Zeppelin live, being to young for that, I at least could be at a concert of them in 1998. It was special and among the top 3 musical events I've been to.
LZ came to the Northwest in 72, while I was a junior in HS, they were a scant 3.5 hours away in Pocatello, Id! A group of Seniors shared their experiences with us afterward. They were a bit condescending to us lowly Juniors!!
One of my very favorite Zepplin song during the dinner portion of my wedding we paid the guitar player to play some nice acoustic stuff during the bands bread and he played this I had at least ten people come up to me and say how awesome it was. I have my wife's cousin Jeff Silverstein to thank for it he asked him to play it so thank you again Jeff what a great idea and it really was it was perfect.
John Paul Jones should be there...
Doug, you have to listen the The song Remains the same/The rain song from their MSG73 live record.
This is why I love reaction channels I still can't believe I have never seen this wow.
Yes, without UA-cam, I would have missed so much greatness!
I keep a guitar tuned to this tuning--so I can play this wonderful song when the mood strikes...I'm sure it's been said before...George Harrison allegedly criticized them (or one of the band) for not doing any ballads. Page responded with this gem.
Any tabs you know of with the open tuning version? I learned it, and play it in standard tuning…
It works well on a Bouzouki in Irish tuning (G D A D) too 😊
@@stevehartke There's a good one on Ultimate Guitar. The tuning is D G C G C D
Cool, thanks, will check that out… I know there are a few Zep songs in that tuning, as well as other tunings… ✌️
@stevehartke it's a fun tuning to noodle about in too. Lovely open chord voicings. Just be careful of the B string when you're tuning up. It's always a one eye closed thing
I've always loved this version and the live version from 'The Song Remains The Same' remains my favorite all-time Zeppelin song.
song came about as george harrison said not doing ballads let them down. hence why the song has a similar start to something. by the beatles
This is what got me to just love led Zeppelin and I know it's page and plant but this came out right in that teen age phase of my life when I was just in aw and wanted everything led Zeppelin.
This is one of those songs that makes me grateful to be alive 🧡
An amazing version of my all time favorite Led Zeppelin song. It hits my heart every time. ❤
the greatest song of all time
I would be very curious to get Doug's take on Heart's cover of "Stairway to Heaven" they performed for Led Zepplin's induction at the Kennedy Center Honors. Watch his reaction when they get "taken to church".......IYKYK.
Peak Plant and Page.. Awesome song..
The Rain Song & What Is And What Should Never Be were released shortly after the album on a 2-disc CD single of Gallows pole.
This entire performance was absolutely incredible. Kashmir and thank you are two other highlights
Hands down one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
I ended up buying both CD versions of "No Quarter" and making my own master mix including all unique tracks from both.
Gotta hear the one on TSRTS .Zeppelin was a one time only deal. Talk about leaving evidence of your existence here on earth.
This is one of my favorite songs of all time
Fusion of classical and rock: classic rock.
I got to see Plant and Page on that tour. It was an incredible concert.
By far, as an old pop balladeer -this has always been my very favorite ‘ZEPP SONG!!!!thanx for sharing and reacting to it , DOUG!!!!!!!!
I couldn't choose a better song to react! A great tune, a great gig.
Look at Robert's nod to Jimmy at the end. Wow.
Fantastic, I still have this on double gatefold CD single! The performance of Since I've been loving you from this show is one of the best renditions of this song ever.
Awesome reaction video loved your analysis!
You are an absolute master of the air drums!!
That was beautiful. Keep Reacting!
Thanks for repping the Zep
Led Zeppelin is an impossible band to put on as background music. Their sound will always grab your attention!
I love how they psyched you out a couple times on the drum drop
A great version of the best song about a relationship .
I saw them in Knoxville, March 1995. Great show!
I also saw them in March 1995 at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena, agree great show. JPJ was not with them, Jason Bonham was their drummer. We saw a good show lucifer73, cheers.
Saw both Page/Plant tours. Incredible shows!
Page's tuning for Rain Song: D G C G C D
Great one to share Dr. D... Safe travels... Cheers and Thanks
When Robert does that emotive "HUUUUUUH," it has always made the hairs on my neck stand up. But I can see why you told him not to overdo it. Thankfully, he does't there.
It was a conscious decision to exclude John Paul Jones to avoid the collaboration being a Led Zeppelin reunion, which at they point had been terrible. To reinforce that decision the opening sequence of the concert video is Page playing No Quarter on the guitar, with effects, which rankled Jones because he said the song was written for piano and organ. The use of the string section, an Egyptian orchestra and hurdy-gurdy meant the roles played by Jones on keyboard in Zeppelin were shared. Yes, there were keyboards on the MTV stage but their presence were not as apparent as they were in Zeppelin. Plant's then son in law played bass but by and large his presence was reduced by the other musicians that made up the Plant and Page rhythm section . In fact, the need for JPJ to fulfill the same role he had in Zeppelin might have been an impediment to the Plant and Page project. Only a proper Led Zeppelin reunion was going to work for the three of them to be on stage together and finally we got that in 2007.
UnLedded is one of my go-to Zep albums
Please make a video for Kashmir from the same gig. The version with the Egyptian ensemble is my favorite for that song.
Here's an even better version of Kashmir live, imo: ua-cam.com/video/4BZD2sysLUU/v-deo.htmlsi=gXsB2iO07tEUNc1Q
Agree
Wonderful 1 from this gig is stunning. And afaiik the only time they ever did it
Thank you that was great. I have to say I prefer the mellotron to the strings though.
Thanks for this post!
A fantastic song ❤
I hear you got Tim Waurick to sing a theme diddy for you! Good job!
Part of RP’s setlist with Saving Grace , which I saw a couple of weeks ago , amazing, at 75 he still rocks 🤘
In a catalogue brimming with epic and amazing songs, Zeppelin's 'The Rain Song' stands out as a masterpiece of reflection, restraint, and passion.
Ahh, yes. I would sit in my car eating lunch while the 8track tape was belting this fantastic tune! I may have been a tiny bit high!
(It was 1973, after all)
Masterpiece.
The Rain Song has always been a favorite of mine.
I saw Page & Plant with the wife in Philly. The audience was so stoked the excitement was palpable.
It was a great show but I wish John Paul Jones was there. But no one asked my advice. ;)
The one here is from the MTV special then after they decided to go ahead and tour as the band without the orchestra, that’s when they added more zeppelin songs , there’s also some good live bootleg shows one from Japan I had on VHS great show , I saw them on tour at the old Boston garden , one one of the last concerts if not the last , as for JPJ Plant said it wasn’t anything against him , He originally didn’t want it to be seen as a Led Zeppelin return Something like that. Plant thought of it as an independent project, at first anyway, something like that .
Loved Doug's final vignette
Great one Doug.So Good.
Graceful beauty. 😊❤
Without John Paul Jones on keyboards and Bass Pedal, they needed a double bass and an orchestra (2 separate orchestras for the finale!) to replace him.
Doug, please do react to the band Jellyfish and their song Joining a Fan Club.
I once asked Johnny Marr if he took the Rain Song as inspiration for The Smiths - How soon is now riff. He said No. I think hes lying.
Magnificent! I've got to find an arrangement that I can play on lever harp
untouchable Band Zep. JPJ the mastermind...
im shockeed that your fans didnt request "apocalipsis noctis" by yoko shimamora" amazing composer and an amazing track
Unledded is great!
Pretty darn good ballad if you ask me George…
Worked on the corporate jet they used on USA tour. Drummer was an a hole.
A well known fact. He used to start fights and then bugger of into safety and let the roadies sort out the fighting.
I don’t think that he liked touring. A sad person living a luxory life he didn’t really like.
When it comes to moody enchanting music, Robert really has his finger on the pulse of that in recordings he'd make after this
Good, but Studio is the best version and live from "The Song Remains the Same" soundtrack is pretty good too!
Robert Plant is a great vocalist.
Beautiful. 💙🎵🎶🎶
I can't find the CD/DVD of this gig to buy, crazy!
Hi Doug, i wonder why you never got in touch with ROXY
MUSIC. The most innovative band late 70. Crazy work ( with a exceptionnal voice of Brian Ferry ) that influenced many bands.
One of the most Beautifull song at all : If there is Something.really, this is ICONIC !
Take a while for REMAKE REMODEL, and one of the most crazy VIOLIN solo on INTO THE BLUE( siren Album ) . really One of the best Band and Fully underrated.
Greetings .-)
And to think they wrote this on their 20s.
Could you make a reaction/analysis of prodigy Matteo Mancuso's solo album The Journey ? The whole piece is very rich and each track has its own world. I think that there's a lot of interesting things you could find about the harmony
I love this song so very much. This was the first I've seen this particular performance. Gorgeous!!!
How jimmy wrote this song I’ll never know
My Doug drinking game: However many minutes it takes Doug to start ragging on Robert Plant in a video is the number of drinks I have
Sublime! I love the nod of recognition from Plant to Page at the end.
Incubus, anti gravity from science album
Could you react to 'A little piece of heaven' from Avenged Sevenfold please? There's a whole lot going on in this song and it just might be one of the best songs they've ever written. they've also made lots of other awesome songs, in lots of different styles. They have so much good stuff. Thanks!
JPJ deserved a phone call.
C'mon Page & Plant.
You don't know your history clearly... It was a Page Plant Solo tour they were performing at. No need for John Paul Jones.
ZEPPELIN ! What else?
It's a shame you don't experience these as pairs of songs or albums. Zep IV's first for songs make a real impact and Evermore and Stairway sound different to being played solo. While I love the Rainsong, it has to be listened to after the Song Remains the Same.
Friday end of the work week is it? So you consider making snow angels work😂
Hi Doug, have you heard Ren's new peice? It's a piano instrumental. Would love to hear your thoughts on it.
I've not heard this led zeplin song on a while. It's awesome!
should try a reaction to Wagakki Band - 焔 (Homura) + 暁ノ糸 (Akatsuki no Ito)
Do SKY OVERTURE by Uli Jon Roth!!!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸
The next ? ... Achilles last stand please :)
I think that Robert and Jimmy believed that if JPJ was involved everyone would consider it Led Zeppelin reunion concert tour and album. I know Robert Plant had said previous to this album and tour that he would never play in Led Zeppelin without John Bonham. A tour that included JPJ would be Led Zeppelin without John Bonham. How are you gonna have the 3 remaining members getting together and playing Led Zeppelin music and claim it's not Led Zeppelin.
Just more reasons why Zep was the greatest rock band ever. The Beatles? Not a "rock band" - they were "The Beatles" - over, above and beyond anybody else (even Zeppelin) in a category all to themselves.
Un-leded the whole set was a fantastic experience you should check out
the battle for evermore from this set with Najma Akhtar She is noted for jazz modification of the traditional Urdu Indian ghazal on vocals.
ua-cam.com/video/wCQiPXDZHcc/v-deo.html
and also, Kashmier with the string section and the addition of with an Egyptian/Moroccan orchestra.
ua-cam.com/video/9vbeilE0UrQ/v-deo.html
This song is still me and my brother's favourite ballad song since we first heard it years ago 😊
I enjoyed this as well.