I have a habit....

.....of finding great albums far later than the release date. Which can mean I am several years behind the zeitgeist at times, although I like to think I'm just retro!

Case in point. When my wife's son turned 18, I bought him five books, five films and five albums I thought every 18 year old should have. I'm not sure I can remember them all now, but the books contained Clockwork Orange, On the Road and The Outsider, and amongst the films were Taxi Driver and Badlands (oh, I love that film!). But buying the albums, I had the greatest fun discovering Television's Marquee Moon, The Pixies' Surfer Rosa, and Elvis Costello and the Attractions' This Year's Model. As well as a bit of pique I hadn't discovered them when I should have done.

So. My guitar tutor suggested we have a go at Led Zeppelin's Over the Hills and Far Away a few weeks ago. Now, I have Led Zep IV and In Through The Out Door in my vinyls from my school days. But I never bought Houses of the Holy...until a week ago. FUCK!!! What a brilliant album! I honestly think it's one of the best I've ever bought....and kinda wish I'd bought it back in the day, when I was 16 with long hair and flared jeans (oh, yes). Not just rock, but funk and reggae all melded together. Four superb musicians - not least John Paul Jones eschewing the usual rock bass tradition of only knowing a 1-4-5 progression, and playing like a mean jazz bassist.

My ability to play Over the Hills and Far Away has not improved much, I'm afraid. But who cares when you've got this to listen to (windows open and speakers on eleven, everybody!)...

Led Zeppelin - The Ocean (can't embed due to money sponging sponsors needs, but this is superb footage..only hope it functions in the States)

I've got an ass like that. Honest.