LED ZEPPELIN - D'YER MAK'ER

'When I heard the news that it told me, 
it made me sad sad sad'

Cod-Reggae? A Joke? Track 6 on Houses Of The Holy has long been regarded as something to ignore or ridicule. Sometimes I think people lack a sense of humour, and certainly some perspective. True, it's lightweight compared to the big hitters on the elpee, but it does fit into the sound, groove and atmosphere of the time.

Although I agree it pales against tracks left off the elpee including the title track and The Rover, I pause and think of the state of mind and play for Led Zeppelin in the spring on 1972. They were on top of the world, could do whatever they wanted, when and how it pleased them. And why not take a step back from the progressive edge and innovation every now and again and have some fun. I'm not even gonna repeat the old music hall joke that gave rise to its' oddly punctuated title.

Whereas Dancing Days took a groove and built a unique swirling masterpiece of east meets west and English crunch, D'Yer Mak'er is nothing so complicated. More if a doo wop sixties pastiche than reggae, it doesn't quite come off but is a lot of fun nonetheless.

For me the star is Bonzo, because although this isn't something he sounds comfortable with he still manages to hold back at the right time, syncopate and throw in the odd depth charge. My guess is Robert was the main instigator and champion of this, and indeed it was pressed to be a single. Of course, it was hastily withdrawn to then add to the pile of rare 7" UK promo only chunks of vinyl.

Frankly, it's a bit take it or leave it. Never played live, Robert would throw in the 'oh oh oh oh ah oh' vocal in Whole Lotta Love, Hamburg March 21st 1973 being the most obvious, and a couple of hits during the Earls' Court encores.

Although withdrawn in the UK it was chosen alongside The Crunge as the first single, and there are plenty of versions from around the globe. It's also featured on a couple of rare EP's from Mexico and Argentina as well as white label promo copies from the US to South Africa.

Love the 'whatever happened to Rosie & The Originals' line on the lyric insert, a nod towards the early 60's pop doo wop group best known for their 1961 hit ballad Angel Baby released on London. Methinks there's a copy in Robert's collection.....

Despite not being played live by Zeppelin, there have been a few cover versions over the years from Sheryl Crow, Puddle Of Mudd and Lady Gaga!