Carouselambra

Zoo Freaks, your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the epic "Carouselambra" from Led Zeppelin's 1979 album In Through the Out Door. This 10-minute-plus track, the second-longest in Zeppelin's studio catalog, is a wild ride driven by John Paul Jones’s swirling synthesizers, with Jimmy Page’s guitar taking a backseat. The song’s title nods to its opening section, which evokes the playful, eerie vibe of carousel music. Conceived during rehearsals at Clearwell Castle in May 1978 under the working title "The Epic," it’s split into three distinct parts. The first is a fast-paced synth showcase, the second slows down with Page wielding his iconic Gibson EDS-1275 double-neck guitar—the only time he used it on a Zeppelin studio track—and the third ramps up the intensity again. Fun fact: the band never performed "Carouselambra" live, though it was reportedly considered for their planned 1980 North American tour, which was canceled after John Bonham’s tragic death.

Digging into the lore, Robert Plant has shared some regrets about "Carouselambra." In an interview around the release of In Through the Out Door, he hinted the song was directed at someone specific, saying it was about a person who’d one day realize, “My God! Was it really like that?” (CheatSheet). Many fans speculate he was addressing the band itself or Page, reflecting on the growing distance within Zeppelin after the loss of Plant’s son in 1977 and the band’s shifting dynamics. Plant’s lyrics, often buried in the mix, are cryptic yet personal, touching on themes of detachment and unheeded warnings, like “Who cares to dry the cheeks of those who saddened stand?” Some fans on Reddit praise the track’s middle section for its heavy, emotive weight and Plant’s vocal shift to “vicariously” without delay, calling it a preview of Zeppelin’s unrealized future. Others, like critic Andrew Doscas at PopMatters, were less kind, comparing it to Styx or Genesis and noting Plant’s vocals as “mumbled inanities” for much of the song. Still, the Deluxe Edition rough mix, titled "The Epic," offers clearer vocals, giving Zoo Freaks a fresh angle on this divisive gem.

Over on social media, "Carouselambra" sparks heated debates among Zoo Freaks. A 2023 Reddit thread with 102 votes and 52 comments called it “incredible/groundbreaking,” with fans raving about Jones’s bass work and the song’s vibe, though some admitted the synth choices feel very late ’70s. A killer cover shared in that thread on YouTube got props for nailing the track’s spirit. Meanwhile, the Led Zeppelin Official Forum has fans dissecting lyrics, like whether Plant sings “horns of plenty” or “halls of plenty” in one line—a debate that’s raged since 2008. The song’s obscurity and length (10:34!) kept it off radio, but hardcore fans on Facebook groups like the Led Zeppelin Fan Group defend it as a bold experiment, with some calling it their favorite from the album over hits like “Fool in the Rain.”

Now, let’s rewind to how Led Zeppelin got rolling. Formed in 1968 as the New Yardbirds, the band came together when guitarist Jimmy Page, fresh off his stint with The Yardbirds, needed a new crew. Page recruited Robert Plant, a bluesy vocalist from Birmingham, who brought along drummer John Bonham, his mate from local gigs. John Paul Jones, a seasoned session musician, joined after answering Page’s call for a bassist/keyboardist. Renaming themselves Led Zeppelin—allegedly inspired by a quip from The Who’s Keith Moon about the band going down like a lead balloon—they dropped their self-titled debut in 1969. Blending blues, folk, and raw rock, tracks like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Dazed and Confused” set the stage for their legend. By the 1970s, albums like Led Zeppelin IV and Physical Graffiti cemented them as one of the most innovative and influential rock bands ever, with a sound that still reverberates through the airwaves at THE ZOO.

Zoo Freaks can keep up with Zeppelin’s legacy online. The band’s official website is a treasure trove of discography, photos, and news. On Facebook, their page shares vintage clips and updates, while Instagram offers iconic shots and fan art. Their X account keeps the conversation alive with throwbacks and rare gems. Fans also flock to communities like the Led Zeppelin Official Forum for deep dives and the Led Zeppelin Fan Group on Facebook for lively discussions. Another great spot is led-zeppelin.org, a fan site packed with archives and trivia. So, crank up "Carouselambra," vibe with the Zoo Crew, and let Zeppelin’s magic take you away!