When people typically think influential contemporary bands from England, or the European region as a whole a few bands come to mind. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Cream, and Led Zeppelin. While “Going to California” is not your typical Zeppelin tune, as it lacks the powerhouse drumming of John Bonham, the bass playing of John Paul Jones, virtuosic guitar of Jimmy Page, and wailing vocals of Robert Plant, I feel that it really demonstrates the virtuosity of the band better than many of their other songs.
With soft and high vocals that are tranquil and calming from Plant, Jimmy Page’s droning acoustic guitar, and John Paul Jones on the mandolin, the mood and timbre created by the piece is very unique from the rest of the group’s discography. However, these instruments are very typical lute instruments from the region and were heavily developed in Europe. The meaning of the song is hinted at being about fellow musician Joni Mitchell and Plant’s relationship with her, but Plant also has described the song as being about when days were nice, simple, and time did not matter. I think that both of these are found evident in the lyrics to the tune and certainly in the feel of the piece. One can get the melancholic mood of missing someone they are infatuated with, being in this case a lover, but can also feel calming, simple, and peaceful.
While not a “traditional” piece from Europe, I feel that it is important to include a piece from one of the most influential contemporary bands from the region and a band that created such an expansive discography and showcase immense talent all around.
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