Let’s take a ride back to 1987 by way of 1973. In 1987, I got my first CD player. I had saved up, and finally victory was mine. Disc #3? The one, the only — Houses of the Holy by the mighty LED ZEPPELIN.
To call it glorious is an understatement. Every time I press PLAY, I’m hit with a wall of memories that still bring me to tears decades later.
The minute those chords start “The Song Remains the Same”, you knew you were in the presence of greatness. Then comes the earthy realness of “The Rain Song”, wrapping you up like a rescued puppy finding its forever home.
“Over the Hills and Far Away”? Come on. At 13, I couldn’t believe what Jimmy Page was doing. Guess what? I still can’t. Awesomeness on a ten scale.
“The Crunge” made me go, “da fuq?” but that’s alright — up to that point, we were basking in greatness. Then “Dancing Days” reminds you why this album belongs in the canon.
The reggae-tinged “D’yer Mak’er” was an instant favorite for 13-year-old me, and my 52-year-old self agrees wholeheartedly. Not up for debate.
My absolute favorite? “No Quarter”. Not just my favorite on this album — Top 5 LED ZEPPELIN track, period. From the first listen, the music washes over me like waves in the ocean, bringing stillness that still hits me today.
The album closes with “The Ocean,” a kick in the ass for anyone who doubted this band could follow up on their previous work.
Here’s the deal: in 1987, I lost my dad. It hurt then and still hurts now. These songs helped me process that grief, and they still do. Daddy, I miss you, I love you, and I will never forget you.
