Led Zeppelin - Physical Graffiti. 1975 England

I don't think we'll ever see the kind of popularity bands achieved in the 1970s. And Led Zeppelin were at the top of that stack. Too many dynamics, parameters, and options for today's youth to engage like they did back then. Music was often the only game in town, and groups like Led Zeppelin were the megastars of the moment, to never really be surpassed. Even today, we see the bands from the 70s go out up in wheelchairs or stooped over on a cane - and play to a packed arena filled with crowds that look just like them - while bringing their kids and grandkids along for the ride.

1975 was arguably Zeppelin's peak year in terms of popularity. And Physical Graffiti was their grand excess statement. I've been long skeptical of the quality of this double LP set, but in retrospect the band is to be admired for mostly sticking to their patented heavy blues rock sound of the late 60s. Album #1 is exemplary whereas Album #2 admittedly has many holes, but even still at least 4 excellent songs can be found. And 'Kashmir' is a track for the ages, brilliant in every way. Surprisingly not a bloated album, as it might seem on first inspection.

LP: 1975 Swan Song (USA)
CD: 2008 Swan Song (Japan)

A good candidate for the Japanese mini-LP format given the multiple gimmix cover options. My original copy was likely a beat original found in some dusty used store during college, long sold off. Classic Zeppelin shows up in garage sales all the time, only a matter of time before I pick up a nice copy of this as well for all of $2. And if not, no biggee. Need the shelf space.

October 19, 2019 update: And, well, found one at a sale. OK it was $3, but hey!