Re: Ramblings of a "Raving Plant Fanatic"

[MostHigh75@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 3/23/05 8:59:05 AM Central Standard Time, 
MICHAELJMORETTI@xxxxxx writes:

<< 
 For those of you who think Robert Plant sucks, I have some advice.  Don't 
buy the record and stay home.  I guess this list is getting so "flame-shocked" 
that most people who share my point of view are afraid to speak their mind.  I 
am stepping up front and center to say that if you consider me a "Raving Plant 
Fanatic", then I'm damn proud of the it.  You got a problem with that?  If 
so, we can discuss it at the next Zepfest.  I'll be the one with the "Mighty 
Rearranger" tour shirt :-).
 
  >> I felt inspired to add my two cents to this discussion. First off, I am 
a major lurker, but lately I have been wanting to add my opinion to these 
discussions. First off, I was a Plant fan before a Zeppelin fan. Let me quickly 
explain. In 1988, Robert released 'Now and Zen," I was in 7th grade. I knew 
nothing about Zeppelin. In fact I think I was a Beastie Boys/Run DMC, maybe 
even a 
 Prince fan? (Sign O' the times anyone?) Anyway, around April or May Rolling 
Stone had Plant on the cover with an extensive interview and a discography of 
Led-Zeppelin. I had previously heard the tracks "Heaven Knows, Tall Cool One, 
and Ship of Fools." I was really interested in this singer called Plant. Which 
led me to discover his previous band "Led-Zeppelin." This was also when 
Atlantic had their 40th anniversary bash. I knew the band was something 
extremely 
special even without hearing a beat or album! "Now and Zen" was Roberts coming 
to grips with his past-strangely enough it was a bridge for me for his current 
career and past with Zeppelin. I believe I purchased "Now and Zen" and the 
fourth album in the same month. There was no looking back. 
    For some I can understand the frustration about Plant, especially if you 
were a fan while Zeppelin was in their prime. I was 5 years old when "Physical 
Graffiti" came out so, I was too young to know the group existed. So really I 
was a Robert Plant fan first. Throughout the 90's I have enjoyed every album 
since "Now and Zen." It was awesome to be at a Catholic School and to be a 
Plant fan/Zeppelin fan. While everyone else were being brainwashed by the 
"popular" bands at the time, I was rockin out to songs like "Billy's Revenge, 
Tie dye 
on the highway, Nirvana." Plant, in my opinion, was offering exciting music 
for a man in his forties!!!! By the time "Fate of Nations" came out I was a 
Plant/Zeppelin fanatic!!! Thanks to my good friend Rick Barret!!!! I was/am so 
proud to be a Robert Plant fan in 93. I felt he had made his BEST album ever. 
Songs like "Calling to you, 29 Palms, I believe, Come Into my Life" were in my 
mind the best. Plant had an awesome video for "Calling to You," nobody was 
presenting music like this in 93. Everyone on this this list may remember my 
post 
about college recollections and "Unleded" in 95. That is a whole different 
story. My point with this is, Plant's music has been an open door to so many 
various kinds of music that I was so grateful to discover. I used to get in 
endless debates with people about Plant wanting to push some boundaries, not 
being a 
"washed up seventies rock singer" etc. It is almost like when you go to a 
party never mention these three things: Politics, Religion, and Robert Plant. 
    I  am extremely excited about "Mighty Rearranger"- the man is in his mid 
to late fifties-been making records for damn near over thirty years. From the 
tracks I have heard, he sounds Excited, Inspired, and happy again. I think his 
voice sounds just as emotional and unique as it has since "Fate Of Nations." 
This sounds like a rebirth for Plant. He is playing with people who inspire 
him and there is zero pressure to live up to the young man of 1973. Say what 
you 
will about personality, the way a voice ages,etc. I am talking about music 
here. Plant has made adventurous and challenging music this past decade. I hope 
and believe that this album will be a comeback. He is doing  exactly what he 
did in Zeppelin-seeking other territories to explore. Thank God! I too am a 
proud Robert Plant fan-his music and individuality have been an inspiration in 
my 
life thus far. 
    I hope I did not start World War 3 on the list. I just felt inspired and 
wanted to share some views.
        Thanks FBO! Have a good one! Here is to The Mighty Rearranger!!!!!!!!

Paul F.
Memphis, TN.