LED ZEPPELIN III
Iconic Rock Slab Celebrates
a "Very Brady" Birthday
__________
The massive, yet oft-
missed third slab from
Led Zeppelin is turning
the big 5-0 this month
— a milestone that got
me to thinking.
__________
Don't ya just love The Brady Bunch? I sure do! But you almost have to feel kinda bad for Jan Brady. Despite being a rather good-natured, conscientious teen, Jan always seemed to be overlooked — her presence overshadowed constantly by her older Prom Queen sister, Marcia. And she wasn't quite as cute as her precocious younger sister, Cindy either. Even competing for attention among her newly-adopted brothers proved challenging for Jan — as she was less outgoing than Greg and lacked the quirky charm of Peter. However, Jan did outshine younger brother Bobby. But then again, everybody did.
This month, the third album from Led Zeppelin turns the big 5-0. And what better time than now, to pause and reflect on its splendor. With its eye-catching, built-in interactive spinning wheel, Led Zeppelin III boasted one of the most expensive album cover designs of the day. However, you still could snatch up a copy at Sears for a mere $4.48.
Stylistically, the songs presented a wide, rainbow-like array of colors — a massive 10-track palette — from the straight-metal fury of "Immigrant Song" to the hypnotic orchestration and unapologetic fret buzz of "Friends" to the soul-cleansing power of "Celebration Day" to the blues-soaked authenticity and John Paul Jones-imagined keyboard allure of "Since I've Been Loving You."
As a result of prominent soundtrack placement in the 2000 film, Almost Famous, award-winning director Cameron Crowe breathed new life into two of Zep's all-time finest creations; "Tangerine" and "That's the Way" — decades after they'd already received their gold retirement watches from corporate.
Lyrically, Robert Plant provided pure poetic perfection throughout; Her face is cracked from smiling. All the fears that she's been hiding. And it seems that pretty soon, everybody's gonna know. Doggonit, man — that's some good stuff right there.
Produced by patriarch guitarist, Jimmy Page, the record was a crisper and arguably livelier-sounding affair than its two predecessors. As for the performances, the band were white hot — particularly John Bonham, whose rib-cracking, razor-sharp chops were showcased best on "Out On the Tiles."
Yet despite possessing immeasurable WOW-factor, topping the Billboard album chart and selling in excess of 10 million copies, Led Zeppelin III often is treated as the "Jan" of the band's iconic catalog. And as I revisited the album recently, in celebration of its milestone birthday, I got to thinking — what if the legendary Zeppelin story was presented as a grand Broadway production based on the Brady Bunch? And what if the roles of ALL their albums were played by Bradys? It's a totally logical notion, I know — and I've taken the liberty of casting the production...
Led Zeppelin I
(Mike Brady)
Led Zeppelin II
(Carol Brady)
Led Zeppelin III
(Jan Brady)
Led Zeppelin IV
(Marcia Brady)
Houses of the Holy
(Greg Brady)
Physical Graffiti
(Cindy Brady)
Presence
(Bobby Brady)
The Song Remains the Same
(Peter Brady)
In Through the Out Door
(Alice)
Coda
(Sam the butcher)
*Understudy - Cousin Oliver
Commemorative Box Set
(Tiger)
The cameo role of
"Hey, Hey, What Can I Do"
My Brady-obsessed writing partner, Bryan, shares my zeal for Zeppelin. And although he does recognize the fantastic potential of such a production, he feels that Alice should play Led Zeppelin III and Jan is better suited in the role of In Through the Outdoor. C'mon now! Any serious aficionada would know that's just plain silly.
So, what are your personal thoughts on this landmark record? And who would you cast in this Broadway epic? Feel free to share your related Brady Birthday wishes in the "Comment" section below.
-Christopher Long
(October 2020)
- A SHOT OF POISON -
"10th Anniversary Edition"
(October 2020)
__________
- SUPERSTAR -
__________
- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -
(2014)
__________
- C'MON! -
(2012)
