In today’s Arts blog, Michael Janairo notes that although the classic Led Zeppelin song “Stairway to Heaven” has reached four decades of radio airplay, there are some who would wish the song would fade out of existence.
How can anyone say that Led Zeppelin’s classic has been overdone? I mean really, let’s devote a K-Chuck Radio to this little gem.
First, let us listen intently to the mighty Led Zeppelin original. Yes, all eight minutes of it. You have time.
Now don’t get this song confused with Neil Sedaka’s version of “Stairway to Heaven…”
And don’t get it confused with the O’Jays version of “Stairway to Heaven.”
In all honesty, “Stairway to Heaven” is a classic. It’s part of the history of rock and roll. It’s part of rock’s mythos and greatness and pomposity and bravura.
Besides, you can have fun with Stairway to Heaven. Check out this rendition, called “Spliceway to Heaven,” in which dozens of other popular songs are integrated into the Led Zep classic.
And “Stairway to Heaven” mixes so well with popular television themes. For example, check out Little Roger and the Goosebumps’ mashup.
The Australian satire TV show The Money or the Gun created an entire album of “Stairway to Heaven” covers, as if they were interpreted by other popular musicians. Such as this Fab Four mop-top knockoff…
Or if a B-52’s tribute band covered the song…
And it’s not like Stairway to Heaven hasn’t been covered by other artists… check out this studio group called the Far Corporation. This version was produced by Frank Farian. Yes, Mr. Frank “Milli Vanilli” Farian.
And when it comes to masters of music, how about a version of “Stairway to Heaven” by the legendary Frank Zappa?
And how cool is it to hear Dolly Parton covering your classic? Well, not very cool, but it is definitely an interesting interpretation.
You wanna hear it as a trance dance song? Brace yourself…
Or this lounge-lizard version by Richard Cheese…
And how about this version – as recorded in the style of a Gregorian chant?
And there’s always the parody versions of this song out there… The Christian parody group ApologetiX put together this version, called “Narrow Way to Heaven.”
Because, as everybody knows, if you play Stairway to Heaven backwards, it will provide Satanic messages. Balderdash. If you try to play Stairway to Heaven backwards, it will wreck your tonearm stylus.
Now if you’ll excuse me… I’ve got a bustle in my hedgerow. Might need to get some Roundup to take care of it.
Chuck The Writer 
Where’s the “And she’s shopping at 7-11” parody version?
LikeLike
You didn’t include the classical version by Sybarite5: http://sybarite5.bandcamp.com/track/stairway-to-heaven-live-2009
LikeLike
I absolutely love Stairway to Heaven – and every high school dance I attended ended with the original longgggggg version! Of course, when I asked my daughter if she ever danced to it she said “what is it?” UGH!
LikeLike
It’s an album, not a song, but we mustn’t forget the Butthole Surfers masterpiece “hairway to steven”
LikeLike
In the same way as “MacArthur Park,” when many a disc jockey needed to take a substantial break, “Stairway to Heaven” went on the turntable. Having been one of them once upon a time, I have no issues with that song.
LikeLike
Hmmm, I think this should be retitled “If You’re Not Tired Of “STH”, You Will Be Now”!
Just kidding. Parodies and covers are a sure sign of a successful song.
LikeLike
Far Corporaion with TOTO’s members – THE BEST!
LikeLike
The “5 Neat Guys” (SCTV) version? A true classic!
LikeLike
If you’re looking for a really hideous version, Mary Schneider (the Australian queen of yodelling) has one that is fortunately not on You Tube. You don’t need to hear it.
A much better cover can be found here,
Except it’s not really a cover, it’s those thieving magpies in Led Zeppelin at it again! On this 40th anniversary of Jimmy Page lifting hooks or entire songs from others, it’s a good opportunity to hear the inspiration.
LikeLike
It brings back memories of a fun time in my life…
LikeLike