Why A Led Zeppelin Record Is Almost “Unlistenable” Today
Led Zeppelin live in 1973 - Led Zeppelin Concert Footage / Youtube
Led Zeppelin, a legendary band in the world of rock, has captivated audiences for decades. Yet, amidst their widespread acclaim, a curious revelation has emerged: some listeners now struggle to endure their music. This revelation surfaced during a compelling discussion on the Talk Louder Podcast, where Max Norman, a renowned producer in the genre, shared surprising insights about the band’s enduring legacy.
The Overplayed Phenomenon: Diminishing Enjoyment
Reflecting on Led Zeppelin’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, Norman shared his thoughts on the band’s records, stating,
“‘Some of the Led Zeppelin records have been so overplayed now that they’re almost unlistenable. It’s almost embarrassing to hear a Led Zeppelin record now because they’ve been played so much.'”
This candid remark sheds light on how the band’s extensive airtime may have diminished the enjoyment for some listeners.
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Page’s Playstyle: Unconventional Brilliance
Norman delved further into Page’s guitar playing style, describing it as ‘sloppy.’ He remarked,
“‘But really, if you want to talk sloppy, you got Jimmy there. Jimmy doesn’t give a sh*t. Jimmy plays it twice, picks one of them, and walks out. He doesn’t care because he knows people are gonna like that.'”
This perspective offers insight into Page’s approach to his craft and how it may contribute to the perceived quality of Led Zeppelin’s recordings.
It’s not just Norman who has voiced opinions about Page’s playing style. Over the years, the guitarist has been frequently labeled as ‘sloppy,’ although not always in a negative context. Recently, former Kiss rocker Ace Frehley also weighed in on the discussion, acknowledging his own ‘sloppy’ tendencies while likening them to Page’s. In an interview, Frehley stated,
“‘I’ll be the first one to admit it, and people have said it in comments. I’m sloppy, but I have a way about the way I play. I mean, Jimmy Page is sloppy.'”
The Subjectivity of Musical Enjoyment
This comparison between Frehley and Page underscores the subjective nature of musical proficiency and the diverse preferences of listeners. While some may appreciate Page’s raw and improvisational approach to guitar playing, others may find it detracts from their enjoyment of Led Zeppelin’s music.
In conclusion, the revelations from Max Norman and Ace Frehley shed fascinating light on the complexities behind the enduring appeal of Led Zeppelin’s music. Their insights delve into the intriguing reasons why some listeners grapple with enjoying the band’s records today. Whether it’s a matter of excessive exposure or nuanced perceptions of musical execution, these viewpoints unveil the intricate layers of musical appreciation and ignite a captivating discourse surrounding the legendary status of bands like Led Zeppelin.
