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THE REVIEW
March 31st, '76. The airship brings down to earth its most underrated work, most criticized, namely that "Presence," a record that in my opinion deserves much more attention than the much-revered "IV." By this, I absolutely do not mean to say that "IV" is not the outstanding Led Zep album; however (in my humble opinion), too many words have been spent on it. This has not happened to "Presence." After this introduction, let's move on to the actual album.
The first thing that catches the eye is the splendid cover, with that curious black obelisk. Some claim it is a satanic object explicitly wanted by Page, although I do not agree with this assertion. How many bands have been accused of satanism by the media? The answer is too many, so (excuse the term) fuck the criticism! as the Zeppelin themselves said, the only thing that matters is the music.
And one couldn’t choose a better start, the song that in my opinion surpasses "Stairway to Heaven" but remains hidden in its shadow. Yes, I'm talking about "Achilles Last Stand," the epic and unique, in its majestic ten minutes and twenty-five seconds of existence. A great performance from Bonzo on drums, a stunning bass by Jones, the voice of the convalescent Plant, here at excellent levels (as always, to be honest), and finally the twenty-thousand overdubbed guitars of Page confer the piece a splendid magic that only Led Zep songs can make you feel. We proceed with "For Your Life", rocking, simply (to use a very common and simple adjective) beautiful. "Royal Orleans," the third track, talks about an incident at the Royal Orleans Hotel. It seems that a group member brought a trans person thinking it was a woman. The mysterious member and the trans person, smoking weed, fell asleep, and the lit joint caused a small fire. A story that many will find unsettling, while to me it sounds hilarious, I mean, only the Led can give us such stories. Call it rock attitude or however you like. The fourth track "Nobody's Fault But Mine" with vague blues accents makes you want to dance, believe me. Page's complex guitar arrangements demonstrate his skill, and I must say that Jones truly excels with his bass on this track. We move on to "Candy Store Rock," one of the ugliest Zeppelin songs ever (and there are few ugly ones in their catalog, indeed, it's very rare to find one, but this one…), and Plant contradicts me by stating that "Candy Store Rock" is, in his opinion, one of the best Zeppelin songs. If Plant says so...
"Hots On For Nowhere," the sixth track, narrates the misunderstandings between Plant, Page, and their beloved producer, Peter Grant. It is one of the few songs in the Zeppelin catalog to use the word "fuck." Musically, it's based on a lively rhythm, rich in interesting riffs (Plant) and grooves (Bonzo). The seventh and final track, a real call to the distant past, is "Tea For One," a slow blues reminiscent of the much-loved (by me) "Since I've been Loving You," a piece played on the emotions that only the blues can release, and that finds the best expression with James and Robert, the two masters. Its nine minutes and twenty-seven seconds are all that one could ask for from life, namely that poignant feeling of dominating the world. And I'm not exaggerating. One of the many reasons why the Led are my absolute favorite band.
In conclusion, I believe I have done justice to this masterpiece, doing my best. Long live Led Zeppelin.
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Summary by Bot
This review highlights Led Zeppelin's 'Presence' as an underrated gem overshadowed by their iconic 'IV' album. The author praises standout tracks like 'Achilles Last Stand' and emotional blues pieces such as 'Tea For One.' Noting the band's skill and unique stories that surround the album, the review encourages listeners to give 'Presence' the attention it deserves.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in 1968 by Jimmy Page with Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. They became one of the most influential rock groups of the late 1960s and 1970s; the band disbanded after John Bonham's death in 1980.109 Reviews
Other reviews
By Antonino91
'Achilles Last Stand' is a masterpiece with perfectly balanced instruments and breathtaking drumming.
'Candy Store Rock' is the most negligible episode of the album, almost nauseating.
By Miki Page
'Achilles Last Stand' is a phenomenal hard-rock track that hits with intensity and power.
'Presence' is a good album, but not a masterpiece like the group’s previous 6 works.
By vellutogrigio
"Achilles Last Stand is one of the best tracks in the career of the four, with Page's guitar architecture supporting Plant's declamatory singing."
"Never had a Zeppelin track in the '70s been so straightforward, almost like an attack on the listener’s hearing, until it seemed the work of a debut group, well masked by veteran competence and craft."
By claudio carpentieri
"Achilles Last Stand throws us with the power of a tornado into this sonic monument where Page's heroic guitar leads the rest."
"Presence reflects a period far from happy for the band, with Plant’s presence in the studio in a wheelchair confirming its difficult gestation."
By Rax
"There will never be another album like this. Here it’s me facing despair and telling it: I am stronger than you."
If 'Presence' is the funeral of the Zeppelin, the terrible next album will be its tomb.
