By the mid 1970s rock legend Robert plant had very little to prove already part of the pantheon of rock. So by 2005 it would be safe to assume Plant would follow in the path of other aged rock stars, retiring to a country mansion and becoming spokesman for some world charity organization. Not Plant! Here he was in 2005 making a bold statement with ‘Mighty Rearranger’. Not only is he rebelling against the society from which he firmly belongs, he does so without resorting to an embarrassing Grandad trying hard for credibility. Like a lot of aged rock stars he developed a penchant for world music. However he combines world eclecticism with electronic experimentation, hard rock and more subtle blue influenced numbers. It is a look back at some of his early work with Led Zeppelin but it’s not resting on past glories, it is firmly forward looking in its approach, a most satisfying and diverse album if ever there was one. More importantly, Plant certainly has something to say despite the expected fall from grace age and success naturally brings. It is surely hard for him to know what contemporary relevance he can bring anymore, but he delivers.
His band, ‘The Strange Sensation’, certainly live up to their name. They read very much like a who’s who of the 90s music scene comprising of former members of Britpop, trip-hop and drum and bass bands. Yet, despite everyone car the Spice Girls, it is a stunning combination which yields amazing results. Expect to be treated to Saharan lutes mixed with jazzy brass, Arabian melodies mixed with break beat and Influences raging from Eastern to rock, R&B, folk and world music in general.
From the outset we are welcomed by Moroccan drums and Eastern strings with ‘Another Tribe’ it’s an amazing opener and a taste of things to come. ‘Shine It All Around’ sports angular beats and a rather funky base line. The percussive syncopation of ‘Freedom Fries’ is fantastic with juxtaposition of rockabilly blues and hard rock to mix. ‘Tin Pan Valley’ starts off with meandering keyboards and whispering vocals before exploding into full out hard rock chorus. ‘All The Kings Horses’ is a very English folk ballad but heartfelt nonetheless which leads into the bluesy stroll of ‘The Enchanter’ and right into African rocker of ‘Takamba’ which is truly stunning. ‘Dancing in Heaven’ trots along with its Beatles inspired baseline and rather psychedelic feel to the overall fell of the song. ‘Somebody Knocking’ is a rather complex tabla led piece which is not one of the most easiest things to listen to but rewards repeated listens. ‘Let the Four Winds Blow’ is as dramatic as it gets before we launch into the best piece here, ‘Mighty Rearranger’, fantastic bounce /rock and roll piece with playoff’s between piano and organ. The final piece, ‘Brother Ray’ is a tribute to Ray Charles with strong drum and bass influence here. Not the best way to close in my opinion but still a surprisingly stunning album. There are numerous criticisms of his vocals not being up to par but these comparisons are with a 30 year old in the prime of his life, the rock and roll lifestyle certainly took its toll on his voice but it is what one would expect. There are not many singers around who can compete with Plant even now edging 60! This album takes no prisoners and apologizes for nothing! At number 11 is Robert Plant with 'Mighty Rearragner'
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