Led Zeppelin and Philosophy: All Will Be Revealed

Popular Culture and Philosophy #44

by Scott Calef (editor)

Led Zeppelin, who bestrode the world of rock like a colossus, have continually grown in popularity and influence since their official winding up in 1980. They exasperated critics and eluded classification, synthesizing blues, rock, folk, rockabilly, funk, classical, country, Indian, and Arabic techniques. They performed the alchemical trick of transmuting base led into gold--and platinum--and diamond. They did what they would, finding wisdom through personal excess and artistic self-discipline.
"Not a coda to Zeppelin's legacy, but a blast of metaphysical graffiti as relevant today as the first time we heard the opening chords of 'Stairway to Heaven'. From Kant to 'Kashmir', from Freud to 'Fool in the Rain', Calef and company explore Zeppelin's music in an introspective, suggestive manner worthy of both a blistering Page solo and a bawdy Bonham stomp."
--BRANDON W. FORBES, co-editor of Radiohead and Philosophy "Led Zeppelin's albums, personalities, live performances, art work, myths, influences, and more, all come under the microscope. Compelling insights and observations add more depth to a subject that continues to thrill and inspire. Each chapter is driven by an unquenchable thirst for Zeppelin knowledge and pulls the reader deeper into the world of Led Zeppelin . . ."
--DAVE LEWIS, editor, Tight But Loose

Genres: Philosophy, Music, Pop Culture, Nonfiction

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will probably only be of interest to die-hard Zeppelin fans and a handful of philosophy scholars, but regardless, it certainly provides a perspective of the iconic rock band that no other book does. There is some great insight on a variety topics, including the use of lyrics not as poetry but as an extension of the music, what made Zeppelin original despite their notorious use of material by other artists , and more humorous ponderings, such as whether or not Bonzo has a moral obligation to toss TVS out a hotel window or if Jimmy Page is truly free if all he wants to do is have sex with groupies in his hotel...but that is all he CAN do. The appendix has some great resources for Zeppelin fans as well. Definitely one of the better entries in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series, largely because it (usually) does not take itself too seriously, but still manages to make several salient points.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far very interesting

[Chris J · Rating 3 out of 5]

An edited collection that undulates in execution but certainly has its moments. Edward McCan's chapter, "Bring the Balance Back," constitutes the book's zenith and is worth reading for even the most casual Zeppelin fan.