LED ZEPPELIN IV

The Led Zeppelin's untitled album alias known as "Led Zeppelin IV" is certainly a masterpiece (although not all the songs are perfect), but not from the progressive rock point of view. However, that shouldn't stop you listening and enjoying this one. "Black Dog" is a unique, energetic blend of hard rock and blues - with very complex patterns - but the thing is - -Bonham's drumming in the background (or should I say) on the top of it is just simple yet energetic pumping (simple for the term of the band). Sometimes this sounds like a perfect counterpoint, sometimes annoys the hell out of me when I imagine how a complex blues-prog masterpiece this sound could have been. I haven't made up my mind after all these years of listening.

Two tracks to skip are, in my opinion, "Stairway To Heaven" - simply because is overplayed - and "Rock And Roll" which is full of energy and almost nothing else appealing.

"Battle Of Evermore" is one of the best songs with the mandolin ever written, if you don't have a clue how a prog-folk should sound like, this might be an answer. Sandy's voice is enchanting. As everything else here.

Another tune on a folksy side is "Going To California", nothing very demanding, but very pleasant listen, mostly because of emotional Plant's vocal.

"Misty Mountain Hop" aged badly and it's not very original. However, I can't say anything else bad about this decent rock tune.

"When The Levee Breaks" is another highest point, along with "Battle Of Evermore" - it's a rock-solid rock song with hypnotising harmonica and powerful, rolling Bonham's drumming, perhaps the most expressive that he ever did on a Zeppelin's pressing. It certainly contains that certain spleen of mystery so often attached to the LED ZEPPELIN overall picture.

Finally, "Four Sticks" is a good rockin' 5/4 tune with simple pattern, stunning (and relatively simple) multilayered solo and it fits perfectly into the picture of this album - or at least what I think the picture should be.

Despite all the flaws, this is a classic, and for a good reason. A perfect starter too.