(If You're Going to) San Francisco - Led Zeppelin

Zep's full cover of the classic hit by Scott McKenzie. Lyrics by John Phillips, music and guitar by Jimmy Page. A brilliant pre-cursor to Presence. Zeppelin at their peak or very nearly so. Extracted from Dazed and Confused on The Song Remains The Same movie and double-live album, NYC, 1973.

To the few dislikers...
Yes, the vocal is out of tune at first and of course the song sounds nothing like the original. But if you put this clip into context, that is, as a bit of fun in a showcase for Jimmy Page's guitar playing, then its greatness cannot be denied. This "song" is actually just a short detour within a twenty-five minute guitar solo. For all I know it could be totally improvised.

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• great guitar solo
• san
• francisco

[mjmcnult]

The song runs from 5:30 - 8:00 in the movie version of the soundtrack.

[TheOutsiderCD]

Why would anyone dislike this?

[3star2nr]

@robertruizjr100 most likely

Bonzo: "Wait we're playing what now?"

Jones was like "dude just go with it"

Bonzo was like "Fuck it"

[Mazurka1001]

I do like the Zep but this cover sucks.

[Corleonetone]

@josuepuac i think the cd is a mix of diferent days

[Corleonetone]

@robertanthonyplant indeed

[robertanthonyplant]

the intro would eventually morph into achilles last stand.



[josuepuac]

This version is great, but the version on the CD is far better. Maybe it was a better improvisation the night before. :D

[den220]

This has always been my favorite segment of TSRTS

[siruntitergirl]

like!

[StardustKittenPlay]

The best band in the universe! :B

[telltalemse]

the only reason i even looked the original up is because of this. beautiful, Plant's voice isn't out of tune it's haunting in a good way. just magical

[4graces]

@Misirlau Song remains the same was on VHI Classic the other week and I was at the dozing off point where you're still awake enough to take in whatever is coming out of the tv and this exact part of the movie/concert was playing - it allowed me to appreciate it in a whole new light. Almost like the half-asleep mode generated a greater sense of clarity, and yes this kind of melody gives that sad nostalgic feeling for something gone from the past - perhaps youth itself!!