Going To California was blocked by KZfaq. We will get that up as soon as they unblock it.

Not a lot of talk about Robert's mouth harp skills, but here he shines. The sustained riffs, shifts in dynamics, phrasing, all masterfully done. Exceptional.

Ain’t never heard a band play so many songs with different emotions and stories. Led Zeppelin will remain the greatest Rock and Roll band, until ears fall deaf……

This is The ONE. Probably my favorite Led Zep song ever. The story of the Mississippi River flooding the lower river parts in the late 1920's. Written by Memphis Minnie about a year or two later. One of several Zep cover songs, and the best one, IMO. Mr. Bonham's work here is very impressive, and iconic.

Robert Plant on the harmonica is FIRE!

Robert Plant plays a mean Harmonica.. love this tune.. so bluesy… Zeppelin at their best!

This song has been sampled over 31000 times, per an article I read, because of those banging drums... Robert is playing the harmonica but Page added the reverse echo during the production... Robert is the only one who's singing on time, everyone else has been slowed down a beat during production.. praises to Jimmys recording skills, he was underrated for his producing mastery

Absolute best band ever. Never expect one of their songs to be like the next. They are nature's artists, no limts, no auto tune!

Yup, that's a harmonica at the start, played expertly by Robert Plant.

That is Robert Plant on Harmonica. This song is based on a true story of the flood of 1927.

Guys, we appreciate what you’re doing with this channel, and with Led Zeppelin, looking forward to more ! Thanks

Jimmy Page is often overlooked as a producer, there is so much going on in this song. From the drum kit in the hallway. to the echo recorded then played back first with the harmonica, to the song played back at slower speed while Plant sings in real time.

Absolute Masterpiece. John Bonham drags you deeeeep into the river. Those Paiste giant beats…that right foot. Son..there won’t EVER be another John Bonham

That’s Mr. Robert Plant on the harmonica!

I'm surprised that nobody pointed out the fact that this songs was recorded in an abandoned mansion.

This song is a reworking of the original song recorded in 1929 by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy about the flood of the Mississippi Delta in 1927. It was part of the Great Migration which saw more African Americans come North for better opportunities ("go to Chicago"). There was a lot of production on this song. Bonzo's drums were set up in the entrance hall of Headley Grange and they had mics placed around and hanging above the drum kit to help get that amazing sound while also feeding it through a Binson Echorec and compressing the final product. Jimmy uses a slide to help give the guitar that stretchy sound and he and Jonesy used a modal structure to give the droning tone. Reverse echo was added to the harmonica and various effects were added to the vocals. If all this weren't enough, the vocals stayed at the same speed, however the instruments were slowed a half step in production to further assist with the sludgy, back water blues style sound. This song is a groove, it's menacing, it hits hard, almost bludgeoning you with intensity while the circular drone carves furrows in your brain. Masterpiece.

Probably the most sampled beat in Rap history.

Ladies and gentlemen. Led Zeppelin “When The Levee Breaks “ . Brought to you by the official timekeeper of Rock and Roll, JOHN BONHAM ❤

Yes that's Robert on the harmonica. Bonzo and Bill Ward - the first 2 hip hop drummers in history. ✌🏼❤

This band is just perfection... no question.

This track is the sound of impending doom coming for you. The harmonica is like an air-raid siren right before it's all over.

"When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks" was re-worked by English rock group Led Zeppelin as the last song on their untitled fourth album. Singer Robert Plant used many of the original lyrics and the songwriting is credited to Memphis Minnie and the individual members of Led Zeppelin.[1] Many other artists have performed and recorded versions of the song.

The drums were recorded in the stairwell of the old house they recorded the album in. It gave the deep reverb that makes the beat so heavy.

Oh hell, yeah! This is some seriously greasy Zeppelin, and Bonzo is a frikking thunder god on the drums. Rocking out with you here at my desk 🤘

I swear to God, this is the best drum line in all of music. This song comes on, this first few drum beats, whatever I'm doing gets put in hold. Great song to react to!

My Dad loved the Blues. In the mid to late sixties he showed me the British rockers turning old Blues songs to Rock songs. Love them.

I started wanting to play drums because of this beat; the drum fill at 7:26 is why John Bonham can't be surpassed.

The huge stairwell at Hedley Grange where this song was recorded contributed to the Drums sound, but they also used a delayer tool to give that intense thunderous double kick on the bass drum. Effing epic tune!

Robert played a mean harmonica. LOVE IT!

The song was played at a faster tempo, then the recording was slowed down, giving it the dark, warbly, swampy, unsettling sound that absolutely makes this song what it is: one of their very best. Also why you were right when you observed that it sounded different to the rest of the album, as it was a recording technique unique to this one song. Page was a genius as the producing mastermind behind it all in the studio.

II, I, Houses, IV, Physical, III, In Through, Presence [The Song Remains], [How the West Was Won], [Celebration Day], [Coda] [No Quarter - combined versions], [Walking into Clarksdale]

Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good No, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move, ooh All last night sat on the levee and moaned All last night sat on the levee and moaned Thinkin' 'bout my baby and my happy home-"Memphis Minnie" Lawlers

I’m downright Giddy…clapping hands!!!! Swampy! Robert is tearing up the harmonica.

It's simple...each of the 4 are masters at what they do. But they are unique in the ability to play perfectly together...that's why they are the best

Every one of their LPs had a blues song on it. This one was epic

The unofficial song of the apocalypse. That is a harmonica with a backwards echo effect on it. The reason it sounds live has to do with a serendipitous confluence of factors that led to it being one of the most analyzed songs ever. One, of course you have the amazing Bonzo! Two, you have his drums set up in the hallway of Hedley Grange which gave it that live ambient quality, etc. And lastly you had the amazing engineering and production of the song from Jimmy Page and pals. They added some echo and other wonderful wizardry to the final mix. This is the tune that introduced me to Zeppelin as a teen. It's been one helluva ride.

My 7th favorite Zep track. And for those of you who are familiar with the quality and depth of the Zeppelin catalog, you'll know that is very high praise.

If you just pay attention to the instruments, you’ll see how much energy goes into their music. The drummer was the best.

ALL HANDMADE!!! NO: Hand- and MOUTHMADE!

When I was 15 someone gave me zep 2, 3 and 4 on tape since they had gotten the CDs, I was so blown away by the albums how they sounded new and like they were 100 years old at the same time.

All I needed was the opening drums to know this would be another Led Zeppelin song I really dig!!!!!!! Later, Page/Plant did this song with younger musicians - including a hurdy gurdy player!!! It’s excellent!!! ☮️❤️

That 7:27 bass drum kick fill is absolutely magnificent. Not many catch it. The fact that he does it so clean , not pushed …devoid of tension with amazing control ( using primitive spring tension type pedals) is astonishing. I personally feel it’s one Bonham’s best fills ever. .

Robert is giving a master class on the harmonica take a bow son

The drums were recorded in an entrance hall of a large country house because of the acoustics. Good reaction again boys keep it up.

When this song comes on everybody stops it's a masterpiece that you just can't get over

If someone hasn't said this already, one thing that makes the drum sound so memorable is that it was recorded in a big open room using a Binson Echorec. One of those things argued about over the years till JP finally confirmed it.

The harmonica and drums are my favorite!

Sorry, I meant to say something earlier, but you guys get me amped! I like your objective analysis of the music, and your personal musical insight. I feel like you have some experience playing music, and your commentary is sincere and right on, unlike so many other "Reaction" channels. Thank you for doing what you do! Its fun watching someone discover these old gems for the first time. Glad you're enjoying what a lot of us have been digging for so long. Enjoy yourselves!

Great song! "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. (Wiki). I'd like to say this is my fave Zep song, but Zep fans know the deal.

This whole album was recorded in a large estate house called Headly Grange. Page put amps and mics all over the halls and in the main entrance to achieve all different kinds of sounds. The first track of this album "Black Dog" was because when they were recording the song a Black Lab kept roaming around the estate.

Love this❤️So- Jimmy Page, Edge from U2 and Jack White( The white stripes) did a thing in England at Jimmy Pages house called “ It might get loud”. He gets into Kashmir which is on the Physical Graffiti album, and recognizable by most as it’s been sampled a ton. Check out - “ It might get loud” sometime…..insight from Jimmy himself…..cmon now.❤️

You two have become my new fav reaction channel over the last 2 months or so... Fantastic reactions and song choices... after all the 3 best bands, in my opinion, are... Zeppelin Floyd Original Bad Co. (Paul Rodgers era) ... I'm looking forward to more videos!! .... Zeppelin multi-tracked many of their tracks, hence the difference between studio and live.... both amazing. Oddly enough, Bonham rarely multi-tracked... used 3 mics, and nothing else was needed. I respect their decision not to continue upon Bonham's death. That, you don't just replace

This album was record at Headley Grange , England. It's a cottage in the middle of no where This song was recorded in the a stair well near the entree

And a good nite with LED.

You got to love these British Boys doing American old blues songs, and crushing it. This song is very old and is not an original, and Led Zepp took it to a new level. They recorded the beginning drums in a tall stairwell of a mansion that they were staying at, to record the album.

This is a COVER a 1929 blues song from Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy that was written about the great 1927 Mississippi flood that wiped out 27,000 sq miles and wa the biggest flood to date in US history

This drum track is the most sampled track in history. It was recorded in a castle for the long toned reverb trail.

Rhyming and Stealing - you nailed it. You guys are my favorite new Led-heads.

Zep 4 might be the most popular album in sales and what-not, but wait till you get to houses of the holy and physical graffiti. Those are there next two albums and HOLY SMOKES! In my humble opinion, they were primed and cranking out some of the best music ever made on those two.

Harmonica played by Robert Plant!

My husband & I were in commercial & residential construction. An office complex we did in Farmington Hill was doomed. Both of the end units had pipes freeze & flooded. I occupied one that did then the other one did. I requested this song on WRIF in Detroit 😂😂

one of my favorite ledzep songs.

Of all the channels I follow, and I follow a lot, I look forward to your videos more than any other. Good stuff.

The precise sonic/soulful vocals of Robert Plant and some of the tightest arranging and producing Jimmy Page had ever done were on this album. Plants Harmonica, Jimmy's playing, and of course, the drumming and base are spectacular on the song of the African American migration from the flooded South in the late 1920s to take the blues and gospel music to Chicago and other cities of the north. Led Zeppelin was sampling blues and blues riffs, just like rappers sample music from Steely Dan, and old Rock Band today. Music is a circle of life. Thanks for the great tunes, guys.

I love listening to each instrument and Plant’s voice alone and together it’s obvious they are gifted musicians!

Memphis Minnie wrote and performed the song 🎵 with Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. 94 years ago. Led Zeppelin gave her credit for writing the song in 1973 right around the time she passed away...

That is Robert Plant on the harmonica

This song is an explosion of masterful sound

The recording was done at Hedley Grange. Drums recorded in a 3 story area in the home, The acoustics were amazing thus the special sound you hear on the drums.

The sonics on this track are killer.

Now this is the Zep I enjoy, hard and heavy and why I also Like "In the Evening" and "Nobody's Fault but Mine."

Ooooooo, the old 'Memphis' Minnie tune. And yes, that's a harmonica. Brilliant stuff.

Surely the greatest cover version ever

My favorite Led Zeppelin Song.

They recorded the drums at the bottom of a double staircase in a castle in England thats why it sounds live, cuz it is. The echo is natural

Two words. More Zep

Harmonica indeed!

This is the one! I’d always get in trouble cause I’d glow up the speakers every time I’d play this! Can’t help it! Aggressive drumming from bonz! Chiguy

What an opening!!! Intensity definitely

One of my personal favorites.

The drums make it 'live'. I'm 66 years old now and still love this track. A real gem!

Yes that's the great Robert on the harmonica. He plays it on a lot of songs. Glad you liked this one. It is a cover but made it there own as usual. Great job guys thanks 😊

The harmonic in the beginning reminds me of a coal train in the mountain passes of Kentucky morning fog coming towards a small town.

Greatest rock band of all time. And that’s a top-5 cut.

R.I.P. THUNDER OF THE GODS!!

Awesome seeing the young generation getting into stuff I've been growing to since 71'! Thanks guys, and love the head movement..KC, you could make some serious dough selling dashboard bobbleheads! Nothing but respect.

Yes, the Beasties sampled this on Rhymin' and Stealin'. It's cool because bonzo's song ends this epic album on Zep IV and the Beasties opens their hit album with the same beat off of Licensed to Ill.

This is my favorite song by there’s!!!

Can’t say how I much I love this bsnd

The most iconic drum intro ever!

The thing I love about the mix on this song is that if you close your eyes and listen through headphones, you can get the sense of Bonzo's kit revolving, with the other instruments and vocals pivoting around him. Sounds will pan throughout the latter half of the song to various points from left to center to right and back, but in a very smooth fashion, which does not sound like a simple, cheesy panning effect. This paints an image that you are walking around the band while they play, and that leads to the feeling that you are listening to them perform the song live.

How come every record sounds SO much better on your show than anywhere else on KZfaq? Love your whole thing. Thanks for doin' it.

Yep that’s Percy smashing it on the Harp 🔥👌😎

Deep deep metal blues! Look up the facts behind the drum intro, special acoustics from a manor house entrance hall and stairwell in England. The bass and snare drum echo is unique in rock history.

YES it is a harmonica! LOL. Greatest combo of Drums, Guitar and Harmonica EVER!

Keep up the great reactions. Loving this Led Zeppelin marathon!!👍😎

My Momma is from Memphis; as a girl in 1930's. ( Deppression Era) ...When we were grown...we'd call her, ask : " How Are You Doin', Momma?" ... she always say: " Fine... Long As The River Don't Rise And The Levee Don't Break!"

They are to GOAT!

1:22 Robert Plant's dirty harmonica. My favorite Zep (Plant) harmonica solo is in the song "Nobody's Fault but Mine" on their "Presence" album

This song was recorded in a mobile recording studio, owned by The Rollings. Led Zep retreated to Headley Grange. There they verified that the main hall, which had a very high spiral staircase, produced a wonderful sound on the drums. They hung up a microphone, tried it, and an incredible reverberating sound came out. Robert Plant plays the harmonica yes. There was a very mysterious atmosphere in that farm, which was very much to Page's liking, it was cold, and they say they threw pieces of the old house's wooden railings into the fireplace. They comoponían when they wanted, without haste, without schedules. That's how the great album came out. With this album they once again showed that they were the magicians of Rock