Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin II (1969)

Despite owning a number of their CDs, of all the bands who were ubiquitous throughout my teenage years, Led Zeppelin are a band I rarely return to. As an older gentleman, their particular brand of 'cock rock', particularly as exhibited in their first two albums, feels like empty posturing, and tales of excess and managerial intimidation trite.

But they could rock their way through an old blues number (occasionally credited to original writers) like few other bands. The purchase is, by the way, the result of going into my local Oxfam determined to buy something.

It's an album I remember being played a lot during my youth, and not having heard in full for maybe half a century.

Opening with the famous Whole Lotta Love, subject of a successful plagiarism claim from bluesman Willie Dixon in 1985 (see what you think), it's a fine rocking start which together with Jimmy Page's aeroplane noises kicks off handsomely. What Is And What Should Never Be, starts more balladic, before the band kick in with a slow rocker, a decent enough listen. The Lemon Song however, is much more leaden and plodding, with a more uptempo Page guitar solo over a 12 bar blues in a vain attempt to liven it up. This one's another steal, now including a writing credit to Howlin' Wolf (here's his original, Killing Floor). Thank You is all Led Zep, sounding much more 1960s than anything else on the first half, and it's OK, but no more.

By the time Heartbreaker opens up the second half, I'm beginning to tire of the heavy blues sound, and the lighter Livin' Lovin' Maid doesn't stir me. Ramble On feels stronger and more varied than the blues riffs and a decent song, but it's back to blues riffs for Moby Dick. And a drum solo. I think my position on drum solos is clear. Bring It On Home closes with blues riff, harmonica and Plant before a characteristic rocking couple of minutes.

On listening, I'm not so sure this one was a frequent accompaniment to teenage exploits. I now think we' were listening to the later albums, and I can hear why. It feels like a blues band searching for an identity, and they're not there yet.

Link to full album

2* - Sorry chaps, this just doesn't work for me. The bluesy rock thing sounds very dated now.