HOUSES OF THE HOLY

I see the reviews of this magnificent album and I feel I need to bring my personal understanding about it. I am not sure why it is rated so low, as it is the most progressive album by this group, by far. The music contained in it is full of inventivity and non conventional elements. One never knows what to expect at any moment of each song. Rythm changing are becoming common, the same as key notes transitions. I remember when I listened to it first time, in 1980, as I lived behind the Iron Curtain at the time (things were coming to us with a delay), I was completely mesmerized. It actually took the first place among Led Zep albums, overpassing even Led Zeppelin IV and Presence, my favorites until then. And it still is the best album, in my opinion, among some excellent albums this amazing group gave to the world. I will not go piece by piece to analyze it, but I feel every single track is where it should be. And also, together they all make a beautiful surprising and valuable whole. Every time I listen to it is like I listen to it for the first time. For the seasoned prog rock people on this site, please listen to it again in complete silence without other distractions and see what I am talking about. Do not try to understand it, or explain this and that, Just try to absorb it and allow the magical music to fill your soul. For the new to prog rock, or rock in general, please listen to it with an open mind and very open ears. Avoind other activities while you take the journey inside this amazing piece of music. I know it all boils down to personal preference, especially when it is about art, as there is no numeric measurement for value. But in my opinion this album is one of the best rock music, including prog rock, ever produced. Five stars with a full heart.