Sunday Music: Misty Mountain Hop

The first time I read Tolkein was in middle school. Maybe The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings were a bit much for a 6th/7th grader, but I was hooked. Hard. It didn’t hurt to have the Led Zeppelin connection either – obviously, this wasn’t just for nerds. 

The second time I read the series was in high school. The rumor about the movies was in the air (and Peter Jackson – the horror movies and Meet the Feebles guy was going to do them?!)

The third time I read the series was before each movie came out. My mom had started me on the series (hi mom!) and my family went to see the first two together. I don’t remember what happened or who I saw the third one with, but let’s face it, 6 out of 9 movie hours together is still quality time.  

And now we’ve got the newly expanded streaming series. Despite being halfway released at the time I’m writing this, I’m getting all of the “I need to reread these books again” feels. The magic is back, and so is my love for Middle Earth. 

What about you? Did you read the books? Just see the movies? Like the new show? Hate it? Let me know. 

And meanwhile, I know Led Zeppelin and others have their share of Hobbit-related jams, but come on – “Misty Mountain Hop” has to be the coolest. Here’s the album cut and a 1973 live at Maddison Square Garden performance: