Iconic Vinyl: Led Zeppelin IV

 

 

*Led Zeppelin IV*, released on November 8, 1971, stands as one of the most iconic rock albums in music history. Often referred to simply as *Led Zeppelin IV* due to the band's decision not to title the album, it marked a significant departure from conventional album presentations, both in terms of its visual art and the music contained within.

 Album Cover Design and Controversy

The cover of *Led Zeppelin IV* is a stark contrast to the elaborate and psychedelic artwork typical of rock albums in the early 1970s. The front cover features a simple, rustic image of an elderly man, hunched over, carrying a bundle of sticks on his back. The image is framed in an old, weathered picture frame, which is mounted on a cracked, decaying wall. This cover art was not a photograph created specifically for the album but was rather a reproduction of an oil painting that Robert Plant found in an antique shop. The image evokes a sense of timelessness and reflects the band's desire to detach from modernity and commercialism.

The decision to omit the band's name or any album title from the cover was a bold move, intended to make a statement against the pressures of the music industry. Led Zeppelin wanted the music to speak for itself, and this choice added an air of mystery to the album, challenging listeners to engage with the music without any preconceived notions. However, this decision also sparked controversy, as some saw it as an act of pretension or arrogance. Critics and industry insiders were puzzled by the band's refusal to conform to the norms of album marketing, yet this only served to enhance the album's legendary status.

 Inside the Gatefold

The inside of the gatefold album continued the theme of mystique and symbolism. The left side of the gatefold features the lyrics to "Stairway to Heaven," set against a backdrop of an illustration that depicts a robed figure, The Hermit, standing on a mountain peak, holding a lantern. This figure is a reference to the Tarot card "The Hermit," which symbolizes wisdom, introspection, and the quest for enlightenment. The image of The Hermit was created by Barrington Colby, an artist commissioned by the band, and became one of the most recognisable symbols associated with Led Zeppelin.

The Four Symbols

One of the most intriguing aspects of *Led Zeppelin IV* is the four symbols that appear on the inside sleeve of the album, representing each band member. These symbols were chosen by the members themselves and have been the subject of much speculation and interpretation.

1. **Jimmy Page**: Page's symbol, often referred to as "Zoso," is the most enigmatic of the four. While some believe it is a stylized version of an alchemical symbol, Page has never fully explained its meaning, adding to the aura of mystery surrounding it.

2. **John Paul Jones**: Jones selected a symbol that resembles three interlocking ovals. This symbol is a traditional emblem that represents a person who possesses both confidence and competence, a fitting choice for the multi-instrumentalist.

3. **John Bonham**: Bonham's symbol is three interlocking rings, which can be interpreted as representing the Trinity or the family unit, given Bonham's strong family ties. It is also a symbol for the drum kit manufacturer Ludwig.

4. **Robert Plant**: Plant chose a feather within a circle, which is the symbol of the ancient Mu civilization. The feather represents the writer's and poet's creative spirit, reflecting Plant's role as the band's lyricist.

Track Listing

*Led Zeppelin IV* consists of eight tracks, each showcasing the band's versatility and musical prowess:

1. **Black Dog**

2. **Rock and Roll**

3. **The Battle of Evermore**

4. **Stairway to Heaven**

5. **Misty Mountain Hop**

6. **Four Sticks**

7. **Going to California**

8. **When the Levee Breaks**

"Stairway to Heaven" is undoubtedly the most famous track on the album, often considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The album also features a blend of hard rock, folk, and blues, demonstrating the band's ability to transcend genres.

Band Members and Production Team

*Led Zeppelin IV* was produced by guitarist Jimmy Page, who was instrumental in shaping the band's sound. The band members were:

- **Robert Plant**: Lead vocals

- **Jimmy Page**: Guitar, production

- **John Paul Jones**: Bass guitar, keyboards, mandolin

- **John Bonham**: Drums, percussion

The album was engineered by Andy Johns, who worked closely with Page to capture the powerful, dynamic sound that defined Led Zeppelin's music.

Singles and Chart Positions

Interestingly, none of the songs from *Led Zeppelin IV* were released as singles in the United Kingdom. However, in the United States, "Black Dog" and "Rock and Roll" were released as singles. "Black Dog" reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Rock and Roll" peaked at number 47. Despite the limited release of singles, the album itself was a massive commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and selling over 37 million copies worldwide.

 The Occult and Mysterious Tales

The aura of mystery surrounding *Led Zeppelin IV* is further enhanced by the band's association with the occult, particularly through Jimmy Page's interest in Aleister Crowley, a British occultist, and ceremonial magician. Page was an avid collector of Crowley memorabilia and even purchased Boleskine House, Crowley's former home on the shores of Loch Ness, Scotland. This connection fueled rumors and speculation that the band had dabbled in dark arts, which only grew with the release of *Led Zeppelin IV*.

The cryptic symbols, the Hermit illustration, and the album's refusal to conform to industry norms all contributed to the idea that the band was aligned with mystical and occult practices. Some fans and critics went so far as to claim that "Stairway to Heaven," when played backward, contained satanic messages—a claim that has been widely debunked but remains part of the album's lore.

Jimmy Page's fascination with Crowley and the occult has been the subject of countless articles, books, and documentaries. While Page has acknowledged his interest in Crowley, he has downplayed the idea that Led Zeppelin's music was directly influenced by occult practices. However, the mystique remains, as Page has rarely spoken in depth about his beliefs, leaving much to the imagination.

Led Zeppelin IV is more than just an album; it is a cultural artefact that has influenced generations of musicians and fans. Its enigmatic cover, the cryptic symbols, and the band's association with the occult have all contributed to its legendary status. The album's music, from the timeless "Stairway to Heaven" to the raw energy of "Black Dog," continues to captivate listeners more than five decades after its release. Led Zeppelin's refusal to conform, both in their music and their presentation, has solidified their place in rock history, and *Led Zeppelin IV* remains a touchstone for anyone exploring the depths of rock music and its myths.