Parish Posted January 28, 2008 Share Posted January 28, 2008 My review... Sound Stage presents Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation directed by Joe Thomas starring Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation Zoe Records Having been fortunate enough to have seen Led Zeppelin in concert as well as several Robert Plant solo excursions, I was eager to watch his first ever live DVD brought to us by the wonderfully intimate PBS series, Soundstage. Robert's diminished vocal range may be reflective of his unwanted AARP card-carrying status but it's his boyish charm and love of performing that keeps his fans cheering and the lemon squeezers squeezing. Using the same Middle Eastern soundscape formula that worked so well for him and Jimmy Page on their Unledded release, No Quarter, Robert opens up in fact with "No Quarter" from Led Zeppelin's majestic Houses of The Holy album. Even though the Unledded release came out in 1994, the familiarity of it all makes this opener come off a bit redundant. "No Quarter" was one of Zep's greatest head songs and replacing the song's original spacey keyboard work and howling sound effects once again with Middle Eastern flavorings just seems repetitive. The DVD does kick into gear with the next few songs. "Shine It All Around" has a swirling stadium feel to it and the country honk verses of "Black Dog" combined with an almost exact Zeppelin replication by the band of the chorus brings this Zep classic back in a big way. "Freedom Fries" is a terrific number that once again showcases this very talented group of musicians, even though the song's title should have been left on the counter at McDonalds. This remarkable quintet featuring Clive Deamer (drums), John Baggott (keyboards), Billy Fuller (bass), Skin Tyson (guitars) and Justin Adams playing gimbri, darbouka and guitar, seem to truly understand and co-inhabit Robert's dreamy vision of this newer and more communal Zen Zeppelin. "Four Sticks" is dedicated to the late John Bonham and does the late Bonzo proud with its thundering recreation of his legendary percussion. Several other songs from Plant's 2005 release, Mighty Rearranger appear including "Tin Pan Valley" and "The Enchanter" but it's when Robert starts swingin' from his "Gallows Pole" that things start to get interesting. A killer version of "Whole Lotta Love" closes out this hourlong set delighting his audience with a faithful yet creative approach to this certified classic. Robert Plant seems to have found a great balance in a life filled with extremes. His celebrity glass can no longer be looked at as half-full or half-empty. With a new band and an inspired vision for the future it can only be seen as a crystal clear reflection of the man himself. Where his fans can look in and joyfully, where all will be revealed... www.robertplant.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alwizard03 Posted May 24, 2008 Share Posted May 24, 2008 Saw Him twice on this tour great job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zep Power Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 I have that dvd and it is awesome. Technically and visually very good job. I just wish it was longer, but top notch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alwizard03 Posted May 25, 2008 Share Posted May 25, 2008 I have that dvd and it is awesome. Technically and visually very good job. I just wish it was longer, but top notch! I agree it is pretty good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfman Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Robert's diminished vocal range may be reflective of his unwanted AARP card-carrying status but it's his boyish charm and love of performing that keeps his fans cheering and the lemon squeezers squeezing. I'm so sick of hearing how "diminished" Robert's voice is. No shit...he's not in his 20's anymore. He still has a GREAT voice and he can still blow away just about anyone around. A bunch of hogwash to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTM Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 I have that dvd and it is awesome. Technically and visually very good job. I just wish it was longer, but top notch! This boot is better......................................... Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation, EXIT Festival July 12, 2007, Novi Sad, Serbia Professional Recording 1. 7 And 7 Is 2. Black Dog 3. Tin Pan Valley 4. Going to California 5. Four Sticks 6. Freedom Fries 7. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You 8. Gallows Pole 9. The Enchanter 10. Whole Lotta Love Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reids Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 Yep. i wish they would have included the entire set for the PBS Soundstage show, too. I saw them in Atlanta that summer and it was an incredible show. "That's The Way" was the best song of the night of the Chicago/PBS Soundstage taping and it was left off. They performed for over 2 hours and it was the bass player's birthday that night, so they did a few extra special numbers not performed before on the tour. R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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