Kashmir by Led Zeppelin

 
First, I would like to thank Perplexio for his suggestions including Kashmir by Led Zeppelin off the Physical Graffiti album. I do have a couple of smaller stories I would like to share about this song.

When I first starting learning drums I had already been a Zeppelin freak (as immortalized in my high school yearbook). So it was no surprise that John Bonham became an early influence on me. I remember playing Kashmir in the basement and just getting into a zone while pounding away that amazing drum beat. The bass drum beats in the middle sections were a bit tricky for me at first but I eventually got it down. The long rolls near the end were especially fun and challenging for me at the time. I still enjoy playing Kashmir on the drums.

Skip ahead to the present where I am a family man and an avid fan of karaoke. We purchased a machine for my older son and we love it. Now even my 4 year old songs along (look for videos of this in the near future). As mentioned before, I have been a Zeppelin guy for most of my life and Robert Plant to this day is my favorite singer of all time. I always joked with people that if I could sing like that I would quit my job tomorrow. He was real, raw and powerful. So yes, I try to sing along to Led Zeppelin tunes with Kashmir being my all time favorite song to try and imitate. I have sang in public before while in bands and so I can sing somewhat, but we all know trying to copy Robert Plant is not easy. I love to try on this song because of the vibe it has. The moaning, groaning and the notes he hits are just magical even in my living room. Nothing is more rewarding than being able to hold that long note near the middle.

All I see turns to brown, as the sun burns the ground
And my eyes fill with sand, as I scan this wasted land
Trying to find, trying to find where I've beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen.

Thanks again Perplexio for the suggestions. Do you have a memory from this song? Let me know.