If Iron Maiden represents AD&D 1st Ed. Then Original D&D is Led Zeppelin.
Led Zeppelin were the pioneers of what would become "Hard Rock" and even "Heavy Metal". Though it would take bands like Black Sabbath to really provide what we think of when we consider 70s and 80s metal.
Led Zeppelin was heavily influenced by jazz, blues and folk music. Plus a rather healthy dose of themes from J.R.R. Tolkien, they have long been associated with the 70s occult scene (backward masking, drugs, lyrics) and by association D&D.
Let's start with what was start for many my age, Led Zeppelin's 4th album from 1971. Sometimes called "4", "Sticks", "Zoso" or "Symbols". I prefer "Zeppelin IV" myself. This song was on the B side and is often overlooked due to the fantastic set on the A side. Pack your bags for the Misty Mountain Hop.
The same album gave us two other greats. Well it gave us a lot of greats, but two in particular.
Honestly I doubt there is a more D&D song than Battle of Evermore. This song features the amazing vocals of Sandy Denny, the "fifth" symbol on this album.
Zeppelin IV also gave us one of Led Zeppelin's most enduring, if not overplayed song. Stairway to Heaven.
This one song fueled more D&D games of mine than I carry to consider.
Going back a bit to 1970's "Led Zeppelin III" another great song is The Immigrant Song. What it lacks in length it makes up for in Saxon fueled energy.
Finally no Led Zeppelin discussion can happen with out a nod to the near Moorcock-like visuals of Kashmir from 1975's Physical Graffiti.
This barely scratches the surface of their catalog.
1 comment:
Led Zep,one of my favorites, really came on the scene big when I was in college. I was familiar with the Yardbirds prior to their appearance so I kind of knew they were coming, but I didn't realize they'd make such a big splash. Soon they were on regular play in the University Center music listening room at the Knoxville campus of University of Tennessee--that's where I sampled a lot of the new music that came out. It wasn't long before all my friends had their albums and we listened to them on heavy rotation. Funny but I never owned any Led Zep myself until I got most of their albums on CD in the 90's. Still listen to them.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
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