MMED 3015-01 Prof. R. Muhlbock ___________________________________________________________________
Craft & Tool: Reverse Engineering Report
By: Mat Bennett
Introduction:
The media work I have chosen to explore is Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven; arguably one of the most requested, referenced, and highly regarded rock ballads in the history of recorded music. The song was created as what was consciously the heart of their fourth studio album; aptly named, Led Zeppelin IV. This songs progeny was one of fragments, compositional experience, and instrumental genius. “The idea for Stairway to Heaven came together from bits of taped music (Tolinski).” Having toured and recorded all over the United States and the United Kingdom, Zeppelin had built …show more content…
This blues influence carried up until the 50’s and 60’s with Otis Rush and Willie Dixon. Of course a major influence as measured by the resulting Stairway to Heaven may very well be Spirit, who they opened for numerous times. The most notable creative connections are Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Page made these connections through T.V. appearances and musical events while playing in the Yardbirds. Page even credits his first double neck guitar to Jeff Beck. These fathers of modern rocks’ proximity also sprouted names like Paul Schaffer and Rod Stewart. In regards to the subject matter of Stairway; among others, Zeppelin tackles romance, sex, mythology and fantasy (Erlewine). The blues, folk, and progressive rock influences paired with their far from minimalist lifestyle and high energy creative sound were unique in what they represented for the future of rock and roll music. As much as it was a polished reassembly of the influences of the Page and the group, it represents the iconized status of this group of performers and music
Craft & Tool: Reverse Engineering Report
By: Mat Bennett
Introduction:
The media work I have chosen to explore is Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven; arguably one of the most requested, referenced, and highly regarded rock ballads in the history of recorded music. The song was created as what was consciously the heart of their fourth studio album; aptly named, Led Zeppelin IV. This songs progeny was one of fragments, compositional experience, and instrumental genius. “The idea for Stairway to Heaven came together from bits of taped music (Tolinski).” Having toured and recorded all over the United States and the United Kingdom, Zeppelin had built …show more content…
This blues influence carried up until the 50’s and 60’s with Otis Rush and Willie Dixon. Of course a major influence as measured by the resulting Stairway to Heaven may very well be Spirit, who they opened for numerous times. The most notable creative connections are Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck. Page made these connections through T.V. appearances and musical events while playing in the Yardbirds. Page even credits his first double neck guitar to Jeff Beck. These fathers of modern rocks’ proximity also sprouted names like Paul Schaffer and Rod Stewart. In regards to the subject matter of Stairway; among others, Zeppelin tackles romance, sex, mythology and fantasy (Erlewine). The blues, folk, and progressive rock influences paired with their far from minimalist lifestyle and high energy creative sound were unique in what they represented for the future of rock and roll music. As much as it was a polished reassembly of the influences of the Page and the group, it represents the iconized status of this group of performers and music