What Is and What Should Never Be – Led Zeppelin
I recently picked up a copy of Led Zep II for my dad to replace his lost one, and gave it a complete re-listen for the first time in a long time. It’s funny, Zeppelin is one of my favorite bands and has been forever. I treat them about the same as I treat the Beatles, essentially untouchable in my eyes, but over the past couple of years, it feels like I’ve listened to them much less than I normally would. Giving II a real re-listen was so refreshing and a much-needed reminder of why I hold them in such high regard.
“What Is and What Should Never Be” was the first song I listened to after graduating high school. No particular reason for this and most likely this came about by just hitting shuffle, but I do distinctly remember listening to it on the way to meet my family for lunch.
I love JPJ‘s bassline in this one; before the chorus starts, I think it’s genuinely one of the most laid-back, chill, vibe-filled bass parts of all time. It just makes me smile. Of course, soon after, the song explodes into a sudden burst of energy that is the chorus, before perfectly falling back into the “chillness” of the verse. I love the little pull Jimmy does here in the transition. There is something about the melody of the chorus in the way that Robert sings that is just so badass. The last minute or so of the song is super fun, so groovy with Robert going almost full Robert in terms of his vocals. Bonzo of course, is incredible. Just an all-time Zep song for me.
My Taste in Music 
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