After the huge success of their fourth album, and an almost outrageous successful tour, Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham splurged a little breather. Of course it did not last long and was planning Page with Plant with Indian musicians re-record some Led Zeppelin songs. The project was scrapped, however, because the sound quality - according to Page - was not zufriedendstellend. In the 90s, the idea was taken up again, sometimes more, sometimes less than satisfactory.
To Album:
In "Houses of the Holy" the four experiment almost as unswervingly around like on the previous albums too, but that here was more penetrated in various stilische corners. Also sound technically went to a new path. The album is recorded very clean, you think the band to have in front of you. The rhythm section Bonham / Jones shines on this album especially, Page hovers sounded moderately diverse over all and Plant sings.
What is noticeable is that the songs have a lot more parts on the album, as on its predecessor. While on "IV" often prevailed jam-like structures, some songs have here often multiple parts. This complicates a little access to the disk, but gives the album a slightly longer lifetime. It does not get boring.
Among the songs:
"The Song Remains The Same" has enormous drive and pace without seeming heavy, but loose and unbeschwehrt. (When there is something before?) Beautiful harmonies and tempo changes give the song the necessary trick to even after repeated listening not to be boring.
"The Rain Song" is another very varied song that takes time and uses them also. Towards the end of the song explodes, only to eventually collapse back into itself. Jones shines here on Mellotron (my favorite keyboard instrument next to the Moog) and Page playing beautiful melodies. Beautiful as Page at the end just want to find no end and again little melodies played here and there. Excellent!
"Over The Hills And Far Away" is again a light-hearted song, which oscillates between folk and hard rock, scores with great vocal line, creative sounds and a great end !! Especially live (How the West Was Won) pushes the songs very forward.
"The Grudge" is the radio song, which falls a bit compared to the first song, but does not work due to the short season on my nerves. At the end of yet James Brown is quoted and please beautiful when you hear the radio with such Synthisounds? Just!
"Dancing Days" starts the B-side and acts from the reef forth a little hypnotic. Also back are heard keyboard of Jones. Generally a little toothless.
"D'yer M'ker" (I hope it is now spelled correctly? I ask now, is a clear sign!) I do not like the song. He is played clean, but the musicians have this type of music is not in the blood and therefore it works - in my opinion-not.
"No Quarter" is then probably the Led Zep song par excellence. Threatening keyboard sounds, Pages discreet and therefore so effective guitar, Plant and Bonham distorted voice just knew when he had something to play. Jones proved here as an incredible arranger in terms of specific sounds and moods. Similar to Pink Floyd's "Echoes" could be the song for hours continue to flow ... HAMMER!
"The Ocean" then reconciled people who could not do anything with "D'yer M'ker" and "No Quarter". A great reef (Bonhams qietschende barrel machine), Drive and backing vocals complete this song from Gen finally, a short sprint and "whoosh!" is through the plate.
Unbelievable how many ideas this CD offers without going in the direction of the progressive rock. Toll!
I think that people here simply to evaluate often too high. I give "Houses of the Holy" four stars for four outstanding songs (1,2,3 & 7), two good and unobtrusive songs (5 & 8), and a good eye-catching song (4) and a loss (6) ,
So and now only fooled the CD!
