1988 - March: Robert Plant “Now and Zen”

If Now and Zen, the fourth studio album by Robert Plant, sounds like Led Zeppelin, there's more reason for that than just the fact that Plant was the lead singer for the band.  In addition to continuing use of computerized technology in the album, Plant also incorporated more blues and Middle Eastern elements into his music.  He also had his Led Zeppelin band mate Jimmy Page contributing guitar to a couple of tracks.

Plant wanted to create an album that created electronic music with a more soulful sound than was typical at the time.  He also benefitted from a lot of interest in the Led Zeppelin sound.  Many hair bands at the time were trying to emulate Led Zeppelin, but struggled to do so in the highly produced commercial atmosphere of the late 80's.  The Beastie Boys had even sampled a number of Zeppelin riffs for their album, “License to Ill,” much to Page and Plant's chagrin during the relatively unregulated use of OPM (other people's music) at the time.

The confluence of Plant's direction of combining electronics with blues, and the heightened interest in the Zeppelin sound resulted in the most successful commercial album of Plant's post-Zeppelin career.  The album hit number 6 on the U.S. charts, and was certified triple platinum.  Three singles would be released from the album.

Brian Dickhute brings us this album.

Heaven Knows This was the opening track and the first single from the album.  The song, written by songwriters Phil Johnstone and David Barratt, is a satirical commentary on the perceived shallowness and lack of attention span of the late 80's.  This is one of two tracks on which guitarist Jimmy Page participates.

Dance On My Own A deeper cut, this song is about being so happy about the girl on the block that you can't stop dancing.  Phil Johnstone and  Robert Crash co-wrote this song, along with Plant.  Johnstone was the producer and keyboardist for the album.  This track is more timestamped to the 80's than many of the tracks.

Tall Cool One  This upbeat track is the second one on which fellow Led Zeppelin alumni Jimmy Page contributes guitar work.  It also samples a number of Led Zeppelin songs, including "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog," and "The Ocean."  The title comes from an instrumental work from a 50's group called The Fabulous Wailers, although the songs themselves are not the same.

The Way I Feel "See what I'm driving at and I'm back behind the wheel.  I'm just a little nervous - It's something to do with the way I feel."  This is a continuation of “Big Log” from his previous album “The Principle of Moments.”  

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Heard It Through the Grapevine by The California Raisins The California Raisin Advisory Board caught lightning in a bottle when this claymation commercial with dancing and singing raisins became wildly popular.  This song hit the Billboard Hot 100.

 

STAFF PICKS:

Get It On by Kingdom Come Wayne rocks out with this Zeppelinesque track from hair band Kingdom Come.  This is the group's biggest hit off their first album.  The album went to number 12 on the charts.  The similarities in vocals to Kashmir are obvious.  Critics would refer to the band as “Kingdom Clone.”

Endless Summer Nights  by Richard Marx Rob's staff pick was a big hit on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  Chicago native Richard Marx came up in the music business, and benefitted both from production quality and photogenic looks.  Marx had 14 top 20 hits, three of which were number 1 hits.  And you never can go wrong with a sax!

When We Was Fab by George Harrison Bruce's staff pick is the last new song Harrison would have to chart in the U.S.  It was written as a playful look back on the Beatles days.  Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Harrison, Gary Wright plays piano, and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr plays drums.  The video features a number of cameos, including Paul Simon, Elton John, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr.

What Have I Done to Deserve This by the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield Allee Willis, author of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters, co-wrote Brian's pick with the Pet Shop Boys.  It is about the hopelessness of a person stuck in a dysfunctional relationship whom they don't have the strength to leave.  60's icon Dusty Springfield contributes vocals to this song, and it would be her largest selling single after “Son of a Preacher Man.”

   

COMEDY TRACK:

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley Well before the Rick Roll became a thing, the original was on the charts, and you get the benefit as our podcast closes out! 

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