"The hammer of the gods will drive our pods to new casts . . . "

Within two years of its formation, Led Zeppelin had become the biggest rock band in the world. Instead of following up their second album with more of the same, Jimmy Page and Co. made a sharp left turn with their third LP, placing undeniable riffs like "Immigrant Song" and "Out on the Tiles" alongside acoustic numbers like "Gallows Pole" and "That's the Way".

Upon its release, Led Zeppelin III confused critics and fans alike. The mostly-acoustic Side B, while hinted at in the first two albums, seemed like a radical departure. Yet, the passage of time has seen a critical reappraisal, firmly placing the LP alongside the band's very best.

Follow us @needleheadspod on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

CHAPTERS:

Introduction (00:00)

Background (Recording, Production, Cover Art, Historical Context) (22:00)

Immigrant Song (38:22)

Friends (58:46)

Celebration Day (01:15:25)

Since I've Been Loving You (01:27:18)

Out on the Tiles (01:46:00)

Gallows Pole (01:53:30)

Tangerine (02:04:55)

That's the Way (02:10:00)

Bron-Y-Aur Stomp / Hats Off to (Roy) Harper (02:14:30)

Reception (Critical, Commercial) (02:37:18)

Categories (Spiciest Biscuit, Dustiest Crumpet, etc.) (02:41:10)

Billboard Game (03:07:35)