One of the first albums I ever fell in love with. My next door neighbor had an older sister who had a nice collection of records, we found this any played it over and over and over. Fun show 1. Battle of Evermore 2. Going to California 3. Misty Mountain Hop 4. Black Dog 5. Stairway to Heaven 6. Rock-n-Roll 7. When the Levee Breaks 8. Four Sticks
It has been almost exactly 20 years since I REALLY got into Zeppelin. Sure, as a teenager Stairway to Heaven was on one of my tapes, recorded it from the radio in early 1986, and it was indeed a special song for me, but other than that the only other song I knew by the band was Thank You, again taped from the radio around the end of '85. And so it wasn't until the end of May/early June 2003 that my eyes caught a magazine cover at the store with Plant and Page on the cover and I couldn't stop staring at them, lol. The How The West Was One live album + the DVD was about to be released so Led Zeppelin was gathering a lot of attention at that moment. Well, I had to buy that magazine, plus a few others that had them on the cover ( it was probably Classic Rock and perhaps Mojo or Uncut... ) and then I bought my first ever LZ album, the second one. Long story short, I got all the first six albums plus the newly released live album and DVD that summer, and the funny thing is, I hadn't heard Stairway or Thank You since around 1990 or something and I honestly couldn't remember the melody to those tracks LOL Of course, as soon as I played them it all came back to me, but yeah, in Finland it was completely possible to not get tired of something like Stairway because you didn't really hear it regularly (no classic rock stations here at the time) and I wasn't a big radio listener anymore after my teen years. MTV was my music station for several years in the 90s, and I only really got back into actively listening to and actually buying music starting around 2002. Getting into Led Zeppelin started my journey into 70s music like progressive rock and so on so they were an important band for me - they prevented me from staying as a casual music listener when I hit my thirty somethings and well, here we are! Anyway, in my opinion IV should have opened with Rock And Roll and then Black Dog could have followed it. Love both songs! The only track I'm not crazy about is Four Sticks but I don't mind getting through it while hearing the album. Going to California is wonderful! There really aren't any duds on this album and yet my fav Zep record is also Physical Graffiti, along with LZ III.
1. Black Dog 2. When the levee breaks 3. Four Sticks 4. Misty Mountain hop 5. Stairway to Heaven 6. Going to California 7. Battle of Evermore 8. Rock and Roll
Great episode of The UK Connection. I had a fun time in chat talking with fellow SoT fans as I always do. When it comes to IV it's somewhere in the middle for me in terms of my Led Zeppelin album ranking. That's how I rank it personally. Objectively I think it's one of Led Zeppelin's strongest albums. To someone who wants to check out a Led Zeppelin album for the first time and is unfamiliar with the band, I'd recommend any one of I, II or IV.
Have missed the UK Connection for a bit but so glad to have the opportunity to watch this epic episode. Simon's general distaste for the album and his discussions why helped make for an excellent show with some differing viewpoints on what so many consider to be such a classic - if not, in fact, THE classic - rock album. Great discussion, belly laughs a-plenty and just a rollicking good time. Great job, lads. Thanks for making the UK Connection episodes so consistently enjoyable. Now just have to go back and catch up on all the episodes missed in the last couple of months. Cheers!
My fav Led Zep album. Just before this was released they played a UK tour of colleges to thank them for their support and I was at the first date of the tour, at the Liverpool Mountford Hall and as far as I can tell they played Stairway To Heaven and Black Dog etc for the first time in front of an audience. Even if this is not true it was a great gig, just wish I had kept my ticket stub :(
All your beers sound great. My selection today, keeping with the winter beer theme that I have been on the last few weeks is Einbecker Winter-Bock from Germany. I discovered this one last winter and it has returned to my local store shelves (yayyy!). It is a wonderful dark, malty winter Doppelbock with a warming 7.5% ABV. One of my winter favorites…cheers gentlemen!🍻
Going in- 8: Rock and Roll 7: Four Sticks 6: Going to California 5: Misty Mountain Hop 4: When the Levee Breaks 3: Black Dog 2: Stairway to Heaven 1: The Battle of Evermore
Best song is the mystical Battle of Evermore. Love the hippy-dippy Going to California, as it reflects the flower power era very well. Got into Misty Mountain Hop for the same reasons. Of course, at the time, we all loved the two heavy rockers that start it off so well. Stairways is obviously untouchable and the Levee is really unique and atmospheric.
Definitely agree with you, I was really pleased that it’s Steven’s no. 1. I think along with Stairway (and the other2 you mention) is sets the time and place for Zep 4, and I really like and value that. Robert’s lyrics are really clever and I find it interesting that he’s played this with other singers over the years like Alison Krauss, which suggests the high affection he holds it in. I can flip flop it with Stairway as my top 1 & 2 and I’d go with Levee for 3. Also, I have always really liked the album cover and I think Zep might have been the first to issue an album without title or band name, only the 4 symbols, and they also gave Sandy Denny a symbol.
1 when the Levee Breaks 2 black dog 3 the battle of evermore 4 four sticks 5 stairway 6 going to California 7 misty mountain hop 8 rock and roll *love them all.
8: Going to California. Still like this one but I'm not always in the mood to hear it. 7: Battle of Evermore. Same story. 6: Four Sticks. Probably one of the few tracks from this album I almost never hear on the radio (probably still plays on the radio quite a bit to be fair, but it always feels nice to hear). 5: Rock and Roll. Kind of get why people aren't as crazy about this one, but always loved it. 4: When the Levee Breaks. Barely anything separates these final four, but of the four I do sometimes get a bit tired from hearing it, as great as it is. 3: Misty Mountain Hop. Very tempted to put this at number 1. 2: Stairway to Heaven. I should be sick of it but I still love it to this day. 1: Black Dog. One of the best album openers of the classic rock era. Still my favorite Led Zeppelin album start to finish, but Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti have gotten close recently.
Another fun UK Connection. I remember my dad having that Geoff Love War Movies album. If this was the favourites, least favourites show, this album possibly would not be mentioned at any point by me. But, it is low in my ranking. I haven't listened to this album all in one go for awhile now. So, tracks kept moving around except one. My ranking in reverse is: Rock 'n Roll (I love the end drum break), Going to California, Battle for Evermore (interesting, but goes on and on). The next batch are all ties. Misty Mountain Hop (even Plant's gargling), Stairway and Black Dog. And joint first Four Sticks and When the Levee Breaks.
The gig Steven referred to was Robert Plant with Saving Grace at a small venue (The Tivoli) in Aberdeen on 8th November .... it was a great gig with Robert playing with Susie Dian (may be misspelt) and others who live close to his home in the UK and with whom he can practice easily (when he's not playing football (soccer) or watching Wolves in the Premier League). I was fortunate to be at the gig ... music was very much in the Band of Joy / playing with Sandy Denny / Alison Krauss vibe .... no Zep .... the band were superb ... I've relistened to the 1hr 45min set since the show .... very good / eclectic mix of tunes.going back over decades ... his mic control was exceptional to watch / hear. Re. Zep IV .... Battle of Evermore is great (and I love the version by Ann / Nancy Wilson) .... Stairway is epic because of the 12 string and solo and construction etc etc (although my go to version is the Zappa version with the brass "giving it laldy" for the solo ... majestic) .... and I do like Going to California .... Bounty bars are great ... also a go to (confectionary wise) ..... and finally, just for Simon, went to see Status Quo last night at a pretty packed local arena where the band were fabulous ... super tight ... great set list ... played hour and 45 mins with lots from 70s, and, with vocal duties shared, Francis Rossi had time to play lots of tasty solos ... a great night ( ..... and Shakin' Stevens was good too!) ...... And I did watch the Doobies video you did ... Steven has a wee bit more homework to do re guitar rockin' Doobies ....... and checking out the (less percussive heavy) Santana catalogue ....!! ...... cool video ..... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
1 - four sticks 2- the battle of evermore 3- Misty Mountain Hop 4 - going to California 5- when the levee breaks 6- rock and roll 7- Black dog (just heard it way too much on the radio, musically it's an incredible song) 8- Stairway to heaven Cheers guys 🍻 !
1. Stairway to Heaven - In my opinion the perfect rock song. It's the type of song you only listen to a few times per year because it's so special 2. The Battle of Evermore - Always gives me chills when I listen to it 3. When the Levee Breaks - Those DRUMS! Absolutely epic and was my favourite for a long time 4. Going to California - Truly beautiful and always makes my mind at ease, although I do enjoy the HTWWW version better 5. Black Dog - Absolutely love the guitar tone! Was one of my favourites for a long time but haven't listened to it much recently 6. Four Sticks - Used to be a song I didn't care much for, but nowadays I absolutely love it 7. Rock and Roll - Amazing vocals and drumming 8. Misty Mountain Hop - The song I enjoy the least in the album, yet I still think it's awesome (especially the drums) which just goes to show how consistently good this album is
Zeppelin IV is among the first 3 albums I ever bought along with Physical Graffiti and Boston's debut. All 3 were under $20 with enough money left to buy a chocolate malt down the street at the local Fosters Freeze in CA. Still have the records and I can still remember riding my bike down to the record store buy them circa 1977. I like PG better but IV is an absolute monster album even though I don't play the record anymore because I've heard nearly every track at least 100 times on the radio over the past 45 years..
Thank you guys, especially Simon ;) for doing this amazing show! LZ is one of my Top 3 bands and IV is in my top 3 LZ albums. Physical Graffiti is hard to beat IMO. Battle of Evermore - a song I used to skip on the record as a kid, but now I like it pretty much, although I always preferred Going to California. Pete - you're absolutely right about Rock an' roll! Four Sticks - is one of my favorites next to Black Dog and When the Levee Breaks. Btw - good singing Pete!!! 😄
I haven't listened to classic radio in decades, so I only hear this when I want to... 1. Stairway to Heaven 2. When the Levee Breaks 3. Black Dog 4. Four Sticks 5. Misty Mountain Hop 6. Rock and Roll 7. The Battle of Evermore (i remember thinking Sandy was slightly out of key, but not on the remaster) 8. Going to California
Steven Reid at 41:05, Rock and Roll, "Is there a more iconic intro to a song'. Levee Breaks on the same album ? The Rock and Roll intro is lifted from the Little Richard so g You Keep a Knockin'. Rock and Roll was written during a break as they couldn't get Four Sticks right
Interesting discussion, chaps- it's made me realise that for as much as this is a classic album (or revered as such) there's precious little on it that I actually like...
My faves: 1. When the Levee Breaks 2. Black Dog 3. Misty Mountain Hop 4. Four Sticks (sorry) 5. Battle of Evermore 6. Stairway 7. Going to California 8. Rock and Roll
While I'm here, and while it is relevant, I'll just recommend everyone who loves Led Zeppelin IV seek out Erik Davis's book on the album, initially published in 2005. Most exciting and imaginative rock book I have ever read, difficult to imagine a competitor. Looking forward to the premiere!
p.s. Note to Simon: I'll never fault anyone for not digging Plant (matter of taste) but some of this wanting/need for proper song structure, etc. within a song like "Four Sticks" or "Battle Of Evermore" is kind of missing the point. Changes like that would suck the coolness and/or brooding power right out of those songs. I mean, there's a uniqueness and immense groove, matched to an aloof/casual 'I don't give a shit' verse line in "FOUR STICKS" that really drives it. Something special that could be ruined by the standard and predictable. And "BATTLE OF EVERMORE" just becomes euphoric and rhythmically hypnotizing within that fantastic vocal interplay, mandolin... Also, "Misty Mountain Hop" might not be so top shelf (not my fave), but it does carry a serious, catchy groove as well as perfectly setting a scene lyrically. For me, you have to take each song for it's own natural intent, atmosphere and meaning. Not every single track is trying to be the greatest song ever written (eg Stairway). And the ones that "know that" can be confidently quite good for what they are. So, anyway, along with 'just not caring for LZ', Simon's criticisms (to me), must be more rooted more in the general dislike of Plant's voice, along with, as he said, seeing too many UK pub bands trying to (badly) pull off Zeppelin. Otherwise, it all comes off as missing the point, and/or kind of "not getting" why the better ROCK of the 70s was so fantastic. *I will say that a true, innate understanding of the blues and soul music does inform a lot to the people who really do love this kind of heavy rock. And I'm not talking about the bludgeoned big hits and hackneyed classic rock radio crap... I mean getting, loving and understanding all those nuances and major grooves in the other Zep songs that provide something more. So, hey, if Simon really does go in for more of that 80s pop metal stuff (eg, liking 80s Kiss more than the great 70s original), then it would make sense that this LZ material (esp '69-'76) just doesn't work for him in general. - Btw, I really dig Plant's first 3 solo albums w/Robbie Blunt. Love those records. The Honeydrippers thing though...yeah, it's okay. Very nice tribute. But seeing that, as better than Physical Graffiti is a bit of clinical insanity (imo) Another note (coda?): there's also the long-standing, sometimes weird disparity in UK charts vs. US charts factor as well in play (most especially with this band), so tag that in too. To each his own though, with all of this. Just my two cents. M ⚡
I like Led Zeppelin so much it's almost impossible to pick songs. I like these albums I,II,III,IV ,House's of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti. My favorite songs off of LZ IV that I like the most are Black Dog, Battle of Evermore, 4 Sticks,and Stairway to Heaven. 4 Sticks they Bonham plays those drums is something else.
I must admit I'm in the rarity camp along with Simon. I've tried so hard to like Zep over the last few decades but Plant's vocals are like shoving knitting needles in my ear drums. Sorry I know they have an immense amount of love. Still wouldn't be good for us all to be same!!
One of favorites of all time. 1. Battle of Evermore 2. Stairway to heaven 3. When the levee breaks 4. Black dog 5. Misty mountain hop 6. Four sticks 7. Going to California 8. Rock-n-rolll
8. When the Levee Breaks 7. Goin to California 6, Rock n Roll 5. Stairway to Heaven 4. Black Dog 3. Battle of Evermore 2. Four Sticks 1. Misty Mountain Hop
It has 2 great songs to close an album with Going to California and When the Levee Breaks. Who’s Next and Sticky Fingers are other examples of the last 2 songs being perfect compliments.
This was the first Led Zeppelin album I purchased. In my opinion, the songs are all great- there are no bad songs on this album. I have also noticed that my favorites from this album have changed over the years. All that being said, here is my personal ranking of Led Zeppelin IV songs, from favorite to least favorite: The Battle of Evermore Black Dog Stairway to Heaven Four Sticks Going to California Misty Mountain Hop Rock and Roll When the Levee Breaks
2:42 I love cherry( unless pickled ) in any drink and I love young( still green on the outside, not brown and peeled ) coconut, preferably on the beach.
Plant with Krauss had 3 songs from Zepellin 4 in their set last summer (the only Zepellin songs in the set). Battle of Evermore was the show highlight. I think Plant wants Evermore to be the foundation of the Plant / Krauss sound. Battle of Evermore is a top 5 Zepellin song and Sandy Denny is an absolute treasure.
A bit of easier homework this week as, like everyone else who knows classic rock, I know this album pretty well. No skips (sorry Simon) but it's not one I reach for that often any more. Favourite to least: Creme de la creme: 1. When the levee breaks (best thing they ever did) 2. Rock n roll (undeniable) 3. Black dog (great intro) Just plain great: 4. Battle of evermore (adore Sandy Denny) 5. Stairway (thought about putting this lower, it *just* keeps its place here as it's still awesome) Pretty cool: 6. Misty mountain hop (Robert really liked Lord of the Rings, didn't he?) 7. Going to california (really pretty) 8. Four sticks (great drumming and I like the play with the time signature. Maybe the least 'tuneful' here)
Led Zeppelin is my second favorite band all time ( I’m in my sixties ). I have listened to every Led Zeppelin song hundreds of times (some thousands? ). I never played an instrument or participated in some glee club,I am the last person to grade on musicianship or vocals. So here we go: my favorites on Led Zeppelin 4 1- When The Levee Breaks 2- Misty Mountain Hop 3- Stairway To Heaven * 4- Rock And Roll 5- Going To California 6- Black Dog 7- The Battle Of Evermore 8- Four Sticks * I know it has become convention to down grade the song because of over playing. But growing up in the NYC market, radio countdowns usually came down to Stairway To Heaven or Born To Run ( Led Zep was not the local boy).
1 - Stairway to Heaven -Yes its a classic and yes it has doubtess been overplayed on the radio - more so in the USA than i the UK I'd wager, but as LZ arent a band I listen to that much as they're not a personal favourite this is a song that I've not overheard - I've probably listened to Child in Time more times thatn Starway to Heaven. Its also a bone fide longer song classic along side the likes of Freebird, War Pigs, July Morning, Child in Time and everytime I do hear it I enjoy it. 2 - Rock&Roll - similar to Stairway I've not overheard this either and its a great up tempo rollicking hard rock song 3 - Going to California - when i heard that LZ 4 was going to be this week's ranking album I could only properly recall three songs - the first two above and this one. That may be becasue it was played by Roberty Plant when he did Knewborth in 1990 , a recording of which I do listen to from time to time. Its also a rather nice laid back tune. 4 - Black Dog On replaying the album while I couldnt remember most of the song I soon recognised it and its a good slab of hard rock although the way the beat turns in and around on itself still makes me feel a bit queasy. 5 -The Battle of Evermore - when I was trying to remember the songs from the album I initially started to hum Dream of the Archer by Heart , which is obviously them being heavily influenced by this - strangely though I'd prefer to listen to that , although its not too bad and having Sandy Denny on it was a class thing to do. 6 - Misty Mountain Hop - ok hard rock nothing more nothing less 7 - When the Levee Breaks - ok its got that walloping drum sound and beat but what else is it - I am not a big fan of heavy blues rock and this is possibly the epitome of that. Bonham's greatness is better shown on Black Dog. 8 - 4 sticks - goes on and on and on and on , please let it stop. Not a favourite. Yes its the obvious ones at the top but I dont listen to Zep all the time so theyre not yet too ubiquitous or overplayed and over listened to for me. Is the album their greatest ? Not for me - Id say there are a couple of absolute classics a few very goods and a few couldnt care less if I never heard them agains. Its a very good album and its historcally very significang however I think its one of those albums where its greatness is due to three or four songs that everyone knows and loves and the hyperbole surrounding the drum sound. It is also one of the few LZ albums that I actually own on vinyl - because of its legendary status when growing up I had to buy it. Preferred Presence then and prefer Presence now. Now I've relistened to it to do this ranking I'll probably not relisten to it again for quite a while. I will, however, be more likley to give Presence a spin.
1 Stairway to Heaven 2 Black Dog 3 Rock n Roll 4 The Battle of Evermore 5 When the Levee Breaks 6 Four Sticks 7 Misty Mountain Hop 8 Going to California
Whisper a Prayer For the Dying in Coverdale/Page is one of the best album closers ever. Looking forward to seeing Dare Out Of The Silence on your AOR Classics show. Cheers.
The top 500 lists on classic rock radio drilled into me the idea that Stairway, Freebird, and Layla were Important Songs of Mythic Status and Greatness. This is the only indoctrination I received as a child that I didn’t later reject.
My song ranking 8. Going to California 7. The battle of evermore 6. When tbe levee breaks 5. Four sticks 4. Misty mountain hop 3. Rock and roll 2. Black dog 1. Stairway to heaven
Hi Pete and Simon and Steven great fun with all of you as always,as Simon this a band that I have tried for a long time to like but I still not working for me
Another fun show, go to respect to Simon for his opinion, even though I don't agree. Remember running home with this album when it first came out and listening to it the first time and being amazed. Have I heard everything way too many times, of course, but it is still that good as long as I only listen to it a couple times a year.
1. When The Levee Breaks 2. Four Sticks 3. Black Dog 4. Battle of Evermore 5. Misty Mountain Hop 6. Stairway To Heaven (I know it should be a notch or so higher, but I've just been annihilated at this point. Definitely the "second half" of it, that's what I still care about) 7. Rock and Roll 8. Going to California When it comes to Led Zeppelin, PHYSICAL GRAFFITI and III are my top 2, but "Zoso" here would probably come in at 3 or.....IV. Pete said it best that Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest deep track bands of all time. I mean, most of my absolute favorite tracks from this band are "not" major hits (eg,.... Out On The Tiles Ten Years Gone Royal Orleans Black Country Woman Four Sticks That's The Way How Many More Times The Wanton Song WIAWSNB Friends Your Time Is Gonna Come Battle of Evermore The Crunge Carouselambra Hey Hey What Can I Do Sick Again Bron-Y-Aur Stomp Custard Pie The Lemon Song Celebration Day Poor Tom South Bound Suarez Hots On For Nowhere Gallows Pole Achilles Last Stand Huge set of brilliance right there The only "big/popular" songs that I do actually love, and continue to love, are mainly... Trampled Underfoot Immigrant Song Black Dog Ramble On The Ocean When The Levee Breaks Nobody's Fault But Mine In The Evening There. That's 8 "big/popular" LZ numbers that I do love (most esp "Trampled Underfoot," "Immigrant Song" & "When The Leaves Breaks" which are all major faves) But most of my adoration of LZ is in the "deep track" (hate that term) list I posted above. That's where much of the magic really is for me. ✨
Well today I’ll join you all with a Black Walnut Dunkel from St.Louis Missouri 6.6ABV. Cheers 🍺. Even though there are songs on here I don’t need to hear again I will rank them according to how I like the songs. #8- The Battle of Evermore #7- Four Sticks #6-Going to California #5-Black Dog #4- Misty Mountain Hop #3-Rock and Roll #2- Stairway to Heaven #1- When the Levee Breaks Well there you have it. Great show as always gentlemen. I agree this album has to be an album that’s definitely been overplayed. I can’t tell you the last time, before listening for this show, I actually grabbed this to listen to.By the way, if you like walnut you will like this beer. You can definitely smell and taste the walnut. Not to bad a beer. Until next week 🍺
This is my third favourite album by Led Zeppelin, behind Physical Graffiti and LZ II. And this is my order of the songs: 1. When The Levee Breaks 2. Black Dog 3. Rock And Roll 4. Misty Mountain Hop 5. The Battle Of Evermore 6. Stairway To Heaven 7. Four Sticks 8. Going To California
Arguably one of the greatest hard rock album ever produced. When the levee breaks Black dog Four sticks Stairway to heaven The battle of Evermore Rock and roll Misty mountain hop Going to California
'Hopportunity Knocks' IPA 6.8% from Caldera Brewing Company. Before the assignment a quick list of four L.Z. songs i've been listening to: The Wanton Song Down by the Seaside That's the Way Jimmy's version of Ramble On from 'It might get loud'. 8) The Battle of Evermore 7) Going to California 6) Four Sticks 5) Misty Mtn Hop 4) Stairway... 3)Black Dog 2) Rock and Roll 1) When the Levee Breaks
@@TranquilityFireReid it's a local brewery, about 17 minute travel time door to door. For the next UKC I'm going to try something different and track down a Scottish ale.🤓🍻
I enjoyed this episode a lot. Misty Mountain Hop, Stairway, Rock and Roll, then I don’t care much for the rest. I’m kinda with Simon when it comes to Zeppelin
Yeah, I'm up for The Battle of Evermore too! (But then, I am a folk-rock fan) Black Dog, Rock and Roll and Stairway to Heaven complete the top 4 that do cement this as one of the all-time greats and the others ain't bad either. There's really nothing to hate other than some of the songs' ubiquity. It never occurred to me before that Matt Lucas was ripping off Led Zep so thanks for that, Simon. I hope someone explains all the UK references to Pete after recording otherwise he'll be going to bed extremely confused every Saturday.
1. When the Levee Breaks 2. Four Sticks 3. Black Dog 4. Stairway to Heaven 5. Rock and Roll 6. Misty Mountain Hop 7. The Battle of Evermore 8. Going to California Four Sticks has always grabbed me more than a lot of the album and I don't understand why some people call it a filler track
I'm going with Brooklyn Brewing Black Chocolate Stout. 1) When the Levee Breaks 2) Going to California 3) Rock n' Roll 4) Battle of Evermore 5) Stairway 6) Misty Mt Hop 7) Black Dog 8) Four Sticks This is my 2nd fav album after Sgt. Peppers. Rock n Roll has really grown on me in the last few years or so. Born in '74 so only ever overheard Black Dog. I was listening to 80's rock and metal most of the time. Didn't like RnR back then so barely listened to it.
Guys, I'm glad and surprised you're doing this album!! Simon, I know you're not a fan so, good on you taking one for the team😂😂 Before we start, I'll share some personal trivia associated w/it: My parents were married the week after this album was released and I was born almost exactly a year after, minus two days. I suppose I was destined to love it?! My Favorite Led Zeppelin IV Songs, Top to Bottom: 1. When the Levee Breaks: Hands down, my favorite Led Zeppelin song! I've also heard Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy's version. Speaking from a writer's POV, this version is nothing short of brilliant. It's different enough for Led Zeppelin to call it their own and also maintains the spirit of the original. It's over seven minutes long but, for me, it feels more like three. I also think Bonham's drumming is OMG amazing, Jimmy's guitar playing its usual awesome, John Paul Jones is solid as always and Robert's vocal performance is perfect. The lyrics are also as hypnotic as the music. When I play this CD, I always listen to this song first. 2. Four Sticks: It has an amazing groove. It's a simple song but not a bad one. I've seen Page-Plant perform it w/The Egyptian Orchestra on RUclips and it's even better. I suggest to those who might like the Led Zeppelin IV version, listen to the orchestra version. You might change your mind. 3. Rock and Roll: John Bonham's drumming is absolutely ferocious. I agree that it's been played to death on the radio, and I still remember the Cadilliac commercials from the late 90s or early 00s. But it's still an amazing, straight-forward, hard-rocking song no matter how many times it's played. 4. Black Dog - It's a classic, catchy tune but, not one of my favorites. It's also one of the few Led Zeppelin songs I get tired of hearing. However, I still think it's a pretty damn good song. 5. Stairway to Heaven: It's more like three songs in one. I like the majestic folk beginning and middle. The last third is kind of busy and almost ruins the mood for me. However, it's not a dealbreaker. 6. Battle of Evermore: It's a well-constructed song but I not a huge fan of folk music. However, I'll take this over most of Led Zeppelin III. I heard the band brought in Sandy Denny because Robert tried to sing all the parts and it didn't work. I think they made the right decision. 7. Going to California: I used to hate this song. I also skip it and go to When the Levee Breaks. I'm still not a fan of folk music, but it has a soothing quality that I've grown to like. 8. Misty Mountain Hop: I don't hate any song on this album, but this is my least favorite by far. The instrumentation is good but, I grow tired of it rather quickly. It's not their longest song but, for me, it drones on a little too long. P.S. I'm surprised, Simon you like other Zeppelin albums. I'm not a fan of III. However, ITTOD is my 3rd favorite behind Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti. You should give it another listen, especially Disc One. I've never heard The HoneyDrippers album but I'm familiar their Sea of Love cover. And I'm also a fan of the Coverdale-Page album. It was one of my birthday gifts. I haven't heard everything outside Zeppelin but, I like most of Robert Plant's solo albums from the 80s and 90s, the two Page-Plant albums and Coverdale-Page. I know very little about The Firm and I haven't heard either of their albums. And I've heard nothing from John Paul Jones except his charity version of When the Levee Breaks. So, I suppose I still have some more listening to do?! .
Saw Led Zeppelin at The Empire Pool Wembley in 1971 just after LZ IV came out and it was wonderful and I have been a fan of this album and LZ since. Wonderful album.
"In Through the Out Door" is my least played album. Led-Zeppelin 4 is my second least played. Too many so-called "Classic Rock" hits on it, but you guys picked it. So here we go... - Worst to Best - 8. Stairway to Heaven. 6. Rock and Roll. 5. Going to California. 4. Misty Mountain Hop. 3. Four Sticks. 2. When the Levee Breaks. 1. The Battle of Evermore.
Being that Led Zeppelin is my favorite band and Led Zep 4 being my favorite album from them I could be biased...I listened to it AGAIN JUST NOW before posting this list and this is in my opinion how you rank Zeppelin 4(I love ALL the tracks on this album by the way): 8. Four Sticks 7. Misty Mountain Hop 6. Rock and Roll 5. Going to California 4. When the Levee Breaks 3. Black Dog 2. Battle of Evermore 1. Stairway to Heaven
I think it's hard to be completely objective about Led Zep IV because of the enormous over-exposure of some of the songs. And also - for many of us - the fact that we wore out the vinyl in our teens. I do think it showcases for the first time just how important each band member's contribution was. Battle of Evermore would have been a Tolkienesque strum-along without JPJ's memorable mandolin lines (ok, and bringing in England's finest female singer... imo. Listen to something like Tam Lin from Fairport's Liege and Lief, and you can see why Sandy would bring something special to BoE). Likewise, JPJ's keyboard playing on Misty Mountain Hop is so on-point. Honestly, I think his contribution so often elevates Zep's songs from good to great. Think of that bass line in Ramble On (ok, different album). He's the band's Swiss army knife. My personal favourite from IV is When the Levee Breaks. I haven't tired of it in 45 years of listening. The slide guitar, the harmonica. The sheer power and epic scale of it. Then there's the drums. Sorry, did I say 'drums'? I meant Thor's hammer smashing mountains to rubble in Jottunheim. If I was to pick a least favourite it would be Rock N Roll. Not because of over-exposure/over-listening. I just think it's the least-interesting song on the album. Ok, apart from the drum intro maybe. I'm nit-picking though. I really don't think there's a duff song on IV.
Weird. Showered up and threw on shirt from album today. Inspired to listen to “Mothership”. First real listen to Zep at 12, before back catalogue. Wore this tape OUT!
@@TranquilityFireReid bottles and cans aside, where's good to get a pint and preferably some rock music in Perth? Heading up your way for a "Christmas" shindig next weekend 😊 Great show btw 😊
@@mikebruce3933 Sorry Mike, I'm not a pub guy at all, so can't really help you out that way these days. And as far as rock music goes, as far as I'm aware there isn't anywhere in Perth that'll give you that kind of night. The Twa Tams sometimes has music, but there's no guarantee, while Backstage At The Green in Kinross has Lindisfarne playing on both days next weekend. I usually leave Perth for rock music, not visit it! Sorry!!!! lol!
8. Black Dog (4 Star) 7. Misty Mountain Hop (4.5 Star) 6. Going To California (4.5 Star) 5. Rock'n'Roll (4.5 Star) 4. Four Sticks (5 Star) 3. Battle Of Evermore (5 Star) 2. Stairway To Heaven (5 Star) 1. When The Levee Breaks (5 Star)
I agree with the opinions on Stairway and Rock And Roll being over played, and for the whole album is a bit over played. I have to be in a certain mood to play this album. but being a drummer, playing Rock and Roll in a bar band LOUD! is just FUN!!! My favorite LZ albums are Houses Of The Holy at #1 In Through The Out Door #2 and III at #3, and this album is Great when I'm in the mood for it... With That said... 8. Four Sticks 7. Going To California 6. When The Levee Breaks 5. Battle Of Evermore 4. Stairway To Heaven 3. Rock And Roll 2. Misty Mountain Hop 1. Black Dog
8. Going to California 7. Four Sticks 6. Rock and Roll 5. Stairway to Heaven 4. Misty Mountain Hop 3. Black Dog 2. Battle of Evermore 1. When The Levee Breaks
1. When the Levee Breaks 2. Stairway to Heaven 3. Black Dog 4. Rock and Roll 5. Four Sticks 6. Going to California 7. The Battle of Evermore 8. Misty Mountain Hop
My favorite song from this lot is Black Dog. First time I heard this, I was blown away as the previous album was a let down for me. If has since become one of my favorites. Steven , are you familiar with Iona with Dave Bainbridge. Some good music that is not widely known.
I like most Zep, but I'm not crazy about it. As Pete well knows, I'm a prog fan, and nothing can top Kansas for me. I saw them in the 70s at least once per year. What a great live band. But when Kerry Livgren left, they not only lost a great musician, but a fabulous songwriter! So I also love his solo stuff, AD, and Proto-Kaw.
What can really be said about this album? Not much, as it is so well known and I think Pete and Steven's assessment was very fair and accurate. However, the real genius of this episode is Simon showing his form for selection as part of the GB team for the world curmudgeon and malcontent championships, wonderfully entertaining. When you add the UK cultural references from the 70's it really is the icing on the cake. With the Festive season approaching surely there must be a show in rock festive records, although finding positives in that dubious catalogue might be a challenge.
1. Rock and Roll 2. Black Dog 3. When the Levee Breaks 4. Stairway to Heaven 5. Misty Mountain Hop 6. The Battle of Evermore 7. Four Sticks 8. Going to California
Ranking starts at 19:00
One of the first albums I ever fell in love with. My next door neighbor had an older sister who had a nice collection of records, we found this any played it over and over and over. Fun show
1. Battle of Evermore
2. Going to California
3. Misty Mountain Hop
4. Black Dog
5. Stairway to Heaven
6. Rock-n-Roll
7. When the Levee Breaks
8. Four Sticks
It has been almost exactly 20 years since I REALLY got into Zeppelin. Sure, as a teenager Stairway to Heaven was on one of my tapes, recorded it from the radio in early 1986, and it was indeed a special song for me, but other than that the only other song I knew by the band was Thank You, again taped from the radio around the end of '85. And so it wasn't until the end of May/early June 2003 that my eyes caught a magazine cover at the store with Plant and Page on the cover and I couldn't stop staring at them, lol. The How The West Was One live album + the DVD was about to be released so Led Zeppelin was gathering a lot of attention at that moment. Well, I had to buy that magazine, plus a few others that had them on the cover ( it was probably Classic Rock and perhaps Mojo or Uncut... ) and then I bought my first ever LZ album, the second one.
Long story short, I got all the first six albums plus the newly released live album and DVD that summer, and the funny thing is, I hadn't heard Stairway or Thank You since around 1990 or something and I honestly couldn't remember the melody to those tracks LOL Of course, as soon as I played them it all came back to me, but yeah, in Finland it was completely possible to not get tired of something like Stairway because you didn't really hear it regularly (no classic rock stations here at the time) and I wasn't a big radio listener anymore after my teen years. MTV was my music station for several years in the 90s, and I only really got back into actively listening to and actually buying music starting around 2002. Getting into Led Zeppelin started my journey into 70s music like progressive rock and so on so they were an important band for me - they prevented me from staying as a casual music listener when I hit my thirty somethings and well, here we are!
Anyway, in my opinion IV should have opened with Rock And Roll and then Black Dog could have followed it. Love both songs! The only track I'm not crazy about is Four Sticks but I don't mind getting through it while hearing the album. Going to California is wonderful! There really aren't any duds on this album and yet my fav Zep record is also Physical Graffiti, along with LZ III.
1. Black Dog
2. When the levee breaks
3. Four Sticks
4. Misty Mountain hop
5. Stairway to Heaven
6. Going to California
7. Battle of Evermore
8. Rock and Roll
Great episode of The UK Connection. I had a fun time in chat talking with fellow SoT fans as I always do. When it comes to IV it's somewhere in the middle for me in terms of my Led Zeppelin album ranking. That's how I rank it personally. Objectively I think it's one of Led Zeppelin's strongest albums. To someone who wants to check out a Led Zeppelin album for the first time and is unfamiliar with the band, I'd recommend any one of I, II or IV.
Have missed the UK Connection for a bit but so glad to have the opportunity to watch this epic episode. Simon's general distaste for the album and his discussions why helped make for an excellent show with some differing viewpoints on what so many consider to be such a classic - if not, in fact, THE classic - rock album. Great discussion, belly laughs a-plenty and just a rollicking good time. Great job, lads. Thanks for making the UK Connection episodes so consistently enjoyable. Now just have to go back and catch up on all the episodes missed in the last couple of months. Cheers!
My fav Led Zep album. Just before this was released they played a UK tour of colleges to thank them for their support and I was at the first date of the tour, at the Liverpool Mountford Hall and as far as I can tell they played Stairway To Heaven and Black Dog etc for the first time in front of an audience. Even if this is not true it was a great gig, just wish I had kept my ticket stub :(
All your beers sound great. My selection today, keeping with the winter beer theme that I have been on the last few weeks is Einbecker Winter-Bock from Germany. I discovered this one last winter and it has returned to my local store shelves (yayyy!). It is a wonderful dark, malty winter Doppelbock with a warming 7.5% ABV. One of my winter favorites…cheers gentlemen!🍻
Sounds fabulous Mike. Cheers!
Going in-
8: Rock and Roll
7: Four Sticks
6: Going to California
5: Misty Mountain Hop
4: When the Levee Breaks
3: Black Dog
2: Stairway to Heaven
1: The Battle of Evermore
Best song is the mystical Battle of Evermore. Love the hippy-dippy Going to California, as it reflects the flower power era very well. Got into Misty Mountain Hop for the same reasons. Of course, at the time, we all loved the two heavy rockers that start it off so well. Stairways is obviously untouchable and the Levee is really unique and atmospheric.
Agree 👍🏾
Definitely agree with you, I was really pleased that it’s Steven’s no. 1. I think along with Stairway (and the other2 you mention) is sets the time and place for Zep 4, and I really like and value that. Robert’s lyrics are really clever and I find it interesting that he’s played this with other singers over the years like Alison Krauss, which suggests the high affection he holds it in. I can flip flop it with Stairway as my top 1 & 2 and I’d go with Levee for 3. Also, I have always really liked the album cover and I think Zep might have been the first to issue an album without title or band name, only the 4 symbols, and they also gave Sandy Denny a symbol.
1 when the Levee Breaks
2 black dog
3 the battle of evermore
4 four sticks
5 stairway
6 going to California
7 misty mountain hop
8 rock and roll
*love them all.
8: Going to California. Still like this one but I'm not always in the mood to hear it.
7: Battle of Evermore. Same story.
6: Four Sticks. Probably one of the few tracks from this album I almost never hear on the radio (probably still plays on the radio quite a bit to be fair, but it always feels nice to hear).
5: Rock and Roll. Kind of get why people aren't as crazy about this one, but always loved it.
4: When the Levee Breaks. Barely anything separates these final four, but of the four I do sometimes get a bit tired from hearing it, as great as it is.
3: Misty Mountain Hop. Very tempted to put this at number 1.
2: Stairway to Heaven. I should be sick of it but I still love it to this day.
1: Black Dog. One of the best album openers of the classic rock era.
Still my favorite Led Zeppelin album start to finish, but Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti have gotten close recently.
Very good and fun show, I love when one of you three is a contrarian !
Another fun UK Connection. I remember my dad having that Geoff Love War Movies album.
If this was the favourites, least favourites show, this album possibly would not be mentioned at any point by me. But, it is low in my ranking.
I haven't listened to this album all in one go for awhile now. So, tracks kept moving around except one.
My ranking in reverse is:
Rock 'n Roll (I love the end drum break), Going to California, Battle for Evermore (interesting, but goes on and on).
The next batch are all ties. Misty Mountain Hop (even Plant's gargling), Stairway and Black Dog.
And joint first Four Sticks and When the Levee Breaks.
Great discussion guys - will have to try the 🥥 ale !
Another fabulous Saturday afternoon here in. NJ. 🇺🇸. Laughs/ music / beers. Thx trio 👍💯
Cheers Gary!
@@TranquilityFireReid /. Cheers. Steven 👍💯
The gig Steven referred to was Robert Plant with Saving Grace at a small venue (The Tivoli) in Aberdeen on 8th November .... it was a great gig with Robert playing with Susie Dian (may be misspelt) and others who live close to his home in the UK and with whom he can practice easily (when he's not playing football (soccer) or watching Wolves in the Premier League). I was fortunate to be at the gig ... music was very much in the Band of Joy / playing with Sandy Denny / Alison Krauss vibe .... no Zep .... the band were superb ... I've relistened to the 1hr 45min set since the show .... very good / eclectic mix of tunes.going back over decades ... his mic control was exceptional to watch / hear.
Re. Zep IV .... Battle of Evermore is great (and I love the version by Ann / Nancy Wilson) .... Stairway is epic because of the 12 string and solo and construction etc etc (although my go to version is the Zappa version with the brass "giving it laldy" for the solo ... majestic) .... and I do like Going to California ....
Bounty bars are great ... also a go to (confectionary wise) .....
and finally, just for Simon, went to see Status Quo last night at a pretty packed local arena where the band were fabulous ... super tight ... great set list ... played hour and 45 mins with lots from 70s, and, with vocal duties shared, Francis Rossi had time to play lots of tasty solos ... a great night ( ..... and Shakin' Stevens was good too!) ......
And I did watch the Doobies video you did ... Steven has a wee bit more homework to do re guitar rockin' Doobies ....... and checking out the (less percussive heavy) Santana catalogue ....!!
...... cool video ..... CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland
1 - four sticks
2- the battle of evermore
3- Misty Mountain Hop
4 - going to California
5- when the levee breaks
6- rock and roll
7- Black dog (just heard it way too much on the radio, musically it's an incredible song)
8- Stairway to heaven
Cheers guys 🍻 !
1. Stairway to Heaven - In my opinion the perfect rock song. It's the type of song you only listen to a few times per year because it's so special
2. The Battle of Evermore - Always gives me chills when I listen to it
3. When the Levee Breaks - Those DRUMS! Absolutely epic and was my favourite for a long time
4. Going to California - Truly beautiful and always makes my mind at ease, although I do enjoy the HTWWW version better
5. Black Dog - Absolutely love the guitar tone! Was one of my favourites for a long time but haven't listened to it much recently
6. Four Sticks - Used to be a song I didn't care much for, but nowadays I absolutely love it
7. Rock and Roll - Amazing vocals and drumming
8. Misty Mountain Hop - The song I enjoy the least in the album, yet I still think it's awesome (especially the drums) which just goes to show how consistently good this album is
Eyes that shine, burning red.
Dreams of you all through my head ..
Zeppelin IV is among the first 3 albums I ever bought along with Physical Graffiti and Boston's debut. All 3 were under $20 with enough money left to buy a chocolate malt down the street at the local Fosters Freeze in CA. Still have the records and I can still remember riding my bike down to the record store buy them circa 1977. I like PG better but IV is an absolute monster album even though I don't play the record anymore because I've heard nearly every track at least 100 times on the radio over the past 45 years..
Cracking show. Beer and nostalgia and lively chat. Thanks, oh and the album is not that bad either.
Cheers Shaun!
Thank you guys, especially Simon ;) for doing this amazing show! LZ is one of my Top 3 bands and IV is in my top 3 LZ albums. Physical Graffiti is hard to beat IMO.
Battle of Evermore - a song I used to skip on the record as a kid, but now I like it pretty much, although I always preferred Going to California. Pete - you're absolutely right about Rock an' roll!
Four Sticks - is one of my favorites next to Black Dog and When the Levee Breaks. Btw - good singing Pete!!! 😄
The 'pleasure' was all mine Domi!
I haven't listened to classic radio in decades, so I only hear this when I want to...
1. Stairway to Heaven
2. When the Levee Breaks
3. Black Dog
4. Four Sticks
5. Misty Mountain Hop
6. Rock and Roll
7. The Battle of Evermore (i remember thinking Sandy was slightly out of key, but not on the remaster)
8. Going to California
Peter Pardo a Bounty bar as Simon mentioned is basically a Mounds bar. I live in Canada so we do the Bounty bar like the UK...like many things.
Steven Reid at 41:05, Rock and Roll, "Is there a more iconic intro to a song'. Levee Breaks on the same album ? The Rock and Roll intro is lifted from the Little Richard so g You Keep a Knockin'. Rock and Roll was written during a break as they couldn't get Four Sticks right
Interesting discussion, chaps- it's made me realise that for as much as this is a classic album (or revered as such) there's precious little on it that I actually like...
My faves:
1. When the Levee Breaks
2. Black Dog
3. Misty Mountain Hop
4. Four Sticks (sorry)
5. Battle of Evermore
6. Stairway
7. Going to California
8. Rock and Roll
While I'm here, and while it is relevant, I'll just recommend everyone who loves Led Zeppelin IV seek out Erik Davis's book on the album, initially published in 2005. Most exciting and imaginative rock book I have ever read, difficult to imagine a competitor. Looking forward to the premiere!
p.s.
Note to Simon: I'll never fault anyone for not digging Plant (matter of taste) but some of this wanting/need for proper song structure, etc. within a song like "Four Sticks" or "Battle Of Evermore" is kind of missing the point. Changes like that would suck the coolness and/or brooding power right out of those songs.
I mean, there's a uniqueness and immense groove, matched to an aloof/casual 'I don't give a shit' verse line in "FOUR STICKS" that really drives it. Something special that could be ruined by the standard and predictable. And "BATTLE OF EVERMORE" just becomes euphoric and rhythmically hypnotizing within that fantastic vocal interplay, mandolin...
Also, "Misty Mountain Hop" might not be so top shelf (not my fave), but it does carry a serious, catchy groove as well as perfectly setting a scene lyrically. For me, you have to take each song for it's own natural intent, atmosphere and meaning. Not every single track is trying to be the greatest song ever written (eg Stairway). And the ones that "know that" can be confidently quite good for what they are.
So, anyway, along with 'just not caring for LZ', Simon's criticisms (to me), must be more rooted more in the general dislike of Plant's voice, along with, as he said, seeing too many UK pub bands trying to (badly) pull off Zeppelin. Otherwise, it all comes off as missing the point, and/or kind of "not getting" why the better ROCK of the 70s was so fantastic.
*I will say that a true, innate understanding of the blues and soul music does inform a lot to the people who really do love this kind of heavy rock. And I'm not talking about the bludgeoned big hits and hackneyed classic rock radio crap... I mean getting, loving and understanding all those nuances and major grooves in the other Zep songs that provide something more.
So, hey, if Simon really does go in for more of that 80s pop metal stuff (eg, liking 80s Kiss more than the great 70s original), then it would make sense that this LZ material (esp '69-'76) just doesn't work for him in general. - Btw, I really dig Plant's first 3 solo albums w/Robbie Blunt. Love those records. The Honeydrippers thing though...yeah, it's okay. Very nice tribute. But seeing that, as better than Physical Graffiti is a bit of clinical insanity (imo)
Another note (coda?): there's also the long-standing, sometimes weird disparity in UK charts vs. US charts factor as well in play (most especially with this band), so tag that in too.
To each his own though, with all of this. Just my two cents.
M
⚡
I like Led Zeppelin so much it's almost impossible to pick songs. I like these albums I,II,III,IV ,House's of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti. My favorite songs off of LZ IV that I like the most are Black Dog, Battle of Evermore, 4 Sticks,and Stairway to Heaven. 4 Sticks they Bonham plays those drums is something else.
Great episode guys! ✌️❤️
I must admit I'm in the rarity camp along with Simon. I've tried so hard to like Zep over the last few decades but Plant's vocals are like shoving knitting needles in my ear drums. Sorry I know they have an immense amount of love. Still wouldn't be good for us all to be same!!
One of favorites of all time.
1. Battle of Evermore
2. Stairway to heaven
3. When the levee breaks
4. Black dog
5. Misty mountain hop
6. Four sticks
7. Going to California
8. Rock-n-rolll
8. When the Levee Breaks
7. Goin to California
6, Rock n Roll
5. Stairway to Heaven
4. Black Dog
3. Battle of Evermore
2. Four Sticks
1. Misty Mountain Hop
Tapestry is such a wonderful album
It has 2 great songs to close an album with Going to California and When the Levee Breaks. Who’s Next and Sticky Fingers are other examples of the last 2 songs being perfect compliments.
I'm not a giant Led Zeppelin fan but I love that album and have it!
This was a great episode. Simon's contrary opinons and the way he presents them with bittersweet irony made it brilliantly entertaining.
Thanks for watching El Dorado!
This was the first Led Zeppelin album I purchased. In my opinion, the songs are all great- there are no bad songs on this album. I have also noticed that my favorites from this album have changed over the years. All that being said, here is my personal ranking of Led Zeppelin IV songs, from favorite to least favorite:
The Battle of Evermore
Black Dog
Stairway to Heaven
Four Sticks
Going to California
Misty Mountain Hop
Rock and Roll
When the Levee Breaks
This is the best Zeppelin album. Maybe the greatest rock album of all time
2:42 I love cherry( unless pickled ) in any drink and I love young( still green on the outside, not brown and peeled ) coconut, preferably on the beach.
Plant with Krauss had 3 songs from Zepellin 4 in their set last summer (the only Zepellin songs in the set). Battle of Evermore was the show highlight. I think Plant wants Evermore to be the foundation of the Plant / Krauss sound.
Battle of Evermore is a top 5 Zepellin song and Sandy Denny is an absolute treasure.
In 2021 Mick Jager went unnoticed at a local bar here in Charlotte NC having a beer outside the night before they were to play here.
A bit of easier homework this week as, like everyone else who knows classic rock, I know this album pretty well. No skips (sorry Simon) but it's not one I reach for that often any more.
Favourite to least:
Creme de la creme:
1. When the levee breaks (best thing they ever did)
2. Rock n roll (undeniable)
3. Black dog (great intro)
Just plain great:
4. Battle of evermore (adore Sandy Denny)
5. Stairway (thought about putting this lower, it *just* keeps its place here as it's still awesome)
Pretty cool:
6. Misty mountain hop (Robert really liked Lord of the Rings, didn't he?)
7. Going to california (really pretty)
8. Four sticks (great drumming and I like the play with the time signature. Maybe the least 'tuneful' here)
Apparently MMH was about the authorities cracking down on hippies smoking weed on the lawn.
@@geruto17760 yes I read that too, but that title smells highly of Tolkien
Led Zeppelin is my second favorite band all time ( I’m in my sixties ). I have listened to every Led Zeppelin song hundreds of times (some thousands? ). I never played an instrument or participated in some glee club,I am the last person to grade on musicianship or vocals.
So here we go: my favorites on Led Zeppelin 4
1- When The Levee Breaks
2- Misty Mountain Hop
3- Stairway To Heaven *
4- Rock And Roll
5- Going To California
6- Black Dog
7- The Battle Of Evermore
8- Four Sticks
* I know it has become convention to down grade the song because of over playing. But growing up in the NYC market, radio countdowns usually came down to Stairway To Heaven or Born To Run ( Led Zep was not the local boy).
1 - Stairway to Heaven -Yes its a classic and yes it has doubtess been overplayed on the radio - more so in the USA than i the UK I'd wager, but as LZ arent a band I listen to that much as they're not a personal favourite this is a song that I've not overheard - I've probably listened to Child in Time more times thatn Starway to Heaven. Its also a bone fide longer song classic along side the likes of Freebird, War Pigs, July Morning, Child in Time and everytime I do hear it I enjoy it.
2 - Rock&Roll - similar to Stairway I've not overheard this either and its a great up tempo rollicking hard rock song
3 - Going to California - when i heard that LZ 4 was going to be this week's ranking album I could only properly recall three songs - the first two above and this one. That may be becasue it was played by Roberty Plant when he did Knewborth in 1990 , a recording of which I do listen to from time to time. Its also a rather nice laid back tune.
4 - Black Dog On replaying the album while I couldnt remember most of the song I soon recognised it and its a good slab of hard rock although the way the beat turns in and around on itself still makes me feel a bit queasy.
5 -The Battle of Evermore - when I was trying to remember the songs from the album I initially started to hum Dream of the Archer by Heart , which is obviously them being heavily influenced by this - strangely though I'd prefer to listen to that , although its not too bad and having Sandy Denny on it was a class thing to do.
6 - Misty Mountain Hop - ok hard rock nothing more nothing less
7 - When the Levee Breaks - ok its got that walloping drum sound and beat but what else is it - I am not a big fan of heavy blues rock and this is possibly the epitome of that. Bonham's greatness is better shown on Black Dog.
8 - 4 sticks - goes on and on and on and on , please let it stop. Not a favourite.
Yes its the obvious ones at the top but I dont listen to Zep all the time so theyre not yet too ubiquitous or overplayed and over listened to for me. Is the album their greatest ? Not for me - Id say there are a couple of absolute classics a few very goods and a few couldnt care less if I never heard them agains.
Its a very good album and its historcally very significang however I think its one of those albums where its greatness is due to three or four songs that everyone knows and loves and the hyperbole surrounding the drum sound. It is also one of the few LZ albums that I actually own on vinyl - because of its legendary status when growing up I had to buy it. Preferred Presence then and prefer Presence now. Now I've relistened to it to do this ranking I'll probably not relisten to it again for quite a while. I will, however, be more likley to give Presence a spin.
1 Stairway to Heaven
2 Black Dog
3 Rock n Roll
4 The Battle of Evermore
5 When the Levee Breaks
6 Four Sticks
7 Misty Mountain Hop
8 Going to California
Whisper a Prayer For the Dying in Coverdale/Page is one of the best album closers ever. Looking forward to seeing Dare Out Of The Silence on your AOR Classics show. Cheers.
The top 500 lists on classic rock radio drilled into me the idea that Stairway, Freebird, and Layla were Important Songs of Mythic Status and Greatness. This is the only indoctrination I received as a child that I didn’t later reject.
My song ranking
8. Going to California
7. The battle of evermore
6. When tbe levee breaks
5. Four sticks
4. Misty mountain hop
3. Rock and roll
2. Black dog
1. Stairway to heaven
Hi Pete and Simon and Steven great fun with all of you as always,as Simon this a band that I have tried for a long time to like but I still not working for me
Another fun show, go to respect to Simon for his opinion, even though I don't agree. Remember running home with this album when it first came out and listening to it the first time and being amazed. Have I heard everything way too many times, of course, but it is still that good as long as I only listen to it a couple times a year.
It's great to have art that resonates through your entire life Don.
1. When The Levee Breaks
2. Four Sticks
3. Black Dog
4. Battle of Evermore
5. Misty Mountain Hop
6. Stairway To Heaven (I know it should be a notch or so higher, but I've just been annihilated at this point. Definitely the "second half" of it, that's what I still care about)
7. Rock and Roll
8. Going to California
When it comes to Led Zeppelin, PHYSICAL GRAFFITI and III are my top 2, but "Zoso" here would probably come in at 3 or.....IV.
Pete said it best that Led Zeppelin is one of the greatest deep track bands of all time. I mean, most of my absolute favorite tracks from this band are "not" major hits (eg,....
Out On The Tiles
Ten Years Gone
Royal Orleans
Black Country Woman
Four Sticks
That's The Way
How Many More Times
The Wanton Song
WIAWSNB
Friends
Your Time Is Gonna Come
Battle of Evermore
The Crunge
Carouselambra
Hey Hey What Can I Do
Sick Again
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Custard Pie
The Lemon Song
Celebration Day
Poor Tom
South Bound Suarez
Hots On For Nowhere
Gallows Pole
Achilles Last Stand
Huge set of brilliance right there
The only "big/popular" songs that I do actually love, and continue to love, are mainly...
Trampled Underfoot
Immigrant Song
Black Dog
Ramble On
The Ocean
When The Levee Breaks
Nobody's Fault But Mine
In The Evening
There. That's 8 "big/popular" LZ numbers that I do love (most esp "Trampled Underfoot," "Immigrant Song" & "When The Leaves Breaks" which are all major faves)
But most of my adoration of LZ is in the "deep track" (hate that term) list I posted above.
That's where much of the magic really is for me.
✨
Simon is the uk connection version of george from in the prog seat. lol
Very apt moment at the end when the team appeared to be dazed and confused... 🤔
Permanently!
@@TranquilityFireReid and ever more?
@@geruto17760 Of course!
Well today I’ll join you all with a Black Walnut Dunkel from St.Louis Missouri 6.6ABV. Cheers 🍺. Even though there are songs on here I don’t need to hear again I will rank them according to how I like the songs.
#8- The Battle of Evermore
#7- Four Sticks
#6-Going to California
#5-Black Dog
#4- Misty Mountain Hop
#3-Rock and Roll
#2- Stairway to Heaven
#1- When the Levee Breaks
Well there you have it. Great show as always gentlemen. I agree this album has to be an album that’s definitely been overplayed. I can’t tell you the last time, before listening for this show, I actually grabbed this to listen to.By the way, if you like walnut you will like this beer. You can definitely smell and taste the walnut. Not to bad a beer. Until next week 🍺
This is my third favourite album by Led Zeppelin, behind Physical Graffiti and LZ II. And this is my order of the songs:
1. When The Levee Breaks
2. Black Dog
3. Rock And Roll
4. Misty Mountain Hop
5. The Battle Of Evermore
6. Stairway To Heaven
7. Four Sticks
8. Going To California
Arguably one of the greatest hard rock album ever produced.
When the levee breaks
Black dog
Four sticks
Stairway to heaven
The battle of Evermore
Rock and roll
Misty mountain hop
Going to California
'Hopportunity Knocks' IPA 6.8% from Caldera Brewing Company.
Before the assignment a quick list of four L.Z. songs i've been listening to:
The Wanton Song
Down by the Seaside
That's the Way
Jimmy's version of Ramble On from 'It might get loud'.
8) The Battle of Evermore
7) Going to California
6) Four Sticks
5) Misty Mtn Hop
4) Stairway...
3)Black Dog
2) Rock and Roll
1) When the Levee Breaks
Like the sound of that beer UD!
@@TranquilityFireReid it's a local brewery, about 17 minute travel time door to door. For the next UKC I'm going to try something different and track down a Scottish ale.🤓🍻
@@uncledenny2570 Now that sounds like a plan!
Zep 4 is a masterpiece of 70s music. Top 3.... 1 stairway, 2 battle for evermore, 3 black dog. Love the album 👍
I enjoyed this episode a lot. Misty Mountain Hop, Stairway, Rock and Roll, then I don’t care much for the rest. I’m kinda with Simon when it comes to Zeppelin
Yeah, I'm up for The Battle of Evermore too! (But then, I am a folk-rock fan) Black Dog, Rock and Roll and Stairway to Heaven complete the top 4 that do cement this as one of the all-time greats and the others ain't bad either. There's really nothing to hate other than some of the songs' ubiquity. It never occurred to me before that Matt Lucas was ripping off Led Zep so thanks for that, Simon. I hope someone explains all the UK references to Pete after recording otherwise he'll be going to bed extremely confused every Saturday.
1. When the Levee Breaks
2. Four Sticks
3. Black Dog
4. Stairway to Heaven
5. Rock and Roll
6. Misty Mountain Hop
7. The Battle of Evermore
8. Going to California
Four Sticks has always grabbed me more than a lot of the album and I don't understand why some people call it a filler track
Do any of Robert Plant's shirts have buttons on them????
I missed out on the early Chicago stuff sadly.
Simon is in Forta Ventura Canary Islands when this show goes out.
I'm going with Brooklyn Brewing Black Chocolate Stout.
1) When the Levee Breaks
2) Going to California
3) Rock n' Roll
4) Battle of Evermore
5) Stairway
6) Misty Mt Hop
7) Black Dog
8) Four Sticks
This is my 2nd fav album after Sgt. Peppers. Rock n Roll has really grown on me in the last few years or so. Born in '74 so only ever overheard Black Dog. I was listening to 80's rock and metal most of the time. Didn't like RnR back then so barely listened to it.
Guys, I'm glad and surprised you're doing this album!! Simon, I know you're not a fan so, good on you taking one for the team😂😂 Before we start, I'll share some personal trivia associated w/it: My parents were married the week after this album was released and I was born almost exactly a year after, minus two days. I suppose I was destined to love it?!
My Favorite Led Zeppelin IV Songs, Top to Bottom:
1. When the Levee Breaks: Hands down, my favorite Led Zeppelin song! I've also heard Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy's version. Speaking from a writer's POV, this version is nothing short of brilliant. It's different enough for Led Zeppelin to call it their own and also maintains the spirit of the original. It's over seven minutes long but, for me, it feels more like three. I also think Bonham's drumming is OMG amazing, Jimmy's guitar playing its usual awesome, John Paul Jones is solid as always and Robert's vocal performance is perfect. The lyrics are also as hypnotic as the music. When I play this CD, I always listen to this song first.
2. Four Sticks: It has an amazing groove. It's a simple song but not a bad one. I've seen Page-Plant perform it w/The Egyptian Orchestra on RUclips and it's even better. I suggest to those who might like the Led Zeppelin IV version, listen to the orchestra version. You might change your mind.
3. Rock and Roll: John Bonham's drumming is absolutely ferocious. I agree that it's been played to death on the radio, and I still remember the Cadilliac commercials from the late 90s or early 00s. But it's still an amazing, straight-forward, hard-rocking song no matter how many times it's played.
4. Black Dog - It's a classic, catchy tune but, not one of my favorites. It's also one of the few Led Zeppelin songs I get tired of hearing. However, I still think it's a pretty damn good song.
5. Stairway to Heaven: It's more like three songs in one. I like the majestic folk beginning and middle. The last third is kind of busy and almost ruins the mood for me. However, it's not a dealbreaker.
6. Battle of Evermore: It's a well-constructed song but I not a huge fan of folk music. However, I'll take this over most of Led Zeppelin III. I heard the band brought in Sandy Denny because Robert tried to sing all the parts and it didn't work. I think they made the right decision.
7. Going to California: I used to hate this song. I also skip it and go to When the Levee Breaks. I'm still not a fan of folk music, but it has a soothing quality that I've grown to like.
8. Misty Mountain Hop: I don't hate any song on this album, but this is my least favorite by far. The instrumentation is good but, I grow tired of it rather quickly. It's not their longest song but, for me, it drones on a little too long.
P.S. I'm surprised, Simon you like other Zeppelin albums. I'm not a fan of III. However, ITTOD is my 3rd favorite behind Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti. You should give it another listen, especially Disc One. I've never heard The HoneyDrippers album but I'm familiar their Sea of Love cover. And I'm also a fan of the Coverdale-Page album. It was one of my birthday gifts. I haven't heard everything outside Zeppelin but, I like most of Robert Plant's solo albums from the 80s and 90s, the two Page-Plant albums and Coverdale-Page. I know very little about The Firm and I haven't heard either of their albums. And I've heard nothing from John Paul Jones except his charity version of When the Levee Breaks. So, I suppose I still have some more listening to do?!
.
Saw Led Zeppelin at The Empire Pool Wembley in 1971 just after LZ IV came out and it was wonderful and I have been a fan of this album and LZ since. Wonderful album.
What ever you do next I'll be watching, top show from SOT.
"In Through the Out Door" is my least played album. Led-Zeppelin 4 is my second least played. Too many so-called "Classic Rock" hits on it, but you guys picked it. So here we go...
- Worst to Best -
8. Stairway to Heaven.
6. Rock and Roll.
5. Going to California.
4. Misty Mountain Hop.
3. Four Sticks.
2. When the Levee Breaks.
1. The Battle of Evermore.
Being that Led Zeppelin is my favorite band and Led Zep 4 being my favorite album from them I could be biased...I listened to it AGAIN JUST NOW before posting this list and this is in my opinion how you rank Zeppelin 4(I love ALL the tracks on this album by the way):
8. Four Sticks
7. Misty Mountain Hop
6. Rock and Roll
5. Going to California
4. When the Levee Breaks
3. Black Dog
2. Battle of Evermore
1. Stairway to Heaven
Sandy Denny had a beautiful voice.
Im fully expecting Pete to recommend a nice domestic coconut flavored beer on next weeks episode
Fun fact, the Rock'n' Roll intro was lifted from a Little Richard tune, the name of which escapes me unfortunately.
You Keep a Knockin'
love this album , but i'm a diehard zeppelin fan
although zeppelin 2 is my all time fave and then physical graffiti
I know you guys was going through the charts from that year but why did me and my wife think of Gazza when Simon said "Fog on the tyne"
I think it's hard to be completely objective about Led Zep IV because of the enormous over-exposure of some of the songs. And also - for many of us - the fact that we wore out the vinyl in our teens.
I do think it showcases for the first time just how important each band member's contribution was. Battle of Evermore would have been a Tolkienesque strum-along without JPJ's memorable mandolin lines (ok, and bringing in England's finest female singer... imo. Listen to something like Tam Lin from Fairport's Liege and Lief, and you can see why Sandy would bring something special to BoE).
Likewise, JPJ's keyboard playing on Misty Mountain Hop is so on-point. Honestly, I think his contribution so often elevates Zep's songs from good to great. Think of that bass line in Ramble On (ok, different album). He's the band's Swiss army knife.
My personal favourite from IV is When the Levee Breaks. I haven't tired of it in 45 years of listening. The slide guitar, the harmonica. The sheer power and epic scale of it. Then there's the drums. Sorry, did I say 'drums'? I meant Thor's hammer smashing mountains to rubble in Jottunheim.
If I was to pick a least favourite it would be Rock N Roll. Not because of over-exposure/over-listening. I just think it's the least-interesting song on the album. Ok, apart from the drum intro maybe.
I'm nit-picking though. I really don't think there's a duff song on IV.
Band I always have enjoyed on the radio or when someone plays their records however a band I never reach for. I always wonder why??
Weird. Showered up and threw on shirt from album today. Inspired to listen to “Mothership”. First real listen to Zep at 12, before back catalogue. Wore this tape OUT!
Talking of Scottish beers. I really got a taste for McEwan’s 80 shilling ale. 😋
And there's nothing wrong with that Alex!
@@TranquilityFireReid bottles and cans aside, where's good to get a pint and preferably some rock music in Perth? Heading up your way for a "Christmas" shindig next weekend 😊
Great show btw 😊
@@mikebruce3933 Sorry Mike, I'm not a pub guy at all, so can't really help you out that way these days. And as far as rock music goes, as far as I'm aware there isn't anywhere in Perth that'll give you that kind of night. The Twa Tams sometimes has music, but there's no guarantee, while Backstage At The Green in Kinross has Lindisfarne playing on both days next weekend.
I usually leave Perth for rock music, not visit it! Sorry!!!! lol!
wow only on the beer part 6% session beer. Jesus . It used to be about 3.4% in my youth . I was always partial to ones above that admittedely.
My list:
Stairway to Heaven
Rock and Roll
Four Sticks
Black Dog
Misty Montain Hop
When the levee breaks
Battle of Evermore
Going to CA
As a die hard Zep fan this was hilarious and hats off to Simon for being sooo funny in his dislike of this album. 😂😂😂🤘🏻🎸👍
8. Black Dog (4 Star)
7. Misty Mountain Hop (4.5 Star)
6. Going To California (4.5 Star)
5. Rock'n'Roll (4.5 Star)
4. Four Sticks (5 Star)
3. Battle Of Evermore (5 Star)
2. Stairway To Heaven (5 Star)
1. When The Levee Breaks (5 Star)
I agree with the opinions on Stairway and Rock And Roll being over played, and for the whole album is a bit over played.
I have to be in a certain mood to play this album. but being a drummer, playing Rock and Roll in a bar band LOUD! is just FUN!!!
My favorite LZ albums are Houses Of The Holy at #1 In Through The Out Door #2 and III at #3, and this album is Great when I'm in the mood for it...
With That said...
8. Four Sticks
7. Going To California
6. When The Levee Breaks
5. Battle Of Evermore
4. Stairway To Heaven
3. Rock And Roll
2. Misty Mountain Hop
1. Black Dog
Alright guys, it’s clear now. You HAVE to do Carole King - Tapestry next. Brilliant and definitely a classic.
8. Going to California
7. Four Sticks
6. Rock and Roll
5. Stairway to Heaven
4. Misty Mountain Hop
3. Black Dog
2. Battle of Evermore
1. When The Levee Breaks
1. When the Levee Breaks
2. Stairway to Heaven
3. Black Dog
4. Rock and Roll
5. Four Sticks
6. Going to California
7. The Battle of Evermore
8. Misty Mountain Hop
Simon is a Philistine. He would be outside the walls of Rome cheering on the Barbarians.
My favorite song from this lot is Black Dog. First time I heard this, I was blown away as the previous album was a let down for me. If has since become one of my favorites. Steven , are you familiar with Iona with Dave Bainbridge. Some good music that is not widely known.
I like most Zep, but I'm not crazy about it. As Pete well knows, I'm a prog fan, and nothing can top Kansas for me. I saw them in the 70s at least once per year. What a great live band. But when Kerry Livgren left, they not only lost a great musician, but a fabulous songwriter! So I also love his solo stuff, AD, and Proto-Kaw.
What can really be said about this album? Not much, as it is so well known and I think Pete and Steven's assessment was very fair and accurate. However, the real genius of this episode is Simon showing his form for selection as part of the GB team for the world curmudgeon and malcontent championships, wonderfully entertaining. When you add the UK cultural references from the 70's it really is the icing on the cake. With the Festive season approaching surely there must be a show in rock festive records, although finding positives in that dubious catalogue might be a challenge.
We did a festive show last year. Some of my Grinchy qualities didn't go down well! I don't get on with Christmas/ Christmas songs as a rule.
The Greatest band ever
staggering the quality of the albums in the charts 71-73.
Simon Bray-who's the dude in the picture behind you?
It's David Soul. He's always with us on the ranking shows just waiting for his day in the sun.
We have Bounty bars in Canada!
Big War Movie Themes...633 Squadron ! Good enough for Cozy Fin' Powell...
Absolutely!
Where Eagles Dare theme may even beat the Iron maiden song of the same name
1. Rock and Roll
2. Black Dog
3. When the Levee Breaks
4. Stairway to Heaven
5. Misty Mountain Hop
6. The Battle of Evermore
7. Four Sticks
8. Going to California
I'm with Simon on this one. Not a huge Zeppelin fan, and I agree that "When the Levee Breaks" is by far the best track on this.