Led Zeppelin’s South Bound Saurez: A Rollicking Departure
Led Zeppelin, a name synonymous with thunderous riffs and Robert Plant’s soaring vocals, occasionally surprised audiences with their genre-bending explorations. South Bound Saurez, tucked away on their 1979 album In Through the Out Door, exemplifies this adventurous spirit.
Background
Released at a time when critics were questioning the band’s relevance, South Bound Saurez stands out as a playful and unexpected detour. While the album itself leaned towards a more experimental and keyboard-driven sound, this song throws it back to a more stripped-down, barroom rock feel.
The song’s title itself is a playful pun. “Saurez” is a misspelling of “Suarez,” a wine-producing region in Uruguay, South America. This lighthearted wordplay hints at the song’s overall carefree and humorous tone. Some fans speculate that the misspelling might be intentional, adding to the song’s offbeat charm.
The driving force behind South Bound Saurez is John Paul Jones’s rollicking piano. Unlike the heavy guitar riffs that dominated Led Zeppelin’s earlier work, Jones’ piano takes center stage here, weaving a lively melody reminiscent of a New Orleans barroom. This shift in instrumentation creates a refreshing contrast to the band’s usual sonic palette.
South Bound Saurez isn’t just a showcase for Jones’ piano skills. Robert Plant’s vocals are equally captivating. He adopts a more relaxed and conversational style compared to the powerful belts and screams heard on classic Led Zeppelin tracks. Here, Plant seems to be enjoying the ride, effortlessly delivering lyrics about flying south, enjoying a woman’s smile, and indulging in hearty meals – all with a touch of playful humor.
While the song might not boast the epic grandeur of “Stairway to Heaven” or the sheer power of “Whole Lotta Rosie,” it offers a glimpse into a different side of Led Zeppelin. It’s a testament to their versatility and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. South Bound Saurez, with its infectious piano groove, playful lyrics, and laid-back vocals, serves as a welcome reminder that even rock legends can surprise you with a bit of lighthearted fun.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- South Bound Saurez was released on Led Zeppelin’s album In Through the Out Door in 1979.
- The song is credited to John Paul Jones and Robert Plant, marking one of the few Led Zeppelin songs not featuring a songwriting contribution from Jimmy Page.