Achilles Last Stand 12/14 (Greatest Hits Show)

Playlist:

-Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)", Raising Sand
-Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, "The Only One", Outrider
-Robert Plant, "Tall Cool One", Now and Zen
-John Paul Jones, "Nosumi Blues", Zooma
-Robert Plant, "Morning Dew", Dreamland
-Jimmy Page and David Coverdale, "Pride and Joy", Coverdale/Page
-Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Yallah (The Truth Explodes)", No Quarter
-Robert Plant, "I Believe", Fate of Nations
-Robert Plant, "Road to the Sun", Sixty-Six to Timbuktu
-Jimmy Page, "Band, Sax, and Violence", Death Wish II
-Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Mighty Rearranger", Mighty Rearranger
-Robert Plant, "Big Log", Principle of Moments
-Led Zeppelin, "Immigrant Song", Led Zeppelin III
-Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog", IV
-Led Zeppelin, "Communication Breakdown", Led Zeppelin I
-Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin II
-Led Zeppelin, "All of My Love", In Through the Out Door
-Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir", Physical Graffiti
-Led Zeppelin, "Rock and Roll", IV
-Led Zeppelin, "Travelling Riverside Blues", BBC Sessions
-Led Zeppelin, "Over the Hills and Far Away", Houses of the Holy
-Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven", IV

There you have it, the 10 best Zeppelin tracks ever (in no particular order). Those truly represent everything the band stood for and all of their hard work during the late 60's and early 70's. The post Zeppelin songs are a good look at the band members after the fact but there's so much more.

Since it is the end of the semester for WECB, the show will be gone for just a bit. Don't frown, however, it will be back bigger and better than ever in February bringing the best of Zeppelin and all the tracks you've never heard before. I will continue to update the blog (especially if Jimmy and Jonesy make any tour announcements) and add more content to the site as I enjoy my time off. Happy Holidays and I will talk to you again soon!

December Preview (Two Weeks Late)

I've been working on something for my Audio for New Media class and I wanted to see how it works out. Remember, it's a work in progress and the giveaway mentioned will NOT be happening (sorry, just ran out of shows on that one). Give it a listen and leave some comments...

By the way, here's an example of using Apture for Howlin' Wolf (see older posts for more).

New Site Update: Apture

Great news!!! I found a great new program where I can link you quickly to other web content without having to leave the website. Apture allows a site to link to Wiki articles, Youtube videos, Imeem audio, and other web content with it's own small screen on the website you're on. Cool stuff huh? If you seen anything with a link and a symbol next to it, that means there's more content.

For example, I can mention an artist off-hand like Muddy Waters. I might not be able to explain who he is, but you can scroll over the name and see information on him from Wiki. you can also hear one of his hit songs and see him in concert all without leaving the page. I'm adding on more and more links over old stuff so you might want to look back at old posts again.

There's more to do with Apture so keep your eye out for more cool features.

Achilles Last Stand 12/7

Playlist:

-Led Zeppelin, "D'Yer Maker", Houses of the Holy
-Robert Plant, "Colours of a Shade", Fate of Nations
-Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "The Enchanter", Nine Lives
-Led Zeppelin, "Achilles Last Stand", Presence
-Led Zeppelin, "Heartbreaker", BBC Sessions
-Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Nobody's Fault But Mine", No Quarter
-Led Zeppelin, "The Ocean", How the West was Won
-Led Zeppelin, "Boogie with Stu", Physical Graffiti
-Robert Plant, "Song to the Siren", Dreamland
-The Yardbirds, "Happenings Ten Years Ago", Ultimate!
-Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", The Song Remains the Same (1976)
-Led Zeppelin, "Hots on For Nowhere", Presence
-Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Black Dog", Sounds Eclectic
-Led Zeppelin, "In the Evening", In Through the Out Door
-Led Zeppelin, "Trampled Underfoot", Led Zeppelin DVD
-Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Sons of Freedom", Walking into Clarksdale
-Led Zeppelin, "Baby Come on Home", Complete Studio Recordings
-Heart, "Crazy on You", Essential Heart

Quick note on the Walking Into Clarksdale and No Quarter tracks:
Sadly, the drummer for the Page and Plant project in the 90's Michael Lee passed away at 39. Jimmy did attend the funeral this week.

Don't forget to check out the album of the month below and the new Robert Plant album guide. The last show for the semester is next week. It'll include the top post-Zeppelin tracks hour 1 and the best of Led Zeppelin hour 2. Stay posted since I should have some more content coming soon. As always, talk to you Sunday!

Album of the Month for December: IV

It's about time for a new feature: Led Zeppelin Album of the Month. Of course the first one has to be IV, an album that has not only been the definitive record of the band but also one of the greatest recordings in the history of Rock and Roll.

Release Date: November 8th, 1971
Highest Billboard Chart Position: 2
Sales Status: 23x Platinum (3rd most all-time)
Other Distinctions: #66 on Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums

Track Listing:
1. Black Dog
It's debatable which of the band's songs is the number on hit. "Whole Lotta Love", "Rock and Roll", "Kashmir", and "Stairway to Heaven" are close, but this might be the song people usually think of when they hear the name Led Zeppelin. The song has all the elements of the classic Zeppelin track: Robert's powerful vocals, Jimmy shredding on the guitar, Jones backing up well on bass, and Bonzo pounding away on the drums. The blues is very prevalent as well. Slow it down and you've got a great blues song on your hands. The song's title comes from a black dog the band kept seeing around the studio while they were recording.

2. Rock and Roll
The band was attempting to write more of an old-fashioned rock and roll song. It has since become one of their most covered songs by bands like Heart and Guns n' Roses.

3. Battle of Evermore
This is a track where Robert could really let his epic creativity flow. He was always a big fan of heroic tales like Lord of the Rings (just listen closely to "Ramble On"). He also got to sing a duet with Fairport Convention singer Sandy Denny. Their vocals intertwine throughout the entire song and it gives the song a very ancient feel. Jimmy's use of the mandolin (his first ever) also adds on a nice touch to the song.

4. Stairway to Heaven
What hasn't been said. One of the greatest rock songs ever. One of the most requested ever. It has caused grown men to cry for no apparent reason. I'm not going to lie: I have thought about staying in a car when I reached my destination because "Stairway to Heaven" was on the radio. The song's origins are actually pretty boring. Once it was recorded, however, the band knew it was going to be something big. Jimmy later had to buy a special guitar with both a 6-string and 12-string guitar on it. He would keep both channels open during live performances so that the 6-string channel would pick up him playing on the 12-string and vice versa. Also, notice how Bonzo's drum part doesn't start until halfway into the song.

5. Misty Mountain Hop
With all of the great tracks on this album, this song gets overshadowed a little bit. It's a great song with a good riff from Jimmy and the drum line really pushes the song along.

6. Four Sticks
Not much to say about this one. It led to the creation of "Rock and Roll" when the band needed a break from finishing this. It is also the song Robert uses today as a tribute to John Bonham because of the complex percussion in the song.

7. Going to California
This one seemed more like a leftover from Led Zeppelin III. It highlights the love of folk for both Jimmy and Robert along with their fondness for the state of California. It was also a tribute to Joni Mitchell, one of Robert's favorite performers who he got a chance to meet while he was with Zeppelin. He declined because he was too nervous to meet her and didn't know what he'd say.

8. When the Levee Breaks
A song originally by Kansas Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie, this is yet another example of Zeppelin propensity for "borrowing" songs without crediting anyone (just ask Willie Dixon). They gave it a similar sound to "Bring It On Home" with heavy reverb on Robert's voice and a lot of ambient noise. They again try to reinterpret the blues but keep some of the similar elements from older blues recordings.

Random Fact:
IV is in fact an untitled album. In the end, the band decided to release it with nothing on the album cover period. The only indication it was Led Zeppelin were the four symbols on the inside jacket and Jimmy's producing credit. Otherwise, the band left the cover without any signs that Led Zeppelin was involved. Atlantic fought tirelessly to get the band to put SOMETHING on it, but the band refused. Obviously, Atlantic was dead wrong with the album becoming the 3rd best seller ever. Although it is untitled, most people refer to it as Led Zeppelin IV since the first three albums were numbered as well. Other names include Zoso (for Jimmy's symbol) and Four Symbols.

The Robert Plant Solo Album/Post Led Zeppelin Guide

If you've ever wondered whether you could get into Robert's solo career, here's a bit of a guide. Maybe you'll find just the right album to get into:

Part I - Plant joins the 80's and separation from Zeppelin

Pictures at Eleven, 1982
If you want 80's music, this is one of three albums to get. It's his first and is probably the easiest of Robert's early albums to listen to. It doesn't have anything too shocking with a taste of Zeppelin, but it has that 80's synth sound. The best tracks are "Worse Than Detroit", "Like I've Never Been Gone", and "Burning Down One Side". If you have the box set Nine Lives, "Far Post" is probably better than those three.

Principle of Moments, 1983
Plant took a large step towards the 80's sound with this album. It's also another step away from his days with Zeppelin. Everything has a bit more of a synth sound but it's just a tad better than his first solo album. His two biggest solo hits to date, "In the Mood" and "Big Log", the second being the best song on the album, were on this one along with a good opener in "Other Arms" and my personal favorite "Horizontal Departure".

The Honeydrippers, Vol. 1, 1984
However the hell Ahmet Ertegun got Robert to cover 50's music (according to Robert, the agreement took place in a Japanese sex shop), it happened. Artists like Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Paul Schaffer (you know, that guy from Letterman) make this a great album. "Rockin' at Midnight" is the best track with a great solo from Beck, but don't forget about "Sea of Love" with Page on guitar.

Shaken n' Stirred, 1985
Hmm. Where to begin. Robert really went hog wild on this one. EVERYTHING went through at least one synth. Stylistically, it is his most unique work to date. This is one of the few albums Robert freely uses backup singers and one of the few that doesn't have a very bluesy track. It's a really hard listen, especially if you haven't heard 80's Plant before. It was hard enough on the band, who left Robert shortly after this album was finished. Highlights include "Little By Little", "Pink and Black", and "Easily Lead". Past that, you've been warned.

Part II - The Comeback

Now and Zen, 1988
With a new band and a new perspective on his music, Robert returned with more of the sound that defined him in Zeppelin. Although it was still very computerized, the sound was much more natural and he brought back the blues he had all but abandoned in his previous album. A strong guitar sound and a little more energy were a much needed change to Robert's music. He now paid homage to his Zeppelin days in "Tall Cool One" and started adding the Middle Eastern sound in songs like "Heaven Knows" that has defined his most recent solo work.

Manic Nirvana, 1990
Of all his albums, this one has the most poppy songs. I'd describe it as Middle Eastern Rockabilly Blues. He had some more upbeat songs and the music was a little more formatted than before. The blues was more apparent (ex. "Tye Dye on the Highway) and the middle eastern sound was still a work and coming in songs like "Nirvana". The best track is easily the opener "Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eye on You)." It's a close call between this and Shaken n' Stirred for his worst album.

Fate of Nations, 1993
This is one of Robert's post-Zeppelin highlights. The blues was once again prevalent in his music while he infused Middle Eastern music more than ever before. The album starts of with a bang on "Calling to You" and other songs like "Network News" and "Promised Land" made it a legitimate rock album. He softened the album with "29 Palms", "If I Were a Carpenter", and "I Believe" and was able to put together a great sounding complete work. By far his best until his most recent work in the 2000's.

No Quarter: Unledded, 1994
When MTV comes calling you know there's trouble. Of course, the network wanted a little reunion for Plant and Page. Never even thinking about a certain Mr. Jones, Robert got together with Jimmy and formulated a plan to re-make a fair number of Zeppelin songs for the MTV performance. All in all, most of the Middle Eastern inspired versions weren't bad. Highlights were "Gallows Pole", "Battle of Evermore", and a new track called "Yallah" (since then it has been renamed "The Truth Explodes"). There is a pretty sweet version of "Kashmir" with an Egyptian drum band and the London Metropolitan Orchestra, although the sound mix could have been much better.

Walking Into Clarksdale, 1998 (w/ Jimmy Page)
Ummm...it wasn't the worst thing I've ever heard. The albums is, however, a huge letdown. It includes very good songs like "Most High" and "Please Read the Letter" but the rest just doesn't quite sound right. The big issue was the musical direction of the project. Jimmy still wanted to do blues rock, Robert wanted to infuse more Middle Eastern influence, while the producer Steve Albini added a very modern sound. The Zeppelin magic just wasn't there. Fortunately, Robert realized the same thing and returned to a solo career.

Part III - The Present Day Robert Plant

Dreamland, 2001
Robert formed a new band at the turn of the millenium and found the man to take his music to the next level. Justin Adams had been involved with world music for a long time and was always going between England and Northern Africa. His guitar work added the Middle Eastern twist that Robert had been looking for. With a new band The Strange Sensation, they set out to cover numerous folk songs from Robert's youth. Every song on the album is good, the best being "Darkness, Darkness", "Morning Dew", and "Skip's Song".

Mighty Rearranger, 2005
This has been Robert's best solo effort to date. He took the blues from his childhood, the Middle Eastern music from his world experiences, and took his lyrics from his old tricks of love and epic tales and added a new political voice. Songs ranged from soft ballads to powerful rocks songs. There are so many highlights, but the top three would be "Shine It All Around", "Mighty Rearranger", and "Freedom Fries".

Raising Sand, 2007 (w/ Alison Krauss)
When Robert announced he would join forces with bluegrass star Alison Krauss, many Zeppelin fanatics were perplexed. Had their Golden God gone soft? Well, no. He started working with Krauss because he wanted to return to the Americana types of music that first influenced him as a youngster in England. He would work with acclaimed producer T Bone Burnett and get to record in one of the centers of music in America - Memphis, Tennessee. The album is great and Robert's voice blends perfectly with Krauss. "Gone Gone Gone" was the big hit, but a remade "Please Read the Letter" and a spooky "Nothin'" were tracks that really made this album unique.

There you have it. Plant in a nutshell over the past 20+ years. If you want find more about his work, get Sixty-Six to Timbucktu. It has a fair number of the songs listed above plus some bonus songs from outside his solo albums. Of the extras, "Road to the Sun", "Rude World", "Let That Boogie Woogie Roll" and "Win My Train Fair Home (Live in Timbucktu)" stand out the most. Coming up will be a Jimmy list (which will be shorter) and a John Paul Jones list (which is even shorter at only 4 albums long).

Achilles Last Stand 11/30

Playlist:

-Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog", The Song Remains the Same (2007)
-Robert Plant, "Last Times I Saw Her", Dreamland
-Led Zeppelin, "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp", Led Zeppelin III
-Led Zeppelin, "In the Light", Physical Graffiti
-Led Zeppelin, "Over the Hills and Far Away", How the West Was Won
-Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Tin Pan Valley", Mighty Rearranger
-Led Zeppelin, "Dazed and Confused", Led Zeppelin
-John Paul Jones, "Daphne", Thundertheif
-Led Zeppelin, "All of My Love", In Through the Out Door
-Them, "Gloria"
-Led Zeppelin, "Livin' Lovin' Maid (She's Just a Woman)", Led Zeppelin II
-The Honeydrippers, "Rockin' at Midnight", The Honeydrippers Vol. 1
-Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Please Read the Letter", Raising Sand
-Led Zeppelin, "Friends", Led Zeppelin III
-Led Zeppelin, "When the Levee Breaks", IV
-Led Zeppelin, "Black Country Woman", Physical Graffiti
-Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Most High", Walking Into Clarksdale
-The Firm, "Fortune Hunter", Mean Business
-Robert Plant, "Skip's Song", Dreamland
-Led Zeppelin, "Hot Dog", In Through the Out Door

Apologies about the last posts. It's pretty hard to post when you don't have a working computer. I'm back up and running so the posts will start coming once again.

By the way, I hope you heard about Paul McCartney. He's not too pleased that Led Zeppelin isn't getting back together with Robert. McCartney agrees with most fans who think it's a shame Jimmy, Jonesy and Bonzo Jr. are continuing their plans without Percy. The good news is that there are reports the new band will not call itself Led Zeppelin. The Alter Bridge singer Mike Kennedy is still the number one suspect to replace Plant but nothing has been confirmed.

The next show will run as normal with a mix of rare finds and Zeppelin's best songs. The week after will be a greatest hits show. It'll start out with the best from the pre and post Zeppelin years and finish with the best Zeppelin tracks ever. If you have any requests, write a comment and I'll see what I can do about putting it on. Talk to you Sunday!

Achilles Last Stand 11/23

Playlist:

-Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin DVD
-Robert Plant, "One More Cup of Coffee", Dreamland
-Led Zeppelin, "Hey Hey What Can I Do"
-Led Zeppelin, "Since I've Been Loving You", How the West Was Won
-Led Zeppelin, "What is and What Should Never Be", Led Zeppelin II
-Robert Plant, "Turnaround", Principle of Moments
-The Firm, "Spirit of Love", Mean Business
-Led Zeppelin, "Darlene", Coda
-Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Freedom Fries", Mighty Rearranger
-Bob Dylan, "The Levee's Gonna Break", Modern Times
-Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven", How the West Was Won
-Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Lively Up Yourself"
-Led Zeppelin, "Houses of the Holy", Physical Graffiti
-Led Zeppelin, "In My Time of Dying", Led Zeppelin DVD
-Led Zeppelin, "Tangerine", Led Zeppelin III
-Led Zeppelin, "Heartbreaker", Led Zeppelin II
-John Paul Jones, "Tidal", Zooma
-Led Zeppelin, "Travelling Riverside Blues", BBC Sessions
-Crosby, Stills, and Nash, "Southern Cross"