11. Led Zeppelin Kashmir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QoSJPwC4-k Led Zeppelin were a behemoth that showed the world how epic stadium rock should be done. Not only that but they laid the template for heavy metal. The 70s was a period in which metal found its sound and vision, but the competition seemed like one-trick-ponies compared with the majesty of Led Zep, who defined what a stadium band could be - they had the jets, the groupies and pyrotechnics that their peers could only dream of. Whilst Stairway to Heaven is held up as their defining moment, it doesn't catch them in their peak its a moment, almost sounding like a side project for the singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page. 'Kashmir' on the other hand was the sound of a band more than happy to smack you across the face with the power of a punch from Mohammed Ali. Its no coincidence that Jimmy Page played guitar on Cant Explain by The Who and You Really Got Me by The Kinks, this is equally savage, but slowed down to a surer, less uptight and more majestic pace. Kashmir showcased the whole band, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer John Bonham are represented as equally important players in the story, which enhanced their mystique as a collective - reputedly of the dark arts. But what a band, and more importantly the defining rock song of the decade.
Ed Nash
Contributor
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash
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Ed