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Band:Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation DVD:Soundstage Presents: Released by:MVD Writer: Dr. J- Click Album Cover To Buy Now

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I wasn’t fortunate enough to have seen Led Zeppelin in concert. Nor have I really had the chance to see a ROBERT PLANT show in the span of this solo career. Therefore, I was pretty excited to review this. Whether you cared for a band or not, the PBS series Soundstage has generally provided a more intimate, solid format for musicians to perform within - which generally provides an overall good show. So, I was hoping this would be a worthy performance.

PLANT and the band open up with “No Quarter” from Led Zeppelin’s “Houses of The Holy” album. The more atmospheric keyboards on the original recording were replaced with sound effects, wrapped around a more Middle Eastern influence. “Shine It All Around” provides a solid head-bobbing grove. The classic “Black Dog” is performed in an almost funky country fashion for the verses, then delves back towards the original style (at times) for the chorus. The foot-stomper “Freedom Fries” precedes the Led Zeppelin IV “Four Sticks”, dedicated to the late John Bonham and performed at top notch. The performance includes “Tin Pan Valley” and “The Enchanter” from PLANT and company’s “Might Rearranger” album. All are performed well, but are outshined by “Gallows Pole” and rocked out “Whole Lotta Love”.

The STRANGE SENSATION band consists of Clive Deamer (drums), John Baggott (keyboards), Billy Fuller (bass), Skin Tyson (guitars) and Justin Adams (guitar, gimbri, and darbouka) performed extremely well. The chemistry between PLANT and this band is evident.

Two songs from the performance, “Hey Joe” and “Girl From the North Country”, are included as bonus tracks. I can’t say “Hey Joe” with a Middle Eastern/artsy-type interpretation appealed to my music palate much – it just didn’t seem to do the song justice. However, the “Girl From the North Country” proved enjoyable.

At 58, ROBERT PLANT seems to continue to move forward in many aspects with his career, instead of solely relying on his former status with Led Zeppelin to pay the bills. Sure, his vocal range isn’t what it used to be, but he seems to know his limits and work with them – that and a band that seems to understand each other. This performance is recommended for all PLANT, Led Zeppelin, and rock fans. It’s an enjoyable performance that will bring back many memories, as well provide an introduction into new territory into which PLANT has ventured.

Band:Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation DVD:Soundstage Presents: Released by:MVD Writer: Dr. J- Click Album Cover To Buy Now

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