Song Review by Steve Huey, "AllMusic.com": "Kicking off the band's 1970-released third album, 'Immigrant Song' is 'Led Zeppelin' at their most powerful and basic, riding an up-tempo groove and a stomping Jimmy Page guitar riff that simply switches between two octaves of the same note.
"As the song opens, John Bonham's drums double the riff, and Robert Plant's otherworldly howl enters shortly thereafter, singing a piercing, wordless melody that seems to invoke the spirits of the long-dead mariners mentioned in the lyrics.
"The 'immigrants' of the title are actually ancient Viking conquerors (there are references to 'the land of the ice and snow', 'the hammer of the gods', and Valhalla), and the unearthly quality of Plant's voice helps establish an aura of mystery and pagan myth about the song that makes it as eerie as it is hard-rocking.
"Plant also projects a certain menace in keeping with the warlike nature of the song's characters, and his softer, slinkier tone on threats like 'We are your overlords' contrasts nicely with the shrieking chorus. Although 'Immigrant Song' isn't too technically challenging, there are quite a few change-ups from the main riff that keep things from getting repetitive; there's also an unorthodox ending which uses a melody and variation on the main riff not heard previously in the song.
"While the rest of the band plays well, 'Immigrant Song' is really Plant's showcase, and he turns in a stellar performance." Judge for yourselves! Have a good listen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrant_Song
I have no idea how that works out, but I'm not going to criticise the plays!! A lot of my followers are (I think) of a younger generation who just click through. I don't know. Crikey! I've just noticed I crashed the '1800 followers' barrier! Not one for landmarks though.
18 Comments (since 13 Jun 2015)
leejohnson
Song Review by Steve Huey, "AllMusic.com": "Kicking off the band's 1970-released third album, 'Immigrant Song' is 'Led Zeppelin' at their most powerful and basic, riding an up-tempo groove and a stomping Jimmy Page guitar riff that simply switches between two octaves of the same note.
leejohnson
"As the song opens, John Bonham's drums double the riff, and Robert Plant's otherworldly howl enters shortly thereafter, singing a piercing, wordless melody that seems to invoke the spirits of the long-dead mariners mentioned in the lyrics.
leejohnson
"The 'immigrants' of the title are actually ancient Viking conquerors (there are references to 'the land of the ice and snow', 'the hammer of the gods', and Valhalla), and the unearthly quality of Plant's voice helps establish an aura of mystery and pagan myth about the song that makes it as eerie as it is hard-rocking.
leejohnson
"Plant also projects a certain menace in keeping with the warlike nature of the song's characters, and his softer, slinkier tone on threats like 'We are your overlords' contrasts nicely with the shrieking chorus. Although 'Immigrant Song' isn't too technically challenging, there are quite a few change-ups from the main riff that keep things from getting repetitive; there's also an unorthodox ending which uses a melody and variation on the main riff not heard previously in the song.
leejohnson
"While the rest of the band plays well, 'Immigrant Song' is really Plant's showcase, and he turns in a stellar performance." Judge for yourselves! Have a good listen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigrant_Song
bankstatement
Classic. Great observations about Plant.
leejohnson
Steve Huey's observations. Credit to him. :)
gmdunning
Cannot believe you have 37 plays but only 8 loves, at this time, some people have no taste :-(
leejohnson
I have no idea how that works out, but I'm not going to criticise the plays!! A lot of my followers are (I think) of a younger generation who just click through. I don't know. Crikey! I've just noticed I crashed the '1800 followers' barrier! Not one for landmarks though.
mondosalvo
fwiw, the video doesn't seem to be playable (in the US at least).
Ericbforpres
One of their best. Well done as always Lee
leejohnson
@mondosalvo :/
Bukowski
The greatest heavy rock band...ever.
esartee
Great jam,
ian38018
I believe Nigel Farage has released a version of this ..........
pez
Never tire of this one.
DavidAnderson
I saw them at the Caird Hall in Dundee 1971 - they opened with this - superb.
cbinseoul
Can't top what @DavidAnderson posted BUT I did play this on the radio last week. Live @ BBC version. More riffage :)