PHYSICAL GRAFFITI

Oh yeah, this album is a masterpiece and this is the best album that Led Zeppelin has ever made. This album comprises eight (8) new tracks especially written for this sixth album plus seven (7) takes during the sessions of previous albums (Led Zeppelin III, IV and Houses of The Holy). When this album was released in 1975 at the time I was also listening to Golden Earring "Together" with its powerful song "From Heaven, From Hell", Styx "Man of Miracle". "Magic" by Pilot was Top 10 hits in my country and people like it very much. "Boogie With Stu" was also popular right after the album was released.

Opened with stunning "Custard Pie" (4:13) as album opener featuring unique riffs by Page intervened by Jones' keyboard work, it's enough to expect how great the album would be. This is now becoming classic while by the time it was released I sometimes played the cassette altogether with Styx "Christopher Mr. Christopher". "Custard Pie" is different, of course. It has a strong rock composition with dynamic textures that bring the music into an uplifting mood for the listeners. "The Rover" (5:36) starts off with simple drum work by Bonham followed with floating style rhythm section mainly contribute by Jimmy Page's guitar work.

"In My Time of Dying" (11:04) is a true rocker and it has been one of my favorites' Led Zeppelin's tunes. I have been so longing for this song to be performed live and I could only get it when the Earl's Court DVD was released couple of years ago. Now I know why it's rarely played by the band it's due to Robert Plant's reluctance to sing after his car crash in 1975. The song really represents the energy, powerful riffs and stunning guitar solo plus Robert Plant's crystal velar voice.

"Houses of the Holy" (4:01) was a spilled over from the band's session of fifth album "Houses of The Holy". By the time the band wrote this song, the album was already packed with many songs. This song was dropped even though the title represented the album. Under "Physical Gaffiti" album, this song was then featured and it's clear that this is an excellent song.

"Trampled Under Foot" (5:35) for me is another kind of Led Zeppelin composition with relatively complex arrangements especially on Page's guitar effects and riffs. What so excellent about this song is the melody and how Robert sings it. Another interpretation for me especially referring back to my listening experience with Led Zeppelin "Physical Graffiti" is that this song as a bridge to the next masterpiece : "Kashmir". Oh yes .. I always listen to Physical Graffitti in its entirety. For me, this double LP album is "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" of heavy metal music. The music is varied and each individual song is superb. "Kashmir" closes disc one wonderfully with its eastern orchestral arrangement. Thanks to the experience that Robert had through his travel to Morocco that led to the dazzling eastern rhythm section of Kashmir. Great track!

Well, actually the first time I spun the cassette, I rarely continued to the second part of the LP until accidentally "In The Light" was played in someone's car and it stimulated me to spin the song at home. Oh man .. in fact this might be another prog track (beside "Kashmir") of this album. I really enjoy the long sustain keyboard work by John Paul Jones in "In The Light". This song comprises multi passages with different tempo and style. With "In The Light" as my first entrance to Disc 2, it then started to roll with other tracks and since then I always listened to this album in its entirety. "The Wanton Song", "Night Flight", "Ten Years Gone", "Boogie With Stu", "Down By the Seaside" etc are all excellent tracks!

What can I conclude with the long writings above? Simple: it's a masterpiece album by Led Zeppelin. This is Led Zeppelin's reply to Genesis "the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway"! The only difference is that while Peter Gabriel wrote The Lamb as concept album, Physical Grafitti serves like a collection of old takes and new takes of Led Zeppelin throughout their entire career until the album was recorded. JRENG! Keep on rockin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

DragonForce "Live in Jakarta: May 19, 2007".

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