LED ZEPPELIN III

Hey, hey what an I do? I actually like this album so much that there isn't anything I can say bad about it. We actually see a tasteful blend of their heavy tendacies with delicate explorations into folk. Side 1 mainly explores the electric music that defined their first two releases. However, here the heavier music is much more refined and the acoustic tracks are pure gems.

Jimmy and Robert retreated to a cottage in Bron Yr Aur, where they prepared the material for this album. With no electricity, the cottage certainly served as a wonderful place for them to explore new directions. Thus we have the lovely folkish mood that permeates throughout this album.

'Immigrant Song' starts things off with the banshee wail of Mr. Plant. An early speed metal masterpiece with Norse mythology making up the lyrical content. One would think the band was ready to return to their excessive attack of the previous release upon hearing this song;however, 'Friends' is mainly an acoustic number, with haunting eastern influenced orchestration that builds the piece into 'Celebration Day'. A lovely rocker that dwarfs the excessive songs found on II, melodic and rocking!

Speaking of melodic and rocking, what a song 'Since I've Been Loving You' is. A true blues tune that would soon replace 'I Can't Quit You Babe' and 'You Shook Me' from Led Zeppelin's live act, this is the finest song to come out of their pre-IV electric catalouge (only 'Dazed and Confused' and 'How Many More Times' come close). Jimmy's playing is in sensational form, tasteful organ from JPJ and Robert excelling behind the mircrophone.

'Gallows Pole' oozes with folk mastery. One of my favorite pieces by Led Zeppelin and beginning the acoustic side of the album. 'Tangerine' witnesses Jimmy Page excel with beautifully played acoustic guitar, the solo is a prime example of the diversity and growth of this band. Now way could they have pulled this song off during 1969. 'That's the Way' witnesses Robert grow as a songwriting, introspective in relation to their previous take no prisoner approach. Listen to the interaction between JPJ and Jimmy.

'Bron Yr Aur Stomp' and 'Hats Off to Roy Harper' are also worth checking out but not as strong as the core folk influenced trio that preceeded them. Otherwise, the most diverse and exciting music Led Zeppelin had cut to this point in time. Enjoy!

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