Not a lot of talk about Robert's mouth harp skills, but here he shines. The sustained riffs, shifts in dynamics, phrasing, all masterfully done. Exceptional.
Seems like harmonica was every lead singer's secret weapon back in the day. John Kay, Ian Gillan, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, etc, etc. Robert's playing is so underrated. He's right there with Sonny Boy, and all the greats.
Probably the most sampled beat in history. You mention the "live" feel of it. According to Jimmy Page, the drums were recorded in the living room of a stone mansion with tiled floors and a large stairway, so a big area with lots of reflective surfaces (they also added a short delay to the recording, too). It was apparently one of the few times John Bohnam liked his recorded drum sound and other studio guys have also said that's what it sounded like when you were right next to him when he played.
This is The ONE. Probably my favorite Led Zep song ever. The story of the Mississippi River flooding the lower river parts in the late 1920's. Written by Memphis Minnie about a year or two later. One of several Zep cover songs, and the best one, IMO. Mr. Bonham's work here is very impressive, and iconic.
I get this one, Achilles Last Stand and another 10 Zeppelin songs as "my best Zeppelin song!" in rotation. Their biggest hit Stairway To Heaven is never in my Top 20 favorite Zeppelin songs. Which is a testament to the greatness of Zeppelin.
I don’t even consider this a “cover song” at all. The arrangement and melody are light years beyond Memphis Minnie’s version. Robert lifted some lyrics and the title, THATS the problem. Otherwise, no similarities whatsoever.
Ain’t never heard a band play so many songs with different emotions and stories. Led Zeppelin will remain the greatest Rock and Roll band, until ears fall deaf……
Absolute Masterpiece. John Bonham drags you deeeeep into the river. Those Paiste giant beats…that right foot. Son..there won’t EVER be another John Bonham
This song has been sampled over 31000 times, per an article I read, because of those banging drums... Robert is playing the harmonica but Page added the reverse echo during the production... Robert is the only one who's singing on time, everyone else has been slowed down a beat during production.. praises to Jimmys recording skills, he was underrated for his producing mastery
The B-Boys didn’t just sample the drums, they went and added that drum texture to the hip hop repertoire. That’s thee hip hop drum sound on a million cuts.
I would highly recommend any 'reaction' videos stick with the studio versions of Led Zeppelin! Their live performances leave a little to be desired! If it's your first time listening to a song, avoid the live recordings!
I think the Beatles would have a lot to say about being considered anything less than #1. So would a great deal of other musical artists, as well as many critics.
They can say what they wish. We, the people can say what we wish. Many, many a great Rock'nRoll Band. Hat's off to them all. So many , I'm not going to mention. There are many more who are so under-rated (The Hollies for one), and that's a shame. They all , in my opinion, were talented, and listening to them was a thrill & a joy. In my opinion, & many might think otherwise; the 60's & 70's produced the best Musical talent---EVER !
I stand by my opinion about The Beatles. But, yes, I don’t disagree that The Hollies were underrated, and I love their music. Very good stuff! I’ll also agree that the 60’s-70’s most certainly produced some of the best music this world will ever know.
Jimmy Page is often overlooked as a producer, there is so much going on in this song. From the drum kit in the hallway. to the echo recorded then played back first with the harmonica, to the song played back at slower speed while Plant sings in real time.
The more I listen to and read about Led Zeppelin, the more I realize that they were way more than just the hard-living, drug-taking, wild-partying proto heavy metal blues-based rock band they were seen by most as back in the 70's, but incredibly talented consummate musicians who thought out and engineered their music no less exquisitely and deliberately as did say the Beatles, Pink Floyd or Steely Dan, other rock bands also seen as rock musicians' rock musicians. Unlike most artists from the "classic rock" era, they will stand the test of time and only improve with age.
I swear to God, this is the best drum line in all of music. This song comes on, this first few drum beats, whatever I'm doing gets put in hold. Great song to react to!
Yeah, but they used reverb. There's a whole episode on "What makes this song great" that dispels the myth that the reverb is from the stairwell. Worth a watch.
Drums played in the hallway at Headley Grange, microphones over the staircase bannisters. Have a look at 'It Might Get Loud' for a great insight to this and all things Zep, It's fascinating
@@AirplayBeats I didn't forget. I'm ignorant about the man. Of course I know the king of soul, James Brown, (you'll love him in the movie The Blues Brothers if you haven't already seen it). But ignorant I will be no more thanks to you guys. Imma definitely check him out. Thanks!
@@AirplayBeats Please do some reactions of your favorites... Like many others I have some superficial knowledge, but it would be nice to take a deeper dive...
This song is a reworking of the original song recorded in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the flood of the Mississippi Delta in 1927. It was part of the Great Migration which saw more African Americans come North for better opportunities ("go to Chicago"). There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of Headley Grange and they had mics placed around and hanging above the drum kit to help get that amazing sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy uses a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica and various effects were added to the vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound. This song is a groove, it's menacing, it hits hard, almost bludgeoning you with intensity while the circular drone carves furrows in your brain. Masterpiece.
Well said and true, of course its a cover but Zepp gave it real kudos, a lot of blues were copied from the days of Robert Johnson and its a mark of respect to the old blues men and women, what a wonderful compliment to them, Zeppelin took it to another level of sophistication
The huge stairwell at Hedley Grange where this song was recorded contributed to the Drums sound, but they also used a delayer tool to give that intense thunderous double kick on the bass drum. Effing epic tune!
Zeppelin recorded the drums in a large stairwell at Headley Grange. A large English house/ studio. That's why you can hear the huge echo from the stairwell!! Just another creative Genius move! It's Led Zeppelin!
The song was played at a faster tempo, then the recording was slowed down, giving it the dark, warbly, swampy, unsettling sound that absolutely makes this song what it is: one of their very best. Also why you were right when you observed that it sounded different to the rest of the album, as it was a recording technique unique to this one song. Page was a genius as the producing mastermind behind it all in the studio.
My first thought when you said faster tempo is Bob Dylan's version... his version had a different feel to it.. I knew the Zep version before I found Dylan's. I feel like I like Zep's more because of the slower, darker feel. It just hits differently..
Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good No, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move, ooh All last night sat on the levee and moaned All last night sat on the levee and moaned Thinkin' 'bout my baby and my happy home-"Memphis Minnie" Lawlers
It's such a great beat. 4/4 with an accent on the + of 3. Some say he doesn't double the bass on (3) +-a. I say he does most of the time. For me it was Misty Mountain Hop.
When my son was 5 he got into my IPod. I came home and he was excited”Dad! I found a new song” it was Levee. When I asked him why he said: “Because it sounds like THUNDER”!!!!
The unofficial song of the apocalypse. That is a harmonica with a backwards echo effect on it. The reason it sounds live has to do with a serendipitous confluence of factors that led to it being one of the most analyzed songs ever. One, of course you have the amazing Bonzo! Two, you have his drums set up in the hallway of Hedley Grange which gave it that live ambient quality, etc. And lastly you had the amazing engineering and production of the song from Jimmy Page and pals. They added some echo and other wonderful wizardry to the final mix. This is the tune that introduced me to Zeppelin as a teen. It's been one helluva ride.
You got to love these British Boys doing American old blues songs, and crushing it. This song is very old and is not an original, and Led Zepp took it to a new level. They recorded the beginning drums in a tall stairwell of a mansion that they were staying at, to record the album.
My 7th favorite Zep track. And for those of you who are familiar with the quality and depth of the Zeppelin catalog, you'll know that is very high praise.
@@johnbolton7657 "Four Sticks"?? Wow, that's an unusual Top 5 (or even Top 10) pick. Okay, let's see. Here are my Top 15: 1) K 2) STH 3) WLL 4) BIGLY 5) GTC 6) HHWCID 7) WTLB 8) RO 9) BOE 10) DAC 11) TO 12) GTBT 13) TRS 14) FITR 15) IS
@@Cosmo-Kramer That's Kashmir, Stairway and Whole lotta love top 3, cool. There's something about Four Sticks that really floats my boat but that's just me.
Memphis Minnie wrote and performed the song 🎵 with Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. 94 years ago. Led Zeppelin gave her credit for writing the song in 1973 right around the time she passed away...
They only played this live 3 times in the United States. In January 1975: once in Minnesota, then at both Chicago Stadium shows. As a teenager, I had no idea how fortunate I was to have seen those two performances. It makes sense, they “had to” play it in Chicago. 🎶goin’ to Chicago, goin’ to Chicago🎶. I just wish I could remember more from 50 years ago!
I truly love your show. I really appreciate that as black artists you are exposing the ferocity and depth of classic rock. I was a teenager in the early 80'2, my bedroom was covered with posters of zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd. Its so great to be revisiting this music from your perspectives, thank you and keep it going!
Yes, that's a harmonica and Robert Plant is playing it. The first concert I ever attended was Led Zeppelin in Atlanta 1977. Tickets gifted for my birthday by an older brother. I still have the threadbare tee that he bought me that night.
"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin.[1] Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song.
This whole album was recorded in a large estate house called Headly Grange. Page put amps and mics all over the halls and in the main entrance to achieve all different kinds of sounds. The first track of this album "Black Dog" was because when they were recording the song a Black Lab kept roaming around the estate.
That 7:27 bass drum kick fill is absolutely magnificent. Not many catch it. The fact that he does it so clean , not pushed …devoid of tension with amazing control ( using primitive spring tension type pedals) is astonishing. I personally feel it’s one Bonham’s best fills ever. .
I love when people notice and appreciate the same stuff I do. I get chills at some of the fills and that one is right up there. He absolutely dominated this song without overpowering it. He was an amazing team player, they were all lucky to meet each other and we are even luckier to be able to enjoy them.
Great song! "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. (Wiki). I'd like to say this is my fave Zep song, but Zep fans know the deal.
This song was recorded in a mobile recording studio, owned by The Rollings. Led Zep retreated to Headley Grange. There they verified that the main hall, which had a very high spiral staircase, produced a wonderful sound on the drums. They hung up a microphone, tried it, and an incredible reverberating sound came out. Robert Plant plays the harmonica yes. There was a very mysterious atmosphere in that farm, which was very much to Page's liking, it was cold, and they say they threw pieces of the old house's wooden railings into the fireplace. They comoponían when they wanted, without haste, without schedules. That's how the great album came out. With this album they once again showed that they were the magicians of Rock
Sorry, I meant to say something earlier, but you guys get me amped! I like your objective analysis of the music, and your personal musical insight. I feel like you have some experience playing music, and your commentary is sincere and right on, unlike so many other "Reaction" channels. Thank you for doing what you do! Its fun watching someone discover these old gems for the first time. Glad you're enjoying what a lot of us have been digging for so long. Enjoy yourselves!
You two have become my new fav reaction channel over the last 2 months or so... Fantastic reactions and song choices... after all the 3 best bands, in my opinion, are... Zeppelin Floyd Original Bad Co. (Paul Rodgers era) ... I'm looking forward to more videos!! .... Zeppelin multi-tracked many of their tracks, hence the difference between studio and live.... both amazing. Oddly enough, Bonham rarely multi-tracked... used 3 mics, and nothing else was needed. I respect their decision not to continue upon Bonham's death. That, you don't just replace
Yes that's the great Robert on the harmonica. He plays it on a lot of songs. Glad you liked this one. It is a cover but made it there own as usual. Great job guys thanks 😊
This is the one! I’d always get in trouble cause I’d glow up the speakers every time I’d play this! Can’t help it! Aggressive drumming from bonz! Chiguy
When I was 15 someone gave me zep 2, 3 and 4 on tape since they had gotten the CDs, I was so blown away by the albums how they sounded new and like they were 100 years old at the same time.
All I needed was the opening drums to know this would be another Led Zeppelin song I really dig!!!!!!! Later, Page/Plant did this song with younger musicians - including a hurdy gurdy player!!! It’s excellent!!! ☮️❤️
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Deep deep metal blues! Look up the facts behind the drum intro, special acoustics from a manor house entrance hall and stairwell in England. The bass and snare drum echo is unique in rock history.
Awesome seeing the young generation getting into stuff I've been growing to since 71'! Thanks guys, and love the head movement..KC, you could make some serious dough selling dashboard bobbleheads! Nothing but respect.
My husband & I were in commercial & residential construction. An office complex we did in Farmington Hill was doomed. Both of the end units had pipes freeze & flooded. I occupied one that did then the other one did. I requested this song on WRIF in Detroit 😂😂
The recording was done at Hedley Grange. Drums recorded in a 3 story area in the home, The acoustics were amazing thus the special sound you hear on the drums.
The precise sonic/soulful vocals of Robert Plant and some of the tightest arranging and producing Jimmy Page had ever done were on this album. Plants Harmonica, Jimmy's playing, and of course, the drumming and base are spectacular on the song of the African American migration from the flooded South in the late 1920s to take the blues and gospel music to Chicago and other cities of the north. Led Zeppelin was sampling blues and blues riffs, just like rappers sample music from Steely Dan, and old Rock Band today. Music is a circle of life. Thanks for the great tunes, guys.
If someone hasn't said this already, one thing that makes the drum sound so memorable is that it was recorded in a big open room using a Binson Echorec. One of those things argued about over the years till JP finally confirmed it.
II, I, Houses, IV, Physical, III, In Through, Presence [The Song Remains], [How the West Was Won], [Celebration Day], [Coda] [No Quarter - combined versions], [Walking into Clarksdale]
Love this❤️So- Jimmy Page, Edge from U2 and Jack White( The white stripes) did a thing in England at Jimmy Pages house called “ It might get loud”. He gets into Kashmir which is on the Physical Graffiti album, and recognizable by most as it’s been sampled a ton. Check out - “ It might get loud” sometime…..insight from Jimmy himself…..cmon now.❤️
Oh the glory of this hard hitting masterpiece. Bonham's drums make this one of my favorite driving songs. LOL you just said what I said. Glad we agree!
Hey my friends, do yourself, and audience, a huge favor and see the "Playing for Change" version of this song. Not only will your mind be blown apart- but it may also help you discover what may be the finest music on youtube (no joke). It is stunning re-makes of classic songs, and it is being criminally under-reacted to.
What's up fellas, just think in their beginning they had cords on the guitars, the studio recording was eight track, the drum sets were small in number, no auto tune if you messed up you started again. I remember stereos with mono only. Back in 67. Lynyrd Skynyrd was one their band members teachers name. Axel rose of guns an roses daddy is Bob Barker from the price is right.
Going To California was blocked by RUclips. We will get that up as soon as they unblock it.
BASTARDS!!
But this one wasn't. Cool!! It's a harmonica. Can't wait for Houses of the Holy.
Do the the live 1975 Albert hall version
Ty guys. That one is their tribute to Joni Mitchell.
Hope you chose the live video!
Not a lot of talk about Robert's mouth harp skills, but here he shines. The sustained riffs, shifts in dynamics, phrasing, all masterfully done. Exceptional.
Like his singing, only with a harmonica! Should we be surprised he played it so well?
@@cherylwoodward that's what she said
Seems like harmonica was every lead singer's secret weapon back in the day. John Kay, Ian Gillan, Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, etc, etc. Robert's playing is so underrated. He's right there with Sonny Boy, and all the greats.
Jimmy slowed all the instruments down a whole step on the mix including the harmonica. Roberts singing is the only thing that's real speed.
INDEED!
Probably the most sampled beat in history. You mention the "live" feel of it. According to Jimmy Page, the drums were recorded in the living room of a stone mansion with tiled floors and a large stairway, so a big area with lots of reflective surfaces (they also added a short delay to the recording, too). It was apparently one of the few times John Bohnam liked his recorded drum sound and other studio guys have also said that's what it sounded like when you were right next to him when he played.
Robert Plant plays a mean Harmonica.. love this tune.. so bluesy… Zeppelin at their best!
when blues and rock meet , it's perfection
Robert Plant on the harmonica is FIRE!
This is The ONE. Probably my favorite Led Zep song ever. The story of the Mississippi River flooding the lower river parts in the late 1920's. Written by Memphis Minnie about a year or two later. One of several Zep cover songs, and the best one, IMO. Mr. Bonham's work here is very impressive, and iconic.
It's hard for me to same a single #1 favorite, but this is at the tippy top of the mountain...
I get this one, Achilles Last Stand and another 10 Zeppelin songs as "my best Zeppelin song!" in rotation. Their biggest hit Stairway To Heaven is never in my Top 20 favorite Zeppelin songs. Which is a testament to the greatness of Zeppelin.
If you listen to the original, it bares little resemblance to this rendition. No drums, no harmonica.
@@Stacy55isruclips.net/video/W5VmVvsjyKw/видео.html
Memphis Minnie
I don’t even consider this a “cover song” at all. The arrangement and melody are light years beyond Memphis Minnie’s version. Robert lifted some lyrics and the title, THATS the problem. Otherwise, no similarities whatsoever.
Ain’t never heard a band play so many songs with different emotions and stories. Led Zeppelin will remain the greatest Rock and Roll band, until ears fall deaf……
How about the Beatles for a variety of great songs?
@@mikefannon6994 Beatles are up there as well. They’re my favorite pop group!
That’s Mr. Robert Plant on the harmonica!
Absolute Masterpiece.
John Bonham drags you deeeeep into the river.
Those Paiste giant beats…that right foot. Son..there won’t EVER be another John Bonham
True,artist
This song has been sampled over 31000 times, per an article I read, because of those banging drums... Robert is playing the harmonica but Page added the reverse echo during the production... Robert is the only one who's singing on time, everyone else has been slowed down a beat during production.. praises to Jimmys recording skills, he was underrated for his producing mastery
Thank you for that interesting trivia. totally makes sense that Jimmy would've mastered mixing, having done so much London session work, pre Zep.
The B-Boys didn’t just sample the drums, they went and added that drum texture to the hip hop repertoire. That’s thee hip hop drum sound on a million cuts.
@@MarcosElMalo2well said my friend 👊
Yup, that's a harmonica at the start, played expertly by Robert Plant.
Darn he was so good on the Nobody's Fault But Mine's track too.....
Robert played a mean harmonica. LOVE IT!
Guys, we appreciate what you’re doing with this channel, and with Led Zeppelin, looking forward to more ! Thanks
I would highly recommend any 'reaction' videos stick with the studio versions of Led Zeppelin! Their live performances leave a little to be desired! If it's your first time listening to a song, avoid the live recordings!
Absolute best band ever. Never expect one of their songs to be like the next. They are nature's artists, no limts, no auto tune!
It’s not even close!
I think the Beatles would have a lot to say about being considered anything less than #1. So would a great deal of other musical artists, as well as many critics.
They can say what they wish. We, the people can say what we wish. Many, many a great Rock'nRoll Band. Hat's off to them all. So many , I'm not going to mention. There are many more who are so under-rated (The Hollies for one), and that's a shame. They all , in my opinion, were talented, and listening to them was a thrill & a joy. In my opinion, & many might think otherwise; the 60's & 70's produced the best Musical talent---EVER !
I stand by my opinion about The Beatles. But, yes, I don’t disagree that The Hollies were underrated, and I love their music. Very good stuff! I’ll also agree that the 60’s-70’s most certainly produced some of the best music this world will ever know.
@@kroakie4 i think the bugs SUCK, how you like that. they are a SHIT band at best. i dont know anyone who thinks the bugs are good, no shit anyone.
Jimmy Page is often overlooked as a producer, there is so much going on in this song. From the drum kit in the hallway. to the echo recorded then played back first with the harmonica, to the song played back at slower speed while Plant sings in real time.
Amen, it’s an all together aspect of Pages genius that gets overlooked
The more I listen to and read about Led Zeppelin, the more I realize that they were way more than just the hard-living, drug-taking, wild-partying proto heavy metal blues-based rock band they were seen by most as back in the 70's, but incredibly talented consummate musicians who thought out and engineered their music no less exquisitely and deliberately as did say the Beatles, Pink Floyd or Steely Dan, other rock bands also seen as rock musicians' rock musicians. Unlike most artists from the "classic rock" era, they will stand the test of time and only improve with age.
@@MrDeengels I thought it was wall of sound wig boy until I looked.
This track is the sound of impending doom coming for you. The harmonica is like an air-raid siren right before it's all over.
I swear to God, this is the best drum line in all of music. This song comes on, this first few drum beats, whatever I'm doing gets put in hold. Great song to react to!
I’m downright Giddy…clapping hands!!!! Swampy! Robert is tearing up the harmonica.
Every one of their LPs had a blues song on it. This one was epic
I'm surprised that nobody pointed out the fact that this songs was recorded in an abandoned mansion.
Headly grange
Not abandoned @@jonathanlund590
The drums were recorded in the stairwell of the old house they recorded the album in. It gave the deep reverb that makes the beat so heavy.
Yeah, but they used reverb. There's a whole episode on "What makes this song great" that dispels the myth that the reverb is from the stairwell. Worth a watch.
Drums played in the hallway at Headley Grange, microphones over the staircase bannisters. Have a look at 'It Might Get Loud' for a great insight to this and all things Zep, It's fascinating
@@kayakutah That makes sense. It sounds more like a mine shaft than a big stair well.
@Flying Ardilla right on bro! This and Kashmir are probably the most recognized Zep drum tracks!!!
@@kayakutah No reverb... Just a little tape delay.
That is Robert Plant on Harmonica. This song is based on a true story of the flood of 1927.
Yes that's Robert on the harmonica.
Bonzo and Bill Ward - the first 2 hip hop drummers in history. ✌🏼❤
Don’t forget Clyde Stubblefield the drummer for James Brown. He’s been sampled more than both of those 2.
@@AirplayBeats I didn't forget. I'm ignorant about the man. Of course I know the king of soul, James Brown, (you'll love him in the movie The Blues Brothers if you haven't already seen it). But ignorant I will be no more thanks to you guys. Imma definitely check him out. Thanks!
Thanks for rocking with us!!
@@AirplayBeats Please do some reactions of your favorites... Like many others I have some superficial knowledge, but it would be nice to take a deeper dive...
Yep lol
Two words. More Zep
This song is a reworking of the original song recorded in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the flood of the Mississippi Delta in 1927. It was part of the Great Migration which saw more African Americans come North for better opportunities ("go to Chicago"). There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of Headley Grange and they had mics placed around and hanging above the drum kit to help get that amazing sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy uses a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica and various effects were added to the vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound. This song is a groove, it's menacing, it hits hard, almost bludgeoning you with intensity while the circular drone carves furrows in your brain. Masterpiece.
Best response in the comments
@@jjmalaprop9968 Thank you!
Well done ................SURPRISED you didn't mention the FORMER OWNER of Headly Grange............... 😜
@@douglasbuck8986 as far as I know, Headley Grange was a former work house.
Well said and true, of course its a cover but Zepp gave it real kudos, a lot of blues were copied from the days of Robert Johnson and its a mark of respect to the old blues men and women, what a wonderful compliment to them, Zeppelin took it to another level of sophistication
This band is just perfection... no question.
Oh hell, yeah! This is some seriously greasy Zeppelin, and Bonzo is a frikking thunder god on the drums. Rocking out with you here at my desk 🤘
The huge stairwell at Hedley Grange where this song was recorded contributed to the Drums sound, but they also used a delayer tool to give that intense thunderous double kick on the bass drum. Effing epic tune!
This,in Jimmy's castle entryway
This~~!
My Dad loved the Blues. In the mid to late sixties he showed me the British rockers turning old Blues songs to Rock songs. Love them.
Zeppelin recorded the drums in a large stairwell at Headley Grange. A large English house/ studio. That's why you can hear the huge echo from the stairwell!! Just another creative Genius move! It's Led Zeppelin!
The harmonic in the beginning reminds me of a coal train in the mountain passes of Kentucky morning fog coming towards a small town.
It's simple...each of the 4 are masters at what they do. But they are unique in the ability to play perfectly together...that's why they are the best
The song was played at a faster tempo, then the recording was slowed down, giving it the dark, warbly, swampy, unsettling sound that absolutely makes this song what it is: one of their very best. Also why you were right when you observed that it sounded different to the rest of the album, as it was a recording technique unique to this one song. Page was a genius as the producing mastermind behind it all in the studio.
My first thought when you said faster tempo is Bob Dylan's version... his version had a different feel to it.. I knew the Zep version before I found Dylan's. I feel like I like Zep's more because of the slower, darker feel. It just hits differently..
I believe it was recorded in one of there homes
Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good
No, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good
When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move, ooh
All last night sat on the levee and moaned
All last night sat on the levee and moaned
Thinkin' 'bout my baby and my happy home-"Memphis Minnie" Lawlers
That harmonica reminds me of a train in the distance.
I started wanting to play drums because of this beat; the drum fill at 7:26 is why John Bonham can't be surpassed.
It's such a great beat. 4/4 with an accent on the + of 3. Some say he doesn't double the bass on (3) +-a. I say he does most of the time. For me it was Misty Mountain Hop.
When my son was 5 he got into my IPod. I came home and he was excited”Dad! I found a new song” it was Levee. When I asked him why he said: “Because it sounds like THUNDER”!!!!
@@frankdascoli709 It was the hammer of the gods!
Spot on!! Yet, nobody ever seems to catch it! Bass drum nirvana!
@@stewpot6998 Echoplex on the drum mix makes it sound like there's two beats.
The unofficial song of the apocalypse. That is a harmonica with a backwards echo effect on it. The reason it sounds live has to do with a serendipitous confluence of factors that led to it being one of the most analyzed songs ever. One, of course you have the amazing Bonzo! Two, you have his drums set up in the hallway of Hedley Grange which gave it that live ambient quality, etc. And lastly you had the amazing engineering and production of the song from Jimmy Page and pals. They added some echo and other wonderful wizardry to the final mix. This is the tune that introduced me to Zeppelin as a teen. It's been one helluva ride.
You got to love these British Boys doing American old blues songs, and crushing it. This song is very old and is not an original, and Led Zepp took it to a new level. They recorded the beginning drums in a tall stairwell of a mansion that they were staying at, to record the album.
My 7th favorite Zep track. And for those of you who are familiar with the quality and depth of the Zeppelin catalog, you'll know that is very high praise.
What's your favourite. Apart from the obvious Stairway, mine are Kashmir and Four Sticks. Very difficult to pick though from so many great tunes.
@@johnbolton7657 "Four Sticks"?? Wow, that's an unusual Top 5 (or even Top 10) pick. Okay, let's see. Here are my Top 15:
1) K
2) STH
3) WLL
4) BIGLY
5) GTC
6) HHWCID
7) WTLB
8) RO
9) BOE
10) DAC
11) TO
12) GTBT
13) TRS
14) FITR
15) IS
@@Cosmo-Kramer That's Kashmir, Stairway and Whole lotta love top 3, cool. There's something about Four Sticks that really floats my boat but that's just me.
@@johnbolton7657 Don't tell me that's all you could name?? ;)
@@Cosmo-Kramer I got 3, what more do you want 😁
Rhyming and Stealing - you nailed it.
You guys are my favorite new Led-heads.
Memphis Minnie wrote and performed the song 🎵 with Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. 94 years ago. Led Zeppelin gave her credit for writing the song in 1973 right around the time she passed away...
Not exactly a studio recording. They recorded at Headley Grange, an old manor house in England, and the stone walls gave it that echoey sound.
This album was record at Headley Grange , England. It's a cottage in the middle of no where
This song was recorded in the a stair well near the entree
Goin down now
They only played this live 3 times in the United States. In January 1975: once in Minnesota, then at both Chicago Stadium shows. As a teenager, I had no idea how fortunate I was to have seen those two performances. It makes sense, they “had to” play it in Chicago. 🎶goin’ to Chicago, goin’ to Chicago🎶. I just wish I could remember more from 50 years ago!
I truly love your show. I really appreciate that as black artists you are exposing the ferocity and depth of classic rock. I was a teenager in the early 80'2, my bedroom was covered with posters of zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd. Its so great to be revisiting this music from your perspectives, thank you and keep it going!
When this song comes on everybody stops it's a masterpiece that you just can't get over
Yes, that's a harmonica and Robert Plant is playing it. The first concert I ever attended was Led Zeppelin in Atlanta 1977. Tickets gifted for my birthday by an older brother. I still have the threadbare tee that he bought me that night.
The drums were recorded in an entrance hall of a large country house because of the acoustics. Good reaction again boys keep it up.
I couldn’t remember commenting so - wwwhhhhaaaattttsssss uuuuuuupppppppppppp-!!!! lol
"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927.
"When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin.[1] Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song.
What an opening!!! Intensity definitely
This whole album was recorded in a large estate house called Headly Grange. Page put amps and mics all over the halls and in the main entrance to achieve all different kinds of sounds. The first track of this album "Black Dog" was because when they were recording the song a Black Lab kept roaming around the estate.
Greatest rock band of all time.
And that’s a top-5 cut.
That 7:27 bass drum kick fill is absolutely magnificent. Not many catch it. The fact that he does it so clean , not pushed …devoid of tension with amazing control ( using primitive spring tension type pedals) is astonishing. I personally feel it’s one Bonham’s best fills ever.
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I love when people notice and appreciate the same stuff I do. I get chills at some of the fills and that one is right up there. He absolutely dominated this song without overpowering it. He was an amazing team player, they were all lucky to meet each other and we are even luckier to be able to enjoy them.
1:22 Robert Plant's dirty harmonica. My favorite Zep (Plant) harmonica solo is in the song "Nobody's Fault but Mine" on their "Presence" album
Can’t say how I much I love this bsnd
Great song! "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. (Wiki). I'd like to say this is my fave Zep song, but Zep fans know the deal.
This song was recorded in a mobile recording studio, owned by The Rollings. Led Zep retreated to Headley Grange. There they verified that the main hall, which had a very high spiral staircase, produced a wonderful sound on the drums. They hung up a microphone, tried it, and an incredible reverberating sound came out. Robert Plant plays the harmonica yes. There was a very mysterious atmosphere in that farm, which was very much to Page's liking, it was cold, and they say they threw pieces of the old house's wooden railings into the fireplace. They comoponían when they wanted, without haste, without schedules. That's how the great album came out. With this album they once again showed that they were the magicians of Rock
This paved the fuckin’ way for so many new bands and yes a harmonica with reverb and shuttle effects.
Ooooooo, the old 'Memphis' Minnie tune. And yes, that's a harmonica. Brilliant stuff.
Sorry, I meant to say something earlier, but you guys get me amped! I like your objective analysis of the music, and your personal musical insight. I feel like you have some experience playing music, and your commentary is sincere and right on, unlike so many other "Reaction" channels. Thank you for doing what you do! Its fun watching someone discover these old gems for the first time. Glad you're enjoying what a lot of us have been digging for so long. Enjoy yourselves!
You two have become my new fav reaction channel over the last 2 months or so...
Fantastic reactions and song choices... after all the 3 best bands, in my opinion, are...
Zeppelin
Floyd
Original Bad Co. (Paul Rodgers era)
... I'm looking forward to more videos!!
.... Zeppelin multi-tracked many of their tracks, hence the difference between studio and live.... both amazing. Oddly enough, Bonham rarely multi-tracked... used 3 mics, and nothing else was needed. I respect their decision not to continue upon Bonham's death. That, you don't just replace
Yes that's the great Robert on the harmonica. He plays it on a lot of songs. Glad you liked this one. It is a cover but made it there own as usual. Great job guys thanks
😊
Robert is giving a master class on the harmonica take a bow son
This is the one!
I’d always get in trouble cause I’d glow up the speakers every time I’d play this! Can’t help it! Aggressive drumming from bonz! Chiguy
“C” blues harp (harmonica) very Delta blues!
They recorded the drums at the bottom of a double staircase in a castle in England thats why it sounds live, cuz it is. The echo is natural
When I was 15 someone gave me zep 2, 3 and 4 on tape since they had gotten the CDs, I was so blown away by the albums how they sounded new and like they were 100 years old at the same time.
All I needed was the opening drums to know this would be another Led Zeppelin song I really dig!!!!!!! Later, Page/Plant did this song with younger musicians - including a hurdy gurdy player!!! It’s excellent!!! ☮️❤️
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Yes, they need to see Unleaded by Page & Plant, a reinvention of some of their amazing catalog. Those guys were just musical gods, there is so much Jimmy Page that is not Zeppelin and Robert's great solo career should not be overlooked. They will love this stuff too, you just need to hear it.
Deep deep metal blues! Look up the facts behind the drum intro, special acoustics from a manor house entrance hall and stairwell in England. The bass and snare drum echo is unique in rock history.
Considered greatest rock drummer that ever lived
Awesome seeing the young generation getting into stuff I've been growing to since 71'! Thanks guys, and love the head movement..KC, you could make some serious dough selling dashboard bobbleheads! Nothing but respect.
My husband & I were in commercial & residential construction. An office complex we did in Farmington Hill was doomed. Both of the end units had pipes freeze & flooded. I occupied one that did then the other one did. I requested this song on WRIF in Detroit 😂😂
The home of rock and roll..... BABY!
The recording was done at Hedley Grange. Drums recorded in a 3 story area in the home, The acoustics were amazing thus the special sound you hear on the drums.
I haven't even got to the reaction, and I can tell it's gonna be 🔥
The precise sonic/soulful vocals of Robert Plant and some of the tightest arranging and producing Jimmy Page had ever done were on this album. Plants Harmonica, Jimmy's playing, and of course, the drumming and base are spectacular on the song of the African American migration from the flooded South in the late 1920s to take the blues and gospel music to Chicago and other cities of the north. Led Zeppelin was sampling blues and blues riffs, just like rappers sample music from Steely Dan, and old Rock Band today. Music is a circle of life. Thanks for the great tunes, guys.
one of my favorite ledzep songs.
This song is an explosion of masterful sound
If someone hasn't said this already, one thing that makes the drum sound so memorable is that it was recorded in a big open room using a Binson Echorec. One of those things argued about over the years till JP finally confirmed it.
Recorded at Headley Grange
II, I, Houses, IV, Physical, III, In Through, Presence
[The Song Remains], [How the West Was Won], [Celebration Day], [Coda]
[No Quarter - combined versions], [Walking into Clarksdale]
If you just pay attention to the instruments, you’ll see how much energy goes into their music. The drummer was the best.
Now this is the Zep I enjoy, hard and heavy and why I also Like "In the Evening" and "Nobody's Fault but Mine."
Of all the channels I follow, and I follow a lot, I look forward to your videos more than any other. Good stuff.
Thank you!!
I love listening to each instrument and Plant’s voice alone and together it’s obvious they are gifted musicians!
Love your Royals cap I’m from KC. Love our Royals. O matter what.
How come every record sounds SO much better on your show than anywhere else on RUclips? Love your whole thing. Thanks for doin' it.
That is the singer Robert Plant on the Harmonica
Guys hands down the two of you are the place to go for top quality music class in a glass of fine wine keep it going
Love this❤️So- Jimmy Page, Edge from U2 and Jack White( The white stripes) did a thing in England at Jimmy Pages house called “ It might get loud”. He gets into Kashmir which is on the Physical Graffiti album, and recognizable by most as it’s been sampled a ton. Check out - “ It might get loud” sometime…..insight from Jimmy himself…..cmon now.❤️
Would love to see their reaction to Ball and Biscuit by The White Stripes. That song is like a rollercoaster that keeps climbing higher.
The drums make it 'live'. I'm 66 years old now and still love this track. A real gem!
When someone asks me what my favorite song and or artist I say Led Zeppelin!
LZ has always been incredible
The most iconic drum intro ever!
When the Levee breaks is amazing with Bonham Keeping the groove going along with the harmonica playing by Robert Plant. Glad you enjoyed it.
Oh the glory of this hard hitting masterpiece. Bonham's drums make this one of my favorite driving songs. LOL you just said what I said. Glad we agree!
My favorite Band EVER! ❤
Hey my friends, do yourself, and audience, a huge favor and see the "Playing for Change" version of this song. Not only will your mind be blown apart- but it may also help you discover what may be the finest music on youtube (no joke). It is stunning re-makes of classic songs, and it is being criminally under-reacted to.
Harmonica played by Robert Plant!
What's up fellas, just think in their beginning they had cords on the guitars, the studio recording was eight track, the drum sets were small in number, no auto tune if you messed up you started again. I remember stereos with mono only. Back in 67. Lynyrd Skynyrd was one their band members teachers name. Axel rose of guns an roses daddy is Bob Barker from the price is right.