Achilles Last Stand on WECB

Achilles Last Stand 4/23

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

The Playlist:

- The Firm, "Spirit Of Love", Mean Business
- Led Zeppelin, "Poor Tom", Coda
- Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog", The Song Remains The Same (2007)
- Heart, "Rock And Roll"
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Freedom Fries", Mighty Rearranger
- Robert Plant, "Red Dress", Dreamland
- Led Zeppelin, "Down By The Seaside", Physical Graffiti
- Led Zeppelin, "In The Evening", In Through The Out Door
- Led Zeppelin, "The Rain Song", Houses Of The Holy
- Elvis, "That's All Right", The Essential Elvis
- Robert Plant, "Little By Little", Shaken N' Stirred
- Jimmy Rodgers, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and Eric Clapton, "Gonna Shoot You Right Down (Boom Boom)", Jimmy Rodgers All-Stars
- Led Zeppelin, "Going to California", How the West Was Won
- Led Zeppelin, "Caroselambra", In Through The Out Door
- Led Zeppelin, "D'Yer Maker", Houses of the Holy
- The Doors, "Peace Frog"
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Mighty Rearranger", Mighty Rearranger
- Led Zeppelin, "Friends", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Please Read The Letter", Raising Sand
- Jimmy Page, "Big Band, Sax, And Violence", Death Wish II

So we're heading closer to the end of the semester here at WECB and I only have one more show left. I know you're certainly disappointed that you won't get your Led Zeppelin fix but never fear, there's still that final show that will be the grand blowout. It will be a mish-mash of the best from Zeppelin and maybe a few Plant/Page/Jones tracks tossed in. If you really want to understand the world of Zeppelin, next week's the time to listen.

Of course if there's a track you'd like played let me know by leaving a comment or call 617-824-8852 during the show.

Missed Some Great Info On Achilles Last Stand?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:42:00 +0000

Well, now you can listen to it!!! I can now load my breaks onto the site so you can go back and listen to anything you missed. It's also great if you can't hear the show when it's on.

Have any ideas for other features to add? Let me know and I'll see what I can do to get it on.

The Stange Sensation Making a Comeback?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Robert has just announced that he will be part of the WOMAD Abu Dhabi Festival this Saturday and he will be performing with a familiar face. Justin Adams will be on guitar as Robert goes on stage with him and West African musician Juldeh Camera. Recently Robert has remained a tad distant from his Afro Blues inspiriations since he joined Alison Krauss for Raising Sand. He most likely misses those good old days with the Strange Sensation which were some of his most creative since Led Zeppelin and most successful albums since the 80's. He still likes doing the covers with Krauss but I'm not sure he will be willing to stick with that much longer. He's a big fan of moving forward and creating new work that doesn't exactly link with his previous work (he's the reason Zeppelin still hasn't reunited and probably never will).

My guess is that the current album Plant is working on with Krauss will be his last with her. They made an extraordinary album but Robert never dwells on the past for long. Expect him either to get his old bandmates back together (the Strange Sensation that is) or look for a new opportunity to record some newer music.

Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation on Jools Holland:

Achilles Last Stand 4/16

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin DVD
- Jeff Beck Group, "Beck's Bolero", Truth
- Led Zeppelin, "Nobody's Fault But Mine", Presence
- Robert Plant, "Ship of Fools", Now And Zen
- Led Zeppelin, "Houses of the Holy", Physical Graffiti
- Joni Mitchell, "Free Man in Paris", Hits
- Robert Plant, "Shine It All Around", Mighty Rearranger
- Led Zeppelin, "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You", Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin, "The Ocean", How the West Was Won
- Foo Fighters, "The Pretender", Echoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace
- Led Zeppelin, "Fool in the Rain", In Through The Out Door
- Them, "Gloria"
- Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation, "The Enchanter", Mighty Rearranger
- Robert Plant, "Other Arms", Principle of Moments
- Led Zeppelin, "Bring It On Home", Led Zeppelin II
- The Allman Brothers Band, "One Way Out", Eat a Peach
- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)", Raising Sand
- Led Zeppelin, "In The Light", Physical Graffiti
- Led Zeppelin, "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp", How The West Was Won
- Crosby, Stills, and Nash, "Southern Cross"

Time on this semester is running short. Only two more shows left before WECB is off the air for the summer. Today's show included some info on Mr. Jeff Beck, close childhood friend of Jimmy Page who was just inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They've had their problems (mainly when Jimmy started up a band to rival Beck's and played the same cover of "You Shook Me" except better) but their relationship is as strong as ever.

Any suggestions for a big blowout show? Leave a comment and I'll think about that idea. A greatest hits show might be in order. You can also comment if you have any requests.

We're Back...

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:48:00 +0000

Hello folks. Sorry I wasn't around last week but some last minute business came up. The show's been gone for far too long so it's time to bring you a fresh new one on Thursday. I'll have news on John Paul Jones latest distraction from making another album and some big WECB news as well.

Until then, enjoy Jimmy Page playing with Jeff Beck at the Hall of Fame Induction:

Those two songs were "Beck's Bolero" (written by Jimmy) and "Immigrant Song". Jimmy not only played with Beck, he introduced his old friend to be inducted. Talk to you again Thursday!

Album of the Month for April: Mighty Rearraner

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

I can still remember the day I went out to buy a copy of Robert Plant's latest album in 2005. I was a Junior in high school at the time and my Led Zeppelin fandom only started two years prior. This was the first release from a Zeppelin member I could get the day it came out. I excitedly drove from school during my lunch break and immediately popped in the album to give it a listen. From the start I fell in love with Robert Plant's work with the Strange Sensation. He brought back the blues but added the fury of the Middle Eastern music that Robert delved into heavily during the 80s and 90s. The new band rocked out with the help of their experienced guitarist Justin Adams, best known for his producing work with Saharan band Tinariwen and French act Lo'jo. Each track fits wonderfully and is quite possibly the best solo work Robert Plant has ever done.

Release Date: May 10, 2005
Highest Billboard Chart Position: 22
Other Distinctions: Nominated for Two Grammys

Track Listing
1. Another Tribe
Robert starts his assault on the Iraq war and the Bush Administration from the first word he speaks. The song lyrics focus on men going off to war as their mothers wait worried at home. It also discusses propaganda and how the governments involved are trying to make an unjust war seem just. This is one of Robert's most blatant protests songs and he delivers the punches for the rest of the album.

2. Shine It All Around
Lyrically it is a typical Robert Plant song and he delves more towards his spiritual side. John Baggott creates spectacular layers of synths and keyboards while Clive Deamer's slightly electronic drum beats give the song some added attitude. Robert did a great job creating an acoustic space and had his first single from the album with this track.

3. Freedom Fries
This song is muddy, dark, and starts with a filthy drum beat and bass line. Robert blasts into his protest of America's involvement around the world and brings the anger he feels about their dominance. It's a scathing critique and proves to be one of the more powerful songs Robert released since his Zeppelin days.

4. Tin Pan Valley
Another dark song, Robert goes back to his Zeppelin days and brings back memories of "Immigrant Song". He starts slow with almost a whisper, then explodes with a fury of action from the Strange Sensation behind him with his yells of "like this!!!". Baggott brings the great electronic backing sound and the sonic space is extraordinary. The mood is consistently dreary and he really moves the listener's emotions.

5. All the Kings Horses
This song signals a change in the album where Robert starts moving towards more positive subjects and a folkier sound. He also references his epic love and sings a romantic song like his Zeppelin days once again. Baggott's contributions cannot be understated as he pulls back on his heavy synth use and lets the guitars breath a little more. It's a solid song that fits right in with the rest of the album.

6. The Enchanter
Robert explores spirituality once again and begins to make this one of the more prominent themes for the second half of the album. The guitar at the beginning sounds like nothing else out there and Deamer keeps a smooth electronic beat that doesn't overshadow the song. It captures the mood that Robert wants to create of a mystic force being present in the music.

7. Takamba
At shows, Robert would dedicate this to "a guy you may know over in England who's made some very bad decisions Tony Blair". Robert throws out one more protest song, this time against his native UK. He talks about how they blindly go along with every policy the US wants the UK to help out with. The polyrhythms of the band and sudden changes of tempo really exemplify Robert's feelings of his current government.

8. Dancing in Heaven
This track returns to Robert's folky side with a little acoustic guitar opening and nice drum beat underneath. This is also a return to the spiritual subjects that continue through the rest of tha album.

9. Somebody Knocking
The Strange Sensation bring out more of their Saharan instrumentals for this one and Robert fuses some standard blues lyrics with a Middle Eastern flair.

10. Let The Four Winds Blow
This song has a similar idea: it's mostly a blues lyric and song structure mixed with the Saharan music that influenced Robert at the time.

11. Mighty Rearranger
One of the more straightforward blues-rock songs on the album, Robert explores some more spirituality and uses some vivid imagery in his lyrics. Justin Adams guides the song along with a standard blues like while the drums give the Middle Eastern flair. This is about as biblical as Robert gets and it's interesting to hear his interpretations on religion.

12. Brother Ray
This song acts as a tribute to Ray Charles, who died shortly before recording began for the album. It brings to mind the end of Led Zeppelin III, when they made a track for Roy Harper. It's very raw and the vocals are just dirty as can be. There's nothing to special to say about this other than it is a very appropriate end to the album.

But wait, there's still more! Robert included a bonus track on the album (a remixed Shine It All Around) and recorded two other originals that ended up on Nine Lives.

Red, White, and Blue
Very similar to "Freedom Fries" in terms of how the song is structured, Robert continues his barrage against the US and their involvement in world affairs. It's relatively standard and probably just missed the cut in favor of "Freedom Fries".

All the Money in the World
Another very rock standard type of track, this song just simply doesn't fit the album. There's nothing wrong with the song, it just falls outside of every single theme that every song covers regularly. He probably would have put it on any of his other solo efforts, but this time the album's overall strength kept it off.

The Remixes
The remixes are fairly good and focus on creating a particular space with each song. "Shine It All Around" was right after "Brother Ray" on the original release as a hidden bonus track and seemed like a suitable ending. It mainly gave Robert lots of reverb and added an electronic drum line. "Tin Pan Valley" is very similar and just gives the song an electronic edge. The best of the remixes by far is The Enchanter". It captures the mood of the song almost as well as the original. It gives the song a little more movement and really seems to add value to it. The remix also avoids messing with Robert's vocals too much when the other two seemed to play around with his singing to the point where the song didn't have the same vibe.

Achilles Last Stand 4/2

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:00:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Dazed and Confused", Led Zeppelin I
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "All the Money in the World", Nine Lives (Mighty Rearranger)
- Robert Plant, "Network News", Fate of Nations
- The Yardbirds, "Boom Boom", Ultimate!
- Bob Dylan, "The Levee's Gonna Break", Modern Times
- Robert Plant, "Big Log", Principle of Moments
- Led Zeppelin, "I Can't Quit You", Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin, "That's The Way", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Most High", Walking Into Clarksdale
- Led Zeppelin, "Hot Dog", In Through The Out Door
- Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven", How The West Was Won
- Heart, "Crazy On You"
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Red, White, and Blue", Nine Lives (Mighty Rearranger)
- John Paul Jones, "Daphne", The Thundertheif
- Robert Plant, "29 Palms", Fate of Nations
- The Rolling Stones, "She's A Rainbow"
- Robert Plant, "Tall Cool One", Now And Zen
- Led Zeppelin, "You Shook Me", Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin, "Misty Mountain Hop", IV
- Stevie Wonder, "Higher Ground"

A new month is upon us so you know what that means: a new album of the month. It's Mighty Rearranger, Robert Plant's solo album from 2005. The info for that will be up tomorrow and it's one of my favorites from him. I think he should have continued with that project instead of going off to the States with Krauss for Raising Sand. Don't get me wrong, it's a great album. I just liked his band at the time The Strange Sensation. Oh well.

The days left in the semester are dwindling so very few shows are left. I still have that idea for a completely connected show with not one true Led Zeppelin tune. That will take some work so I'd say I won't have it for at least a couple more weeks. If you want anything for next week leave a comment.

This Month in Zeppelin for April

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Every month I have a monthly update on what happened in Zeppelin history. The first show of the month will include a This Month in Zeppelin feature where all of the important events of the month are announced. If there's an extremely important date (i.e. big album releases, deaths, births, ect.), I will talk about it as close to the date as possible. So, without further ado, this month in Led Zeppelin...

April 26, 1969: "Whole Lotta Love" is played for the first time on-stage.
April 6, 1970: Led Zeppelin are made Honorary Citzens of Memphis, TN followed by police action at their concert that night.
April 19, 1975: The remaining 51,000 tickets for the two added Earls Court concerts sell in 2 hours.
April 5, 1976: The band's 7th album Presence is released after only being recorded in a little more than two weeks.
April 30, 1977: Led Zeppelin sets the record for the highest attendance at a concert when 76,229 fans show up at the Silverdome in Detroit
April 13, 1981: Plant performs with the original version of the Honeydrippers that would release an album in 1984.
April 28, 1990: Plant, Page, Jones, and Bonzo Jr. play at Bonzo Jr.'s wedding.
April 20, 1992: Plant sings at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. He performed "Friends", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and "Innuendo" with the remaining members of Queen.
April 21, 1998: Plant and Page release their first album of originals together since Led Zeppelin Walking Into Clarksdale.

Achilles Last Stand 3/26

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Communication Breakdown", BBC Sessions
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Tin Pan Valley", Mighty Rearranger
- Led Zeppelin, "The Song Remains the Same", Houses of the Holy
- Roy Harper and Jimmy Page, "Nineteen Forty-Eightish", What Ever Happened to Jugula?
- Led Zeppelin, "Nobody's Fault But Mine", Led Zeppelin DVD
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Sons of Freedom", Walking Into Clarksdale
- Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", The Song Remains the Same (1976)
- The Firm, "Dreaming", Mean Business
- Led Zeppelin, "Immigrant Song", How the West Was Won
- Robert Plant, "Last Time I Saw Her (Remix)", Dreamland
- Robert Plant, "Worse Than Detroit", Pictures at Eleven
- Led Zeppelin, "We're Gonna Groove", Coda
- Robert Plant, "Black Dog", Sounds Eclectic
- Led Zeppelin, "Hots on For Nowhere", Presence
- Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir", Physical Graffiti
- Led Zeppelin, "Gallows Pole", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant, "Skip's Song", Dreamland
- Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Lively Up Yourself"

Not much excitement on today's show. I talked about how Jimmy will be inducting Jeff Beck into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Robert's son Logan and his band going to SXSW. I'm thinking of having another special show in a few weeks. This time I want to do an entire show without playing one true Led Zeppelin track. It'll be hard but I think it can be done.

Any requests? Don't forget you can leave a comment or call during the show (617-824-8852).

Robert Plant's Son at SXSW

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:33:00 +0000

This week is the annual South By Southwest Festival and a certain someone's son will be making his US debut. Logan Plant, son of Robert, will be introducing America to his band Sons of Albion. Robert already has a history at the festival when he was the main speaker back in 2005 right before he released his new album Mighty Rearranger.

Sons of Albion does have a Myspace and you can download their new single from their website. I listened to it and to tell you the truth it's not that special. You can hear a bit of Robert in Logan's voice but I think he avoids trying to sound like his father. The name also seems to have connections to Robert's father (I believe the first son's name, Karac, was somehow related to Albion). The band plays cookie cutter alternative grunge rock and isn't anything new and exciting. I'm sure they're all talented artists but it's just not my cup of tea.

Listen on Thursday for a taste of what Sons of Albion has to offer and decide what you think about the band. As always, comment for any requests.

Achilles Last Stand 3/19

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Immigrant Song", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Shining in the Light", Walking Into Clarksdale
- Led Zeppelin, "Over the Hills and Far Away", The Song Remains the Same (2007)
- Robert Plant, "Life Beings Again", Sixty-Six to Timbuktu
- Led Zeppelin, "Tangerine", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant, "Last Time I Saw Her", Dreamland
- Led Zeppelin, "Communication Breakdown", Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin, "In My Time of Dying", Physical Graffiti
- Led Zeppelin, "When the Levee Breaks", IV
- Jimmy Page, "City Sirens", Death Wish II
- Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven", Led Zeppelin DVD
- The Yardbirds, "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago", Ultimate!
- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Killing the Blues", Raising Sand
- Robert Plant, "Louie Louie", Sixty-Six to Timbuktu
- Led Zeppelin, "Rock and Roll", How the West Was Won
- The Jeff Beck Group, "Beck's Bolero", Truth
- Led Zeppelin, "Heartbreaker", Led Zeppelin II
- Led Zeppelin, "Livin' Lovin' Maid (She's Just a Woman)", Led Zeppelin II
- Led Zeppelin, "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp", Led Zeppelin III
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "Please Read the Letter", Walking Into Clarksdale
- The Doors, "LA Woman"

I took a chance to go over my great Icelandic adventure and I think "Immigrant Song" was stuck in my head the whole trip. I'm a bit addicted to Robert Plant's band Strange Sensation from 2001 to 2006. Too bad they weren't able to stick together longer and release another album. Then again, Robert wouldn't have released the album he did with Alison Krauss. This is possibly a bit of foreshadowing for April's album of the month (maybe).

The next show is a week away on Thursday, same time, same place. Any requests? Let me know by commenting or calling in during the show (617-824-8852).

Back from the Land of the Ice and Snow (and New Show Thursday)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:02:00 +0000

That's right, I'm back from my journey of Iceland!! Definitely a place that Robert Plant would love. Lots of Nordic and Viking history and the landscape is outstanding. Waterfalls blanket the mountains, volcanic activity dominates the countryside, and the geography is so unique. I didn't have time to visit a geothermal pool, but all the hot water comes from them so showers start instantly hot. By the way, the pics are courtesy my friend Josh who came along. He's pretty damn good. Here's one of his pictures of the Gullfoss waterfall, which was treturous as hell getting to:

My return also signals the end of spring break and the return of regular DJs to WECB along with Achilles Last Stand. Over a couple of plane rides I reviewed some Zeppelin literature so I should be sharper than ever and I'll keep the facts coming. Any requests? Either leave a comment or call during the show (617-824-8852).

Album for the Month for March: Houses of the Holy

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Led Zeppelin were at the top of their game. IV brought the band to higher places than they could ever imagine so they decided to go in a newer direction. They experimented more with rock sounds and different equipment to create their most unique work to date. The first album either not named after the band or to be left without a name all together, Houses of the Holy holds some of Led Zeppelin's best pure rock songs and is one of the more underrated albums in their catalog.

Release Date: March 28, 1973
Highest Billboard Chart Position: 1
Sales Status: 11x Platinum
Other Distinctions: #149 on Rolling Stones' 500 Greatest Albums

Track Listing
1. The Song Remains the Same
One of the other songs that Jimmy used the double neck guitar in concert, it was originally an instrumental track that eventually got vocals from Robert. He wrote lyrics based on the idea that there is a universal need for music in the world. This song exemplifies Jimmy's use of guitar overdubs and his ability to create multiple layers in a song. The title of the song also ended up being the title for the concert film released in 1976. Both on the album and in concert it acts as an intro to...

2. The Rain Song
This track is one of the most underrated songs in Led Zeppelin history. Jimmy combines his electric guitar with some fantastic acoustic guitar overdubs throughout the song. Robert's vocals start very soft and soothing but he turns up the power near the end when he punches the final verse for a powerful effect. Jones adds in a fine synth background that carries the song through the lengthy instrumental middle portion. The song is best known as Robert's dream sequence from The Song Remains the Same where he gets to act as the epic hero from the middle ages.

3. Over the Hills and Far Away
My personal favorite Led Zeppelin song hands down. Each member plays a vital role and completely dominates in this song. Robert's vocals start soft once again but quickly rise to prominence to get the song moving. Jimmy's guitar parts are outstanding from start to finish and he adds in a great solo that is somewhat outside the box for his work. Jones' bassline and Bonzo's intense drums bring the song together. Somehow each extremely complex part came together to create a powerful song that I can't get enough of. Later, when Robert's voice could no longer hit the high notes, he had to sing an octave lower and switched the beginning to more of a spoken part. The studio version, however, is definitely a highlight of the album.

4. The Crunge
One of the stranger songs Zeppelin ever wrote, it brings in a heavy funk influence from Jones' bassline. Robert gets to have fun as he dances through the lyrics and strains his voice in just the right way for added effect. It was mostly used live in "Whole Lotta Love" and "Dazed and Confused" medleys.

5. Dancing Days
Live, Robert said that this song is about "summer time and good things". It is more of a standard tune with no particular identifying features that would jump out however the band was so happy with the outcome that they were dancing to it after they recorded it successfully.

6. D'Yer Maker
It's pronounced JA-maker. Just getting that out of the way. It's best remembered as being Zeppelin's reggae track. Robert and the band was influenced by reggae sounds (he would later cover Bob Marley's "Lively Up Yourself" during solo concerts). The song actually started as a 50's doo-wop beat from Bonzo that was shifted more into a reggae sound. It wasn't received well by fans and never found its way on stage.

7. No Quarter
This is John Paul Jones' song. He claimed very few songs in his Zeppelin days but this certainly has his name written all over it. Outside the box, deep, dark, and moody all show how Jones put his stamp on the song. It begins with a slow syth that sets the depressing mood and Bonzo's drum pattern along with Jimmy's guitar only add on to the despair. Since the song's title is based on a military ritual of fighting to the death, Robert's lyrics reflect the emotions of the situation and speak of "walking side by side with death/the devil mocks at every step". One of the more unique songs Zeppelin recorded, Robert still uses it frequently today and the band played it regularly during live performances. One version of the song lasted a grand total of 36 minutes, which exceeds the regular length of the live "Dazed and Confused" on both and How the West Was Won and The Song Remains the Same by almost ten minutes.

8. The Ocean
The start to the song is a bit of a joke that carried over to live shows. Bonzo can be faintly heard saying, "We've done 4 already, but now we're steady, and then they went 1,2,3,4". It referred to the fact they kept messing it up so he wanted it to come out right. He took it onstage with him later and can be seen saying it on the Led Zeppelin DVD. It's one of the Jimmy's more straightforward but better known guitar riffs. Robert's lyrics at one point refer to a girl who took his heart at 3 years old. He speaks of his daughter who was three years old at the time of recording. When they played it live he always used her current age. In the studio version you can hear a phone ringing in the background around 2 minutes in that never seemed to be taken out. Also the lyrics printed for the album cover are incorrect because the phrase "the hellhound" was changed to a nonsense lyric.

Interesting fact: The album release was pushed back various times due to issues with the album sleeve. First, the photo shoot went poorly after weather conditions did not permit the correct pictures to be taken. Second, many thought the use of children (a naked brother and sister were used) was in poor taste. Spain and some parts of the Southern US banned the album due to the questionable cover content that clearly showed children's buttocks. This album was also the second time the band kept their name off the cover although the wrapping was permitted to include the name in some places.

Achilles Last Stand 3/5

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir", Led Zeppelin DVD
- The Who, "Pinball Wizard", Tommy
- Robert Plant, "Calling to You", Fate of Nations
- Led Zeppelin, "Royal Orleans", Presence
- The Honeydrippers, "Sea of Love", The Honeydrippers Vol. 1
- Led Zeppelin, "Your Time is Gonna Come/Black Mountain Side", Led Zeppelin
- Led Zeppelin, "Since I've Been Loving You", Led Zeppelin III
- Led Zeppelin, "Bring It On Home", How The West Was Won
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Anther Tribe", Mighty Rearranger
- Delta Spirit, "People C'Mon", Ode to Sunshine
- Led Zeppelin, "Rock and Roll", IV
- John Paul Jones, "Nosumi Blues", Zooma
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "The Truth Explodes", No Quarter
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "The Enchanter (Unkle Reconstruction)", Nine Lives
- Led Zeppelin, "The Ocean", Houses of the Holy
- Robert Plant, "Like I've Never Been Gone", Nine Lives
- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Rich Woman", Raising Sand
- Led Zeppelin, "In the Evening", Led Zeppelin DVD
- Led Zeppelin, "Ramble On", Led Zeppelin II

It's a new month so that means a new album of the month Houses of the Holy. I can't promise that the post will be up anytime soon, however, because Spring Break is upon us here at WECB! I'll be heading over to the land of ice and snow Iceland. Well some ice and snow. That means no show next week but it will be back March 19th for more Zeppelin fun.

Expect some more changes this month. Priority #1: loading breaks from the show. If you missed it, you'll be able to hear what I said about the songs and any Zeppelin news. Any requests for the next show can be left as a comment and as always you can call me during the show at 617-824-8852.

This Month in Zeppelin for March

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 19:00:00 +0000

March 1969: The band performs for TV audiences. After many issues with the studio setups the band decides to never perform on TV again.
March 5, 1971: The first live performance of "Stairway to Heaven" is in Belfast, Ireland.
March 25, 1973: Houses of the Holy, the band's 5th album, is released.
March 15, 1975: The Earls Court shows sells out in four hours
March 31, 1976: Presence, the band's 7th album, is released.
March 4, 1985: Jimmy Page's album with Roy Harper "Whatever Happened to Jugula" is released.
March 22, 1985: Plant releases his first single from Shaken N' Stirred "Pink and Black" and John Paul Jones releases the soundtrack for the movie Scream for Help.
March 14, 1986: The Firm begins their second tour.
March 17, 2005: Plant is the speaker for the SXSW Convention and performs with the Strange Sensation later that night.

Listen for more info on these events along with the same great Zeppelin goodies only on Achilles Last Stand 2-4pm Thursdays on WECB (wecb.emerson.edu).

Achilles Last Stand Tomorrow!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Just a reminder to listen to Achilles Last Stand tomorrow on WECB (wecb.emerson.edu) 2-4 pm. The new album of the month for March will be revealed along with This Month in Led Zeppelin. Don't forget to comment for any requests or you can call in at 617-824-8852 during the show. Here's a preview of one of the songs on the playlist:

Talk to you tomorrow!!

Achilles Last Stand 2/26

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:00:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Robert Plant, "In the Mood", Principle of Moments
- Pink Floyd, "Have a Cigar", Wish You Were Here
- Led Zeppelin, "Going to California", IV
- Robert Plant, "Why", Now and Zen
- Led Zeppelin, "Dancing Days", Houses of the Holy
- Robert Plant, "Dirt in a Hole", Nine Lives (Dreamland)
- Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin II
- Led Zeppelin, "Since I've Been Loving You", How the West Was Won
- Led Zeppelin, "What is and What Should Never Be", BBC Sessions
- Elvis Presley, "A Little Less Conversation"
- Delta Spirit, "Trashcan", Ode to Sunshine
- Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog", IV
- Queen, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
- Led Zeppelin, "Dazed and Confused", The Song Remains the Same (1976)
- Robert Plant, "It Keeps Rainin'", Goin' Home
- Blind Faith, "Can't Find My Way Home"
- Robert Plant, "Far Post", Pictures at Eleven
- Led Zeppelin, "Ten Years Gone", Physical Graffiti

There you have it. Apologies for jetting out in a hurry, I just had a little business to take care of today. If there's a moral to today's show (seems to me like there's always one defining subject), check out Delta Spirit. They're awesome. In either case I'll be back next week and then off the week after that. I get to see Iceland and see what Robert talked about in "Immigrant Song". As usual leave your requests and such and I'll see what I can do.

Delta Spirit: The Next Big Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:33:00 +0000

I'm calling it now: Delta Spirit will become the next big band when they release their sophomore album in the next year or so. I know I'm going out on a limb with this, but I can't get enough of the San Diego band. They have the musicians, they have the sound, and they have the personality to hit it BIG. They're currently signed to Rounder Records (a certain Mr. Plant is also involved with the same label) so the have the distribution means.

In terms of music, they have a classic sound but they spin a different edge on it. Most indie bands fall in a trap where their sound is too experimental for mass consumption. Delta Spirit, on the other hand, plays songs that are deep yet very listenable. They infuse folk, rock, blues, and various other styles into a unique structure. Matt Vasquez, the lead singer, has THE voice. All big bands need THE voice, whether it's Chris Martin, Roger Daltrey, or Robert Plant. Vasquez has it both for the studio and on stage. Him and Kelly Winrich craft songs that capture the listener's attention and also vary their writing structure. They won't fall in the trap of making cookie cutter music that other indie bands do.

Another key comes from their live performances. Vasquez leads the crowd like a seasoned veteran on stage and their song selection is outstanding. He speaks to the crowd and connects well with his audience. I've been to two shows at the Middle East Downstairs in Boston (once as an opener, once as the headlining band) and both occasions they rocked the house at the top of their game. They played on the mark and just blasted their music each evening. Vasquez sang at full tilt and still sounded spectacular.

Of course a number of issues could arise. For instance, they have been on tour forever. According to Vasquez, they can't say no when asked. They plan to begin recording an album once this tour finishes, so expect something by next winter. From the new songs I heard, they're on the right track to take off. Still, you never know. I believe they will explode. Either way, keep your eye on Delta Spirit. Don't say I didn't warn you when I said they'd be famous.

Achilles Last Stand 2/19/09

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:07:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love", Led Zeppelin DVD
- Led Zeppelin, "Black Mountain Side", Led Zeppelin
- Led Zeppelin, "Over the Hills and Far Away", How the West Was Won
- Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, "When the World Was Young", Walking Into Clarksdale
- Led Zeppelin, "What is and What Should Never Be", Led Zeppelin II
- Yes, "I've Seen All Good People"
- Robert Plant, "Tall Cool One", Now and Zen
- Led Zeppelin, "Friends", Led Zeppelin III
- Led Zeppelin, "Fool in the Rain", In Through The Out Door
- Robert Plant, "Hurting Kind (I've Got My Eyes On You)", Manic Nirvana
- Led Zeppelin, "Down By The Seaside", Physical Graffiti
- Robert Plant, "Upside Down", Sixty-Six to Timbucktu
- Led Zeppelin, "Hey, Hey, What Can I Do?"
- The Firm, "Closer", The Firm
- Led Zeppelin, "Misty Mountain Hop", The Song Remains the Same (2007)
- The Yardbirds, "Train' Kept a Rolling", Ultimate
- Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, "Shine It All Around", Mighty Rearranger
- Eric Clapton, "Let It Rain (Delaney Bramlett Mix)", Eric Clapton (Deluxe Edition)
- Led Zeppelin, "No Quarter", Houses of the Holy
- Led Zeppelin, "Trampled Underfoot", Physical Graffiti
- The Rolling Stones, "Do Do Do Do Do (Heartbreaker)", Goats Head Soup

Nothing too exciting this week. I'm still upset over Paul Rodgers hurting Jimmy's credibility although he could have picked an even worse singer. I mentioned a video with Jimmy, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck playing Layla. The second video is Jimmy and Rodgers at the ARMS concert:

Another show next week. If you've got an idea for an album of the month for March leave a comment and I'll consider it. I just want to start on it so it'll be done by the start of month. You can also leave your requests in a comment and I'll see what I can do.

Why Does This Man Keep Getting Gigs?

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:09:00 +0000

If you don't know this man you probably should. He's been around for a very long time and has been a part of many acts over his career. His name is Paul Rodgers, adequate singer extraordinaire. The list of folks he's worked with include Mick Ralphs of Mott the Hoople, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and the remaining members of Queen. He continues to find work with these great musicians and somehow seems to replace some of the best singers time and time again.

His first two projects were very good. He started with Free, known for their hit "All Right Now", who were one of the most successful acts along with Led Zeppelin in the early 1970's. Rodgers then went on to his second major project with Bad Company. Signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song label and using the same manager, Peter Grant, the band found immediate success with their first self-titled album. Not many bands can get away with not only naming a song after themselves but also putting it on their self-titled album. Their first two albums were strong across the board however they didn't really have a diverse repertoire of songs. Rodgers' vocal abilities also held back the band and their hits all had a very similar sound. By 1982, it wasn't going to work anymore.

Paul Rodgers stayed with his family and helped them grow for a while but an opportunity presented itself in 1983 that he couldn't turn down. Eric Clapton wanted to tour the country with one of the biggest charity collaborations in rock and roll history to create awareness for MS. Clapton hit the road with artists like Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Joe Cocker, and, most important in this story, Jimmy Page. Paul and Jimmy started working on a new song live on-stage. Jimmy had an old song set aside from his Zeppelin days known as "Swan Song". Paul Rodgers wrote up some lyrics and created a new track called "Midnight Moonlight". Soon the pair decided to create a new band, which is where Paul Rodgers downside started presenting itself.

The Firm began as a new supergroup for Page to mold into one of the biggest bands in the world. He had one of the most successful singers of the 70's in Rodgers and two young up and coming musicians with Tony Franklin and Chris Slade. Jimmy took the latest technology and formed soundscapes unlike anything he did previously. Unfortunately the singing wasn't there along with the lyric writing. Paul Rodgers could write a great hit song but he didn't have a vast array of tricks with his lyrics. His voice seemed overpowered much of the time by the complex arrangements by Jimmy. The first album just had no hook to it and no bite. The second one had a little more strength to it, but by that time the band had lost their opportunity to find success.

So Paul Rodgers went out on his own for a while and continued to release albums every once in a while. Then Queen came calling looking for a singer. He joined the band and released on live album through Best Buy and gained success once again. His voice, however, does not get close to Freddie Mercury. Not even in the same building. Or country. Or planet. He can sing some of the songs well (Tie Your Mother Down isn't bad). For the most part, he just doesn't live up to Mercury at all.

The main issue with Rodgers is that his voice doesn't capture the listener. Singers like Robert Plant, Freddie Mercury, Bono, and Roger Daltry cut through the surrounding instruments no matter the song. Rodgers can be easily masked. His range is limited. He has no tricks up his sleeve. His lyrics are just average rock lyrics. I think he has some talent and he deserved recognition for his work with Free and Bad Company. Unfortunately those bands fit his very specific strengths and he's become one of the more overrated singers in rock history. Hopefully he doesn't bring a great band like Queen down the same path that the Firm went down.

Achilles Last Stand 2/12 (Back on Air!!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Playlist:

- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)", Raising Sand
- Led Zeppelin, "Out on the Tiles", Led Zeppelin III
- Led Zeppelin, "The Ocean", The Song Remains the Same (2007)
- Robert Plant, "You Better Run", Sixty-Six to Timbuktu
- Robert Plant, "Morning Dew", Dreamland
- Bad Company, "Can't Enough of Your Love", Bad Company
- The Firm, "Spirit of Love", Mean Business
- Led Zeppelin, "Four Sticks", IV
- Led Zeppelin, "The Rain Song", Houses of the Holy
- Jimi Hendrix, "Hey Joe"
- Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog", The Song Remains the Same (2007)
- John Paul Jones, "Down to the River to Pray", Thunderthief
- Robert Plant, "Let The Boogie Woogie Roll", Sixty-Six to Timbuktu
- Led Zeppelin, "Sick Again", Physical Graffiti
- Robert Plant, "Heaven Knows", Now and Zen
- Led Zeppelin, "Ozone Baby", Coda
- Led Zeppelin, "Good Times, Bad Times", Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin, "Moby Dick", Led Zeppelin II

I'm back on air!!! Hooray!!! A little bit of a post-Grammys celebration involved with a couple of track from Raising Sand. It's amazing how that album still has staying power to now. It came out in the summer of 2007. 2007!!! It's also the first show since the announcement that Zeppelin won't be getting together in any form after all. Robert's voice is just that important. I still hope Jimmy puts some tracks out. He was working on an album before the whole Led Zeppelin business came back up. So was Jonesy, who's really made his own voice known musically since he started releasing solo albums in 1999 and 2001. We'll see where all the boys end up. Maybe, just maybe, they will join together one more time. It's just getting a little too late.

I was also joined by Candace Silva and Sean Heary for a bit. Sean being Sean wanted to play some sound effects so I indulged him a little bit. Candace herself is a little crazy for a certain Bruce Springsteen. She's a little obsessed like I am. Ok, overly obsessed. To the point where she could have a Springsteen show. Listen to her show Oh Yes They Did every Tuesday (although it will be Monday with the 3 day weekend, long explaination) 2-4pm. They've got a pretty awesome blog going too.

Keep your eyes open for an expanded explanation of my disliking of Paul Rodgers. If you have any requests for the next show leave a comment. You can also call in during the show at 617-824-8852 for any requests. Only one rule: it has to be Zeppelin related. Of course you can research to find a band related to Zeppelin or you can suggest one and I could make a connection myself. In either case, come back next Thursday 2-4pm on WECB for the best of Led Zeppelin and beyond.

Who Called It!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Mr. Plant speaks!! And guess what. HE SAID EXACTLY WHAT I'VE BEEN SAYING FOR YEARS!!! Shocking right? Here's a link to the story on the Achilles Last Stand fansite:

http://www.led-zeppelin.org/news/index.php?m=2009news#020409a

He doesn't want to disappoint his fans. He wants something frash, something new, and something for the fans to look forward to rather than look into the past. Best line: "we've been incomplete now for 28 years." He misses his friend John Bonham and knows that he won't have the same experience without him. Robert likes to look ahead and find something new to work on rather than pull out the same material again and again. Just think about all the odd versions of Black Dog he's done in the past decade.

Robert won't get back together with Zeppelin for a full tour. Maybe another one off show, but not a tour.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss at the Grammys

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:50:00 +0000

First of all, congrats to Plant and Krauss for winning FIVE Grammys (Record of the Year for "Please Read the Letter", Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for "Rich Woman", Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Killing the Blues", Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album for Raising Sand, Album of the Year for Raising Sand).

As you can expect, I freaked out when they played. And when they won Album of the Year. Truthfully I wasn't sure if the collaboration would be accepted when they first released the album but it really got popular after a while. Plant can still sing (not the high notes but he makes his voice work) and really creates a unique sound with Krauss. I expect them to keep working together but knowing Plant he could go another direction without warning.

This Month in Led Zeppelin for February

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 21:03:00 +0000

So every month I will have a monthly update on what happened in Zeppelin history. I originally tried weekly last semester but it's hard when you get a date that's on the border of two weeks. The first show of the month will include a This Month in Zeppelin feature where all of the important events of the month are announced. If there's an extremely important date (i.e. big album releases, deaths, births, ect.), I will talk about it as close to the date as possible as well. The list will end up on the blog. So, without further ado, this month in Led Zeppelin...

1969, the band had their first foray into the Billboard Top 40. They would not leave until well after their breakup.
Feb. 28 1970, their name changes for one night in Copenhagen to "The Nobs" so that Countess Von Zeppelin, upset about the band's first album cover, doesn't sue them for using her name.
Feb. 14, 1971, the band's long hair prevents them from being allowed into Singapore.
Feb. 16, 1972, the release date of Houses of the Holy is pushed back due to album sleeve issues.
Feb. 24, 1975, Physical Graffiti is released and sells incredibly well with over 1 million pre-orders already in place.
Feb. 16, 1978, John Bonham, Richard Cole, and Peter Grant face a judge for their roles in a brawl during a show in Oakland. They all receive commuted prison sentences and a fine.
Feb. 15, 1982, Death Wish II, the soundtrack that Jimmy Page recorded for the Charles Bronson film of the same name, is released.
Feb. 11, 1985, Jimmy Page's new band The Firm release their self-titled album
Feb. 29, 1988, Robert Plant releases his 4th solo album (and 5th since Led Zeppelin broke up) Now and Zen
Feb. 24, 1999, Jimmy and Robert win their first Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance for their song "Most High"
Feb. 13, 2005, Led Zeppelin receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.

The first show is Thursday 2-4pm. Listen for the same great Zeppelin goodies as usual and more only on WECB on wecb.emerson.edu.

Album of the Month for February: Physical Graffiti

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Penfield) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +0000

For years Jimmy Page wanted to release a double album. He thought about releasing IV as a double album but the band didn't feel like it was appropriate. In 1975, the band had a few extra tracks on hand from their Bron-Yr-Aur cottage sessions and also recorded some new tracks. This ended up being Led Zeppelin's most diverse album with the blues, middle eastern, rock, and folk styles all blended together.

Release Date: February 24, 1975
Highest Billboard Chart Position: 1
Sales Status: 16x Platinum (17th best selling all time)
Other Distinctions: 70th on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums

Track Listing
Disc 1
1. Custard Pie
This track plays off of many blues songs from the 1930's. This song never received much notoriety and tends to be overshadowed by the last three tracks on this disc. Robert Plant sampled it later during his solo career in "Tall Cool One"

2. The Rover
Another track that was overshadowed by the rest of the album, it had troubles right from the start. The guitar track was lost by one mixing engineer but another salvaged the track. The band never really played the song live either.

3. In My Time of Dying
The song dates back to Joshua White in 1933, however is better known for Bob Dylan's version. Jimmy Page's guitar just overpowers in the song and he found one of the best uses for his Danelectro guitar. It is the longest song in Zeppelin's studio collection at 11:05 and is a great example of how lose the album is. At the end you can hear them joking around after the track finished.

4. Houses of the Holy
Yes, Houses of the Holy is one of the outtake tracks. How can you tell? It was supposed to be the title track to the previous album Houses of the Holy however it didn't make the cut. In all the ways it doesn't fit Houses of the Holy it works perfectly for this album, especially for the first half. It's a fairly standard Zeppelin rock track.

5. Trampled Underfoot
Robert Plant had a fair number of issues with this song during live shows. He could never remember the lyrics, however he really never needed to. He's never been the best at annunciation anyway. It has a little bit of a funk feel with Jimmy's guitar as well and during live shows could go as long as ten minutes.

6. Kashmir
One of the best known Zeppelin songs ever, it actually originated as a way to tune Jimmy's Danelectro guitar that he used for his middle eastern tracks. On the drums, Bonham pulled off a trick where he would only hit the bass drum once but it would reverberate such that it sounded like he hit it twice. John Paul Jones' keyboard work created the unique sound scape that gave the song it's edge. Add on Plant's lyrical prowess and the song became an epic monster.

Disc 2
1. In The Light
The main inspiration for this song came from Robert and Jimmy's travels to the far East in Thailand and India. They looked for as many musical acts to record (although none of the recordings were ever used). It also shows Jones' musical ability as he recorded one of his finest songs on the synthesizer. It also signaled another direction that Led Zeppelin would follow later on In Through The Out Door.

2. Bron-Yr-Aur
This is a short instrumental track that showed up on The Song Remains The Same. It originated from their Bron-Yr-Aur Cottage sessions when they were in a cottage in the Welsh countryside in 1970. Jimmy never popped this song out on the road and tended to stick with his more successful and well known instrumental tracks "White Summer" and "Moby Dick".

3. Down By The Seaside
Another one of the band's outtakes, this track just missed being on the band's biggest album IV. Sadly it was left for this album instead. The song's influence comes from Neil Young, a musician that both Jimmy Page and Robert Plant admired. Plant was known for singing parts of Buffalo Springfield songs in concert and always kept track of the latest in American folk.

4. Ten Years Gone
An original to the album, the song is suspected to come from a track Jimmy wrote called "Swan Song" (although "Midnight Moonlight" from the Firm years later is suspected of also being from the same track). Jimmy's 14 guitar overdubs makes the instrumental parts highly complex and gives the song a lot of depth. Although Jimmy planned to make this an instrumental track, Robert whipped up some lyrics about an old girlfriend and they had another track for their album.

5. Night Flight
This one originates from their IV sessions. One of the few tracks that Jones gets the main credits for writing up to this point, it ended up mostly as a song to fill up space on the double album.

6. Wanton Song
This one came from a jam session and was rarely played by the band outside their 1975 tour.

7. Boogie With Stu
Yet another track from their IV days, this song includes someone outside the band. Ian Stewart of the Rolling Stones comes in with the boogie-woogie piano. The song never saw the light of day on-stage but it's a great example of how Led Zeppelin liked to connect with the musical styles that influenced them.

8. Black Country Woman
The track begins with Recording Engineer Eddie Kramer asking if they should keep rolling because of the plane flying overhead at the time. The song was recorded Mick Jagger's back yard using the Rolling Stones' mobile studio and they got some more audio than they wanted. It's very raw and adds an interesting dimension to an album that tends to be very polished.

9. Sick Again
This track written by Plant about groupies on the 1973 tour was one of the few from the second disc to make it to the stage. This song ended up being featured in most of their shows and can be seen on the Led Zeppelin DVD.

Random Fact:
On the inside sleeve the band included pictures from various sources, including one night when the band decided to dress up in drag. They were staying in LA and the groupies decided to help them out. Of course, Zeppelin being Zeppelin with a little help from their groupie friends, they came up with a fun idea. George Harrison waited in the lobby for a dinner arrangement while the band took pictures in drag for the album. They took advantage of their ridiculous outfits and surprised him by heading downstairs. Little did they know Stevie Wonder was joining them as well. The band got quite the shock and Wonder thought they dressed in drag as a trick on him.