re hot dog

[Ryan Carter <rycarter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

     re the 'debate' over the worthyness of hot dog to exist on the led
zep catalouge- for god's sake take a look at yourselves! This isn't just
some band we are chatting about, but a legacy of philosophy as to what in
means to be in the music industry. The whole idea of zeppelin from word go
was complete artistic control, which by neccessity meant destroying any
influence record sales could possibly have on artistic output. For this
reason the band was continuosly against the concept of singles-- this at a
time when the LP was a minor thing and had only just demonstrated an
ability to outsell singles ( with Revolver if my memory serves me
correctly). Does everyone realise how much money and fame the band
sacrificed by this simple decision? Sales of a Stairway to Heaven single
would have made every other single in the history of the world look like a
school fete, and i dont think any fanaticism on my behalf is warping
my judgement here. Look at the gap between Zep II and Zep III, and the
critical hammering they took for such a change in direction.Similarly the
deliberate anonymity contained in the covers of the fourth album and In
Through the Out Door.And now you're upset that the band produced Hot Dog
instead of dishing you up another WLL. Do you think they would have gotten
around to Kasmir and Carouselambra, Trampled Underfoot and Four Sticks had
they be keeping in mind how the fans would receive them? No. Led Zeppelin
fans were always treated by the band with complete disaregard, and strike
me down if i dont love them for it. The band is probably the puerest
example of karma in action i can think of- the freedom they gained in
sacrificing the pusuit of popularity made them the most progressive band
posible, both in practice and theory. So like it or not, Hot Dog
represents an intellectual triumph, not just a weak moment . God, the band
covered every other style , why would rockabilly miss out? 
     This argument is a killer when put a bit more eloquently, especially
the karma bit, but it's the best i can do today. I've ......drank a bit
too much coffee. Yes, that's it, good ol' coffee, nothig illegal there.
Ryan.