Houses Of The Holy by Led Zeppelin
More from Led Zeppelin
(1969) Led Zeppelin
(1969) Led Zeppelin II
(1970) Led Zeppelin III
(1971) Led Zeppelin IV
(1973) Houses Of The Holy
(1975) Physical Graffiti
(1976) Presence
(1976) The Song Remains The Same
(1979) In Through The Out Door
(1980) Coda
(2003) How The West Was Won
Houses Of The Holy
by Led Zeppelin (1973)
Written by milindaledzep (2)
(Produced by Jimmy Page and released on the Atlantic label in 1973. Executive producer Peter Grant and original sleeve artwork by Hypnosis.)
This album has a kind of pagan/Celtic feel throughout, from the original artwork through to the tunes, especially "No Quarter", the seventh track. (The number seven in numerology is a mystical number representing other forces at work.)
Although the album has a carefree element, it is also for the thinker, as can be seen by a quote from guitarist Jimmy Page:
"It's not very easy one-time listening, and that's good. You've got to sit down and listen, think about a few things."
A little humour was introduced by Jimmy, putting forward the trials and tribulations circling around the graphic production of the album artwork:
"They just couldn't seem to get it [the sleeve] right at the printers. The colours were so different from what we had anticipated. The basic thing is a photograph in a collage, and then some hand painting... We had to compromise because the sky started to look like an ad for Max Factor lipstick, and the children looked as if they'd been turned purple from the cold." — Jimmy Page
And here is sounds as if Robert Plant had mystical license. He says:
"I'm proud of the lyrics... somebody pushed my pen for me I think. There are lots of catalysts which really bring out these sorts of things... Working with the group on the road, living where I live, having the friends I've got, my children, my animals."
I would say that this album is essentially a folk type album with a mystical dark edge with a bit of a gothic twist in places!
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Led Zeppelin — Houses Of The Holy: Track-by-track review
1. "The Song Remains The Same"
This first track starts on a very upbeat and uplifting note. Instrumental staccato drums, guitar and keyboard blend together harmoniously, all flowing along beautifully, with even a little Kentucky style guitar here and there.
Vocals enter smoothly in the forefront with the instruments blending into the background. It then starts to pick up momentum to a classic short twangy-jingle guitar solo.
This track is essentially soft rock with a sprinkle of "middle of the road" thrown in for good measure. Vocals are set at the very top range for Robert to conquer and he does so effortlessly.
The track then breaks into a ballad-style acoustic guitar and vocals with the occasional appearance of electric guitar. A beautiful keyboard solo puts the icing on the cake of this varied and original album opener.
It's almost 'love in motion' expressed musically, vocally, instrumentally and lyrically. If you miss the point of this, you miss the sheer essence of tranquillity itself.
2. "The Rain Song"
Plucked mandolin style guitar starts off this gentle tune bringing to mind late summer/autumn. This vision of instrumental keyboards and guitar just coasts along, taking you to a land of romantic utopia.
Robert Plant is perhaps in love as he gently rocks the listener's ear by saying "Speak to me only with your eyes". The piece then bursts into fireworks of melody, vocals, keyboards and dreamy guitar lines to enhance the senses when Robert says "just a little rain must fall".
Take a positive tune on top of a realistic vocal and we reach the last few acoustic bars to close the piece. A real knights of the round table track, chivalry in motion; Robert is indeed Merlin's cousin here and king Arthur's friend — hail a great track!
3. "Over The Hills And Far Away"
You got the love I need
Darling, darling, oh so much!
Robert Plant declares his deepest lyrical emotions for another and it is acoustic bliss on the guitar! Along come the drums, trotting along merrily, and you find yourself already swaying to the uplifting tempo of this ditty.
This tune in part should really belong to track two ("The Rain Song") as they blend together, following on from each other exquisitely.
Robert jests, "I live for my dreams and a pocket full of gold". The jolly nomad living off the land, but keeping those golden nuggets at the ready as he whistles along (well, in the head of the listener anyway).
Jimmy Page's acoustic skips and turns through this track, drums bringing up the rear to a finale that fades out peacefully, absolute bliss!
4. "The Crunge"
You could almost believe this to be a funky — George Benson — number, judging by the guitar and keyboard style, but the vocals soon bring you to the realisation that this is how Led Zeppelin do funk.
Robert talks about his 'good thing', he declares 'no names'; if he tells you, you won't come again. This is sung to the background of a chic disco beat, leaving the listener no clue as to the identity of this mystery person. Just who could he be referring to?
There is a constant brass section winding in and out of the piece. Trumpets pipe urgently until Robert declares "have you seen the bridge?". A mystery voice (possibly Robert speaking) replies, "Have you seen the bridge? I ain't seen the bridge! Where's that confounded bridge?". The mysterious "good thing" perhaps that Robert refered to earlier? You decide!
All in all I love this one and Zep's experimental dip into jazz-funk is refreshing.
5. "Dancing Days"
Melody, melody, heavenly melody. You will fall in love with this track just as I did.
Robert says almost shyly, "Dancing days are here again, summer evenings glow". Oh my, this is so cute, harkening back to those flower power days, where anything and everything seemed possible. Jimmy's sliding guitar riffs make you believe that all is still possible.
Drums keep up a measured, steady rhythm though Bonzo's having a an easygoing day of it, not his usual intense, no-messing style.
You can just feel the positive rich measures from start to finish. What really does it is the simple yet effective guitar solo. A very good mid-entry to an album, a real winner.
6. "D'yer Mak'er"
A double drum trill starts it off, the jig of the guitar followed still by pleading lyrics of, "Oh, ho ho ho, you don't have to go". Desperate vocals hold the long notes, but this is in a minor key and mid-range for Robert, who is accustomed to reaching those high notes; it's new territory for the listener and for Robert.
Later he enters with his trademark 'mind the windows', Robert Plant's singing again, or they may just shatter. Ha.
Smooth instrumentals takes over, guitar charging along, caressed by a timid catchy drum beat.
Robert is off again, "All the tears I cried" and "Oh I do love you baby, I still love you so". Please, whatever it was, forgive him and put him out of his misery. He really is sorry this time.
Drawing to a close, the catchy jig of the guitar continues, accompanied by trumpet, what a duo! What a tune! This will fulfil all your dreams of musical fantasy and a few more. I dare you to stop humming along if you can.
7. "No Quarter"
Prepare yourself, listener. We are entering into the realms of other worldly stuff, touching the gateways of the occult.
This floaty piece draws you in gently with keyboards. There is an eerie essence about this whole piece as the guitar confidently joins in.
Then it's back to a few bars of keyboards, twinned with vocals as Robert states, "Close the door, put out the light, no they won't be home tonight".
Already the anticipation is growing. The allure of who, where, when and what happened to them. The uncertainty...
Look out for the emotion-drenched keyboard solo in the middle. Sheer perfection. A masterpiece of workmanship which is followed by middle of the road guitar riffs. You wish to be stoned at this point to capture the full effect of this passage.
Robert is back with doom:
Walking side by side with Death
The devil mocks their every step
If you like "Riders On The Storm" by the Doors, you will understand "No Quarter". They walk in the same vein. Equal creamy vocals and silky musicianship. Take a bow, Zep boys!
8. "The Ocean"
The last track on this album has guitar and drums in perfect time. Rhythm rules the day here. The guitar backing steps on the notes to bring you part of that special signature tune Jimmy Page is so famous for, while Bonzo's drums follow suit. Robert arrives with top range vocals here and there.
This is a simple, easy listening tune that engulfs the listener to reach a little deeper, and you will, especially when you witness Page's solo and Robert's harmonies.
There is a little interplay between guitar, drums and bass which, dare I say, reminds me of Status Quo, but don't let that put you off. It works fantastically; the boys pull it off. A track that in parts was tricky to play, but easy to listen to. I give this eight sails out of 10!
I'm always impressed by this album because, not only is it varied and great, but it came after the freakishly monumental achievement of the 4th album. I always think any other band would've phoned it in somewhat after that, but they continued to break new ground, and do it excellently.
absolutly correct,this is a suprise album,to starts of in a gentle manner and by the end of it,you will be needing a stiff whisky,exspecially after hearing — no quarter — yes,its that good!
cheers mr ant ;)
that appears to be led zeppelin all over,they are an art form,standing alone in there method of achieving,mint cd,after mint c.d,i can almost say there were/are genius in there fild,that is why there will only ever be one led zeppelin — they started the ball rolling for many other great bands,eventhough many have tried,no one can really initate them successfully as the zep carry the golden key.
i to am very inpressed by this album yestermorrow,you have excellent taste ;D!
Mik Jun 5, 2008 4:54 PM Quote ↓
An interesting and well put together review. Led Zep are not one of my fave bands but I'll give this CD a listen.
Mik,
This is a good one to start with if you're just sampling LZ. It has all the stuff they were known for in their classic era.
Let us know what you think! I listened to "No Quarter" just last night, because this review inspired me to put it on... it never gets old, it's such a great achievement.
hi yestermorrow,i am blush ;D,thank you so very much,i am so pleased that my review encouraged you to listen to — houses of the holy — and the — and the master track — no quarter — fantastic track that one ;)
hi mik,
thanks for dipping your toe into the waters of the great — led zeppelin ;D
i know there not your fav band,but i admir your open mindedness and honest opinions,thank you,keep listening,you wont regret the zep,they just take a bit of patieance for the begginner,as zep can be heavy going lol ;)
A true nerd should always have an open mind, judge on merits not just taste. That way, you never know where your next surprise is coming from!
janice Jun 11, 2008 5:27 PM Quote ↓
A very thoughtful and well written review. I was there at the O2 on that night of nights and I can't wait to see how this one sounds. Although have to say that find it hard t0 believe that even Led Zep could rival Riders on the Storm?
ant Jun 3, 2008 4:04 PM Quote ↓
Another evocative and excellently written review: thank you!
As your JP quote in the intro says, it's not an easy first listen, but god does it grow in stature with every subsequent playing! That, after all, is what true musicianship (and nerdship) is all about...