

The ominous tone that Jones sets in “No Quarter” makes way for a song that can be heard as a polar opposite. They’re wearing steel that’s bright and true

He presides over the music for the most part with his keyboards and bass, but we can’t forget about the distortion from Page’s guitar and Plant’s altered vocals: When I think of John Paul Jones in general, this is the song that comes to mind. John Paul Jones is all over “No Quarter”. Plant cries out, “You don’t have to go,” but does he mean it? It’s left to the listener to decide. The fun times continue with the reggae-influenced “D’yer Mak’er.” With fantastic drums courtesy of Bonzo, this is a bouncy song if there ever was one. Add that to the “flower power” lyrics, and “Dancing Days” certainly makes for a trippy experience. That mystical-twang Page brings as themusic’s driving force is irresistible. Not only did they cover it on a tribute album, but the band’s own “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” takes the guitar nearly note-for-note in the chorus. Stone Temple Pilots obviously like “Dancing Days”. In addition, Page plays to the disco halls with his guitar, all leading up to one question… “The Crunge” features one of the baddest Jones basslines (Ba-da-da-da-da…da…da…da/Ba-da-da-da-da…da…da…da), and lyrics that must have been improvised. Zeppelin gets funkdafied come track four. Page’s acoustic guitar at the opening and closing of “Over the Hills” is something to experience. Headbanging and devil horns commenced, but for me, I was hooked from the onset. The duo weren’t too sure about the song in the beginning, until the electric guitar kicked in. An old promo video of the song played on an episode of Beavis and Butthead. “Over the Hills and Far Away” is a song introduced to this writer via the genius of Mike Judge. Plant sings about the varying seasons of his emotive state, which culminates after Bonham makes his presence fully known:

These notes are played throughout the song, only elevated by Jones’ underrated keyboarding. Page alternates effortlessly between acoustic guitar and electric, with his acoustic playing reaching perfection at 1:26. “The Rain” may be Zeppelin’s most gorgeous song.
