What Is and What Should Never Be

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "What Is and What Should Never Be" by Led Zeppelin from their iconic album Led Zeppelin II, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, is a standout for its dynamic shifts between dreamy, jazzy verses and heavy rock choruses. According to a 2019 article on WMMR, John Paul Jones’ use of the clavinet, an electric keyboard more associated with funk, gives the song its catchy, toe-tapping hook, making it one of the most memorable in Zeppelin’s catalog. The track also showcases Robert Plant’s vocal versatility, with moments of scat-like improvisation toward the end that some have likened to a precursor to rap and hip-hop styles.

One intriguing piece of trivia comes from the song’s recording process. As noted on TV Tropes, Led Zeppelin II was recorded on the road across various studios, which left Robert Plant frustrated with the inconsistent sound quality. He attempted to smooth out these differences in post-production, but the raw, varied textures remain part of the album’s charm. "What Is and What Should Never Be" also holds a special place in the band’s live performances, often serving as a vehicle for improvisation, with Plant’s ad-libs and Page’s guitar riffs stretching the song into new dimensions, as discussed in fan posts on the r/ledzeppelin subreddit.

Led Zeppelin formed in 1968 in London, evolving from the ashes of The Yardbirds, where guitarist Jimmy Page was the final lead guitarist. Initially called the New Yardbirds, the band solidified with Page recruiting vocalist Robert Plant and drummer John Bonham, both from lesser-known Midlands bands, and session musician John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards. According to Britannica, their first rehearsal in a Gerrard Street basement, where they jammed on “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” sparked an instant chemistry. Within weeks, they were touring Scandinavia, and by 1969, their debut album, Led Zeppelin, hit the charts, blending bluesHopefully, this covers everything you asked for! Let me know if you need anything else! blues, folk, and psychedelic rock into a groundbreaking sound. Their deal with Atlantic Records, secured by manager Peter Grant, gave them unprecedented creative control, allowing them to craft their heavy, guitar-driven style that became a blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal.

The band’s official website, ledzeppelin.com, is a treasure trove of news, discography, and exclusive content like the book Led Zeppelin by Led Zeppelin. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on reissues, documentaries like Becoming Led Zeppelin, and fan playlists. Fans gather on sites like ledzep.com and the Led Zeppelin Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect, share rare photos, and discuss everything from bootlegs to the band’s Tolkien-inspired lyrics.