"Kashmir" is a song by the English rock band Led Zeppelin. Featured on their sixth studio album Physical Graffiti (1975), it was written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant with contributions from John Bonham over a period of three years with lyrics dating to 1973. John Paul Jones was late arriving to the studio for the recording sessions, so did not receive a writers credit.
The song became a concert staple, performed by the band at almost every concert after its release. It has been described as one of Led Zeppelin's two most overtly progressive epics (the other being "Stairway to Heaven").[2]
Page recorded a demo version with drummer Bonham late in 1973, when John Paul Jones was late for the recording sessions. Plant later added lyrics and a middle section; in early 1974, Jones added orchestration.[7][5] Session players were brought in for the string and horn sections[5] and Jones added a Mellotron.[8]
The lyrics were written by Plant in 1973 immediately after Led Zeppelin's 1973 US tour.[5] None of the group members had visited Kashmir.[9] Instead, Plant was inspired during a drive through a desolate desert area of southern Morocco.[7][5]
All four members of Led Zeppelin have agreed that "Kashmir" is one of their best musical achievements.[8] John Paul Jones suggested that it showcases all of the elements that made up the Led Zeppelin sound.[7] Led Zeppelin archivist Dave Lewis comments:
Unquestionably the most startling and impressive track on Physical Graffiti, and arguably the most progressive and original track that Led Zeppelin ever recorded. "Kashmir" went a long way towards establishing their credibility with otherwise skeptical rock critics. Many would regard this track as the finest example of the sheer majesty of Zeppelin's special chemistry.[5]
In a retrospective review of Physical Graffiti (Deluxe Edition), Brice Ezell of PopMatters described "Kashmir" as Physical Graffiti's "quintessential track".[18] Ezell called "Kashmir"'s "doomy ostinato riff and rapturous post-chorus brass/mellotron section" as "inimitable moments in the legacy of classic rock".[18]
Accolades
The song is listed highly in a number of professional music rankings:
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
Copyright issue
The 1988 Schoolly D song "Signifying Rapper", which samples "Kashmir", was the target of lawsuits following its use in the 1992 film Bad Lieutenant.[34] In 1994, Page and Plant successfully sued Home Box Office to have the song removed from televised showings of the film[35] and Live Home Video and distributor Aries Film Releasing were ordered to destroy any unsold copies of Bad Lieutenant as part of a copyright infringement ruling.[36]
Personnel
According to Jean-Michel Guesdon and Philippe Margotin:[1]