Led Zeppelin III [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
After plundering the Yardbirds' legacy and Willie Dixon (among others) for their blues-riff-heavy first two albums, Jimmy Page and company surprised many listeners with the strong acoustic/folk sensibility displayed on III. Page aficionados shouldn't have been caught off guard; the guitarist had toyed with similar sensibilities and modalities during his brief tenure with the Yardbirds (most notably "White Summer" from the Little Games album). Ever the creative thieves, Zep kick off the album by nicking the riff from "Bali Ha'i" no less, with Robert Plant wailing it to punctuate the thundering FM warhorse "Immigrant Song." Even other electric rockers like "Celebration Day" and "Out on the Tiles" have an inventive, offbeat musicality to them that suggest the band was already wary of stereotyping. But it's the decidedly mellower acoustic groove of the album's latter half that's the news here, from the graceful beauty of "That's the Way" and "Tangerine" to the raw, folksy charm of "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp," "Hats Off (to Roy Harper)," and the traditional "Gallows Pole." --Jerry McCulley

Led Zeppelin III, Music, Led Zeppelin, Pop, Rock, Rock/Pop
Led Zeppelin III
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • ****1/2 Stars. THE underrated Led Zep album
  • Cooled off.
  • Led Free
  • zepplin's most acoustic set of songs.
  • Led Zep "3" shows a completely different side to the band
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Led Zeppelin II
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ASIN: B000002J1U
Release Date: 1994-08-16

Tracks:

  1. Immigrant Song
  2. Friends
  3. Celebration Day
  4. Since I've Been Loving You
  5. Out On The Tiles
  6. Gallows Pole
  7. Tangerine
  8. That's The Way
  9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
  10. Hats Off To (Roy) Harper

Amazon.com

After plundering the Yardbirds' legacy and Willie Dixon (among others) for their blues-riff-heavy first two albums, Jimmy Page and company surprised many listeners with the strong acoustic/folk sensibility displayed on III. Page aficionados shouldn't have been caught off guard; the guitarist had toyed with similar sensibilities and modalities during his brief tenure with the Yardbirds (most notably "White Summer" from the Little Games album). Ever the creative thieves, Zep kick off the album by nicking the riff from "Bali Ha'i" no less, with Robert Plant wailing it to punctuate the thundering FM warhorse "Immigrant Song." Even other electric rockers like "Celebration Day" and "Out on the Tiles" have an inventive, offbeat musicality to them that suggest the band was already wary of stereotyping. But it's the decidedly mellower acoustic groove of the album's latter half that's the news here, from the graceful beauty of "That's the Way" and "Tangerine" to the raw, folksy charm of "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp," "Hats Off (to Roy Harper)," and the traditional "Gallows Pole." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars ****1/2 Stars. THE underrated Led Zep album.......2007-05-20

Led Zeppelin III (1970) Led Zeppelin's third studio album.

After two albums in 1969 that had helped developed the blues-rock/hard-rock sound, as well as create several FM radio staples, Led Zeppelin went in a different direction with their third record. "III" is one of their more overlooked works, due mostly to its folk sound. Besides the storming opener "Immigrant Song", the other tracks are relatively unknown to casual listeners. My thoughts? Their loss; this album has been unmarkedly though subtly influential on modern music.

"III" seems to have been made by the band in the spirit as though they were afraid of being labeled specifically as a blues band. Page is mostly on the acoustic guitar here, with Plant showing that he could actually sing - something not really heard on the first two albums. But the highlights here, putting aside the obvious "Immigrant Song", are the folk-ish "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp", the meandering "Friends", and the shifting "Out on the Tiles".

As I've said in reviews of other Led Zeppelin CDs, the sound quality is amazing. While most other CDs seem to lack the warmth distortion of the original vinyls, these remasters were overseen by Mr. Page himself. Don't worry about being disappointed in that department, all you have to worry about is how you're going to enjoy it.

3 out of 5 stars Cooled off........2007-05-08

After a pair of great blues/rock albums, Led Zeppelin decided for their third record that it was time for a change of pace. Largely leaving behind the blues roots they embraced so heavily, this one recesses the blues tinge and replaces it with a more overt folk sound-- this was certainly present on earlier albums, but here it's the main voice.

Of course, this isn't immediately obvious, the record does open with a fierce, screamed, churning "Immigrant Song", a two and a half minute slice of heavy metal, but it settles down pretty quickly, and indeed the record's best material is quite tame and dominated by some fine ballads (almost slulggish "Since I've Been Loving You", acoustic "Tangerine", the absolutely fantastic guitar and mandolin number "That's the Way"). The exception to this amongst the real greats on the record is traditional "Gallows Pole"-- soaked in acoustic guitars and mandolins, it picks up a lilt and energy and didn't receive nearly as much attention as it should have until the mid-90s Page/Plant reunion.

Still, unlike their first two records, some pieces on here just don't do it for me-- "Friends" is a bit too disjoint for its own good and "Out on the Tiles" is suspiciously filler-like. It's strengths certainly overtake its weaknesses, but in the Led Zeppelin catalog, "III" is substantially weaker than the records around it.

5 out of 5 stars Led Free.......2007-04-06

Third time around, and they get it right again. From the squeak of Bonham's kickdrum (the requisite blues "Since I've Been Loving You") to Page's only performance on banjo (the gotcha-anyway "Gallows Pole") there ain't a duff track here. It's a quantum leap sideways from the heaviness of LZ II, and the landing is perfect. Criminy, "Celebration Day" is brilliant enough even with (actually, I think, because of) the botched intro - - when Jones's bass and Bonham's drums finally clamber in, the track takes off and carries the album with it; Page's guitar work on this track is awesome. And Led Zeppelin had flirted with acoustic music before, but the full-blown folk rock on III proves their eclecticism once and for all - - "That's The Way" is simply beautiful in its melancholy. It's a wildly diverse album, and as such shows that Led Zeppelin was at this point bursting with ideas. Anyone remember Lucifer's Friend? They copped Plant's Viking wail from the high-octane, octave-riffed "Immigrant Song" for the first song on their own debut. So what, you say? Exactly.

4 out of 5 stars zepplin's most acoustic set of songs........2007-04-03

this, zepplin's most acoustically orriented album, while not one of their overrall masterpieces, still has plenty of great material on it: more than enough to make it a must-have for lovers of rock and roll. the acoustic songs "friends," and "that's the way," are simply great. not to be missed. "celebration day" is the best rocker on the album; another song that you shouldn't miss out on. "since i've been loving you," is a masterpiece, one of led zepplin's best songs: a blues melody that is absolutely gorgeous. all and all, another wonderful album from led zepplin that is definitely a fine addition to any household.

5 out of 5 stars Led Zep "3" shows a completely different side to the band.......2007-03-23

THE BAND: Robert Plant (lead vocals, harmonica), Jimmy Page (all guitars, banjo), John Paul Jones (bass, organ, synth, mandolin), John Bonham (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1970) 10 tracks clocking in at approximately 43 minutes. Included with the disc is a minimal 2-page foldout containing song titles/credits/times and original album artwork (though only on rare Japanese & British versions can be found the actual rotatable cardboard piece for the CD with moving images as featured on the original vinyl album). Recorded between Headley Grange (Hampshire) and Olympic Studios (London). Certified 6+ million units sold. Label - Atlantic Records.

COMMENTS: Led Zeppelin "3" is so different when compared to any of the band's other albums. "3" is the band's unplugged acoustic showpiece. You'll find some rock and blues, but mostly folk rock here. "3" opens with the band's most recognized song from the album, "Immigrant Song", with lyrics inspired by Norway's invasion of England (and I still can't help but remember Jack Black singing the opening to this song in "School Of Rock"). "Immigrant Song" reached #16 on the Billboard pop chart. Other highlights include "Celebration Day" (with it's weird guitar melody), the soft intro to "Gallows Pole" leading to a climactic end, the mellow "Tangerine", Bonham's collaboration "Out On The Tiles", "That's The Way", and one of my all-time favorite blues tracks from Led Zep, "Since I've been Loving You" - and the story it tells (a desperate man... working long hours... life is a drag... losing his mind... since he's been loving her). And speaking of different - check out the hand-clapping square-dance shuffle otherwise known as "Bron-Y-aur Stomp". Where Led Zeppelin's debut and 2nd album were true hard rock albums, this 3rd album changed the listener's perception of the band. Most notably, on five of the ten tracks, the featured instrument is/was the acoustic guitar. "3" does contain one of my least favorite songs in their entire catalog, the distorted "Hats Off To (Roy) Harper". Overall, "3" is on a different level than the rest of Led Zeppelin's releases. Considerably more mellow and acoustic, but still a classic (5 stars).
Led Zeppelin III
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 4.5 Stars - Acoustic excellence; one of Led Zeppelin's underrated releases
  • We are your overlords.
  • Page, Plant, Jones & Bonham (or, Led Zeppelin goes acoustic)
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Led Zeppelin II
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ASIN: B00000DOZ5
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Immigrant Song
  2. Friends
  3. Celebration Day
  4. Since I've Been Loving You
  5. Out on the Tiles
  6. Gallows Pole
  7. Tangerine
  8. That's the Way
  9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
  10. Hats off to (Roy) Harper

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars - Acoustic excellence; one of Led Zeppelin's underrated releases.......2005-11-04

Led Zeppelin III (1970.), Led Zeppelin's third studio album

In 1969, Led Zeppelin became practically an overnight sensation with their first two albums which were hard-rock blues classics. Led Zeppelin's popularity meant that their third album was easily one of the most anticipated albums of 1970. Many fans assumedly were expecting another heavy blues effort from the band in a similar vein to their first two albums. However, fans couldn't have been further off the mark with their guess. Led Zeppelin, being a band who like to diversify/experiment (or at least, we know now in retrospect), produced an album quite different in sound from the first two. Instead of a multitude of songs with crushing electric guitar melodies, the band put out an album which was largely acoustic and folk based. Fans were actually quite shocked by this and many didn't quite know what to make of it. As a result, Led Zeppelin III has grown to be one of Led Zeppelin's more underrated albums, but is this truly a deserved reflection?

For me, eventhough I don't regard this album as being quite on the level of the first two Led Zeppelin albums, Led Zeppelin III is an excellent album. I personally completely agree with what Led Zeppelin did with using acoustic ideas for this album. Led Zeppelin, being the groundbreaking band they are, were hardly going to settle back and keep to exactly the same hard-rock and blues formula throughout their careers. In that respect, the acoustic based album was one that they were destined to make. Saying that, fans should have been only too aware of Jimmy Page's taste for acoustic play, given he'd employed it with the Yardbirds and in songs on the first two albums such as 'Ramble On'. Page was hardly going to restrict his adept guitar play to his Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. That said though, this album still has its more rocking moments. Songs such as 'Immigrant Song' and 'Out On The Tiles' are heavier efforts and the blues of 'Since I've Been Loving You' is classic early Zeppelin style. However, aside from this, the album is mostly acoustic and is very much a chilled out affair which you can really relax to.

'Immigrant Song' is the album's short but powerful opener. I would even go as far to say this is Led Zep's most aggressive opening track that they put on their albums. The strong rolling riffs and Plant's foreboding wails with lyrics about Viking raiders give this song a steely edge. The classic opener then runs into 'Friends' and the acoustics begin. This is a great track, with a catchy melody. The exit to the track has a string group in the background; a great idea to finish the track. Following this is a return to the hard rocking vein of things with 'Celebration', an upbeat song with a racing riff. Then we come to 'Since I've Been Loving You'. There is only one word for this track ... AWESOME. This is for me, the best blues styled song that Led Zeppelin ever made. Page's guitar melodies are awesome, as is the organ accompanyment played by John Paul Jones. Plant sings out heartwrenching lyrics that powerfully resonate through this 7 minute masterpiece. Next up, to finish the first half of the album is 'Out On The Tiles'; a gritty hard rocker with lots of energy. It has a similar feel to 'Good Times, Bad Times' from the first album.

For the second half of the album, we hit acoustic sounds full on. The first of these is 'Gallows Pole', a folk traditional arranged by Page. More nifty guitar work accompanies Plant singing about a man being hanged. The song gathers speed progressively and it builds into a great climax. 'Tangerine' is a chilled out acoustic gem with a dreamy quality. Then comes 'Thats The Way', the third masterpiece track of the album, after 'Immigrant Song' and 'Since I've Been Loving You'. The acoustic riff is timeless; this is a folk-based masterpiece. Plant sings this song with amazing vocal control. 'Bron Yr Aur Stomp' is an acoustic sing along, the title inspired by a cottage in Wales. It has some great grooves and is an enjoyable listen. Sadly though, the last track, 'Hats Off To Roy Harper' leaves a lot to be desired. The scratchy guitar play and disjointed vocals just leaves me thinking 'URGHHHHHH'. I could never get into this song and is probably the only Zep tune that I can't listen to. The b-side masterpiece song 'Hey Hey What Can I Do' should have been on here instead, or indeed 'Travelling Riverside Blues'. Had either track have been included instead of 'Hats Off' I would have given this album 5 stars.

Led Zeppelin III is an excellent change of style by the band. Sadly it didn't please all fans at the time of its release (though most were won back with the follow up in Led Zeppelin IV) but for me, and any of the open minded fans of the band, this is an excellent effort. Eventhough this is by far not the band's best work, it is still an undeservedly underrated album. I would personally recommend this Led Zeppelin album to any new fan of the band looking for more beyond the hard-rocking stuff or any open minded listener in general.

4 out of 5 stars We are your overlords........2005-06-04

After the knockout punch of Led Zeppelin's first two albums, their third album was seen as a disappointment by some fans. Split down the middle between steam-shovel rockers and largely acoustic, folkish material, the album presents a rough blueprint for Zeppelin's towering monument.

5 out of 5 stars Page, Plant, Jones & Bonham (or, Led Zeppelin goes acoustic).......2003-04-09

In the wake of the success of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, many people were surprised when Led Zeppelin's third album took a strong turn towards the acoustic. Some critics and fans wondered what was going on, but that just meant they were so overwhelmed by the rock 'n' roll and blues tracks from the first two albums to have ignored the strong acoustic elements in "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" and "Ramble On." In that connection "Friends," "Tangerine," "Gallows Pole," and "That's The Way" are just extensions of what was already a strong element in Led Zep's music. Then again, the two best songs on "Led Zeppelin III" are the hard rock opening track "Immigrant Songs" and their finest blues piece, "Since I've Been Loving You." In retrospect their debut album features the blues, their second rock 'n' roll and the third the folk elements, all three of which are clearly present on all Led Zeppelin albums; it is just a question of how the mix works out. If "Led Zeppelin II" is often considered the weakest of all their albums, it is because "Hats Off to (Roy) Harper" is definitely their low point in terms of songs recorded. "Celebration Day" and "Out on the Tiles" are second level rock songs, but with this group that is just so much better than what most groups are cranking out. However, it is too bad they cannot release the CD version of this particular album with the actual wheel for the original spinning artwork, since it was a nice little creative effort from the band.
Led Zeppelin III
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Led Zeppelin III
    Led Zeppelin
    Manufacturer: Wea International
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000094TAB
    Release Date: 2003-05-20

    Tracks:

    1. Immigrant Song
    2. Friends
    3. Celebration Day
    4. Since I've Been Loving You
    5. Out on the Tiles
    6. Gallows Pole
    7. Tangerine
    8. That's the Way
    9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
    10. Hats off to (Roy) Harper

    Album Description

    Japanese remastered reissue of 1970 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP gatefold sleeve with original die-cut album artwork. 10 tracks. Warner. 2003.

    Album Details

    35th Anniversary Re-issue Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.
    Led Zeppelin III
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Give it time, it'll grow on you
    • 4.5 Stars - Acoustic excellence; one of Led Zeppelin's underrated releases
    • 4.5 stars - Different but still excellent
    Led Zeppelin III
    Led Zeppelin
    Manufacturer: Wea International
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    British FolkBritish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00005J8J7
    Release Date: 2003-06-09

    Tracks:

    1. Immigrant Song
    2. Friends
    3. Celebration Day
    4. Since I've Been Loving You
    5. Out on the Tiles
    6. Gallows Pole
    7. Tangerine
    8. That's the Way
    9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
    10. Hats off to (Roy) Harper

    Album Description

    UK remastered reissue of 1970 album, packaged in a limited edition miniature LP gatefold sleeve with original die-cut album artwork. 10 tracks. Atlantic. 2003.

    Album Details

    Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Give it time, it'll grow on you.......2007-07-11

    It took me a couple listens to realize this, but Led Zeppelin III is one of my favorite Zeppelin records. In fact, it gets the #2 slot, after Houses of the Holy. It's way better than IV, not to mention I and II. As much as I want to stand on top of a mountain and shout loudly that this is my favorite Led Zeppelin album, I can't: I dock a half-star on account of Hats Off to (Roy) Harper - awful song; another quarter-star (metaphorically, anyway) for Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp, and a third quarter-star on account of Plant, who does a lot of moaning and rarely lifts up the pen to write an interesting lyric. Plus a couple of the otherwise good songs go on a bit too long.
    Since I've Been Loving You doesn't, though. The best thing about this song (I feel) is its use of dynamics. The opening quiet guitar solo unexpectedly turns to a roar; then the band quiets down to let Plant start singing; intensity builds in the choruses; and Page eventually lights his guitar afire (again, metaphorically so) during his solo. Then it's back to Robbie, who delivers the performance of a lifetime: I don't like his voice very much, but here he's quite soulful (Well, he always is, but in a high-pitched, scratchy sense, like he swallowed a drainpipe or something - THAT'S what I don't like about him). But here, he refrains from the high-pitched whines, instead going right for the heart and hitting it: sure, the lyrics are pure unoriginal drivel, but he sings 'em so well it doesn't matter. Since I've Been Loving You is, of course, the long slow blues that finds its way on just about every Zeppelin album. But that's about all it has in common with the group's other releases. Hard rock (cock-rock, some would say) has been toned down, other than on the shuffling classic Immigrant Song, which is stellar even though it's based on the repetition of a single riff: it's a good one, and the song's short, so that doesn't bother me; and Out on the Tiles. The pummeling riff was lifted from Jeff Beck's Shapes of Things, but that doesn't detract from the music itself, which is good (love the chorus!), but I think it goes on a bit too long. I could've done without the coda; Plant moaning, Page hammering the riff into you, Jeff Beck so infuriated with Page for stealing one of his riffs without asking that he's throwing knives at Jimmy's picture. (Hey, given Beck's temper, anything's possible!)
    However, this album's focus is mainly on melodic folk or country-folk. Friends is the first, and weakest example of this; but I think it's a nice song, though I was ready for it to end about a minute before it actually did. The lyrics are also rather cheesy, and the riff is again someone else's (Crosby, Stills & Nash used it for their far better Carry On), but those Indian-sounding strings are great. The country-folk really shines on Tangerine and especially That's the Way. (I think DJ's should give Stairway to Heaven a break and spin those instead! I'd love that! They're just so pretty!) Tangerine is probably the best schmaltzy folky Zep love song (the others are Thank You, which is good; Your Time Is Gonna Come, which blows; and Goin' to California, which blows even more), and That's the Way has an excellent melody and earnest (if a little naive) environmentalist lyrics. I like it a lot. My favorite song on the album. And it's BETTER than ANYTHING on IV! Except maybe Rock and Roll.
    Another personal favorite (that again is better than anything the Old Guy in Black Hat with Kindling On His Back Standing on a Hill album had to offer) is Gallows Pole, an old folk song known by a huge variety of different names. The mandoloin and percussion are nice production touches, and that bizarre ending just rules. Good song! You know what else is good? The warped, moog 'n' slide rocker Celebration Day. Here's another song I think deserves some radio play. Sadly, all DJ's want us to hear is stuff from the Heidenberg in Flames album; the Guys in Army Uniforms album or the Cool Symbols on Back Cover album. In fact, I think every Zeppelin studio album (other than Coda) gets more radio attention than this one, which is sad because this is better than any other Zeppelin album but Houses of the Holy Pervert's Dream, Batman! And don't try to tell me the last two albums are any better than this. They're not. They're stupid. This is not by any stretch of the imagination. Well, except for Hats Off to (Roy) Harper. I can barely listen to that song.

    4 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars - Acoustic excellence; one of Led Zeppelin's underrated releases.......2005-11-04

    Led Zeppelin III (1970.), Led Zeppelin's third studio album

    In 1969, Led Zeppelin became practically an overnight sensation with their first two albums which were hard-rock blues classics. Led Zeppelin's popularity meant that their third album was easily one of the most anticipated albums of 1970. Many fans assumedly were expecting another heavy blues effort from the band in a similar vein to their first two albums. However, fans couldn't have been further off the mark with their guess. Led Zeppelin, being a band who like to diversify/experiment (or at least, we know now in retrospect), produced an album quite different in sound from the first two. Instead of a multitude of songs with crushing electric guitar melodies, the band put out an album which was largely acoustic and folk based. Fans were actually quite shocked by this and many didn't quite know what to make of it. As a result, Led Zeppelin III has grown to be one of Led Zeppelin's more underrated albums, but is this truly a deserved reflection?

    For me, eventhough I don't regard this album as being quite on the level of the first two Led Zeppelin albums, Led Zeppelin III is an excellent album. I personally completely agree with what Led Zeppelin did with using acoustic ideas for this album. Led Zeppelin, being the groundbreaking band they are, were hardly going to settle back and keep to exactly the same hard-rock and blues formula throughout their careers. In that respect, the acoustic based album was one that they were destined to make. Saying that, fans should have been only too aware of Jimmy Page's taste for acoustic play, given he'd employed it with the Yardbirds and in songs on the first two albums such as 'Ramble On'. Page was hardly going to restrict his adept guitar play to his Gibson Les Paul electric guitar. That said though, this album still has its more rocking moments. Songs such as 'Immigrant Song' and 'Out On The Tiles' are heavier efforts and the blues of 'Since I've Been Loving You' is classic early Zeppelin style. However, aside from this, the album is mostly acoustic and is very much a chilled out affair which you can really relax to.

    'Immigrant Song' is the album's short but powerful opener. I would even go as far to say this is Led Zep's most aggressive opening track that they put on their albums. The strong rolling riffs and Plant's foreboding wails with lyrics about Viking raiders give this song a steely edge. The classic opener then runs into 'Friends' and the acoustics begin. This is a great track, with a catchy melody. The exit to the track has a string group in the background; a great idea to finish the track. Following this is a return to the hard rocking vein of things with 'Celebration', an upbeat song with a racing riff. Then we come to 'Since I've Been Loving You'. There is only one word for this track ... AWESOME. This is for me, the best blues styled song that Led Zeppelin ever made. Page's guitar melodies are awesome, as is the organ accompanyment played by John Paul Jones. Plant sings out heartwrenching lyrics that powerfully resonate through this 7 minute masterpiece. Next up, to finish the first half of the album is 'Out On The Tiles'; a gritty hard rocker with lots of energy. It has a similar feel to 'Good Times, Bad Times' from the first album.

    For the second half of the album, we hit acoustic sounds full on. The first of these is 'Gallows Pole', a folk traditional arranged by Page. More nifty guitar work accompanies Plant singing about a man being hanged. The song gathers speed progressively and it builds into a great climax. 'Tangerine' is a chilled out acoustic gem with a dreamy quality. Then comes 'Thats The Way', the third masterpiece track of the album, after 'Immigrant Song' and 'Since I've Been Loving You'. The acoustic riff is timeless; this is a folk-based masterpiece. Plant sings this song with amazing vocal control. 'Bron Yr Aur Stomp' is an acoustic sing along, the title inspired by a cottage in Wales. It has some great grooves and is an enjoyable listen. Sadly though, the last track, 'Hats Off To Roy Harper' leaves a lot to be desired. The scratchy guitar play and disjointed vocals just leaves me thinking 'URGHHHHHH'. I could never get into this song and is probably the only Zep tune that I can't listen to. The b-side masterpiece song 'Hey Hey What Can I Do' should have been on here instead, or indeed 'Travelling Riverside Blues'. Had either track have been included instead of 'Hats Off' I would have given this album 5 stars.

    Led Zeppelin III is an excellent change of style by the band. Sadly it didn't please all fans at the time of its release (though most were won back with the follow up in Led Zeppelin IV) but for me, and any of the open minded fans of the band, this is an excellent effort. Eventhough this is by far not the band's best work, it is still an undeservedly underrated album. I would personally recommend this Led Zeppelin album to any new fan of the band looking for more beyond the hard-rocking stuff or any open minded listener in general.

    4 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars - Different but still excellent.......2004-06-18

    Led Zeppelin III (1970.) Led Zeppelin's third album.

    In 1969, Led Zeppelin released two albums that were nothing short of excellent - Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin II. It's very rare that a band can shell out two five-star albums in a single year, but the guys managed to do it nonetheless. Both of the band's previous albums followed a similar style - blues-based hard rock, which worked surprisingly well. Although no one can deny the pure excellence of the band's first two albums, the band must have realized that they couldn't go on doing the same thing forever. So they got progressive. And in 1970, the band released its third studio album, appropriately entitled Led Zeppelin III. Read on for my review.

    There have been numerous issues of this album released over the years, but really, they're all the same other than their packaging. Don't bother shelling out the extra cash to get one of those foreign LP-style replica packages - it's just not worth it. The domestic versions are exactly the same and cost considerably less.

    This album is kicked off with Immigrant Song, the fast-paced rocker that would go on to become the most popular song on this album. It's an excellent song, however, it does NOT speak for the rest of the album. Being both the first track and the most popular song to emerge from the album, you'd expect the other tracks to be similar in style. Well, my friends, the opposite couldn't be more true. As a whole, this is probably the most different-sounding Led Zeppelin album. The second track, Friends, is a folksy-styled acoustic track. Although this isn't what the average person is used to hearing from the band, it's a solid track nonetheless. It's followed up by Celebration Day, which uses similar stylings to its predecessor but throws some electric guitars in the mix to keep things interesting. The most underrated track on this entire album would have to be Gallows Pole. If you want an excellent Led Zeppelin track that gives you everything, you've come to the right place. Don't overlook this little gem! The band also tries their hand at some simplistic acoustic-style songs, Tangerine and That's The Way. The band is generally recognized by fans for its hard rock sound, so it's easy to overlook the softer stuff - and it's actually quite good! Two pretty strange songs finish off the album. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp is a another folksy-style track, which sounds like it had some Bob Dylan influence. Hats Off To (Roy) Harper finishes off the album. It's an old blues song that gets an excellent update. Strange as they may be, these closing songs are still excellent.

    In the end, Led Zeppelin III comes off as one of the band's most different-sounding albums. It's probably the weakest of the "classic four" albums that the band released, but it's still damn good (I gave it four and a half stars, didn't I?) It may take a few listens to get into this album, unlike the others which generally hook you on the first listen, but in the end you should agree - this album is an underrated little gem. Just make sure you listen to this one with an open mind.
    Led Zeppelin III
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Led Zeppelin III

      Manufacturer: Msi Music Corp
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B0000DEPVW
      Release Date: 2002-08-19
      Celestial
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Celestial
        Celestial
        Manufacturer: CELESTIAL
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000CA6KLG
        Release Date: 2004-10-05

        Tracks:

        1. And I Know
        2. Outlook
        3. Fantasy
        4. Waiting for the Sun
        5. Sweep
        6. Away
        7. Writing on the Wall
        8. XXX
        Led Zeppelin III
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Led Zeppelin - 'Led Zeppelin III' (Atlantic)
        Led Zeppelin III
        Led Zeppelin
        Manufacturer: Pid
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
        SupergroupsSupergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
        Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
        Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
        Classic RockClassic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000005K66
        Release Date: 1997-09-23

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Led Zeppelin - 'Led Zeppelin III' (Atlantic).......2007-02-19

        Originally hit the stores in 1970, this was of course their blessed third album. One again from start to finnish, this ten track early '70's heavy rocker is a true classic in every sense of the word. Tunes that are sure to keep this disc within easy reach of your stereo are the foot-stomping opener "Immigrant Song", "Celebration Day", the kick-*ss "Gallows Pole" (one of THE top five Zeppelin songs of time), the beautifully Jimmy Page penned gem "Tangerine" and "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp". Plus, let's not forget "Out Of The Tiles", loved it when I saw Blind Melon play this as a surprise cover during their second-to-last concert tour. An absolute must-have.
        Led Zeppelin III
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Please Mister Hangman.
        Led Zeppelin III
        Led Zeppelin
        Manufacturer: Atlantic
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        British FolkBritish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
        BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
        Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
        Folk RockFolk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        British MetalBritish Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
        Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
        Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
        Arena RockArena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00005HEFR
        Release Date: 1970-01-01

        Tracks:

        1. Immigrant Song
        2. Friends
        3. Celebration Day
        4. Since I've Been Loving You
        5. Out on the Tiles
        6. Gallows Pole
        7. Tangerine
        8. That's the Way
        9. Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
        10. Hats off to (Roy) Harper

        Album Details

        Same as USA Version.

        Customer Reviews:

        4 out of 5 stars Please Mister Hangman........2005-06-04

        After the knockout punch of Led Zeppelin's first two albums, their third album was seen as a disappointment by some fans. Split down the middle between steam-shovel rockers and largely acoustic, folkish material, the album presents a rough blueprint for Zeppelin's towering monument.
        Limited Edition Collector's Package [CD & SILK 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 foot ZOSO BANNER] Physical Graffiti [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] {see product details below}
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Limited Edition Collector's Package [CD & SILK 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 foot ZOSO BANNER] Physical Graffiti [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] {see product details below}
          Led Zeppelin
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
          SupergroupsSupergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000JI9BBM

          Product Description

          "SILK BANNER" is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 foot, High durable, imported from Italy. "TRACK LISTINGS" Disc: 1 1. Custard Pie 2. The Rover 3. In My Time Of Dying 4. Houses Of The Holy 5. Trampled Underfoot 6. Kashmir Disc: 2 1. In The Light 2. Bron-Yr-Aur 3. Down By The Seaside 4. Ten Years Gone 5. Night Flight 6. Wanton Song 7. Boogie With Stu 8. Black Country Woman 9. Sick Again
          III / Houses of the Holy
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            III / Houses of the Holy
            Led Zeppelin
            Manufacturer: CD Maximum
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
            Guitar GodsGuitar Gods | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
            SupergroupsSupergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000J3B1EW

            Product Description

            2 albums on 1CD- 18 trx total- Led Zeppelin III -10 trx & HOUSES OF THE HOLY - 9 trx. Rare official release made exclusively for Russia, in English.

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