Led
Zeppelin Presence review
Presence
is less talked about than some of the other classic Led Zeppelin
albums. Primarily, IMO, because it lacks a hit. It starts off with
one of the key tracks from the album, "Achilles Last
Stand." A bold more to begin with a ten minute song, especially
when it doesn't really sport a friendly feel. Though, this song is a
classic with a marching, galloping beat forming the foundation. As
good as the guitar solo is, the tightness of the band and
interaction between Page and the rhythm section tops
that.
"For
Your Life" and "Royal Orleans" are both upbeat
tracks. The latter was the B side single of "Candy Store
Rock," and offers a pretty good off-beat pattern.
On their
last album, Physical Graffiti, they went back to their love
of American rural blues, to come up with "In My Time of
Dying." For Presence, they tackle another Blind Willie
Johnson song, "Nobody's Fault But Mine." This rendition is
nothing like the original, which is perhaps why no credit is given
to the author. The words follow the original, but certainly not the
music. It has more of a rock feel than blues.
"Candy
Store Rock" serves the purpose to build the dynamics of the
second part of the disc. It leads to "Hots On For Nowhere"
that offers elements of 50's rock; note toward the end as Plant is
doing an Elvis Presley imitation, it sounds like they were having
fun with this one. They close with a classic Zeppelin composition,
"Tea For One." This blues based rocker offers elements of Led
Zeppelin III's "Since I've Been Loving," but it rocks
harder. The band have several sections of the track that they build the dynamics
and tension to
explosive peaks. The Jones, Bonham rhythm section is incredible,
with John Paul really hitting some explosive notes, and Page creates
dazzling solos, and fills throughout, as well as a good
conclusion.
Led
Zeppelin Presence includes several classic Led Zeppelin tracks. the
material leans to the hard side and playing it loudly is recommended,
but not required.
by Barry Small ©
Grade A -
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