Another really great album turned 50 years today, this time with one of the all times best rock groups, Led Zeppelin. The album is their third studio album, Led Zeppelin III (3) and was released in the US, 5 October and in England 23 October, where it reached the top charts short time after the release. It was recorded in a period from November 1969 to August 1970 in several studios. First at the Island and Olympic studios in London and finished at the Rolling Stones Mobile studio placed at Headley Grange in Hampshire.

My copy of this great album is a non interesting released in a gatefold cover with the wheel. Green/white/orange label, from Germany and pressed in 1973. The album, with the wheel cover, is quite easy to find in good condition and for a good price. The first UK press can be rather expensive though, up to 500 Euro in good quality. Check the runout to identify : Side A: 2401002 A-5 1 4 1 Do what thou wilt Gp. Side B: 2401002 B-5 1 5 1 6 So mote it be G4C. Laminated and of cause with a working wheel.

I think most gatefold press have the wheel, also the later repress. Shortly explained, the sleeve has a kind of cartoon wheel in the front part of the gatefold sleeve. The wheel can be turned and changes faces and other drawings in small “windows” – holes made in the sleeve. See the image.

This is not my favorite album with Led Zeppelin, but a great album anyway and Immigrant Song as the best song for me. Next year the last album in the I to IV serie will have it’s 50 years celebration. IV or also known as Untitled with Stairway to Heaven.

Today is also another and more sad anniversary, since it’s 50 years ago Janis Joplin was found dead on a hotel room in Hollywood, due to a heroin overdose. Found by producer Paul Rothchild who became concerned, since she didn’t show up at Sunset Sound Recorders for a recording session. Her last album, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama, was released in 1969, so she will unfortunately never enter my list of 50 years celebration albums.

John Bonham – drums, percussion
John Paul Jones – bass, Hammond organ, synthesizer, mandolin
Jimmy Page – guitars, banjo, backing vocals
Robert Plant – vocals