Led Zeppelin III

Our Atypical Tuesdays’ feature centers on albums that have unusual covers, and one of the more unique album packages was the original vinyl release of “Led Zeppelin III.” The album featured a die cut cover, but that, being unusual in itself, was not the only unique aspect of the package. The cover also featured a volvelle – a disc that provided different images in the die cut holes when it was rotated.

As with all of Led Zeppelin’s original album releases, “Led Zeppelin III” was extremely popular and was a #1 album in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. Originally certified by Recording Industry Association of America as a gold record in October 1970 for 500,000 units sold, continuous sales propelled the LP to six times platinum status by 1999.

“Led Zeppelin III” produced one of more the enduring singles from their repertoire – “Immigrant Song.” While not quite 2 ½ minutes in length, “Immigrant Song” became one of their concert staples. The band’s visit to Reykjavik, Iceland inspired Jimmy Page and Robert Plant to pen a song about Viking conquests. The single charted at #16 in the US.

Ah, ah,
We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow.
The hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new lands,
To fight the horde, sing and cry:
Valhalla, I am coming!

On we sweep with threshing oar,
Our only goal will be the western shore.

Ah, ah,< We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs blow.
How soft your fields so green, can whisper tales of gore,
Of how we calmed the tides of war,
We are your overlords.

On we sweep with threshing oar,
Our only goal will be the western shore.

So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins,
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing.