Album of the day for 11/20!

[SAT-I need more room!!]

Since he has a new 2 disc retrospective collection out, I thought I'd review Robert Plant's best album, Now and Zen.


Robert Plant

Now and Zen

1988

This comeback for Plant was perfect for me as I was just getting into Zeppelin and his solo stuff at the time. My ex-girlfriend's cousin was NUTS about Plant, so I learned a lot from her. My ex bought me this on tape for Easter, I think, and the following Christmas bought me the CD, which had a bonus track.

Plant's solo stuff is NOTHING like Zep's stuff, although he was starting to embrace his past here, having Jimmy Page playing on the first single and sampling Black Dog and the same song. Not only was their sampling, but lots of keyboards and those "electronic" drums on most tracks.


Heaven Knows-This was also a single, and actually, I may be wrong, this may have been out before the track Page played on, not sure. Great beginning to the album, mellow in parts, rockin' in others. Actually, Jimmy played on this one as well!

Dance on My Own-This could've been a single, and actually did get some rock station play. This has a poppy feel, but not poppy like the Debbie Gibsons of the world that were popular at the time.

Tall Cool One-If you know anything on this album, it's this one. "Lighten up baby, I'm in love with you." Got monster MTV play, lots of rock radio play, and the video was even transformed into a Coke commercial. Keyboardist Phil Johnstone gets a spoken/sung part in the song. And this is where we hear the sample of Black Dog, and come to think of it, a guitar riff from Whole Lotta Love.

The Way I Feel-The weakest track on "side 1". There was many times I would flip the tape right over and listen from there as the first two tracks on side 2 weren't that spectacular either. The slowest song on this side too. I do like it more now than then though.

Billy's Revenge-Probably the weakest on this side. Story of Billy and Jeanie. Nothing exciting. Although, it's kindof a doo-wop song in a way, which Plant loves, so maybe you doo-woppers will like it!

Helen of Troy-Again, nothing exciting here. Bob waits til track 3 on this side to put on a classic.

Ship of Fools-This was the third single of the album. Very mellow tune for most of the song. Sort of Indian influenced, with the woodblock being one of the featured instruments! His voice is in good form on this one.

Why-This song, like many others on here, features a chorus of female singers that are programmed into the keyboards, and, call me crazy, but I believe into the electronic drums! Like so many of his songs, this deals with sex. Coincidentally, it's one of my fave cuts on here.

White, Clean & Neat-Robert goes for a sort of retro sound on this one too. Not quite doo-wop, but the influence is from an earlier time. He even mentions Johnnie Ray and Debbie Reynolds in the lyrics. Cool ending to the original album and tape.

*Walking Towards Paradise-This was a bonus track, available right away on CD copies only. I remember my ex's cousin playing it for me and being jealous for over a year waiting for the CD! This is one of the best tracks on here, IMO. So much for the theory that bonus cuts are throwaways!


Well there it is. I know I don't say much in these reviews, but I still like doing them!

[Ken]

Hey Adam , very well done. I'm only familiar with the hits and thought they were quite good - lots of radio airplay here. I wasn't burn't out on Zep at that point

I remember the buzz at the time about Jimmy playing on the album, that there were samplings used in Tall Cool One of Zep tunes and that both were embracing their past.

[Pete70s]

I was BIG into Robert Plant solo during my late teens. I was one of few people who bought and LOVED "Shaken n' Stirred" when it came out in '85. I got into all of hs solo albums up to that point.

Then, in my Junior year of high school, this came out. It was one of the first CD's I bought. I liked it a lot at the time, but it didn't age well with me, probably because I associate it with a period of my life I don't look back fondly on.

The album itself is really good, despite that.. My favorite cut is "White, Clean & Neat", but I don't remember any cut that I actually DISliked. I'll have to dig it out and listen to it again..

BTW- I'll start doing reviews again soon, I've just been so busy and stressed. I'll also get caught up on the Insane list..

[athompsen]

Cool review! I like Robert Plant's solo stuff. I do remember "Tall, Cool, One" being overplayed on the radio, but it's a good song.

[lora]

Nice review. I've never gotten into Robert Plant. As you know, I pretty much just still to the females (with the exception of Justin Timberlake, Bing Crosby, and maybe one or two others).

White, Clean & Neat - He mentions Debbie Reynolds? I have to hear this!! ;D

[Pete70s]

OK, I went back and listened to Now And Zen in its entirety (probably for the first time since 90-91). Here is my track-by-track:

Heaven Knows-Great opener, with great Zeppelin guitar solo from "Zoso". Sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Dance On My Own-A very catchy tune. I always thought that it was (barely audible) whistling that opened this track, but upon further investigating, it's actually a keyboard.

Tall Cool One-I actually like this one the least for some reason. The "rap" section in the middle kind of bugs me.
The montage of Zeppelin riffs is cool, though!

The Way I Feel-I always liked this one a lot. As usual, his lyrics are hard to figure out.

Helen Of Troy-I didn't realize until my friend bought the tape that this was actually the first song on side 2. I had thought it closed side 1 (I had the CD). this song seems more like a side CLOSER than an opener. And "Billy's Revenge" definitely sounds like an opener. That also would have left a long gap at the end of the first side on cassette. Makes no sense.

Billy's Revenge-I used to skip over this one, but I like it now.

Ship Of Fools-Is it just me, or did Robert seem really depressed in the 80's?

Why-One of the better cuts here, I never knew it was about sex, and I still don't get it (except for the "She wants it bad" part).

White Clean & Neat-Still my favorite song on the album, and the perfect closer. I almost wish there wasn't a bonus track, because I love the line "You make me wanna jump and shout, baby!" at the fade. Perfect way to end the album!

Walking Towards Paradise-I never thought much about this one, actually. Not bad, but nothing spectacular.