Yet, Plant has always given the nod to "Kashmir" as his top Zep selection. Stairway is much better live than the recorded version. Kashmir gets my vote, too, mainly because Bonham's ferocity comes across in distinctive style.
I'd have to agree on "Kashmir."
I think it depends on which Zep generation you are. I'm early to mid so When the Levee Breaks is maybe my favorite of the first 4 albums.
Kashmir is sort of symphonic and complex and hit after my Zep interest had moderated. Nice song though....I'm just more of a blues based Zep afficianado.
I know WTLB was written by I think a black woman in the 20s by Memphis Minnie from Mississippi after the big 20s floods there.
The critics (Cameron Crowe notwithsatnding) loathed Led Zeppelin....it was so ttansparent. They had a very hard time moving out of Stones-Beatles era and the Haight Ashbury music and into big hard rock....they hated Skynyrd too but of course love the Allman Bros.
They loathed ACDC and Sabbath as well but were kinder to Van Halen.
and to them Clapton was indeed God.
Stairway and Kashmir have their merits... for whatever reason my Zep fave was always Ten Years Gone.