In honor of the 50th anniversary of Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti album, the band’s label (Swan Song Records) released their latest Live EP earlier this month.
Known as a legendary staple in psychedelic rock, Led Zeppelin set the foundation for bands who’ve made significant impacts in the industry, including The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Led Zeppelin have become a household name in bringing fans into the realm of rock n’ roll.
Formed in 1968, members Robert Plant (vocalist), John Paul Jones (bassist/keyboardist), Jimmy Page (guitarist), and John Bonham (drummer) were previously known as The Yardbirds. First playing local gigs in London tying in inspiration from folk and blues, Led Zeppelin was discovered by Atlantic Records, leading to their debut album, Led Zeppelin, released in 1969. Quickly achieving worldwide success, Led Zeppelin set sail over the past five decades, bringing immense joy and talent to the industry and earning plenty of praise.
“In My Time of Dying – Live from Earl’s Court, 1975” is the first of four tracks on the LIVE EP. The song opens up with a steady electric guitar riff. Alongside this strong introduction, the infamous Robert Plant immediately grabs the attention of listeners in his first verse: “In my time of dying, want nobody to mourn / All I want for you to do is take my body home / Well, well, well, so I can die easy / Well, well, well, so I can die easy / Jesus got to make out, should know / Jesus gonna make up, Jesus gonna make my dying bed.” This immediately showcases how the vocalist would like to be remembered. As the song progresses, Plant is heard passionately singing about his wishes for when he passes on.
Led Zeppelin’s “In My Time of Dying” is actually a cover; originally recorded by evangelist and world-renowned singer Blind Willie Johnson in 1927. Towards the end of the song, Robert Plant can be heard calling to Jesus repetitively, wanting to return to his resting place: “It’s got to be my Jesus, oh, take me home / Come on, come on, I can hear the angels singing / Oh, here they come, here they come, here they come / Bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye, bye-bye / Oh, it feels pretty good up here, pretty good up here.” “In My Time of Dying” is a cathartic tune, making others feel less alone in having morbid thoughts.
“Sick Again – Live From Knebworth, 1979” is the third track of the record. The shortest song on the EP, “Sick Again” is written from the singer’s perspective of his experience with a groupie. Although the topic within itself is controversial, listeners are instantly drawn into this storyline filled with daring and rebellious lyrics. For instance, the chorus states “Oh, how you like my face? Still don’t know your name / You know I’m the one you want, babe, ooh, yes / I must be the one you need, need, need, need, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah / Oh, you’ve got to tell me.” The chorus has multiple meanings, implying a power imbalance and privilege. Despite this song being only for entertainment purposes, it is important for fans to acknowledge how that dynamic can have its faults.
“Kashmir – Live From Knebworth, 1979” is the final track of the Live EP. One of Led Zeppelin’s most notable songs, “Kashmir” is about a location in Morocco. This nine-minute outro is brass-heavy and sprinkled with psychedelic charm: “Oh, let the sun beat down upon my face / With stars to fill my dreams / I am a traveller of both time and space / To be where I have been / Sit with elders of a gentle race / This world has seldom seen / Talk of days for which they sit and wait / All will be revealed.” From the first verse alone, listeners can place themselves in the shoes of their favorite band; driving around the streets of Kashmir in summer. Robert Plant brings nostalgia to the stage and vocals, making fans feel like they were experiencing the same trip as he was.
All in all, Led Zeppelin’s Live EP pays great homage to the legendary album Physical Graffiti — a solid record in embracing the beautiful, morbid, and complicated parts of life.
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