Oh, hello! It's Derek, back again with "Albums That Started It All" numero 4️⃣️. This time we're taking it wayyy back...
See when I was a young'n, my father listened to a lot of Buddy Holly, Ricky Nelson, Beach Boys, etc (which also still influence me obviously). But my mom, she was a rocker. My first concert was Deep Purple; she was also responsible for The Who, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Fleetwood Mac, and of course, the Zep.
My introduction to the greatest rock band of all time was their 5th album, Houses of the Holy. It was pure magic - this record haunted me. "No Quarter" scared the crap out of me. "Dancing Days" mystified me, "D'yer Mak'er" gave me a nostalgic feeling I could never quite put my finger on, and "Over the Hills and Far Away" is still my go-to every time I pick up an acoustic guitar.
Jimmy Page straight up taught me my chops. I remember I had an instructional VHS of how to play all his riffs, and I would just put it on everyday after school (no I had no life when I was 15). Every member of that band is/was a star - each owning their instrument completely, but then coming together with a whole much greater than the sum of its parts.
I got the privilege of seeing Robert Plant and Jimmy Page when they toured in the early 90's. It remains one of the best moments of my life. Truly life changing. Thanks mom 😁
Man, writing about these albums really makes me want to listen again. Gotta go get the Led out!!
