“Stairway to Heaven” (1972) – Led Zeppelin * Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant * LP: Led Zeppelin IV * Produced by Jimmy Page * Label: Atlantic
The most powerful records will get dragged ad infinitum through the cultural shredder but somehow survive with their core aesthetics, messages, and attractions intact. “Stairway to Heaven,” Led Zeppelin’s mystic epic from their fourth album, is a case in point. Too long at eight minutes to be released as a 45, the song nonetheless racked up enough uncut airplay on FM and AM hit radio stations to qualify for burned-out status by the mid-seventies. Its enchantments persist to the present day, though, where lawyers keep poking at it to see if money will come out. Its connection with Spirit’s “Taurus” is the latest courtroom controversy, but is the Chocolate Watchband, whose “And She’s Lonely” presents a stronger case, waiting in the wings? And what happens after that? Unfortunate TV or movie associations? Ill-advised cover versions? Yes, all of that and them some. But your memories of that guitar intro drifting out from your glowing radio in the dark many years ago will always remain safe.