Presence
Presenceis one of Led Zeppelin's more overlooked albums, languishing in the monstrous shadow of its predecessor,Physical Graffiti. It's more noted in Zeppelin mythology for the circumstances in which it was recorded, in double-quick time with vocalistRobert Plant's leg in plaster after a car accident. The lack of time does show--much of the album feels like generic heavy rock, bigger on volume than variety. It's worth the price of the album, however, for the 10-minute-plus "Achilles Last Stand" (a crashing, galloping epic with John Bonham sounding like he's replaced his drumsticks with tree trunks) and "Nobody's Fault but Mine," aBlind Willie Johnsonblues regenerated with a 3,000-watt boost byJimmy Page.--David Stubbs