Zeptember 15, 2015: Kashmir

Marathon
Epic
Journey
Hot

These words come to mind when the opening chords of Kashmir are struck.  I'm transported away from where I am to somewhere else; somewhere desolate, barren, no roads in sight.

Music and books have the ability to do that to me.  Yes, sometimes it is great to have a movie do that for me; take me away, stop my thinking and let someone else tell the story.  I've always been a voracious reader, and recognized that magic early on, especially when I got into The Lord Of The Rings.    Kashmir, from the first time I heard it, had the ability to pull me away from wherever I was at and bring me around the world in an instant.  I am sure that what I imagine in my head is a far cry from what it is actually like in Kashmir, but who cares.  The music is magic.

Zeptember 2, 2015: Over The Hills And Far Away

Many

[men-ee]

adjective, more, most.

1. constituting or forming a large number; numerous
2. noting each one of a large number

noun

3. a large or considerable number of persons or things

4. the many, the greater part of humankind.

pronoun

5. many persons or things

Many is the word that appears in Over The Hills and Far Away many times, and all in the adjective form (constituting or forming a large number).

I can relate to the author.  I realize that while these (love, being bitten, lied, listened, dreams) have happened many times, there is still many ahead of me too.   I'm hoping to see the open road., the good things ahead.

The song lends to that hope. In the studio version, 6- and 12-string guitar play together after the introduction, with tight bass guitar and percussion through the main part of the song.  As the song ends, the guitar fades and echoes,  trailing off and ending on an up-note. This version from Madison Square Garden doesn't have those elements; it's a live performance and I  love the synergy of the band as they create this magic.

Zeptember 1, 2015: Immigrant Song

Hello, friend.

It's a few years down the road since I last did this.  Regardless, the month of Zeptember starts today.

Kicking off Zeptember 2015 is Immigrant Song.  Three years ago when I started the Zeptember project, Immigrant Song had a place in it.

Today, Immigrant Song comes to mind because of my son. Z is celebrating his 10th birthday today. The kids all know of my love of Led Zeppelin. I play it a lot, and when a song pops on the radio, I'll call it out.  One evening a few months ago as Zach got into the shower, I heard a sound from him, and as it repeated, I recognized it  - even through the wall and with the sound of the running water - as the opening wails of Immigrant Song.  I couldn't make out the rest of the words, but it was clear he was continuing on with the song.

The music the kids listen to is representative of what they hear from their parents and peers. His older sister is a big country music fan.  As a parent and fan of Led Zeppelin, it was so cool to hear him singing it.   Being a careful parent, I want my kids to like things because they like them, not because I do.  This is a message I've tried to convey to them, whether it is about books, movies, music, or the sports teams I cheer for.

Immigrant Song is so cool because it's all there right away. No slow intro, just 113 BPM. Form start to finish it is heavy bass, solid drums, guitar and Robert Plant's signature vocals.

So let's kick off another Zeptember. Immigrant Song.