Podcast Summary: The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers - Episode 148: Led Zeppelin - Houses Of The Holy

Introduction

In episode 148 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers, host Josh Adam Meyers delves into Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by focusing on Led Zeppelin’s seminal release, Houses of the Holy. Joined by comedian and drummer Bill Burr, the episode offers an in-depth exploration of the album’s tracks, the band’s evolution, and the intricate musicianship that defines their legacy.

Guest Introduction

Josh Adam Meyers (A) welcomes Bill Burr (B) to the show, highlighting Burr's multifaceted career as a comedian, actor, and musician. Meyers expresses excitement about Burr’s insights into Led Zeppelin, given Burr’s experience as a drummer and his deep appreciation for the band.

[00:01] A: "The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers... It's our first Zeppelin record."

Initial Impressions of Houses of the Holy

Bill Burr shares his nuanced view of Houses of the Holy, describing it as a "divisive" album. While he appreciates each song individually, listening to the album in its entirety reveals a variety of styles that showcase the band's growth and experimentation.

[06:27] B: "This album is one of these albums where I like all the songs individually. But listening to them in a row... it’s all over the place."

Meyers concurs, noting the album’s eclectic mix of reggae, funk, and hard rock elements, which contribute to its wild and innovative nature.

Evolution of Led Zeppelin’s Sound

The conversation transitions to Led Zeppelin’s progression from their earlier works (Led Zeppelin II and Led Zeppelin IV) to Houses of the Holy. Burr reflects on how the band was striving to surpass their previous success, experimenting with diverse musical influences while maintaining their signature sound.

[07:03] B: "They were listening to all this different kind of music, and I think they were selling so many records that gonna say anything. And it makes it awesome and also makes it a little wild."

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. "The Rain Song"

Burr praises "The Rain Song" as Jimmy Page’s masterpiece, highlighting its sophisticated arrangement and emotional depth. He admires John Bonham’s drumming, which adds complexity without overshadowing the song’s delicate composition.

[31:44] B: "You gotta have a little bit of rain... it's an absolutely gorgeous song."

2. "Over the Hills and Far Away"

Meyers and Burr discuss the seamless transition from the acoustic "The Song Remains the Same" into the hard-hitting "Over the Hills and Far Away." Burr emphasizes the song’s groove and Plant’s compelling vocals.

[37:22] B: "This is the first song that... you feel like this is Led Zeppelin. This is why we love them."

3. "The Crunge"

Analyzing "The Crunge," Burr corrects a common misconception about its funk influences, asserting that the song isn’t genuinely funk but rather Led Zeppelin’s unique take on the genre. He criticizes the notion that Zeppelin were a funk band, clarifying the song’s true musical foundations.

[39:28] B: "This is not a funk song at all."

4. "Dancing Days" and "Doomsday Eve"

"Dancing Days" piques interest with its title suggesting an easygoing vibe, yet Burr finds the rhythm challenging to dance to, reflecting on the song’s unconventional structure. Similarly, "Doomsday Eve" showcases the band's experimental side, which Burr appreciates for its groove despite its odd time signatures.

[51:53] B: "Zeppelin's not a dance band."

John Bonham’s Drumming Mastery

A significant portion of the discussion centers on John Bonham’s exceptional drumming skills. Burr marvels at Bonham’s ability to infuse intricate rhythms without complicating the song’s foundation, maintaining both power and precision.

[23:57] B: "Bonham never did it. He just kept it on the kick drum and then went right back to one."

Comparisons to Other Bands and Musical Influence

The conversation touches on Led Zeppelin’s place alongside other legendary bands like The Beatles, highlighting their approach to songwriting and album composition. Burr draws parallels between Zeppelin’s experimental nature and the Beatles’ evolution from a pop band to pioneers of sophisticated album artistry.

[17:03] B: "Beatles started off... they went from 'She Loves You' to 'Come Together.'"

Personal Stories and Experiences

Burr shares anecdotes from his personal life, including his initial exposure to Led Zeppelin while working in a warehouse and the impact of listening to "Whole Lotta Love." He humorously recounts struggles with modern technology and relates them to the challenges faced by musicians in adapting to new styles and expectations.

[11:03] B: "I first got into Zeppelin because of a guy who loved Bonham and everything..."

Favorite Tracks and Closing Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Burr and Meyers highlight their favorite tracks from Houses of the Holy. Burr expresses particular admiration for "No Quarter" due to its dark tone and intricate arrangement, while Meyers shares his love for "Dancing Days" and "The Crunge."

[75:34] B: "The wanton song has my favorite Bonham drum fill of all time."

They conclude by emphasizing the album’s lasting influence and its ability to challenge and inspire both musicians and listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Burr on the Divisiveness of the Album:

  [06:27] B: "This album is one of these albums where I like all the songs individually. But listening to them in a row... it’s all over the place."

• Burr on "The Rain Song":

  [31:44] B: "You gotta have a little bit of rain... it's an absolutely gorgeous song."

• Burr Clarifying "The Crunge":

  [39:28] B: "This is not a funk song at all."

• Burr on John Bonham’s Drumming:

  [23:57] B: "Bonham never did it. He just kept it on the kick drum and then went right back to one."

• Burr on Beatles Comparison:

  [17:03] B: "Beatles started off... they went from 'She Loves You' to 'Come Together.'"

Conclusion

Episode 148 of The 500 with Josh Adam Meyers offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy. Through thoughtful dialogue and personal insights, Josh Adam Meyers and Bill Burr shed light on the album’s complexity, its standout tracks, and the enduring legacy of one of rock’s greatest bands. Whether you’re a seasoned Zeppelin fan or new to their music, this episode provides valuable perspectives that enrich your understanding and appreciation of Houses of the Holy.