Note: I was privileged to see Page & Plant in concert in 1998, although they were not touring with John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham. The tour was to promote their new cd, titled Page & Plant. However, the concert featured about 85% of Led Zeppelin tunes. Unfortunately, the concert did not include "Stairway To Heaven" and the fabulous, hypnotic "Kashmir", but the dudes had lost nothing talent- or performance-wise, and from the article below, it sounds as if 10 years hasn't put a dent in it either. It confirms what we Zep fans have always known: There will never be another band greater than Led Zeppelin, period. What I wouldn't have given to be at that concert in London!
Led Zeppelin's Live Reunion: Rockin' 'Good Times'
Dec. 10, 2007, 6:53 PM EST
By Alan Light
Special to MSN Music It may have been a long time since they rock and rolled, but it sure didn't feel that way Monday night in London at Led Zeppelin's long awaited, wildly anticipated reunion concert. Headlining a show paying tribute to Ahmet Ertegun, the late co-founder of Atlantic Records, the three surviving members of one of rock's biggest bands - singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards - joined Jason Bonham, the son of their legendary drummer, John Bonham, for their first full-length performance since the elder Bonham's death in 1980.
There were numerous questions hanging over this show: Could Plant still hit those signature high notes? Could Page still pull off his magnificent, complex parts, especially after a finger injury that delayed this appearance by two weeks? Could Bonham possibly fill the chair of his larger-than-life and endlessly inventive father? Over the course of a two hour-and-ten minute set, the 21st Century Zeppelin answered all of those doubts - and then went further.
Following a motley, uninspired hour of music by other British acts on Atlantic (including Foreigner, former Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman, and a prog-rock all-star team with members of Yes, Bad Company, and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer), Zeppelin opened its show with "Good Times Bad Times," the first track on its 1969 debut album. The 15 songs that followed read like the playlist of every classic rock radio station: "Black Dog," "Whole Lotta Love," "Misty Mountain Hop," and, of course, the band's magnum opus, "Stairway to Heaven," which Plant gave a surprisingly intimate and heartfelt treatment.
It took a few songs for Zeppelin to fully find its feet, and to find the right sound mix.
By the fourth number, though, a thunderous version of "In My Time of Dying," the foursome reminded everyone in the O2 Arena (who had reportedly traveled from 50 countries for this night) that no other band ever sounded like this one, merging blues, rock, and folk into a noise that was purely their own. Other than a torridly funky "Trampled Underfoot," the faster songs generally felt like they could have used another week of rehearsal - without the full access to his upper register, Plant sometimes struggled to be heard about the glorious din.
But the heart of the show stayed firmly in a slow-to-medium sweet spot, demonstrating once again that it was Led Zeppelin that truly put the "heavy" in heavy metal. Page was in command of his full arsenal, from swooping slides to slashing, angular flurries, and Bonham more than held his own propelling this mammoth sound, confidently navigating the precise stops-and-starts and shifting tempos that define Zeppelin's attack. It climaxed in a majestic, thrilling version of the Middle Eastern-tinged epic "Kashmir," which closed the main set.
For a band once known as rock's holiest terrors, this reunion created a full-on case of Zep-mania in London: Newspapers were blanketed with coverage, buskers in tube stations were playing Zeppelin songs. The band members have been carefully noncommittal about whether a tour will follow this show, saying they needed to see how the O2 date went before making any decisions. From the grins on their faces, don't be surprised if we see them again soon. But regardless, fans should rejoice - at least for this one night, Led Zeppelin was truly back. Like the song says, dancing days are here again.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Scrooge....after the visits from the 3 ghosts
A few days ago, I posted a blog on the things that annoy me about the Christmas season. So that I don't come off as a total Scrooge, herewith I list the things I love about this holiday:
Christmas Eve service and singing "Silent Night" in the candlelight. Every year, although it only lasts about 30 - 45 minutes, this simple service gives me a feeling of peace I cannot describe in words.
Pumpkin pie, my cousin's 14-layer chocolate cake, and homemade eggnog. Yes they are worth the calories.
The children's Christmas program at my church. It always centers around the telling of the Nativity, and the youngest children in the church are the animals. When those little 1-, 2- and 3-year old sheep, cows and donkeys walk down that church aisle, complete with tails and little ears, I defy anyone not to grin from ear to ear and say "AWWWW!!!" Absolutely ADORABLE
Breakfast at my sister's house on Christmas morning. It's nothing fancy, just normal breakfast stuff, but the food is wonderful and the together time in the lights of the Christmas tree is even better.
Christmas music. My mother is a talented musician and music is a huge part of her life. The Christmas music I grew up listening to has become an important and vital part of my personal holiday celebration.
Family traditions - The gathering of my dad's side of the family every Christmas Eve; our family's routine on Christmas morning. The traditions have changed over the years as our lives have evolved and changed, but the traditions of the past and the present serve to make us who we are.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Enough said.
Decorating my house and hanging the stockings on the mantle. Last year I got new ones for Powder and me and put our names on them. This year I'll add a third one…one that says "Peggy", for my mom.
Once again, decorating the tree with the very fragile and cherished Christmas tree ornaments from my childhood. I have about a dozen of them, and even though a few of them have chipped paint or are worn in spots, they're still beautiful to me and represent my growing up years and the memories associated with those years. And now that my dad has passed on, those ornaments are even more precious to me.
The smells – evergreen, cinnamon, apples, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies baking.
The shining eyes of children at all the sights and sounds.
Smiling at a stranger and saying "Merry Christmas".
Christmas caroling.
Food for thought: There is nothing on earth more peaceful than sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree lights, the gifts wrapped and under the tree, with a fire going, drinking hot cocoa or good coffee, watching "A Christmas Carol" on the DVD player, while the wind howls outside and the thermometer dips into the 30's. I wouldn't trade those moments for all the money in the world, would you?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year, everyone!
Christmas Eve service and singing "Silent Night" in the candlelight. Every year, although it only lasts about 30 - 45 minutes, this simple service gives me a feeling of peace I cannot describe in words.
Pumpkin pie, my cousin's 14-layer chocolate cake, and homemade eggnog. Yes they are worth the calories.
The children's Christmas program at my church. It always centers around the telling of the Nativity, and the youngest children in the church are the animals. When those little 1-, 2- and 3-year old sheep, cows and donkeys walk down that church aisle, complete with tails and little ears, I defy anyone not to grin from ear to ear and say "AWWWW!!!" Absolutely ADORABLE
Breakfast at my sister's house on Christmas morning. It's nothing fancy, just normal breakfast stuff, but the food is wonderful and the together time in the lights of the Christmas tree is even better.
Christmas music. My mother is a talented musician and music is a huge part of her life. The Christmas music I grew up listening to has become an important and vital part of my personal holiday celebration.
Family traditions - The gathering of my dad's side of the family every Christmas Eve; our family's routine on Christmas morning. The traditions have changed over the years as our lives have evolved and changed, but the traditions of the past and the present serve to make us who we are.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Enough said.
Decorating my house and hanging the stockings on the mantle. Last year I got new ones for Powder and me and put our names on them. This year I'll add a third one…one that says "Peggy", for my mom.
Once again, decorating the tree with the very fragile and cherished Christmas tree ornaments from my childhood. I have about a dozen of them, and even though a few of them have chipped paint or are worn in spots, they're still beautiful to me and represent my growing up years and the memories associated with those years. And now that my dad has passed on, those ornaments are even more precious to me.
The smells – evergreen, cinnamon, apples, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies baking.
The shining eyes of children at all the sights and sounds.
Smiling at a stranger and saying "Merry Christmas".
Christmas caroling.
Food for thought: There is nothing on earth more peaceful than sitting in the glow of the Christmas tree lights, the gifts wrapped and under the tree, with a fire going, drinking hot cocoa or good coffee, watching "A Christmas Carol" on the DVD player, while the wind howls outside and the thermometer dips into the 30's. I wouldn't trade those moments for all the money in the world, would you?
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year, everyone!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Fa la la la la.....oh whatever
A seasonal rant:
Oh yeah, it's that time of year again. And probably next week, if it hasn't started already, just as sure as the prevalence of wildly ostentatious outdoor light displays and inflatable Santas and snowmen, one will start hearing the phrase "So..."(and I know what's coming next)..."you ready for Christmas?"
WHY do we have to be subjected to this lame, bizarre, totally unnecessary and cliche phrase every year about this time? Because, instead of having a real conversation, this is all that lazy/busy/apathetic/stressed people can come up with this time of year, sort of like discussing the weather or asking someone "How are you?" when one doesn't really want to know the answer. I literally have to struggle to be polite whenever I hear that phrase for the umpteenth time in a day or week. I paste the smile on my face, will myself to not roll my eyes and usually respond "Well, whether I'm ready or not, it's coming anyway, right? Hahahahahaha!!" Sheesh.
And for God's sake people, don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas"! Ben Stein (who I don't always agree with) spoke eloquently on this subject in one of his commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning during the holiday season in 2005. Mr. Stein, who is Jewish, was commenting on a shining example of political correctness gone mad and the resultant and equally ridiculous backlash regarding all the "Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas" hubbub. In essence, he said "It doesn't offend me when someone wishes me Merry Christmas even though I'm Jewish, and it doesn't offend me if someone wants to put a creche (manger scene) on their lawn." I recommend y'all read the entire commentary here: http://www.benstein.com/121805xmas.html It is excellent food for thought.
Other things about this season that seriously bring out the Scrooge in me:
Women in garish Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts and jewelry. Maybe they're trying to look like walking Christmas trees?
Wal-Mart dragging out the Christmas decorations before Halloween is even over, and hearing Christmas music over the loudspeakers before Thanksgiving. Don't misunderstand me, I love Christmas music. But I like to hear it in December, not October or November. By the time Christmas finally does roll around, one is just sick of it all and wants it over with.
All this do-gooder stuff - you know, the collecting of toys/food/clothes/money for the poor and needy. Hmm. Where are these people, and the people who give to these causes, the rest of the year? Are the poor and needy only poor and needy in December?
And finally, when did it become fashionable for people to try to light up the entire town with their lawn displays?? Simple and elegant Christmas decorations - a Christmas tree, a single wreath on the door, maybe candles in the windows - just like waiting until after Thanksgiving to begin the Christmas holiday, have fallen by the wayside in favor of 'let's see how many lights/lawn ornaments/reindeer/inflatable Santas/manger scenes we can cover every outdoor square inch with'. Going way overboard with outdoor decorating is even encouraged in the "Look At Those Lights!" contests on local television stations. And what's the reward for the "winners"? Money, of course.
Having grown up in a simpler time, I remember when Christmas decorations went up, people shopped for gifts, Christmas music was played - after Thanksgiving. All this is just a way of venting my personal disgust with what I see has happened: Christmas, and the entire holiday season, has evolved from a quietly joyous, reverent time of year for celebration, spending time with family and friends and giving from our hearts, to an orgy of gaudy consumerism and ostentatiousness lasting almost 10 weeks, and a final, mad 4-week push - a whirlwind of pageants, plays, gluttony,......... I'vegottogetthoseChristmascardsoutandtheannualnewsletter andthosegiftswrappedandthehousedecoratedandtheoffice decoratedandthereceptionatchurchorganizedandsetupand bakingtobedoneandohmyGoddon'tforgettogetstockingstuffers….
AAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!!
Bah humbug. Is it January 1 yet??
Oh yeah, it's that time of year again. And probably next week, if it hasn't started already, just as sure as the prevalence of wildly ostentatious outdoor light displays and inflatable Santas and snowmen, one will start hearing the phrase "So..."(and I know what's coming next)..."you ready for Christmas?"
WHY do we have to be subjected to this lame, bizarre, totally unnecessary and cliche phrase every year about this time? Because, instead of having a real conversation, this is all that lazy/busy/apathetic/stressed people can come up with this time of year, sort of like discussing the weather or asking someone "How are you?" when one doesn't really want to know the answer. I literally have to struggle to be polite whenever I hear that phrase for the umpteenth time in a day or week. I paste the smile on my face, will myself to not roll my eyes and usually respond "Well, whether I'm ready or not, it's coming anyway, right? Hahahahahaha!!" Sheesh.
And for God's sake people, don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas"! Ben Stein (who I don't always agree with) spoke eloquently on this subject in one of his commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning during the holiday season in 2005. Mr. Stein, who is Jewish, was commenting on a shining example of political correctness gone mad and the resultant and equally ridiculous backlash regarding all the "Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas" hubbub. In essence, he said "It doesn't offend me when someone wishes me Merry Christmas even though I'm Jewish, and it doesn't offend me if someone wants to put a creche (manger scene) on their lawn." I recommend y'all read the entire commentary here: http://www.benstein.com/121805xmas.html It is excellent food for thought.
Other things about this season that seriously bring out the Scrooge in me:
Women in garish Christmas sweaters, sweatshirts and jewelry. Maybe they're trying to look like walking Christmas trees?
Wal-Mart dragging out the Christmas decorations before Halloween is even over, and hearing Christmas music over the loudspeakers before Thanksgiving. Don't misunderstand me, I love Christmas music. But I like to hear it in December, not October or November. By the time Christmas finally does roll around, one is just sick of it all and wants it over with.
All this do-gooder stuff - you know, the collecting of toys/food/clothes/money for the poor and needy. Hmm. Where are these people, and the people who give to these causes, the rest of the year? Are the poor and needy only poor and needy in December?
And finally, when did it become fashionable for people to try to light up the entire town with their lawn displays?? Simple and elegant Christmas decorations - a Christmas tree, a single wreath on the door, maybe candles in the windows - just like waiting until after Thanksgiving to begin the Christmas holiday, have fallen by the wayside in favor of 'let's see how many lights/lawn ornaments/reindeer/inflatable Santas/manger scenes we can cover every outdoor square inch with'. Going way overboard with outdoor decorating is even encouraged in the "Look At Those Lights!" contests on local television stations. And what's the reward for the "winners"? Money, of course.
Having grown up in a simpler time, I remember when Christmas decorations went up, people shopped for gifts, Christmas music was played - after Thanksgiving. All this is just a way of venting my personal disgust with what I see has happened: Christmas, and the entire holiday season, has evolved from a quietly joyous, reverent time of year for celebration, spending time with family and friends and giving from our hearts, to an orgy of gaudy consumerism and ostentatiousness lasting almost 10 weeks, and a final, mad 4-week push - a whirlwind of pageants, plays, gluttony,......... I'vegottogetthoseChristmascardsoutandtheannualnewsletter andthosegiftswrappedandthehousedecoratedandtheoffice decoratedandthereceptionatchurchorganizedandsetupand bakingtobedoneandohmyGoddon'tforgettogetstockingstuffers….
AAAAAACCCCCKKKKKKKK!!!!!
Bah humbug. Is it January 1 yet??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
