Drums like an earthquake. Guitars and harmonica like a swirling whirlpool. This is more than just recorded music. It’s elemental, primeval sonic ecstasy.
The lyrics to this song (written by Memphis Minnie in 1927) are based on The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Still more great Zeppelin songs for you to discover.
How about they also react to the original ? What makes Zep so great is a wide range of influences from black blues to Celtic folk etc . Exactly what missing with current acts..
@@gavinvl06 Speak for yourself. In my opinion still only listning to what you grew up with? Quite lame. We expect reactors to explore the familiar going back 40 50 years back, yet majority on here unwilling to do the same. If literally 95% of 60's 70's legendary rock bands were all hugely influenced by black blues (soul & funk) perhaps its you that doesn't get it. Most intersting guitarist today? From Niger Africa. The Hendrix of the Sahara Mdou Mochtar check " Chrismitten". Yeah I don't still only listen to what I did since 6th grade. ruclips.net/video/y23ewhFf_hs/видео.htmlsi=J50fGvEzYDdghbNn
@@gavinvl06Actually, a lot of people happen to love old blues. If everyone were as dismissive of old music as you there would be no Led Zeppelin, no rock as we know it
At 13, I had to wait for this, or any Zeppelin, to play on the radio. No way would my parents let their daughter buy any Led Zeppelin album. Strange and wonderful feelings are evoked when listening to their music.
This is not a metaphor. There was a massive flood when this actually happened in the 1920's, which contributed to a large black migration up to Chicago, which is referenced a couple of times. "All last night sat on the levee and moaned" is dark. "I came to hate you" is dark.
ThIs song was recorded at Headley Grange (an abandoned poorhouse in Headley, Hampshire, England). John Bonham's drumming is what really drives this song. He played in the lobby on a Ludwig kit, using two Beyerdynamic M 160 microphones which were hung up a flight of stairs; output from these were passed to a pair of Helios F760 compressor/limiters set aggressively to obtain a breathing effect.A Binson Echorec, a delay effects unit, was also used.
I once got as far as the front lawn at Headley Grange, to have a look around. Then I heard a dog barking so I retreated to the car. I wonder if it was a black dog?
@@jameskinstle6874 Well obviously I wasn’t there but, everything I’ve ever read says yes, a Binson Echorec was used and not just on Bonzo’s drums but also on Page’s 1961 Danelectro 3021/DC59 guitar.
Greetings from Costa Rica, I am 60 years old and I have not seen a band with as many musical flavors as them, their songs are so varied and their creation is out of this world, hugs
There is another amazing Led Zeppelin remake of an old song from the 1920s. It's called "In My Time of Dying," a bluesier remake of the gospel song "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed."
It's amazing how aware they were of music from the distant past. I mean Gallows Pole is a song that's been around since at least the 1600's! And they had a go at it and made that into a great song too. Incredible really.
@@redpine8665 A lot of musicians used old songs. Many blues and folk artists just use traditional music. Zeppelin was just doing some of what those artists did all the time.
I always find it so enjoyable when youngsters like you two discover how great the music of my youth (I'm 69) was and still is. Keep up the good work - you guys are great.
@@lyndoncmp5751 I just meant that I can hear the Delta Blues influence in it but agree that it’s their own sound that it’s reflected in. I can hear the Blues influence in much of their music, particularly the first album but I feel it most strongly in this cut.
@@robertpearson8798 I can definitely see the influence yes, and obviously the original song is blues. The sound, however, is all Zeppelin's. None of the old blues acts "sounded" like what we hear in this song, from the guitar to the drumming to the bass to Roberts voice. That's all I meant. Zeppelin had their own sound. Cheers 👍
@@lyndoncmp5751 In the documentary, the song remains the same the band gives American southern blues credit for the inspiration of many of their songs.
I'm sure it was on this track that Robert put the drums in the. Stairwell and hung the mics high up to give the drums that phomenal sound. This was first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas joe McCoy in 1929.
Your thumbnail said it all... imo this def IS the best song they ever did. Also, imo, one of the 10 best Rock songs period. Ever. That harmonica with those drums!! Good God.
Great reaction, guys! Based on The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, it is a very good blend of Blues and Rock. Did you know there is a cover of this that is organized by "Playing For Change" that is well worth the listen? Led Zeppelin bassist, John Paul Jones, is a feature in this as well as many other artists... enjoy!
I went to see Led Zeppelin at the Fabulous Forum back in 73. The concert was amazing. What I remember having floor seats and a high pitch ringing in my ears for several days.
I'm so glad you guys decided to react to this. That was wonderful. The whole thing is just a tour de force. Back in the day it was on the radio all the time so it was easy to under appreciate it unless a bit later you became a musician and you're like wow what the hell were they all doing? That's incredible. And really in the end it's just the Synergy of it and how tight they were and the proof is in the pudding because their live shows were spectacular as well. But anyway I'm so glad you reacted to this.
What makes their catalog so great is the fact that no matter what genre a song is in or whether it is loud our soft or electric or acoustic or slow or fast tempo, complex or easy or driven by the drumming or by the melody and his singing...the listener of the song will always have many chances to say during any song..."Wow, that was kind of cool"
IMO, there's like 4 songs in the top tier of the Zep collection: "Stairway," "Kashmir," "Immigrant Song," and "When the Levee Breaks." The next tier is still fabulous ("Dazed and Confused," "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," etc.), but these top four are just incredible.
I know it's almost a sacrilege, but I'd put "Kashmir" in with the 2nd tier songs, and (since a 3rd tier simply does't even exist for Zeppelin) I'd move either "Ramble On" or "Nobody's Fault But Mine" (the slower Plant-Page acoustic version if that counts) up a notch to replace it. For what it's worth, you could write their song titles on little slips of paper, dump 'em in a hat, draw out four at random, and get a winning set every time.
@@jkbowers56 It's a sacrilege. Don't do it! 😄 I find that I can't very easily rank Beatles songs. I can mainly only group them into "like" and "dislike." Not sure why I feel I can fairly clearly rank Zeppelin songs and not Beatles songs. 🤷♂
Phil you are correct. The drum sound in this song is legendary. I've read in multiple places that it is the most sampled drum sound in history. There are many...many videos just on the iconic drum sound used in this song.
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927... country blues song by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie - Minnie wrote the lyric. McCoy's National guitar sounds fantastic on the original recording. John's drums are heavy as hell and Page's slide guitar tracks really shine.
Though it has great playing, it's a pretty mediocre 'song' to be frank. The live version of the other Dixon song on the first album I Can't Quit You Baby from the Royal Albert Hall 1970 is much better.
@@Pton_reaction_addict Yes I agree, that's great. No complaints on the musicianship and playing. I just don't think the 'song' is all that great. Just a standard, even pedestrian, blues song.
Because of the reverb effect on the drums, it never worked as a live song. They tried a couple times, but it never captured the majesty of this recording. Absolute magic!
There's an awesome cover of this with the bassist from Led Zeppelin: Playing for Change - When the Levee Breaks. Musicians from around the world play in real time with each other on video. It's a very touching/moving video!
Legendary singer, legendary guitarist , legendary drummer. Jimmy Paige was great with earier bands. To me this puts him on another level. Having Said that it took the whole band with everyone's talent to be totally awesome .
I’m 68 and saw Zep twice in 75 and 77 and I also suggest you check out Page/Plant live from Scottsdale Arizona in May of 1995 it’s completely mind blowing and cosmic and you’ll be blown away. And I suggest you watch on a 65 or 75 inch TV and the soundbar cranked because when listening to Led Zeppelin or Page/Plant your neighbors should too 😅.
Masterpiece is right, they do the blues like no one else. Another great song on a n album full of them For a incredible deep cut no one reacts to from the same, 4th album, do Four Sticks, another great and different Led Zeppelin tune for the ages. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎶
The song was recorded by Memphis Minnie( a black delta blues female singer) in 1929. The song is about the great Mississippi flood of 1927. During the Katrina disaster of 2005 we had temporarily relocated to the city of Vidalia, Louisiana which was devastated by the ‘27. And when we returned to New Orleans the radio stations played “when the levee breaks “ constantly.
In my opinion this is their best song hands down and that is the highest praise of this great band. You hear about blues influence on heavy metal but there is no better example than this. Absolute magnificence.
lol. The drums have been sampled innumerable times in hip hop, including on the Beastie Boys first album Rhymin and Stealin, which is the intro track and Bonham’s beat is the intro sound too.
Its one of my all time favorite song and my favorite song from them, I like watching reactions because in a small way, through the reactors, its like experiencing the song for the first time ago. Love it
Drum sound came by playing the drums in a stairway at their recording house called Headly Grange. They put microphones in the stairwell above the drums. Definitely an amazing sound.
Bonham's drumming is so clean and masterful. The legend at his best.
His playing magic. People sometimes associate LZ with hedonistic excesses, but Bonham knows how to play to a song with simplicity snd artistry.
Bonham does not use regular drum sticks, he uses trees..................
Drums like an earthquake. Guitars and harmonica like a swirling whirlpool. This is more than just recorded music. It’s elemental, primeval sonic ecstasy.
" It’s elemental, primeval sonic ecstasy." Woulda never thought of that description for this masterpiece but man, you are absolutely SPOT ON!!
@@frankfroml.a.4104 Thanks Frank !
... and only analog recording could reach those depths.
"Hammer of the Gods"
Well said, they are musical art at its highest level, period!
I'm 65. I have been a fan of the mighty ZEPPELIN since 1969 I was 11 yo and for me All their songs are great!🤩
Found them in 1970 at 19. They still are untouched as a band.
I'm 71. Had my WTF Led moment in 69 at 16.
What a way to start the Day Zeppelin's Rock and Roll
I'm 74 and totally agree. One of the greats of our generation.
Best drum sound of any song ever
The stars really did align when these four masterful musicians came together to form The Mighty Led Zeppelin!!
The lyrics to this song (written by Memphis Minnie in 1927) are based on The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Still more great Zeppelin songs for you to discover.
So many more
How about they also react to the original ?
What makes Zep so great is a wide range of influences from black blues to Celtic folk etc . Exactly what missing with current acts..
@@jgsrhythm100nobody wants to hear the original
@@gavinvl06 Speak for yourself. In my opinion still only listning to what you grew up with? Quite lame.
We expect reactors to explore the familiar going back 40 50 years back, yet majority on here unwilling to do the same. If literally 95% of 60's 70's legendary rock bands were all hugely influenced by black blues (soul & funk) perhaps its you that doesn't get it. Most intersting guitarist today? From Niger Africa.
The Hendrix of the Sahara
Mdou Mochtar check
" Chrismitten".
Yeah I don't still only listen to what I did since 6th grade.
ruclips.net/video/y23ewhFf_hs/видео.htmlsi=J50fGvEzYDdghbNn
@@gavinvl06Actually, a lot of people happen to love old blues.
If everyone were as dismissive of old music as you there would be no Led Zeppelin, no rock as we know it
At 13, I had to wait for this, or any Zeppelin, to play on the radio. No way would my parents let their daughter buy any Led Zeppelin album. Strange and wonderful feelings are evoked when listening to their music.
It's great to hear someone being so open talking about there life. Thanks, and keep the stories coming.
Praise,to,true,fans!
This is not a metaphor. There was a massive flood when this actually happened in the 1920's, which contributed to a large black migration up to Chicago, which is referenced a couple of times. "All last night sat on the levee and moaned" is dark. "I came to hate you" is dark.
One of the greatest musical combinations in history. British lads playing American blues. Wow!!!!
My granddaughter is 19 and she's very familiar with Led Zeppelin because of me! I gave her all my old albums to listen to on vinyl!
Robert Plant (vocalist) is the Harmonica player.
I love when he plays the harmonica, I wish he played it in more songs then he did, he’s amazing.
ThIs song was recorded at Headley Grange (an abandoned poorhouse in Headley, Hampshire, England). John Bonham's drumming is what really drives this song. He played in the lobby on a Ludwig kit, using two Beyerdynamic M 160 microphones which were hung up a flight of stairs; output from these were passed to a pair of Helios F760 compressor/limiters set aggressively to obtain a breathing effect.A Binson Echorec, a delay effects unit, was also used.
I once got as far as the front lawn at Headley Grange, to have a look around. Then I heard a dog barking so I retreated to the car. I wonder if it was a black dog?
Are you sure they used the Echorec? I thought it was just the old thumb on the tape flange method (the OG flanger)?
@@jameskinstle6874 Well obviously I wasn’t there but, everything I’ve ever read says yes, a Binson Echorec was used and not just on Bonzo’s drums but also on Page’s 1961 Danelectro 3021/DC59 guitar.
@@willblood7082 I lve not far from the grange and i have made it further than the lawn i have been in that hallway!
This is why you two are currently the best music reactors on RUclips. Well done. This track is absolutely killer.
"Cryin' won't help ya, prayin' won't do you no good!" So true. You have to deal with life by your own efforts!
Greetings from Costa Rica, I am 60 years old and I have not seen a band with as many musical flavors as them, their songs are so varied and their creation is out of this world, hugs
There is another amazing Led Zeppelin remake of an old song from the 1920s. It's called "In My Time of Dying," a bluesier remake of the gospel song "Jesus Make Up My Dying Bed."
Live version at Earls Court is mind blowing, so damn amazing.
It's amazing how aware they were of music from the distant past. I mean Gallows Pole is a song that's been around since at least the 1600's! And they had a go at it and made that into a great song too. Incredible really.
My comment was going to be suggesting "In My Time of Dying". I will like your post instead.👍
"In My Time Of Dying" was also the last song Chris Cornell sang before he did what he did...
@@redpine8665 A lot of musicians used old songs. Many blues and folk artists just use traditional music. Zeppelin was just doing some of what those artists did all the time.
I have been listening to this song for decades and it always stuns me.
"Cryin won't help ya, prayin won't do ya no good."🎶
If only people would actually accept that.
The drums and bassline are out of this world on this one. My favorite song of this album.
I always find it so enjoyable when youngsters like you two discover how great the music of my youth (I'm 69) was and still is. Keep up the good work - you guys are great.
Robert Plant killing it on the harmonica
Only band that could make a harmonica sound that bad ass.
I think that this is my favourite Zeppelin song, I love that Delta Blues sound.
My favorite Zep tune is whichever one is currently playing.
I would say the "sound" is Led Zeppelin's own sound, not Delta Blues.
@@lyndoncmp5751 I just meant that I can hear the Delta Blues influence in it but agree that it’s their own sound that it’s reflected in. I can hear the Blues influence in much of their music, particularly the first album but I feel it most strongly in this cut.
@@robertpearson8798
I can definitely see the influence yes, and obviously the original song is blues. The sound, however, is all Zeppelin's. None of the old blues acts "sounded" like what we hear in this song, from the guitar to the drumming to the bass to Roberts voice. That's all I meant. Zeppelin had their own sound.
Cheers 👍
@@lyndoncmp5751 In the documentary, the song remains the same the band gives American southern blues credit for the inspiration of many of their songs.
Led Zeppelin kicked open a door that the music industry did not know existed....and everyone followed Zep into a whole new realm...
How lucky were we to be around when this was new. Glad it will never die. ✌️🌻🌻
Pure. Clear. Clean. Strong. Powerful. Soulful.
Every time I listen to this song I hear John Bonham's powerful beat, and it reminds me he's sadly no longer with us. RIP Bonzo ❤🙏
My favorite Zep song!!😊Gallows Pole should be next.
Good Choice!!!
Most critics at the time hated Led Zeppelin. Just goes to show that you should make your own decisions instead of listening to the critics.
Similar to Rush, critics weren’t very kind.
I'm sure it was on this track that Robert put the drums in the. Stairwell and hung the mics high up to give the drums that phomenal sound. This was first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas joe McCoy in 1929.
This music is for eternity.
Just 4 guys who make this sound, it's more than incredible.
one of the most iconic drum beats of all time
Plant was such a great harmonica player along with being an incredible soulful singer. Cheers ✌️
He still is.
My very first live concert was Led Zeppelin in 1973. It was gorgeous!
i repeat: best band ever!
The
MIGHTY MIGHTY ZEP
The best band. Period.
This song grabs you by the scruf of the neck and shakes the shit out of you. Absolute classic
Legendary as this album is, this is the one that made it truly special. A dark, brooding finale that finishes the album perfectly.
Your thumbnail said it all... imo this def IS the best song they ever did. Also, imo, one of the 10 best Rock songs period. Ever. That harmonica with those drums!! Good God.
Being from New Orleans, this song pulls at my heart
So many GREAT songs from Zepp, and this is one of the classics.
That rhythm is out of this world 🔥
I suggest Bring It On Home for your next listen . . .
Great reaction, guys! Based on The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, it is a very good blend of Blues and Rock. Did you know there is a cover of this that is organized by "Playing For Change" that is well worth the listen? Led Zeppelin bassist, John Paul Jones, is a feature in this as well as many other artists... enjoy!
I was checking the comments to make certain that somebody recommended that cover. I hope they see this and check it out...
In the Light by Led Zeppelin, I believe you both would enjoy that song too.
Very acquired taste that song. I love it but it took me many listens to really appreciate it.
The GOATS at work. The pocket Bonham keeps is outstanding
I went to see Led Zeppelin at the Fabulous Forum back in 73. The concert was amazing. What I remember having floor seats and a high pitch ringing in my ears for several days.
Now you must see the amazing international collaboration cover--with JPJ on bass!
Playing for Change….
4 Brits in their 20's ripping the delta blues sound in the 70's. EPIC !!!
If you love blues, then “Since I’ve Been Loving You” is a must!
Great shout, I feel dazed and confused 🎸
Tea For One is another great blues from the Presence Album
I'm so glad you guys decided to react to this. That was wonderful. The whole thing is just a tour de force. Back in the day it was on the radio all the time so it was easy to under appreciate it unless a bit later you became a musician and you're like wow what the hell were they all doing? That's incredible. And really in the end it's just the Synergy of it and how tight they were and the proof is in the pudding because their live shows were spectacular as well. But anyway I'm so glad you reacted to this.
Got a "Those drums" only 6 second in! A new record!!!
A massive dose of flange effect in this iconic cover, awesome!
One of my favorites!
He played the harmonica through a guitar amp, guving it that otherworldly sound. The harmonica steals the show in this song for me.
It's more about the mic he used than the amp bro.
What makes their catalog so great is the fact that no matter what genre a song is in or whether it is loud our soft or electric or acoustic or slow or fast tempo, complex or easy or driven by the drumming or by the melody and his singing...the listener of the song will always have many chances to say during any song..."Wow, that was kind of cool"
IMO, there's like 4 songs in the top tier of the Zep collection: "Stairway," "Kashmir," "Immigrant Song," and "When the Levee Breaks." The next tier is still fabulous ("Dazed and Confused," "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," etc.), but these top four are just incredible.
I know it's almost a sacrilege, but I'd put "Kashmir" in with the 2nd tier songs, and (since a 3rd tier simply does't even exist for Zeppelin) I'd move either "Ramble On" or "Nobody's Fault But Mine" (the slower Plant-Page acoustic version if that counts) up a notch to replace it. For what it's worth, you could write their song titles on little slips of paper, dump 'em in a hat, draw out four at random, and get a winning set every time.
Since I’ve Been Loving You is top 3
They're all top tier. There is no need to categorize their songs. The musicianship is evident throughout the catalog.
@@jkbowers56 It's a sacrilege. Don't do it! 😄
I find that I can't very easily rank Beatles songs. I can mainly only group them into "like" and "dislike." Not sure why I feel I can fairly clearly rank Zeppelin songs and not Beatles songs. 🤷♂
You forgot Achilles Last Stand and In My Time Of Dying.
Same album as Stairway to Heaven, Going to California, Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Misty Mountain Hop... insane
Best rock album of all time!
I love playing this as a drum cover.
Big thanks to Ed Zeppelin, for a well curated list !!!
Memories of sitting in the back seat convertible buzzed out of my mind and listening to THIS.
You really need to do heartbreaker, bring it on home , in my time of dying by Led Zeppelin
Heartbreaker is so damn amazing. Love it when Jimmy adds Greensleeves into the solo.
And "Ramble On"!
Phil you are correct. The drum sound in this song is legendary. I've read in multiple places that it is the most sampled drum sound in history. There are many...many videos just on the iconic drum sound used in this song.
The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927... country blues song by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie - Minnie wrote the lyric. McCoy's National guitar sounds fantastic on the original recording.
John's drums are heavy as hell and Page's slide guitar tracks really shine.
Now it's time for You Shook Me. It will blow your mind. Great review. One the best songs from my favorite band.
Being on their debut album, it definitely shows what each brings to the band, amazing solos.
Though it has great playing, it's a pretty mediocre 'song' to be frank.
The live version of the other Dixon song on the first album I Can't Quit You Baby from the Royal Albert Hall 1970 is much better.
I like the vocal and guitar being in "unison". That is the unique touch that makes it great to me.
@@Pton_reaction_addict
Yes I agree, that's great. No complaints on the musicianship and playing. I just don't think the 'song' is all that great. Just a standard, even pedestrian, blues song.
If you guys like blues you should listen to "I'm Gonna Crawl".
One of Led Zep's best blues songs and too often overlooked!
Led Zepellin Super Grupo perteneciente a la era de los genios. No una,si no Muchas Grandes canciones
The greatest band ever playing arguably the best song ever.
In The Light!
Ten years gone is another great Zep tune
Because of the reverb effect on the drums, it never worked as a live song. They tried a couple times, but it never captured the majesty of this recording. Absolute magic!
There's an awesome cover of this with the bassist from Led Zeppelin: Playing for Change - When the Levee Breaks. Musicians from around the world play in real time with each other on video. It's a very touching/moving video!
Legendary singer, legendary guitarist , legendary drummer. Jimmy Paige was great with earier bands. To me this puts him on another level. Having Said that it took the whole band with everyone's talent to be totally awesome .
powerhouse tune......Bonham totally rocks
They did an even better version of this with a harmonica in it. Great stuff!
Yes! This is the best song, ❤in my opinion!!😊❤❤❤ thanks
My favourite song from this album, and I can say there are some great ones!
Amazing! You just don’t get music like that today 🔥🔥🔥
Great song that they could never duplicate in a live setting. 🤔
Yup, ONE of their best!
I’m 68 and saw Zep twice in 75 and 77 and I also suggest you check out Page/Plant live from Scottsdale Arizona in May of 1995 it’s completely mind blowing and cosmic and you’ll be blown away. And I suggest you watch on a 65 or 75 inch TV and the soundbar cranked because when listening to Led Zeppelin or Page/Plant your neighbors should too 😅.
Masterpiece is right, they do the blues like no one else. Another great song on a n album full of them For a incredible deep cut no one reacts to from the same, 4th album, do Four Sticks, another great and different Led Zeppelin tune for the ages. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎶
Traveling Riverside Blues is another one to consider.
One of my all time favorites.
The blues on steroids. Hypnotic!
Great reaction, Sam and Phil! Gallows Pole is another great Zep song.
One of THE most sampled drum grooves in history 👍
I was in high school when I first heard this song. Now 62 years old .HELLO FROM PA USA 🇺🇸 💖 💓 💕 😢
The song was recorded by Memphis Minnie( a black delta blues female singer) in 1929. The song is about the great Mississippi flood of 1927.
During the Katrina disaster of 2005 we had temporarily relocated to the city of Vidalia, Louisiana which was devastated by the ‘27. And when we returned to New Orleans the radio stations played “when the levee breaks “ constantly.
Levee Breaks, Ramble On, and Over the Hills are my favorites!
In my opinion this is their best song hands down and that is the highest praise of this great band. You hear about blues influence on heavy metal but there is no better example than this. Absolute magnificence.
One of my favorite songs ever
lol. The drums have been sampled innumerable times in hip hop, including on the Beastie Boys first album Rhymin and Stealin, which is the intro track and Bonham’s beat is the intro sound too.
Hey hey what can I do is great song
Definitely my favorite Led Zeppelin song, When the Levee Breaks.
4:43 Those expressions!!! No words necessary to know how much y'all were loving this. 🥂
Its one of my all time favorite song and my favorite song from them, I like watching reactions because in a small way, through the reactors, its like experiencing the song for the first time ago. Love it
Drum sound came by playing the drums in a stairway at their recording house called Headly Grange. They put microphones in the stairwell above the drums. Definitely an amazing sound.
This is a song you will be listening to for yeeeers!