Led Zeppelin “Physical Graffiti”

The greatest mystery of Led Zeppelin is why this (1975) album has a song called “Houses of the Holy”—and the album called Houses of the Holy (1973) doesn’t have a song called “Physical Graffiti”—but rather, “The Song Remains the Same”—which is not the same song. I’m just kidding—there are no mysteries around Led Zeppelin—they have all been solved by 2026—fans spending their lifetimes uncovering the clues, digging into the odd corners, no stones left unsoiled with proof, facts, opinions. I considered trying make up some outlandish tale about this record, but no one’s going to buy it. Then I considered the irresistible pastime of ranking the songs in my order of preference—but Led Zeppelin fans don’t care, nor would they be swayed, nor angered, nor delighted. The thing that’s interesting to me, I guess, is how I was only briefly a fan, in the Seventies—then suffered decades of indifference—only to emerge as a big fan, once again. And if forced to choose, this is my favorite Led Zeppelin album (w/the rest tied for close 2nd). For me, the most important thing is listening to vinyl versions of the records on a good system (or maybe a bad one, because that’s what I have, but it never sounds so good as when this record is on). This might be the best sounding rock record ever recorded, or at least tie for first place. Not that it’s a contest—I’m sorry to always be framing things that way. I vow to never do it again!

But first, the last thing I want to do is name my favorite song on this record, and my least favorite. Why? Because I always have a favorite and least favorite—that’s why I never had kids. But for eggs (poached/scrambled) and potatoes (homefries/French fries)—claiming favorite and least favorite is not hurting anyone, and the same goes for songs on a record. So, with this album, favorite—well, later—I want to end with the positive. First, my least favorite is “Kashmir”—which I’m sure many won’t agree with, because it is a great song, and what’s more, for some it’s not only their favorite on this album, but their favorite song by the band! Or even favorite song, period! Or even favorite thing in the whole world—but let’s not get ridiculous (I mean, cats, sex, ice cream, raindrops on roses…). So, what do I have against that song—besides having heard it one-thousand too many times? Nothing—I like it, and I greatly admire it, but it’s just that I like the rest of this double-record better.

What’s my favorite? It used to be “Houses of the Holy” (which was, for a long time, my favorite Led Zeppelin song), but now I’m taking the occasion of the celestial scimitar pointing this way for review, to give it a fresh listen or two or more to pick a new fav! (In progress). In the meantime, how about what’s one of the coolest album covers ever! No, it’s the coolest. Somehow I don’t remember when realized where the picture was taken (no internet) but I lived 6 blocks away, 10 years after the album came out (which sadly coincided with a Zeppelin-down-time)—but just that photo—who’s the badass on the steps, who’s got those trashcans in their personal shrine? It’s some album cover. Okay, there are just some really good songs here. And the recording—I hate to single anything out—but this has to be my favorite drum sound I’ve ever heard on a record. I’m done stalling: My verdict for LP’s favorite song, on 5 June 2026? “The Rover.” (Could change, someday, and probably will!)

6.5.26