Classic Rock Album of the Day- Led Zeppelin - Houses of the Holy- (1973) ****
Now, introducing the end of one of the best runs of great albums in Rock History. Don't get me wrong H/H is a fabulous LP, but no doubt the bar was high. This is the band's first effort that wasn't near or at perfection. By 1973, LZ was the biggest band in the world, they knew it. In some ways took that hype and believed they could take an experimental path that would make the critics, fans, and record company happy. Of course it sold greatly, but there was an undercurrent, including me that always thought why would you piss on what got you there.
Stylistically H/H is kind of a hodgepodged mix of III and IV, but with none of the songwriting and playing prowess that made people wear out their LP's and 8-Tracks. I am guessing Page and Plant were thinking that they needed to flex their versatility muscles, but that success wouldn't come until the next album - Physical Graffiti. I also think, and I am speculatively thinking that the band was also strongly focusing on their Live Film and Album, which was about at the same time. Maybe that lack of focus impacted songwriting.
I know I might be in the minority of critics, as when you review the compilation, I think the consensus loved this. But with all music, it is all subjective. It is not near as audaciously adventurous as anything else they made previously, and in at least my opinion is the second worst studio album they made behind "Presence". (BTW....I don't count Coda as a valid album.) But..... again.....the 7th best of 8 albums by this legendary group is still better than anything made by 98% of the rest of Rock.
Fun Fact: Zeppelin in their careers sold 300M units.
Side 1-
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The Song Remains the Same- Later the Title track and Title of their epic Movie. Good standard Zep riffs, and overall band effort. Hate to be repetitive, but this effort does not do the band justice, in the grand scheme of the band's standing. Yeah, it's a rocking ballad, that has neat shifts in meter and style. Many loved it. Me not so much- 5
The Rain Song- I didn't pay $5.99 at the time to hear sappy balladry from my favorite band at the time. I sure LZ wanted to broaden their appeal, but with strings, and other diluting slush to this number....... Me? Nope, and by the second song, I was almost in WTF mode. Slightly more rocking side of the end, but not enough to be redemptive. 6
Over the Hills and Far Away- Whew.... Finally a really good one. Nicely done 12 string acoustic start blends nicely into a well hooked LZ tune that I expected to enjoy. Love the off synced melodic lines. Though subdued, this has some bad ass Bonham drumming. This structurally has to be a very hard tune to drum to. And why Bonham is often mentioned among the GOAT-S. 2
The Crunge- ??? Funky endeavor, that sucked. Yeah, the bass lines are interesting, but Rick James, they aren't The Bridge? They should have jumped off. 8
Side 2-
--------
Dancin' Days- Decent foray into another experimental style with somewhat of a better result. Wonder if many others noticed that Page seemed to do more repetitive riffing on this album than the first 4 combined. Song is saved by some nice slide guitar which works nicely with the intent of the song. 4
Dyer Maker- Ugh. This was the hit, and man was it bad. The worst 3 songs on this album, are probably the worst 3 of any album they made. And not even close. 7
No Quarter- Loved this one. Dark, foreboding. Where in most cases, I didn't like the experimentation, this one hit the mark. This one has the closest feel to what you will see and hear in Physical Graffiti. Live favorite, as it worked so fine and so many levels on an improv basis. I don't think Page ever played this song the same ever live- 3
The Ocean- I know I am definitely in the minority, but this is my favorite on H/H. Air Drummers rejoice, Bonham kills it. To me this has some the most innovative melodic interplay on the album, and just a perfect mix of hook, and pizazz. 1
Now, introducing the end of one of the best runs of great albums in Rock History. Don't get me wrong H/H is a fabulous LP, but no doubt the bar was high. This is the band's first effort that wasn't near or at perfection. By 1973, LZ was the biggest band in the world, they knew it. In some ways took that hype and believed they could take an experimental path that would make the critics, fans, and record company happy. Of course it sold greatly, but there was an undercurrent, including me that always thought why would you piss on what got you there.
Stylistically H/H is kind of a hodgepodged mix of III and IV, but with none of the songwriting and playing prowess that made people wear out their LP's and 8-Tracks. I am guessing Page and Plant were thinking that they needed to flex their versatility muscles, but that success wouldn't come until the next album - Physical Graffiti. I also think, and I am speculatively thinking that the band was also strongly focusing on their Live Film and Album, which was about at the same time. Maybe that lack of focus impacted songwriting.
I know I might be in the minority of critics, as when you review the compilation, I think the consensus loved this. But with all music, it is all subjective. It is not near as audaciously adventurous as anything else they made previously, and in at least my opinion is the second worst studio album they made behind "Presence". (BTW....I don't count Coda as a valid album.) But..... again.....the 7th best of 8 albums by this legendary group is still better than anything made by 98% of the rest of Rock.
Fun Fact: Zeppelin in their careers sold 300M units.
Side 1-
-------------
The Song Remains the Same- Later the Title track and Title of their epic Movie. Good standard Zep riffs, and overall band effort. Hate to be repetitive, but this effort does not do the band justice, in the grand scheme of the band's standing. Yeah, it's a rocking ballad, that has neat shifts in meter and style. Many loved it. Me not so much- 5
The Rain Song- I didn't pay $5.99 at the time to hear sappy balladry from my favorite band at the time. I sure LZ wanted to broaden their appeal, but with strings, and other diluting slush to this number....... Me? Nope, and by the second song, I was almost in WTF mode. Slightly more rocking side of the end, but not enough to be redemptive. 6
Over the Hills and Far Away- Whew.... Finally a really good one. Nicely done 12 string acoustic start blends nicely into a well hooked LZ tune that I expected to enjoy. Love the off synced melodic lines. Though subdued, this has some bad ass Bonham drumming. This structurally has to be a very hard tune to drum to. And why Bonham is often mentioned among the GOAT-S. 2
The Crunge- ??? Funky endeavor, that sucked. Yeah, the bass lines are interesting, but Rick James, they aren't The Bridge? They should have jumped off. 8
Side 2-
--------
Dancin' Days- Decent foray into another experimental style with somewhat of a better result. Wonder if many others noticed that Page seemed to do more repetitive riffing on this album than the first 4 combined. Song is saved by some nice slide guitar which works nicely with the intent of the song. 4
Dyer Maker- Ugh. This was the hit, and man was it bad. The worst 3 songs on this album, are probably the worst 3 of any album they made. And not even close. 7
No Quarter- Loved this one. Dark, foreboding. Where in most cases, I didn't like the experimentation, this one hit the mark. This one has the closest feel to what you will see and hear in Physical Graffiti. Live favorite, as it worked so fine and so many levels on an improv basis. I don't think Page ever played this song the same ever live- 3
The Ocean- I know I am definitely in the minority, but this is my favorite on H/H. Air Drummers rejoice, Bonham kills it. To me this has some the most innovative melodic interplay on the album, and just a perfect mix of hook, and pizazz. 1
