Led Zeppelin — The Rain Song
Album: Houses of the HolyAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 5372
Length: 7:36
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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This is the springtime of my loving
The second season I am to know
You are the sunlight in my growing
So little warmth I've felt before.
It isn't hard to feel me glowing
I watched the fire that grew so low.
It is the summer of my smiles-
Flee from me keepers of the gloom.
Speak to me only with your eyes
It is to you I give this tune.
Ain't so hard to recognize
These things are clear to all from
Time to time. Ooooh
Talk talk-
I've felt the coldness of my winter
I never thought it would ever go
I cursed the gloom that set upon us
But I know that I love you so
But I know that I love you so.
These are the seasons of emotion
And like the winds they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion
I see the torch we all must hold.
This is the mystery of the quotient
Upon us all a little rain
Must fall, just a little rain?
Ooooh, yeah yeah yeah!
The second season I am to know
You are the sunlight in my growing
So little warmth I've felt before.
It isn't hard to feel me glowing
I watched the fire that grew so low.
It is the summer of my smiles-
Flee from me keepers of the gloom.
Speak to me only with your eyes
It is to you I give this tune.
Ain't so hard to recognize
These things are clear to all from
Time to time. Ooooh
Talk talk-
I've felt the coldness of my winter
I never thought it would ever go
I cursed the gloom that set upon us
But I know that I love you so
But I know that I love you so.
These are the seasons of emotion
And like the winds they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion
I see the torch we all must hold.
This is the mystery of the quotient
Upon us all a little rain
Must fall, just a little rain?
Ooooh, yeah yeah yeah!
Comments (543)add comment
The best of the best from '73. Graduating high school & on to college where the truly like-minded came together for the first time, comparing experiences with music. Life is good when you look back to those innocent days of discovery. Thank you, William and RP fans. 
The piano in this really makes this tune. It's subtle but so strong...
"you're the sunlight in my groin"?
iloveradio wrote:
Learn to play this on guitar and you would change your tune. Pun intended
Overrated
Learn to play this on guitar and you would change your tune. Pun intended
iloveradio wrote:
I tried to overrate it, but the scale only goes to 10.
Overrated
I tried to overrate it, but the scale only goes to 10.
waynemcnee8 wrote:
I also enjoy the live version from the movie
What a truly fabulous song!
I also enjoy the live version from the movie
What a truly fabulous song!
iloveradio wrote:
Based on what criteria? I won't bother waiting for an intelligent answer.
Overrated
Based on what criteria? I won't bother waiting for an intelligent answer.
It’s perfect.
The first time I ever got stoned, like really stoned, 18 years old and listened to this song..
The first time I ever got stoned, like really stoned, 18 years old and listened to this song..
So good! Makes me kinda sad that this is so far in the past now. They don't make music like this anymore. Hell, no one else was making this kind of music back then either. One of a kind for sure.
9 -> 10
Hearing this passionate masterpiece as the first snow of the season piles up outside in the blast of truly bitter cold that has followed weeks of idyllic sunshine makes me very thankful I grew up with John and Danny Madrid, RIP both of 'em, each brother a guitar god in their own right, great friends who constantly turned me on to the best of Zep and Yes and Neil Young and so much profound, spiritually moving music... Thanks, RP, for making a snowy night a righteous, dreamy one!
Thanks for playing all my favorite songs today.
I don't think I've seen a graph of votes this shape on another song. Most peak around 7-8.
I like this one, but there are better (IMHO) Zep tracks.
I like this one, but there are better (IMHO) Zep tracks.
Outstanding in every respect!
Interesting that 34 people voted this "2" and 61 voted it "3". That means someone was probably sitting there saying, "Man, this is garbage, let's put on some Rosalia, now that's my jam."
Best producer in the world
It is so much better in FLAC w/ great studio phones, amp & DAC. You can hear all of the subtleties & nuances! Thanx RP! 
I love and appreciate how this can make me always strive for that eternal highness in the ritual remembrance of my late buddies, brothers, and fellow worshippers of Zep, John and Danny M...
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I think you can get in on the story if you listen just a little bit closer....
I respect other’s opinions, and I get that musical taste is subjective, and for me this is a solid 3. Perhaps my ears have stopped working? It is a possibility! I’m glad others enjoy it, and I feel like I’m the only person not “in” on the story. Oh well.
I think you can get in on the story if you listen just a little bit closer....
I love this tune. One of my favorites from Zeppelin, and the piano part, though subtle, I find it sublime.
iloveradio wrote:
So is your opinion.
Overrated
So is your opinion.
Overrated
I respect other’s opinions, and I get that musical taste is subjective, and for me this is a solid 3. Perhaps my ears have stopped working? It is a possibility! I’m glad others enjoy it, and I feel like I’m the only person not “in” on the story. Oh well.
Feel free to play that one again back to back.... its just that good
Bellísima canción, excelente interpretacion!
I usually don't deal in superlatives but this is the best song ever.
Not mellow.
h8rhater wrote:
It could be JUST you. If you're seeing obscenity, perhaps it would be best to look in your own soul and ask "why?".
Would Google flag it as child porn?
Lots of examples of innocent folks’ photos getting in trouble for that
It’s just kids, for goodness sakes.
Let’s just calm down.
My daughter spent the first 3 years of her life naked. Pretty much.
Family photos document those years and trust me, they aren’t porn.
Just kids naked.
As we all are under our garments.
It could be JUST you. If you're seeing obscenity, perhaps it would be best to look in your own soul and ask "why?".
Would Google flag it as child porn?
Lots of examples of innocent folks’ photos getting in trouble for that
It’s just kids, for goodness sakes.
Let’s just calm down.
My daughter spent the first 3 years of her life naked. Pretty much.
Family photos document those years and trust me, they aren’t porn.
Just kids naked.
As we all are under our garments.
Excellent!
the best zeppelin song there is.
Is this my favorite album of all time? Hmm...
On_The_Beach wrote:
this might be the Mighty Zep at their best.
There's good, there's great, and then there's this.
this might be the Mighty Zep at their best.
Fabulous guitar work Jimmy✌️
Proclivities wrote:
That's an interesting approach: rejecting any memories related to a song which you had previously heard - so that it will remain "fresh".
To me, attaching memories to songs does not innately "perpetuate any paradigms" (nice alliteration though), about their "current value". Then again, I don't consider only "current" music to have "current value"?
I guess it's just a matter of perspective - like a lot of things are.
and do we actually have a choice about how memories are stored? Certain smells, tastes, the way the light hits an object we're viewing for example - but especially music.
Perhaps as i get older and start losing memories this changes my perspective? Music has always been such an incredibly important component of who i am...
That's an interesting approach: rejecting any memories related to a song which you had previously heard - so that it will remain "fresh".
To me, attaching memories to songs does not innately "perpetuate any paradigms" (nice alliteration though), about their "current value". Then again, I don't consider only "current" music to have "current value"?
I guess it's just a matter of perspective - like a lot of things are.
Perhaps as i get older and start losing memories this changes my perspective? Music has always been such an incredibly important component of who i am...
Unlike Stairway, still a pleasure to hear!
spacemanspiff wrote:
That's an interesting approach: rejecting any memories related to a song which you had previously heard - so that it will remain "fresh".
To me, attaching memories to songs does not innately "perpetuate any paradigms" (nice alliteration though), about their "current value". Then again, I don't consider only "current" music to have "current value"?
I guess it's just a matter of perspective - like a lot of things are.
It always surprises me that people attach memories to songs. This has an unfortunate effect of perpetuating a paradigm that music has no current value unless it is current. I very rarely attach a memory to a song and this has the fortunate effect of keeping it fresh every time i listen to it.
That's an interesting approach: rejecting any memories related to a song which you had previously heard - so that it will remain "fresh".
To me, attaching memories to songs does not innately "perpetuate any paradigms" (nice alliteration though), about their "current value". Then again, I don't consider only "current" music to have "current value"?
I guess it's just a matter of perspective - like a lot of things are.
WannabeBanned wrote:
It could be JUST you. If you're seeing obscenity, perhaps it would be best to look in your own soul and ask "why?".
Is it me, or have they made the album cover more obscene with their "good" intentions. (?)
It could be JUST you. If you're seeing obscenity, perhaps it would be best to look in your own soul and ask "why?".
I just HATE it when I walk down the hall in to a room where a song I like so much is almost over. And if that is today's big problem, life is good. Happy new year to you all.
Good tune!
Truly, one of the greatest songs. EVER! Listening to it in an "Enhanced State Mind" makes it even better. If that's possible.
Pairs nicely with the welcome rain in Northern CA. Fires gone, grass appears, streams flow. Just don't be a stranger, eh?
KudaRey wrote:
Turns out you were right!!!
It had not occurred to me that it was over 45 years ago that we were cruising A1A along Ft. Lauderdale beach in my buddies 'custom' (as in plywood and shag carpet) 68 Chevy van rolling the seeds out of Columbia's finest import, while literally wearing out the tape of this album on a Craig quadphonic 8 track player through Jensen 6×9 Triaxials. And we thought it couldn't get or sound any better than that.
Turns out you were right!!!
Thanks Rebecca and Bill!
The best thing Led Zeppelin ever recorded, and that's saying something. Actually, it's probably one of the best things anybody ever recorded.
KudaRey wrote:
WOW! You nailed it!
It had not occurred to me that it was over 45 years ago that we were cruising A1A along Ft. Lauderdale beach in my buddies 'custom' (as in plywood and shag carpet) 68 Chevy van rolling the seeds out of Columbia's finest import, while literally wearing out the tape of this album on a Craig quadphonic 8 track player through Jensen 6×9 Triaxials. And we thought it couldn't get or sound any better than that.
WOW! You nailed it!
Man, I dug this even back when we were plenty pleased to get just average weed and beer, but -- wow... They so often vibrated on such a truly trippy plane, within which they even made Rock Poetry out of fantasy into part of our culture, and there is serious therapy, I can vouch, in doing a high-altitude camping trip jamming out to them...
Laptopdog wrote:
Ditto! Simply Amazing... warms my soul
There's a 10 if I've ever heard one.
Ditto! Simply Amazing... warms my soul
jahgirl8 wrote:
MAGMA!
Love this song so much. Perfect timing too... a few days of rain await. All those years loving this while growing up, I assumed the cover art was staged... and it was, but who knew about the Giants Causeway? When I found myself there in person, I was amazed. Reading how they staged the photo shoot and how difficult it was fascinated me. I hope you get a chance to see this phenomenon of nature.
MAGMA!
My favourite Zep song. Last 2-3 minutes are majestic.
mgtom wrote:
And the impetus behind it was a conversation Ringo Starr had with John Bonham in which he asked why Zep had never done a straightforward love song (I kind of think "Thank You" from LZ II covered that but what do I know). Supposedly that is why the opening of The Rain Song mimics "Something" by the Beatles
How ironic - out of all the excellent heavy rockers LZ created, or recreated, this gentle acoustic tune may be my favorite Zeppelin song.
And the impetus behind it was a conversation Ringo Starr had with John Bonham in which he asked why Zep had never done a straightforward love song (I kind of think "Thank You" from LZ II covered that but what do I know). Supposedly that is why the opening of The Rain Song mimics "Something" by the Beatles
Is it me, or have they made the album cover more obscene with their "good" intentions. (?)
There are several key points in my life where, looking back, I recognize as crossroads. This song brings back memories of a lost love--a best friend whom I never had the courage to profess my love for at the time. Now, 40 years later, I still think of that missed opportunity with an air of melancholy.
Read recently that Page wrote this after hearing George Harrison complain that Zeppelin had no ballads (guess he never heard "Thank You")
BCarn wrote:
Uh....what's "GOT"?
Game of Thrones
Uh....what's "GOT"?
Game of Thrones
jbuhl wrote:
"Jones used the Mk.II for the beautiful string arrangements in "The Rain Song" from Houses of the Holy. The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview specifically for this article, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard: "The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically."
The link:
https://www.reocities.com/jpjkeys/mellotron.html
The drums (percussion) are so tremendous on this entire record. Maybe my fave of their catalog.
"Jones used the Mk.II for the beautiful string arrangements in "The Rain Song" from Houses of the Holy. The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview specifically for this article, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard: "The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically."
The link:
https://www.reocities.com/jpjkeys/mellotron.html
The drums (percussion) are so tremendous on this entire record. Maybe my fave of their catalog.
Ah😊the mighty Zep,what a masterpiece ✌️
We were so lucky as teenagers to enjoy this kind of music...This brings back lovely memories of the 70s...
lynn01 wrote:
masterpiece.
edit - just noticed the person before me used the same word. must be true then.
I agree. I just wish the piano was up front more in the mix, it's so beautiful. And having the outro in piano rather than guitar would have been awesome.edit - just noticed the person before me used the same word. must be true then.
masterpiece.
edit - just noticed the person before me used the same word. must be true then.
edit - just noticed the person before me used the same word. must be true then.
My favourite Led Zeppelin song. A beautiful masterpiece. A rare ten from me.
This takes me back to a well worn housing commission house in Inala with a couple of good mates and a blasting stereo. Brisbane summer's can get hot and muggy. Oh and Thusa the big Newfoundland fog. 1976 was so long ago now.
rKokon wrote:
Bump, still here and still 'our song'!
More_Cowbell wrote:
I agree. This was 'our song' back in the day when wife and I were dating and teenagers...still together many years later. Aaah those days.
How many years, More_Cowbell? What is the secret? Making a wise choice in the first place?
Bump, still here and still 'our song'!
LOVE THIS.
Music to my ears.
I remember the controversy with friends in that they thought it was shit cause it didn't
sound like, well, Led Zeppelin.
I believe they came around soon enough.
Music to my ears.
I remember the controversy with friends in that they thought it was shit cause it didn't
sound like, well, Led Zeppelin.
I believe they came around soon enough.
Love this song so much. Perfect timing too... a few days of rain await. All those years loving this while growing up, I assumed the cover art was staged... and it was, but who knew about the Giants Causeway? When I found myself there in person, I was amazed. Reading how they staged the photo shoot and how difficult it was fascinated me. I hope you get a chance to see this phenomenon of nature.
pcc wrote:
Ah...right. Why that would be mentioned here is quite non-sequitur. Meh.
I guess it's Game Of Thrones
Ah...right. Why that would be mentioned here is quite non-sequitur. Meh.
martin112 wrote:
there's a reason songs made it to the top 40 ...
They are talented however I came here to get a way from top 40 playing them every half hour.
there's a reason songs made it to the top 40 ...
ace-marc wrote:
Not at all!
Did this album go under the Zeppelin radar?
My first purchase from them and I would play it at my numerous parties.
Everyone always surprised by the number of hits/singles/great songs.
My first purchase from them and I would play it at my numerous parties.
Everyone always surprised by the number of hits/singles/great songs.
Not at all!
I practiced picking this tune a zillion times back in highschool. That's waaaay back. And now, when I pull my old Gibson out of its encrusted case and scrape the rust off the strings, it's usually the first song I play.
Not sure what that means, but I do love this song.
Not sure what that means, but I do love this song.
Have to agree with most RP listeners , the mighty Led Zeppelin
deserves a "10" for this rock ballad classic,
deserves a "10" for this rock ballad classic,
A cover band where I live recently did a poll for which LZ they should play. The choices were I, III, IV and HotH. IV won out, but HotH was second. (I would have chosen II but it wasn't an option).
It always surprises me that people attach memories to songs. This has an unfortunate effect of perpetuating a paradigm that music has no current value unless it is current. I very rarely attach a memory to a song and this has the fortunate effect of keeping it fresh every time i listen to it.
Did this album go under the Zeppelin radar?
My first purchase from them and I would play it at my numerous parties.
Everyone always surprised by the number of hits/singles/great songs.
My first purchase from them and I would play it at my numerous parties.
Everyone always surprised by the number of hits/singles/great songs.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Still beautiful after all these years.
There's good, there's great, and then there's this.
Still beautiful after all these years.
Beautiful song. One of my LZ faves. Love the piano in this.
I guess it's Game Of Thrones
blotto wrote:
Uh....what's "GOT"?
I used to listen to this album a lot in the high school library with headphones, and read Conan novels.
Had to get the librairian to put the records on
Conan was exactly like GOT but 35 years ahead.
Had to get the librairian to put the records on
Conan was exactly like GOT but 35 years ahead.
Uh....what's "GOT"?
Never never been a Zeppelin fan, one of the odd ones, I guess. But I've always liked this one. A 9.
never thought I would like a track from Led Zeppelin. Trust RP to educate me
It is to you I give this song...wonder who you is?
I used to listen to this album a lot in the high school library with headphones, and read Conan novels.
Had to get the librairian to put the records on
Conan was exactly like GOT but 35 years ahead.
Had to get the librairian to put the records on
Conan was exactly like GOT but 35 years ahead.
SpinyNorma wrote:
LOL...I knew an utter twat once....and no Led Zep or any other music gained from her....so sounds like you're better off than you knew!! This one's a 9, although it's a definite "set & setting" song.....Long Live RP!!
Oh, my stars; this brings back some memories from many years ago that could have been so good but turned out so bad.
On the bright side, the utter twat in question introduced me to Led Zep, so I got something amazing out of all the crap
On the bright side, the utter twat in question introduced me to Led Zep, so I got something amazing out of all the crap
LOL...I knew an utter twat once....and no Led Zep or any other music gained from her....so sounds like you're better off than you knew!! This one's a 9, although it's a definite "set & setting" song.....Long Live RP!!
Oh, my stars; this brings back some memories from many years ago that could have been so good but turned out so bad.
On the bright side, the utter twat in question introduced me to Led Zep, so I got something amazing out of all the crap
On the bright side, the utter twat in question introduced me to Led Zep, so I got something amazing out of all the crap
"This is the mystery of the quotient "
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/head-scratching-led-zeppelin-lyrics/
Hmmm?
https://ultimateclassicrock.com/head-scratching-led-zeppelin-lyrics/
Hmmm?
KudaRey wrote:
You may have been correct on that!
It had not occurred to me that it was over 45 years ago that we were cruising A1A along Ft. Lauderdale beach in my buddies 'custom' (as in plywood and shag carpet) 68 Chevy van rolling the seeds out of Columbia's finest import, while literally wearing out the tape of this album on a Craig quadphonic 8 track player through Jensen 6×9 Triaxials. And we thought it couldn't get or sound any better than that.
You may have been correct on that!
It had not occurred to me that it was over 45 years ago that we were cruising A1A along Ft. Lauderdale beach in my buddies 'custom' (as in plywood and shag carpet) 68 Chevy van rolling the seeds out of Columbia's finest import, while literally wearing out the tape of this album on a Craig quadphonic 8 track player through Jensen 6×9 Triaxials. And we thought it couldn't get or sound any better than that.
Yes, yes, yes!
Cuddling music extraordinaire!
Thanks for playing it. Eyes closed, gently swaying to the tune
Cuddling music extraordinaire!
Thanks for playing it. Eyes closed, gently swaying to the tune
They are talented however I came here to get a way from top 40 playing them every half hour.
Laptopdog wrote:
There's a 10 if I've ever heard one.
Agreed. I was thinking of 11, but, you know.... (sigh) 45 years later? Where did the years go?These lyrics speak to me!!
This is a pretty song... i wonder if these guys will ever catch on...
There's a 10 if I've ever heard one.
Can't listen to Stairway anymore, but this still works!
Love it!
bmccaul wrote:
These things are clear to all from time to time.
Finally. Realized this is my favorite Led Zeppelin song of all. Beautiful. Haunting.
These things are clear to all from time to time.
Finally. Realized this is my favorite Led Zeppelin song of all. Beautiful. Haunting.
Heavenly
Pure bliss
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
So go listen to some Beethoven.
This is Led Zeppelin; perfect exactly as it is; without syrupy strings.
Mellotrons are still used in contemporary music by various artists, including Steven Wilson, who's no slouch.
Listen to any Beethoven and tell me those strings are syrupy - not likely.
Jimmy Page must have thought these otherwise second rate mellotron/one dimensional pseudo strings sounded good.
Fortunately mellotrons and the like have been relegated to museums where they can be seen as an aberration in electronic music development.
Jimmy Page must have thought these otherwise second rate mellotron/one dimensional pseudo strings sounded good.
Fortunately mellotrons and the like have been relegated to museums where they can be seen as an aberration in electronic music development.
So go listen to some Beethoven.
This is Led Zeppelin; perfect exactly as it is; without syrupy strings.
Mellotrons are still used in contemporary music by various artists, including Steven Wilson, who's no slouch.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Exactly.
If Jimmy wanted syrupy strings he woulda hired a few violin players (ick).
Listen to any Beethoven and tell me those strings are syrupy - not likely.
Jimmy Page must have thought these otherwise second rate mellotron/one dimensional pseudo strings sounded good.
Fortunately mellotrons and the like have been relegated to museums where they can be seen as an aberration in electronic music development.
Exactly.
If Jimmy wanted syrupy strings he woulda hired a few violin players (ick).
Listen to any Beethoven and tell me those strings are syrupy - not likely.
Jimmy Page must have thought these otherwise second rate mellotron/one dimensional pseudo strings sounded good.
Fortunately mellotrons and the like have been relegated to museums where they can be seen as an aberration in electronic music development.
h8rhater wrote:
Exactly.
If Jimmy wanted syrupy strings he woulda hired a few violin players (ick).
Derp!... As if it isn't already.
Exactly.
If Jimmy wanted syrupy strings he woulda hired a few violin players (ick).
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
Pity, as a new mix with genuine string playing would transform this into a truly great piece of music.
Derp!... As if it isn't already.
Pity, as a new mix with genuine string playing would transform this into a truly great piece of music.
Derp!... As if it isn't already.
When you hear the first few chords and audibly sigh your approval
Perfect for a wet and cold sunday morning.
Always and ever a very long way from Whole Lotta Love.
I love hearing this just now...after three unusually wet, cloudy, and cold days, rays of sunshine are trying to peek through. This is BLISS
Decoy wrote:
Exactly what i thought right now !
oh, how do I need this right now...
Exactly what i thought right now !
unclehud wrote:
Just use your ears Unclehud - the 'strings' are so synthetic and one dimensional that only a finger on a keyboard could have created them.
Pity, as a new mix with genuine string playing would transform this into a truly great piece of music.
Once upon a time, I was 18 or 19 years old and a big Led Zeppelin fan. Went back to my parent's house for a summer during college. The local radio station played their nightly message: "It's eleven o'clock. Do you know where your children are?"
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
....................................................
Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
....................................................
Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
Just use your ears Unclehud - the 'strings' are so synthetic and one dimensional that only a finger on a keyboard could have created them.
Pity, as a new mix with genuine string playing would transform this into a truly great piece of music.
oh, how do I need this right now...
unclehud wrote:
"Jones used the Mk.II for the beautiful string arrangements in "The Rain Song" from Houses of the Holy. The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview specifically for this article, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard: "The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically."
The link:
https://www.reocities.com/jpjkeys/mellotron.html
Once upon a time, I was 18 or 19 years old and a big Led Zeppelin fan. Went back to my parent's house for a summer during college. The local radio station played their nightly message: "It's eleven o'clock. Do you know where your children are?"
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
....................................................
Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
....................................................
Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
"Jones used the Mk.II for the beautiful string arrangements in "The Rain Song" from Houses of the Holy. The Mellotron violins are strangely haunting, and have limited fidelity. They are also difficult to play smoothly, as the sounds begin and end instantly. To overcome this, Jones used a volume pedal to swell the entrances and exits of the string lines to make them more realistic. In an interview specifically for this article, he describes his process for recording a simulated orchestra with a keyboard: "The secret of successful keyboard string parts is to play only the parts that a real string section would play. That is, one line for the First Violins, one line for Second Violins, one for Violas, one for Cellos, one for Basses. Some divided parts are allowed, but keep them to a minimum. Think melodically."
The link:
https://www.reocities.com/jpjkeys/mellotron.html
Once upon a time, I was 18 or 19 years old and a big Led Zeppelin fan. Went back to my parent's house for a summer during college. The local radio station played their nightly message: "It's eleven o'clock. Do you know where your children are?"
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
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Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
Immediately afterward, on every weeknight, they played this song. Still gives me chills. One of their very, very best.
....................................................
Today, I'm over 60 years old. Still a big Led Zeppelin fan. And somebody better have evidence that we're hearing a mellotron, rather than an honest string quartet. As a musician, I'm not buying it. Something stronger than Wikipedia, please.
Just need a little more breathing room at the end of this one Bill
Pretty sick of many Zeppelin songs from radio overplay, but still really dig this one.
misterbearbaby wrote:
How nicely said! I feel that "Houses of The Holy" said something that I felt from within me deeply emotionally and that hasn't changed in 45+ years. Zeppelin has for me been the i-Ching and Tarot- a way to see a reflection of my inner state, grasp the reality of life around me, and and thus to choose the right path. I kid you not in the least little degree; Zeppelin's been there when I needed them.
INDEED.
How nicely said! I feel that "Houses of The Holy" said something that I felt from within me deeply emotionally and that hasn't changed in 45+ years. Zeppelin has for me been the i-Ching and Tarot- a way to see a reflection of my inner state, grasp the reality of life around me, and and thus to choose the right path. I kid you not in the least little degree; Zeppelin's been there when I needed them.
INDEED.
Prius wrote:
Hah never new that until now. I wonder how many songs Zep did with a Mellotron.
And this mellotron, wow!
Hah never new that until now. I wonder how many songs Zep did with a Mellotron.
Hah, Just got about 2 inches of snow this morning and still flurry'n about. Nice song for it.
mgtom wrote:
How nicely said! I feel that "Houses of The Holy" said something that I felt from within me deeply emotionally and that hasn't changed in 45+ years. Zeppelin has for me been the i-Ching and Tarot- a way to see a reflection of my inner state, grasp the reality of life around me, and and thus to choose the right path. I kid you not in the least little degree; Zeppelin's been there when I needed them.
How ironic - out of all the excellent heavy rockers LZ created, or recreated, this gentle acoustic tune may be my favorite Zeppelin song.
How nicely said! I feel that "Houses of The Holy" said something that I felt from within me deeply emotionally and that hasn't changed in 45+ years. Zeppelin has for me been the i-Ching and Tarot- a way to see a reflection of my inner state, grasp the reality of life around me, and and thus to choose the right path. I kid you not in the least little degree; Zeppelin's been there when I needed them.
There's good, there's great, and then there's this.
Super! 