Re: Readings

["Pale Rider" <PaleRider@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I agree with David that the music is the focus of all Led Zeppelin 
fans. I
agree that the music should be what we are focused on the most. 
However, the
music, the fans, and the concurrent lifestyle of the bandmembers and 
the
fans (who could afford it...i.e. the rich man's high) are all part of 
one
big picture....the rock culture. Find me a hardcore Zeppelin fan who 
has
never done drugs, and he can't possibly understand the transcendent 
state of
mind the music puts one in when stoned.  As Robert Plant said in "Led
Zeppelin - The Definitive Biography," written by Ritchie Yorke:
    "I think that any group, except straight groups, can hit you 
differently
when you're stoned. You can listen to a group when you're straight 
and it
feels one way, and you can listen to it stoned and it just becomes 
more
intense. You're just able to pick out more of what the group is 
trying to
show you."
    The band was indeed trying to show us something..."and if you 
listen
very hard the *tune* will come to you at last."
    The Led Zeppelin and rock culture sexuality? Just listen to Black 
Dog.
    Again, I just want to make the point that the Sex, Drugs, and 
Rock and
Roll music are all of one. I would recommend Hammer of the Gods, In 
the
Light, Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin the Definitive Biography, 
Jimmy
Page-Tangents Within a Framework to every Led Zeppelin fan.
Enough said....but yes *the music* is the foundation of the whole 
culture.
In that we all agree.

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "David and Holly Turngren" <dahtcom@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <zeppelin@xxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 9:00 AM
Subject: Readings


> "If some of us prefer to read the books by Lewis and others, no 
> doubt
> it's
> because they focus on the music, which is why most if not all of us 
> are
> into
> Zep in the first place. "
>
> An outstanding post! I salute you. Saved me a lot of typing.
>
> This whole discussion began over a  young person who expressed an
> interest in Zeppelin and the subsequent recommendation for 
> information.
> There have been several such requests lately. I personally feel that
> when introducing someone to this phenomenon (Zeppelin) the emphasis
> should be on the music, the influences, background and 
> determination.
> The folklore and legend will come over time, but it will never be as
> interesting or educational as the music. Apparently, I did an 
> inadequate
> job of expressing that, no apologies.
>
> Whatever wild times these four guys had, it was theirs and theirs 
> alone.
> If they choose to share some of it on occasion o.k. , but it's tired
> stuff. I can't help, but to feel that they would all probably be 
> willing
> to trade all of those wild moments just to take back one incredibly
> tragic and stupid moment.
>
> John Bonham was a gifted musician. It would be a shame to trivialize
> that talent by constantly recalling his inability to control his 
> demons,
> and how it led to such a pointless conclusion.
>
> "Robert Plant shows softer side, but stays true to his rock roots"
>
> Thanks for the Tribune post Kevin. Kind of drives the point home.
>
> Just a final thought. . . Perhaps it would be a worthy project for 
> FBO
> members to come up with a recommended reading list for younger music
> fans who may be turning on to LZ for the first time. There would be 
> a
> place for the folklore, but again the emphasis should be on the 
> music.
> It should not be rushed either. Any thoughts?
>
> Regards,
> David