Led Zeppelin: "Led Zeppelin" (debut)

Released in early 1969,

this LP was destined, seriously,

to ROCK 

rock music.

Personally, after 45 years,

this album remains on my Top Ten Albums List.

Every track is a gem,

from their stupendous originals

such as "Good Times, Bad Times,"

"Communications Breakdown,"

"How Many More Times,"

and the iconic

"Dazed and Confused,"

to their stunning interpretations

of Willie Dixon blues classics

"You Shook Me"

and

"I Can't Quit You, Baby."

Then and now = Fantastic!

Back Liner Photo: Chris Dreja

Cover Design: George Hardie

Led Zeppelin: "In Through The Out Door"

Released in 1979,

this album from one of the

great bands of the British Invasion

has an unusual artistic story

both musically and graphically.

Read more about it HERE.

Album concept and artwork: Hipgnosis

Led Zeppelin: "Presence"

Led Zeppelin's seventh (7th) studio album, "Presence" was released in March 1976.

Full of outstanding music, this LP sold well enough, but it does not contain any tracks that one generally names when someone asks you to recall your favorite Led Zeppelin tune.

I have to say, though, that "Candy Store Rock" and "Hots On For Nowhere" really are on my short list of great Led Zeppelin songs.  Of course my short list is like 25 songs long....

Just in case you actually don't know much about Led Zeppelin

or if you'd like to refresh your memory

or learn a bit more than you already know

go HERE.

Album design by Hipgnosis.

It was nominated for the Grammy for Best Album Package in 1977.

(It was beaten out by John Berg's design for "Chicago X" - the one with the chocolate.)

This album went to a fan in Texas.

Led Zeppelin: "Led Zeppelin II"

Another LP that was a seminal influence on the development of my music appreciation.

Another band for whom I never stopped being a fan.

This album and its immediate predecessor remain my two favorite Led Zeppelin LPs.

I honestly cannot imagine anyone ever listening to this music being able to shrug and walk away. 

It is just that extraordinary.

No apologies for my unabashed adoration.

Album Design: David Juniper

This LP found its way to a collector in Minnesota.