2005 Japanese standard jewel case pressing of Led Zeppelin's 1971 album. Features the same tracks and mastering as the US edition but includes an OBI and Japanese/English insert. Warner. 2005.
Also known as the "rune" album or Zoso because of the medieval symbols adorning the inner sleeve, Led Zeppelin's fourth album, released in 1971, turned them from mere superstars into giant behemoths of the rock world. On tracks like "Black Dog," "Misty Mountain Hop," and "Rock and Roll," the combination of Robert Plant's banshee wails and Jimmy Page's frenetic guitar playing forever altered the stylistic bent of hard rock music. And the foreboding "When the Levee Breaks" demonstrated that Zeppelin could indeed play the blues fairly straight if they so desired. Still, everything here ultimately took a back seat to the album's (and, ultimately, the band's) magnum opus--the expertly constructed and deftly executed classic, "Stairway to Heaven." --Billy Altman
Jimmy Page was a top London studio guitarist before he got rich and famous as the musical leader of Led Zeppelin. The group's fourth--and arguably their finest--album is as much a tribute to his technique as a monument to his versatility. Page produced the album, co-wrote all eight songs, and played mandolin as well as all the guitars. Musically, this 1971 disc ranges from acoustic English folke ("Goin' to California" and "The Battle of Evermore," the latter featuring the late Fairport Convention frontwoman Sandy Denny) to bone-crushing, bluesy riff-slinging. On the album's centerpiece, "Stairway to Heaven," these light and dark strains are dramatically intertwined. The chiming "Four Sticks" aside, it's the Little Richard-inspired "Rock and Roll" and the tricky time changes--a Zeppelin trademark--of the fast-and-furious "Black Dog" that elevate this album into more than just a bustle in aspiring guitarists' hedgerows. --Don Waller

Customer Rating:
Summary: When will the popularity of such mediocre artists end?
Comment: Why is it all of a sudden a big trend to listen to classic rock bands? When you can be listening to good modern music.

Led Zeppelin (minus the booze, drugs, and satanism) are merely a group of average rockers. None of these tracks actually stand out, and this cd has not passed the test of time.

For truly inspiring music just listen to Korn, Slipknot, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, or any emo/hardcore or nu metal band out there... MTV is the place for good music.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC Classic Rock!
Comment: A MUST for any Led Zeppelin fan! Every song is a winner, and you still here echos of this album influencing new artists today! Also a great "travel" CD to take on a road trip.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Led Zeppelin is the best band
Comment: Led Zeppelin is a very famous band. In fact its my favorite band. They play every concert in every place. The sound of Black Dog and Rock and Roll were really famous sounds. Four Sticks got its name because the drummer was playing with four sticks. Stairway to Heaven is the most famous song. It starts out with guitar and then it has drums and then it has a different beat. Its really cool. You should buy more of this and less of other Led Zeppelin cds. Going to California is great. Misty Mountain Hop I have lyrics of. In fact, I wish everyone bought Led Zeppelin IV. I have nothing more to say.

Jack - 6 years old

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Customer Rating:
Summary: one of the best Zepplin recordings!
Comment: purchased this in vinyl format when at first release. Saw the show at Madision Sq Garden both nights, "Song Remains the Same". If you love Led Zepplin then the remastered version is one for your collection. I'm glad Jimmy Page gave his blessing on the remix. Well done all around.....

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Customer Rating:
Summary: The kids just don't get it
Comment: It's amazing to me how the kids react to the music which is the foundation of their own. The younger generations just don't get it. If you place this music in the context and period which is was created then you may understand the greatness of this record. It still shines today as being innovative and provocative. These guys invented heavy metal. Their would be no mosh pits hadn't it been for Led Zeppelin. Youngsters, keep listening so that your ears may evolve beyond the barrage of marketing tactics of today which have you all in the pockets of capitalists.

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