'Ramble On' perfectly encapsulates the nature of Led Zeppelin. Each part, especially the bass, is stellar; but they are perfectly arranged and orchestrated so that the whole is greater than the sum of those parts, resulting in a masterpiece.
As revolutionary as their debut album was, their second album was even better. Although their fourth album and Physical Graffiti get most of the attention a half century later, I enjoy this one more than any other Led Zeppelin LP.
I went down a whole rabbit hole on the tapping “drums” at the beginning of Ramble On. They really set the table for that song. Turns out Bonzo was tapping on some luggage or something, with his hands.
And to think, they never played Ramble On live! The day I bought this album at a yard sale at age 13, my life changed forever. John Bonham ignites the beat, and I know he is jammin with Jimi in heaven.
The first time I heard this (a couple weeks after it came out) I was so disturbed by it I almost gave the record away. Two weeks later I couldn't stop listening to it and it is still my favorite Zep album.
The greatest hook, unrelentingly, driving my ass and shoving me against the wall. Sweet brutality. Greatest guitarist , drum work, and vocalist of the 20th century. Tightest band since Benny Goodman.
Years ago I was trying to set my stereo equalizer to the levels on Led Zepellin II and was not getting the results I wanted, which at first didn't make sense to me because the Kramer-Page mix is so perfect, and you can hear everything all the time at once. I realized that it's just too perfect in relation to other rock music. On Zep 2 you can just crank everything and you want it all up, even the middle sides. You want to hear everything the bass is doing, and the whole drum kit. You just can't do that on other Records. Led Zeppelin II is one of a kind, cudos to Eddie Kramer and Jimmy Page.
Absolutely! That album is in my Desert Island LP box, miraculously washing up on the beach after the shipwreck. Along with a neat little solar-powered generator and some waterproof 1000w Marshall stacks.
Great song! I must admit I also quite often listen to Beth Hart's version but then I also realize I like that version as its essentially a one-to-one cover, just vocals being better produced due to modern mastering capabilites 😉
'Ramble On' perfectly encapsulates the nature of Led Zeppelin. Each part, especially the bass, is stellar; but they are perfectly arranged and orchestrated so that the whole is greater than the sum of those parts, resulting in a masterpiece.
As revolutionary as their debut album was, their second album was even better. Although their fourth album and Physical Graffiti get most of the attention a half century later, I enjoy this one more than any other Led Zeppelin LP.
Well said
I went down a whole rabbit hole on the tapping “drums” at the beginning of Ramble On. They really set the table for that song. Turns out Bonzo was tapping on some luggage or something, with his hands.
And to think, they never played Ramble On live! The day I bought this album at a yard sale at age 13, my life changed forever. John Bonham ignites the beat, and I know he is jammin with Jimi in heaven.
They never performed 'Ramble On' live with John...
...but they did with Jason.
https://youtu.be/EYeG3QrvkEE?si=6BGEa1juBclVdrB4
I remember when it first came out, hearing it and being blown away. Led Zeppelin's music was and always will be a benchmark of art and creativity.
Part of the cosmic reset:
BZ = Before Zep
AZ = After Zep
So nice that people still love their music 🎸🎶🤩
Actually my least favorite Zeppelin album, derivative and pedantic, whereas IIi was a masterclass in self-discovery...
Interesting.
III is my favorite of their catalog, followed by Physical Graffiti
Not a note wasted on this record....
true!
Led Zeppelin are ROCK GODS!!! 🙌😜🎸
Fantastic album, though I might argue for the superiority of III. Nevertheless, it's ready to be played on the drive home! Thanks!
One of my top 20 albums ever!!!
The first time I heard this (a couple weeks after it came out) I was so disturbed by it I almost gave the record away. Two weeks later I couldn't stop listening to it and it is still my favorite Zep album.
The greatest hook, unrelentingly, driving my ass and shoving me against the wall. Sweet brutality. Greatest guitarist , drum work, and vocalist of the 20th century. Tightest band since Benny Goodman.
II will always have a special place in my heart. Used to put it on a Walkman and try to keep up on the drums when I was in high school.
Years ago I was trying to set my stereo equalizer to the levels on Led Zepellin II and was not getting the results I wanted, which at first didn't make sense to me because the Kramer-Page mix is so perfect, and you can hear everything all the time at once. I realized that it's just too perfect in relation to other rock music. On Zep 2 you can just crank everything and you want it all up, even the middle sides. You want to hear everything the bass is doing, and the whole drum kit. You just can't do that on other Records. Led Zeppelin II is one of a kind, cudos to Eddie Kramer and Jimmy Page.
Absolutely! That album is in my Desert Island LP box, miraculously washing up on the beach after the shipwreck. Along with a neat little solar-powered generator and some waterproof 1000w Marshall stacks.
If I’m picking, II is my favorite Zeppelin.
Though I think you can hardly go wrong with any of the first 6, TBH.
Great song! I must admit I also quite often listen to Beth Hart's version but then I also realize I like that version as its essentially a one-to-one cover, just vocals being better produced due to modern mastering capabilites 😉