Random Notes from a Crank

Per the article in The Washington Post, unemployment is up: "U.S. Unemployment Claims Rise to Pandemic High." 

President Adolf is Making America Unemployed Again. 

On the long drive back from Fort Morgan, Alabama, the mind wanders. So I got to thinking about old-school classic rock bands and artists. 

I've sometimes thought about if I had to pick only one band/artist out of these options, which one would I choose?

• Beatles
• The Who
• Rolling Stones
• Jimi Hendrix
• Led Zeppelin
• The Doors

I grew up listening to all of these bands/artists, and they undoubtedly influenced subsequent bands I followed as I ventured headlong into alternative rock in the 80s and 90s. 

Of those six, I think I've probably listened to The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix the most. 

It's a silly mental exercise, but if I had to pick one, I guess it would be Led Zeppelin. 

Speaking of which, there's a good documentary on Netflix titled Becoming Led Zeppelin. 

It's worth a viewing. 

Music Friday: "Black Dog"

On TikTok there are some channels that have various people listening to tunes and getting their reactions. 

The ones I've seen the most often are people reacting to System of Down's "Chop Suey!"

But today, and I'm late with this post, I'm going with Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog," which is also featured in such videos. 

Music Friday: "Houses of the Holy"

This morning has been a day of listening to Led Zeppelin, in particular the album Physical Graffiti.

One of my favorite tunes on that album is below. 

"Let me wander in your garden/ And the seeds of love I'll sow./ You knoooooooow."

[whispering]: I think he's talking about sex. 

Smackdown of Musical Thievery: Rolling Stones vs. Led Zeppelin

In late May of this year, I wrote a post titled "Bad Lyrics Smackdown." 

Today I was listening to Let It Bleed by the Rolling Stones, and I got to thinking about how many rock-n-roll bands have been thieves of the blues. And then I thought of another smackdown. 

To get all DIY and HGtv on you, I guess you could describe what the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin did as "repurposing" the blues in a rock format. 

However, I'm curious as to what you all think. Which band is the bigger thief of the blues?

I've got a poll to the right where you can vote. You have until 11:59 pm on the December 31st, so if you know people who might like to vote or provide their thoughts in the comments section, please pass this post and poll along to your comrades. 

The question is this: 

• Which band is the bigger thief of the blues tradition?