I picked Physical Graffiti. For me, “In My Time of Dying” is the quintessential LZ song, and then there’s Custard Pie; Kashmir (!), which was the song that hooked me on the band in the first place…I don’t think I can imagine anything better for a 13-year old boy to hear than this song; Down by the Seaside…
II was my first LZ record, III has “Immigrant Song,” IV has “When the Levee Breaks” and “Going to California,” and Coda is massively underrated (by me, until I actually listen every now and then). But PG wins because of its 2 best songs and being a double-album.
Once upon a time I might’ve gone for Presence but there’s really only two standout tracks on it, and it’s very Page heavy. Could make a case for any of the other ‘legit’ albums except maybe III, too much wussy folk stuff on that.
IV has Black Dog, Rock ‘n’ Roll, When the Levee Breaks, Going to California and… have I missed something?
Physical Graffiti has as many (or more, not counting them right now) great tracks but they’re spread over a double album and frak they’re long.
IV is for me their stongest album, followed by HoftheH. I actually like In Through The Out Door a lot, but it doesn’t really capture classic Zep intensity and urgency.
Changing my vote from I to “Physical Graffiti” – just to give props to Ian Stewart (“Boogie With Stu”). Even though the tune kind of sucks IMO Ian Stewart certainly could always play.
:smack: I guess I have not heard the album in over 20 yrs.