I want to tip my Hat to the magnificent and powerful Physical Graffiti double-album released in 1975. Led Zeppelin were known not just for their brilliant epic songs but also for their classy, elaborate album covers and artworks.
I bought the album when it first hit Singapore record shops. The die-cut album with holes where the windows of the old tenement building in the album cover had inner sleeves artwork being visible from the inside of the package.
The album cover concept was designed by Peter Corriston. The album was released as the production of the album package proved difficult.
Physical Graffiti was Led Zeppelin’s first release on their own Swan Song Records label.
I knew the songs were going to be awesome because the Atlantic record label had invested tons of money on the album artwork. I was right. The songs were brilliant and there were no fillers.
In 2022, Physical Graffiti was certified 16X Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for US sales in excess of 16 million copies.
My Physical Graffiti double CD which replicated the intricacies as featured in the original vinyl package (above image).
Bought from late great Borders books and music store, at a bargain price of S$17.95.
In 2008, I visited the glorious site of Physical Graffiti for the first time (above image) and at every chance I get, I’ll go visit the building whenever I am in New York City.
The two five-storey buildings photographed by Elliott Erwitt for the album cover, are located at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place in New York City.
The front doorway and stoop at 96 St. Mark’s Place is also the location used by the Rolling Stones for their “Waiting On A Friend” music video.
Investment Fact – to my property investor readers – the going rent for a single bedroom unit at the five-storey walk-up apartment at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place is roughly US$8,000 a month.
My Physical Graffiti CD and Record Promo Pass (above image).
My Physical Graffiti CD with inside sleeve (white card with letters spelling out Physical Graffiti) that aligns with the holes in the album cover (above image).
In 2017, I have the fabulous honour of photographing Robert Plant. See below images.
Focused Vocal Delivery (above image).
A precious moment of reflection (above image).
Awesome eye contact shot (above image). Thanks, Mr. Plant!
The Rock God belts out his concentrated Blues (above image).
My Zeppelin toy collection collected over the years during my global travels (above image).
My Honeymoon Anecdote: Page & Plant No Quarter Concert (above image). I was honeymooning with my Wife in Sydney, Australia. I was skimming the local newspapers on 25 February 1995 when I caught sight of a Page & Plant advertisement. At first I thought it was an advertisement for a Botany Convention. Then I realised it was, in fact, the Lennon & McCartney of Led Zeppelin – a Jimmy Page and Robert Plant concert.
I immediately called the hotel concierge to get me two last-minute concert tickets as it’s meant as a honeymoon treat. It was the last of the three nights that Jimmy Page and Robert Plant were playing in Sydney. So my hopes of getting tickets at the last minute were not high. I added a “Honeydripper” (Robert Plant album pun) sweetener that there will be “something nice” if the concierge guy could pull off getting the tickets. Fast forward tape – the concierge guy got his deserving reward and this year is the 30th wedding anniversary to my Wife.
Physical Graffiti remains one of my all-time favourite albums on my CD player. It is one of the few double albums that I will play from start to finish.
