Various Artists - Thank You, Zeppelin! The Airship Piloted By 'Sinful Geniuses' (2025)

The legendary band, Led Zeppelin. Despite creating numerous masterpieces, they were constantly plagued by "plagiarism accusations." However, they uniquely sublimated diverse musical influences like blues and folk, transforming them into a one-of-a-kind sound. We unravel the secret of their re-creation by tracing it back to their roots.

Led Zeppelin is truly an unparalleled and great band in the history of rock! The term "plagiarism accusations" has followed their career, but that's precisely because they were deeply influenced by a wide range of music, from blues to folk, and openly wore it as a "badge of honor." Their true genius lies not in merely borrowing these elements, but in completely transforming and re-creating them into the unique "Led Zeppelin sound."

For example, songs like "Bring It On Home," "Dazed and Confused," and "Whole Lotta Love" were pointed out for "borrowing" lyrics and melodies from original sources, sometimes leading to credit changes or settlements. However, as a fan, I can say that in their hands, the original songs are elevated into masterpieces with overwhelming power and novelty. While such "artistic borrowing" is common, especially on their early albums, Jimmy Page always added a "twist," creating riffs that surpassed the quality of the originals.

Furthermore, their iconic song "Stairway to Heaven" was the subject of a long legal battle over plagiarism accusations concerning Spirit's "Taurus," but they ultimately won a verdict in 2020 stating it was "not copyright infringement"! This proves that a simple chord progression is a musical cliché and that their song was a "work of art" many times more epic and captivating than the original.

With John Bonham's unique drumming, Robert Plant's soul-stirring vocals, and John Paul Jones's skillful arrangements all coming together, they were not just a plagiarizing band but true innovators who carved out the future of music. Their music remains a cornerstone of rock, continuing to influence countless bands today. Their brilliant achievements will never be tarnished by accusations!

Commentary: Oldies Editorial Department

Tracklist:
1-1 Joan Baez - Babe I’m Gonna Leave You [2:40]
1-2 Muddy Waters - You Shook Me [2:45]
1-3 Robert Johnson - Stones in My Passway [2:32]
1-4 Jake Holmes - Dazed and Confused [3:52]
1-5 Bert Jansch - Blackwater Side [3:46]
1-6 Otis Rush - I Can’t Quit You Baby [3:06]
1-7 Chester Burnett (Howlin’ Wolf) - How Many More Years [2:43]
1-8 Albert King - The Hunter [2:47]
1-9 Muddy Waters - You Need Love [2:43]
1-10 Small Faces - You Need Loving [4:00]
1-11 Chester Burnett (Howlin’ Wolf) - Killing Floor [2:51]
1-12 Bobby Parker - Watch Your Step [2:49]
1-13 Sonny Boy Williamson II - Bring It On Home [2:37]
1-14 Odetta - The Gallows Pole [2:53]
1-15 Bukka White - Shake ’Em On Down [3:02]
1-16 Little Richard - Keep A Knockin’ [2:13]
1-17 Memphis Minnie - When the Levee Breaks [3:12]
1-18 Sonny Boy Williamson II - Nine Below Zero [3:30]
1-19 Blind Willie Johnson - Nobody’s Fault But Mine [3:13]
1-20 Philip Baptiste (Phil Phillips) - Sea of Love [2:26]