Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin III” released 50 years ago today, October 5th, 1970. Original gatefold complete with the Zacron-designed spinning volvelle, which I positioned to have Robert Plant’s slightly drunken face most prominent. Spinning it around shows somewhat more flattering pictures of Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones along with other images.

Zeppelin’s third album went to #1 in both the US and the UK and its sole single, “Immigrant Song” went to #16 in the US. Filled with Norse imagery, Plant says the lyrics were inspired by their 1970 performance in Iceland. Also playing an influence on the overall rootsy, folksy (albeit pretty hardcore folksy) was the band’s writing retreat to Bron-Yr-Aur in rural Wales – the obvious result: the fantastic barn-stomper “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp.” I also love the hard-rocking funk of “Out on the Tiles” (primarily written by Bonham), the acoustic vibe of “Gallows Pole” (a reworking of a traditional folk song) and the two lovely ballads “Tangerine” (written by Page when he was still in the Yardbirds) and “That’s the Way.”