1969 - January: Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin 1”

What the Riff?!?

We return to one of the true giants of the rock era as we take a dive into Led Zeppelin's debut album, known as Led Zeppelin 1. Band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham recorded this album prior to securing a recording contract. It was recorded in 36 hours at a cost of 2,100 pounds. Founder and guitarist Jimmy Page produced the album.

The tracks are a mix of old blues songs and original material, and feature both Page's stirring guitar riffs and Plant's soaring vocals. Originally touring as The New Yardbirds, they changed their name to Led Zeppelin supposedly after Who drummer Keith Moon commented on The New Yardbirds “going over like a lead zeppelin.”

This first album had only one single (“Good TImes, Bad Times”), but most of the tracks would get in the rotation on album-oriented rock stations throughout the U.S.

Join us as we take in this rock-and-roll blues debut by one of the masters of the genre.

Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You
This track alternates between soft acoustics and driving rock. This was originally composed by Anne Bredon and was covered by Joan Baez in the early 60's before Led Zeppelin's cover.

You Shook Me
A deeper blues track was written by Willie Dixon, and was originally recorded by Muddy Waters in 1962, and by Jeff Beck in 1968. This version is slow and somewhat psychedelic, but maintains a heavy feel throughout this long song.

Communication Breakdown
One of the well-known tracks from the debut album, it is surprising to realize that this was not a single at the time.

I Can't Quit You Baby
This is another Willie Dixon cut, with a distinct feel of the Mississippi delta. It was first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. "I can't quit you baby, but I've got to put you down for a while."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the Television Series “Bewitched”
Dick York, the actor who played Darrin Stephens (father of Elizabeth Montgombery's Samantha) on the show, collapsed on the set and was replaced by Dick Sargent. The show continued with the completely different actor until 1972 with no mention of the change.

STAFF PICKS:

"Ramblin', Gamblin' Man” by The Bob Seger System
Wayne's staff pick features a driving drum beat and the Hammond organ from Detroit's Bob Seger. This was inspired by the Spencer Davis group, and would be Seger's first hit, and only hit until the “Night Moves” album in the 70's.

“Build Me Up, Buttercup” by The Foundations
Rob features this pop song which has been used by the Los Angeles Angels baseball team among many others. It was written by Mike D'abo, vocalist for Manfred Mann.

“Ray of Hope” by The Rascals
Bruce's staff pick features the New Jersey hit machine known as The Rascals. This song was inspired by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in June of 1968. "But there's people who win without making fists. Our world won't survive lest we think like this."

“Touch Me” by The Doors
Brian finishes off the staff picks with this Jim Morrison hit. The original name of the song was going to be "Hit Me," but thankfully, Morrison convinced the band to make the change to "Touch Me."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Soulful Strut” by Young Holt Unlimited
Our instrumental close is a well-known riff you may recognize - it was a hit at the time.

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