Led Zeppelin versus Duran Duran: When it comes to making out…

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For those who spent their childhood in the 1980s, it’s a challenging endeavor to explain that period to my kids. At first glance, we may not seem to share many similarities; for example, today’s young generation worries about climate change and their phones running out of power. In contrast, our fears back then were more about nuclear war and the style of our mullets, which graced the tops of our heads with that feathered appearance.

Mullets did not lend themselves to a great deal of selfie taking.

On a typical weekend night, you’d find us immersed in the idea of physically visiting a video rental store to grab a VHS tape. Watching your puzzled expressions was amusing, as if our minds had exploded! However, for us, this was the norm, and it usually meant one of two things: either we were preparing for a fright night filled with stories about idiotic teenagers being hunted by a serial killer, or we were getting ready to enjoy a tale about idiotic teenagers attempting to find romance.

What’s better for romance: Led Zeppelin or Duran Duran?

In essence, regardless of the situation, there was often an element of exposed or minimal clothing, making it advantageous to be a heterosexual man. Moving on…

Without a doubt, the undisputed king of ’80s sex comedies was “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” an exceptionally smart work by screenwriter Cameron Crowe in this genre. A scene that left a lasting impression on many viewers was a seemingly ordinary one: Mike Damone (played by Robert Romanus) advises Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) that his strategy to win over a girl includes the use of music as one of its key points.

“When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV.”

Back in the day, my world was turned upside down when I discovered Led Zeppelin. Teenage me couldn’t wait to spin those iconic records, hoping to get lost in the magic of Plant, Page, and their talented friends. To be honest, I can’t think of a single reason why anyone would argue against that decision. And let’s face it, to this very day, I’m still torn between the brilliance of Zep 4 and wondering if one side is better than the other. Just look at that lineup! It’s a monument to greatness!

The song ‘Black Dog’ kicks things off, with Plant screaming passionately about his woman’s dance moves that jolt our senses and awaken both our hearing and desire instantly. Then, John Bonham’s drums thrust us into ‘Rock And Roll,’ a reminder of not only the immense talent within this band from highest to lowest, but also of Bonham’s ability to make anyone around the world instinctively drum along without even thinking about it.

Jimmy Page’s proficient mandolin playing guides us into “The Battle of Evermore,” an extraordinary instance where a group breathed life into a book they were immersed in, crafting it into a powerful theme song. Lastly…

The song ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ often claimed by critics as the ultimate rock masterpiece, is undeniably one of the best tracks on any album ever played on a record player. It’s hard to debate this claim.

In another scenario, I must admit that this specific selection isn’t romantic at all; quite the contrary, it leans more towards the opposite. Listening to Led Zeppelin IV can quickly have you engrossed in its tunes, making it difficult to use your lips for anything else besides singing along. Therefore, one might wonder, which album would be ideal for setting the mood for a good make-out session?

Side two of Duran Duran’s underrated masterpiece Big Thing.

On one side of the album Big Thing, you’ll find a delightful array of sweet pop treats, with LeBon and his group delivering top-notch performances. However, side two is what truly captures your attention. It’s not just more of the same from these guys; they ventured into experimental territory instead, making it a joy to listen to.

On the second side, the opening track is titled “Do You Believe in Shame?” – a melodious blend that might have led you and your companion to contemplate performing actions of guilt, albeit in secret, for the entirety of the four-and-a-half minutes; at least during those moments, it seemed as if there was no room for shame.

Following is “Palomino,” a song characterized by its soft, dreamy rhythm with gentle hip movements. The lyrics beautifully depict the woman at the heart of the song, describing her as having a scent of sweet burnt sugar on her skin – quite delightful! And that rhythmic backdrop… not hurried, and far from aggressive. It paints sex as a slow dance, and if that’s not a perfect recipe for a romantic duet, I don’t know what is.

Following “Interlude One,” we have the six-minute long “Land.” This track marks another experimental venture for the band, employing new sounds and insightful lyrics (“Love is life, love is pain”) to guide listeners through an exploration of the human heart’s depths. As you savor the concluding chords, it seamlessly transitions into a “Flute interlude,” not just a quirky addition but rather, a prelude for the grand finale that follows.

In my opinion, part one of “The Edge of America” by LeBon feels like a poignant, almost a cappella verse. One line that truly resonates with me is, “Hey boy, lay your dreams aside for now. If you’re weary of wandering, here’s where the journey ends.” It seems as though there’s nothing more to fight for or lose in this place, and his words, “Learn to embrace your rage, here, it’s all you hold within” are lines that I believe may be among the most powerful they’ve ever set to music.

The last track fits perfectly, being instrumental, intense, rhythmic, and gradually escalating towards a peak – titled “Lakeshore Driving”. Great albums conclude with a climax and an impressive finish.

So should good make out sessions.

Instead, how about this alternative? Have the rest of you found yourselves satisfied with Zep 4? Or perhaps another album has brought good fortune to you instead?

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2025-01-25 16:56