Dreamland Remastered
Leo Navarr | Donner Pass, California | 10/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant never disappoints when it comes to varying his approach with each studio release. Dreamland retained some of the hard rock that was found on former albums, but if anything it exploded with the Eastern styles and soft, timeless melodies that were, until now, less recognizable but nevertheless valuable.
Funny in My Mind takes off as a straightforward, semi-mystical song that immediately gives us slight memorable reminiscing of his Plant's days with Led Zeppelin. The fact is, many of these songs are blues covers, and coupled with the fact that this was Plant's first outing with his now steady touring band "The strange sensation", this album could have had the opportunity to turn off many long time fans.
If anything, it does the opposite, garnering Plant's interests in Eastern styles which are executed in formats of rock, blues and folk, while still allowing him to croon and wail like its 1975 again. The song "Morning Dew" has the mystical flutes and distant Congo drum sounds that allow for a very soft, ethereal tone throughout. The song "Song to the Siren" is every bit as slow, almost seeming to stall while waiting for Plant's magical lyrics to catch up. The song "Red Dress" definitely spices things up a bit, with an aggressive blues lick and a buildup of daunting singing that opens up for a Southern style of sass and attitude. The cover of the Hendrix hit "Hey Joe" is heard here as well, but it is nothing like the Joe you knew from the Hendrix days. Plant applies a much different rhythm to it all, and the scary sounding guitar sounds at the opening minute of the song adds a totally new way of enjoying this timeless Hendrix classic. The song "Skip's Song" is another that will feel very Zep like to a listener, with sad melody that elegantly skips along with crescendos that roll along before vanishing into the distant horizon.
The Remastered album is well worth the cost of admission, opening a doorway to another enjoyable outing with Robert Plant. Included are two bonus tracks, one which is "Dirt in a hole", which features fast moving guitar licks that lean back to reveal a song that starts out about a preacher but soon covers a multitude of things about life.
"
Brilliant
J. Dennis | 06/04/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"a beautiful and wonderfully arranged music that robert plant has compiled. i am always on the look out for his music, and i would recommend this cd to every one who is a plant fan. and for new listeners give this one a try."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1