Is Walking into Clarksdale an underrated Swan Song? - Post Led Zeppelin 1990s - Episode 15
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- Опубліковано 22 вер 2023
- The album that time forgot. A Page and Plant studio work that polarizes fans but whose magic deserves a closer look. A deep dive into Walking into Clarksdale. From Abbey Road to going on the road in 1998, a record of vulnerable questions and surprising answers. Is it good? Is it bad? A selection of songs with a light and shade story to them, a historic session for both musicians. Led Zeppelin fans join me in rediscovering this swan song to end all swan songs! #ledzeppelin #robertplant #jimmypage #documentary
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JCM
Loved this album when it came out and still think it's a great record. Never understood the negative attitudes towards this release. "Shinning In The Light" is a wicked good track.
The thing i don't like about Shining is the way Plant sings it really. As an instrumental count me in. The vocal melody is an odd choice of notes. Robert always battled with THIS stuff in my opinion. Remind's of Liar's Dance from 1990. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-StoriesI agree, the vocals at times seem off, far from the greatness of In through the out door and his first few solo releases
Yeah, I also loved it and still listen to it. My only complaint is the production which is a little dry, but it is a far better work than anyone could have the expected and all the reviews at the time were that it was a positive return to form. If it had been released under the Zeppelin name in the 70s it would be a holy relic right now.
@@snakedriver so true really
I just received the CD yesterday, popped it in the car stereo & first thing my wife said was who produced this, it’s awful.
I didn’t mind it, I prefer low end.
I only listened to the first two songs, but I kinda liked it.
I always felt that this was such an underrated album. People need to realize that just because it says ‘Page and Plant’ doesn’t mean you are automatically going to get 'Zeppelin'. Zep ended in 1980 and this album takes place some 17 years later. Much older, more mature and much more sober. Some beautiful and thoughtful lyrics on here. My favorite track had always been Blue Train. It makes it even more special knowing that Robert wrote his lyrics in reference to his son he lost in 1977, Karac, at the age of 5. Too me, that makes it even more powerful. I was fortunate enough to see them perform 7 times during this tour in 1998 and they never disappointed once! Michael Lee was a beast in his own right and was perfect for this 4-piece group. JCM - thank you for your continued in depth, endless and exhaustive work and insight. I haven't listened to this album in years, and it was great to put the headphones back on and revisit it. Such a joy! Peace!
Blue Train is a tremendous piece of music. I agree, the expectations shouldn't be for Zeppelin but a Plant solo release. You saw them 7 times, NO WAY, you are a lucky man. I am eager to revisit the 1998 tour soon for an indepth episode. The work is exhausting but worth, once the final product is out there. Thank you so much for watching Mark! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
Page was clean from drugs but he was hardly sober . He was still drinking very heavily all through the 90s . He quit drinking around 2002 . His drinking in the 90s was apparently a real point of contention for Plant
There was a show in 95 where pave showed up extremely late and extremely drunk to the where Plant actually walked up to Jimmy and slapped him upside the head .
Shining in the light, Blue Train, When the world was young…this album had some great tunes. Glad to see you’re back in business JCM! Thought there wasn’t going to be an episode this week.
I am still working out the PC thing, it's still dying but hey, next week i have two important music gigs coming and i will have LESS time too, so i said, GO FOR IT JCM hjehehahha
I loved Wonderful one! Not that anyone asked, but it’s got such a bare bones acoustic feel.
@@ElimGarakSpoonHead I liked that one too. I don’t think Robert liked doing it live though. I remember one of the shows he said something to the effect of “no…not that long boring one.” Probably talking about Wonderful One and taking a dig at Stairway to Heaven at the same time.
I did not even care if the album was good or bad when I bought it. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise that I hoped they would do justice to on tour. When I saw them live in 1998 I thought they did a prefect balance of promoting it and satisfying the fans with Led Zeppelin songs. I hope I find the DAT tape that I recorded the MSG show on to listen to the show again, but I'm sure you will have plenty of it on the next episode. I definitely remember the audience reacted loudly and well to just seeing these 2 on stage. JCM strikes again with a great episode!
Wow you recorded the MSG Show? So Cool. I am really looking forward to the 1998 Tour part of the story...patience will be my ally.
This album is amazing. There was the theory that lyrically Plant wrote the album about Karac. The guitar work is exceptional. My first CD i ever bought.
There are several hints to this theory being correct, a very personal album for Robert this was. It needs to be more appreciated. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 15.
YES! 💜 I have been hoping in waiting for you to create an episode about this album. I cannot wait to dive into this. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
I bought this as soon as it came out. I listened to it once and came away with the feeling that Jimmy had somehow been neutered or put into a box, and I never listened to it again. Which is frankly a shame, although the fact that my kids had just been born may have influenced my willingness to be patient with projects that didn't fit nicely into my pre-conceived notions and expectations. So you've inspired me to dig it out and try it again, which I think is a fitting response to your integrity and hard work. And yes, I did a much better job at accommodating to the kids.
I'm sorry to hear you did. Not smart.
Hope you revisit this album as a Robert Plant solo release. It's worth! His lyrics and sentiments are his most vulnerbale since 1981 in my opinion. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
It was a very good album. Blue train makes me cry Everytime I listen to it. It's not the words, it's the music. I am not a weepy person either. Page has the ability to push my buttons ...
Another great video btw. Many thanks.
I love Blue Train too. Jimmy's solo in that song is one of his finest. Very melodic, precise and well structured.
Blue Train has that power, i know what you mean! Robert was going through a lot, his mother passed away, can't blame him for wanting to get over the album and finish the damn thing. I think he just let go and said, whatever. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
I love this record! It was and is awesome! My brother and I saw Page and Plant live on this tour in 1998 in portland oregon.....it blew my mind! They opened with the Wonton Song and it sent shivers up my spine! Still the best show i've seen to date!
It's always so refreshing to read the love for this album. It's a very good collection of songs. Man the Wanton Song opening is KILLER, yes, they rocked and you witnessed a very special evening! Thanks for watching
This album is brilliant. The complaints I hear about Plant's voice and melody choices on this album are the same complaints my Grandmother made about Led Zeppelin Four when it came out. 🤣 Makes me love it even more.
Hahaha good one, yeah i mean Robert sounds like his post 2000 solo career, don't know why people forget about this album. I am like you, tell me i shouldn't like an album, and i will check it out lol. Thank you for watching!
BRO. You speak of fine moments. This is a fine moment on UA-cam for me. Your apparent Zepplin/page/plant obsession is reawakening mine. This meticulous video is amazing, man. I LOVE this record, ESPECIALLY MHWIYH, but I've NEVER seen a deep.dive like this. I was 14 when Unledded happened, and I saw both tours. You damn sure earned a new sub. Great work, man!!!
MHWIYH? Is that a song? Man i am so happy to read your comment. This Zepp passion is definitely producing these videos. I never thought i would embark on the 1990s like this, but it's definitely a time travel experience. I really like When The World Was Young! Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for the Season Finale Episode 19.
Amazing content, as always.
Thank you very much for watching, hope you enjoy the next episodes!
I was in a south bost9n loft listening to the radio late late at nighr and they're playing this bluesy walrz with strange nervous sounding vocals, I'm halfway through b4 it hits me.. omg that's Robert Plant.. and he sounds old. Older than i remember.. and thats Jimmy Page..he sounds amazing. Upon a Golden Horse was what got on the radio in my market.
Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
Amazing detail as always. Good to see you're back. Having PC problems myself. haha. Thanks for the email last week. Haven't stopped playing it.
My pleasure man, hope you enjoy that show, it's a SMOKING one. I am still battling with my PC, but a new machine will arrive soon. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
When I was a Child I love that slow guitar solo on that. Reminds me a little of Over the Hills and Far Away.
Yes, it has some of that vibe to it. It is a solid tune! Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
As a Zep super fan, I bought that cassette when it came out in 98, listened to it once, and never again.
Plant disappoints with his vocals here on some songs. No doubt..
Some albums just fade away in time right? Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
Shining In The Light contains one of my favourite Plant lyrics...'Your memory's clinging to my clothes'. Simple, but effective.
Good lyrics right there yes, i just don't like the vocal melody he came up with, the instrumental is GREAT tough.
I loved the line: “Who must lie beneath the thief whose golden tongue she will believe defies the order.”
I love Pages guitar tone on the live versions of the Clarksdale songs. What the album needed was more time to flesh out the songs more and a better production. It's still a very cool album . Jimmy Played great and his tone was great . The tour in 98 was great and Jimmy hadn't played or sounded that good since 1973.
Yes Adam, the live version of these songs work so much better than the studio counterparts. It's a production thing!
I'm sure you'll get to this, but Jimmy Page and Black Crows at Greek theatre Jimmy is ON FIRE. And that drummer fit w Jimmy big time.
Gorman I think it is - had a great natural rock and roll feel. Not a power rock guy but really good.
Yes, Steve Gorman was the greatest drummer he played with in the Post Zepp output. Second only after Jason Bonham 2007 of course.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories 🤙
I went to see Robert & Jimmy in this TOUR. 2 brothers & 1 GF of his. Hollywood Bowl in 98. So excited. Eventually towards the end. I went closer to the stage to RocknRoll along ♥️💯🤩WORTH IT🌟🌟🌟💃🏽
Such a cool show you attended, this 1998 Tour was a very good concert series, the band had a tighter sound than 1995-1996. Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
Listening to this 💿 right before I saw the post.🧘♂️🎧 Walking Into Clarksdale is a detour from Coverdale Page, but it's still an underappreciated album. Robert Plant continues the Fallen Angel 😇 lyrical symbolism in such songs like 🎶 Golden Horse 🎶, 🎶 Most High 🎶 just to name a few. Jimmy sounds like he's going back to his session days of the 1960s with improvisational playing and limited overdubbing. The album is worth recent rotation.
Something along the groove of Coverdale/Page would have been better received
i love this record...underrated
Preach! Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
I loved this album when it came out and it got dogged by the press and pretty much most people in the music business. I felt that most tracks on this album were pretty damn good! The track that they chose to support the album "Most High" I felt wasn't the best choice for the public. I loved "Shining in the Light", "Upon a Golden Horse", "Blue Train" , "House of Love" the title track "Walking Into Clarksdale" AND the track left off the US album "Whiskey in the Glass" as well as "The Window" from the B-side of "Most High" This album was underrated and over time, like most of their old and solo work, proved to stand the test of time and be appreciated.
Thank You for mentioning this gem and allowing it to be discussed on a public forum. The surviving members of ZEP are masters of their craft and have provided the world with high quality music for the last 60 years!.YES, Jimmy and JPJ's sessions stuff are great and Robert was making a name for himself pre-Zep. While Robert has gone on to forge ahead with success on his own, JPJ and Page did some great stuff on their own. I would like to thank all 3 members for their contributions to music which has enlightened me since 1979.
Rick imagine had they gone with Whiskey in the Glass, Blue Train and When the World was Young as singles...history would have been DIFFERENT. Maybe a third album later on! Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
I have never listened to this album, I guess I’ll order the CD.
Thanks for the documentation JCM, ur making me love music again. 😊
Great stuff Keith! CD quality is how this album needs to be listened. Streaming can only do so much right? Thanks for tuning in! Have a great weekend.
I just ordered Cd $6. Lol
I will let you know what I think of it
I’ve been listening to the Coverdale / Page CD
I also bought,
In the name of my father, Jason Bonham band
All great musicians, but the live recording sounds empty imo
I’ve seen Jason Bonham live a few times , you kind of have to be there.
You should do an entire documentary just on Jason Bonham.
I saw them on this tour in Dallas TX....fantastic show! I think they only did three of four of the best songs from the new record....I recall that Most High was pretty epic, especially the ending that had a really massive rumbling Kashmir vibe. Everything else was Zeppelin.....opening with Wanton Song, which was great.....I was very surprised that they played Tangerine too. It was like seeing Elvis.
You mean, Michael Jackson? I always hear about this comparison to, "Kashmir", but have no idea what everyone's talking about. Maybe you got the idea from someone else?
I will say, this got Plant back on track as all of his following solo albums have something to enjoy. He found a direction after flopping around for years.
He was definitely NOT flopping around for years.
Yes, Robert's Redemption from 2000 on is REMARKABLE.
@@alexkx8599 1988 - 2000 Zeppelin?/nah/maybe 🤣
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Yep Dreamland and on.
@@TheChadTI That was his best work period! You know that, right? 😃
An interesting video about what happens to be one of my favorite 90s albums.
Awesome video as always, Jose! This was an underrated album. Most High is a worthy successor and "cousin" to Kashmir, and could easily have appeared on Presence or In Through The Out Door as a great Zeppelin track.
Well said! I think Most High has some of that vibe you mention, for the Unledded fans it works most definitely. Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
I have been a HUGE Zep Fan since the very second that I heard "Good Times Bad Times" and all of the entirety of Led Zeppelin I, in April 1969. See? I even remember exactly when. I ran out from school an hour later and bought it immediately. Later that Summer I saw them on Aug 05, 1969 in Albuquerque! What a show. I just saw Jason Bonham and his Zeppelin Tribute band 5 days ago. I tried as hard as I could to like this album.. I was so excited when it came out. I have FORCED myself to listen to it several times. People say that those who do not care for it have a bad Attitude about it. Sorry, NO! I have THE GREATEST ATTITUDE toward anything, Page or Plant, or JPJ, or John or Jason Bonham. Music is very subjective. If you love this album, then enjoy it. I am happy that it brings YOU happiness! But in my very humble and subjective opinion - these songs are very poorly crafted. I cannot listen to it at all. It is one of THE WORST albums that I have EVER heard. In my opinion Jimmy Page and Robert Plant have composed far superior material to this. I love what David Coverdale and Jimmy Page did back in the early 90s. Those songs were well crafted, and arranged. The recording and mix were "Killer"! The recording and mix that Steve Albini did on "Clarksdale" was mediocre AT BEST - again in my Opinion.
Excellent analysis Jose. Your research is unbelievable. Awesome job connecting the dots. Outstanding episode. I need to go back and revisit this album. It got lost in the weeds for me. Nothing really stood out. For me, the best post Zep thing was the O2 concert. Robert had some hits, Unleaded was cool, JPJ had some cool stuff but to see the original 3 and the son of Bonzo together, that was the best post zep stuff ever. Can’t wait for the next episode brother!!!! ❤❤❤
Matt i am with you on the 02 Arena being the best Post Zeppelin thing really. The more i dive into what now seems to be an Endless 90s series hahah...makes me realize the real dimensions of Bonzo's passing. It's sort of sacrificial the more you look into it. Like movie script level...not kidding. Do you think i should end the series with a BEST of 90s , meaning what my ideal 90s CD would be out of the stuff all these guys recorded? Meat Loaf won't be there of course. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories that would be awesome! If you put together a “mix tape” type thing that would condense everything great that they did from the 90s it would be killer. I love that you’re such a fan and put so much work into this. I’m the biggest Zep fan I know till I ran into you! 🤣🤣🤣🤣. I love what you do bro. Can’t wait for TSRTS Movie breakdown. I still remember the first time I saw it on VHS, which I still have. I was slack jawed. So much to unpack on that one. Good luck!! 😂😂😂. Hope you’re new PC survives the challenge!! Can’t wait!!!!!
cheers jose for covering this✅unlike‘unledded’ i’m gonna dust off ‘clarksdale’and give it another shot afterall 25 years might make a new impression💪🏼
You have found your calling Jose! You're a great storyteller for Zep related material. Your editing skills are incredible. 😅 Keep up the great work sir!
BTW, what editing software do you use for your videos? I had a few ideas for a couple of music videos for my friend's band. Thanks! 😉 👍
Just about the quotation from "Doctor Wu" that I dropped off in the chat to your livestream earlier today, it was about the look of those first few minutes of course. With those dark sunglasses, getting into a car or walking up a tenement staircase with the wildly spinning camera, it absolutely looked like you were playing/goofing off in a role as a tripped-out rock star... ;) And it was cool when you in turn noticed it and read those lines out, too! 😸
Steely Dan were and are a great band for sure, and Wu is an exquisite song on so many levels.
Hehe, now i get it. Thanks so much for joining the livestream, it was hot as hell that day, i was sweating like i was in Clarksdale myself. Tripped out rockstar hahah, people have told me this. I am as sober as they come believe me. Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
As usual JCM a well thought through synopsis of a difficult subject, when we all love what these men had delivered before. Personally I wanted so badly to love Clarksdale, but hated it. Knowing this episode was coming I tormented myself playing the album over and over again. 25 years on it still fails to be welcome to my ears. I think Jimmy returned to the ‘rift well’ for the last time and came away with nothing. He was spent as to invention, trying incorporate Duane Eddy into his repertoire. Live in 1998 the new material failed miserably against the Zeppelin masterpiece’s. I also found Roberts lyric’s contrived, lacking the meaning of even his early post Zeppelin material.
That this was Jimmy’s epitaph as to the last material he ever wrote, is a shame, as he is a legend but this makes him sound devoid of ideas. I’m so pleased the Black Crows Live album gave him a vehicle to properly reinstate himself, and show him as the genius he truly is. I think you are right about Robert driving this album, like some of his recent material it is hit and miss, mostly miss as to Clarkdale in my ears. Thank you so much for this episode Jose, I look forward to the 1998 episode.
I was a difficult script Paul. I walked many times listening to this album, trying to get into the mood, the story, the emotions. I am glad you revisited the songs as well. I think the Crowes gave him a chance yes, but unfortunately no new music came out. His brain in my opinion was never the same after 1977. I talked to a neurologist the other day about drug use, man, how far substance alters the brain is INSANE. We can look at how healthy some rockstars look on the outside, but they are really commodities for managers, labels and the rest of the food chain. Walking like characters where drugs devoured their inner child. Now that i did this episode, i am looking forward at buying the CD as a Robert Plant solo release after Fate of Nations and just before Dreamland. Strangely enough, i don't really like Dreamland as a whole. I want to do a video series on Robert's 2000-2023 solo career, maybe call it Plant's Redemption hehe. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
I have to agree as to the substance abuse, Peter Green and Sid Barrett and many others attest to that. It took Jimmy many years to get clean, his creativity certainly suffered. That he basically retired from music in 2000, tells its own story. Maybe he knew it was done? The 2007 show, allowed him to showed a glimpse of what might have been, but Robert did not want that. JB died 43 years ago yesterday. Zeppelin finished then.😢 Love your theories Jose, keep on keeping on!
Yeah yeah yeah, if Jones and Bohnam had been on it, yes it could've been better. I bought it the day it came out and loved it since, great songs and to me it flows like an album should. Don't hate me, lol. Another great doc JCM!!!
This album is WORTH revisiting, glad you like it! Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
I saw Page and Plant the summer of 1997 right when this came out. Albany NY, Pepsi arena. The best show I will EVER see, the best show I COULD possibly see. Robert announced, "by contract, we must sing 3 songs from this new album, we will do that, for the first 15 minutes, and then we will get on with the rest of the show." They did this song and 2 more, then 2.5 hours of Zeppelin songs.
Hahah Classic Robert, what a presentation to Clarksdale. Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 15.
Thank you JCM!
Your analysis of why it didn’t work commercially..is right on.
Never really cared for the album cover..I thought I read it was Page and Plant’s sons on the cover? I think it’s an underrated album..after all Most High did win a Grammy! Most likely trying to make up for past Zeppelin neglect?
I can never find the Page and Plant stuff on Apple Music?
All and all a decent effort and needs to be revisited from time to time. I always find the Page and Plant was dominated by Plant..not a collaboration. Page is sadly trapped by Zeppelin. I’m still waiting for the definitive Page solo album!!!
Thing about Grammy's is they overlooked Zeppelin so much during their heyday i mean...but yes, i understand what you mean, sounds to me like an award that came a bit too late. The deep cuts of Clarksdale paint such a different picture, i can't help to LOVE it. This stuff is not on Apple Music out of publishing, most definitely the album not being that popular plays a part. I agree, this was a Plant solo venture with Page next to him. Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
"The Window" is a great track left off of Walking. Very experimental and moody. Should have been included on the album but its an excellent B-side to explore on its own.
Yeah best track imho!
Where can i hear it? !!!
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I think it was a track on a cd single off the album…
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories here -
ua-cam.com/video/_EQwfSXaut0/v-deo.htmlsi=4ZhrSVoqg1NqKgca
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories ua-cam.com/video/_EQwfSXaut0/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Still have a poster off a bar wall in Minneapolis from there show here in Minnesota.
My friend and I took our Dads to that Page & Plant show after my Senior Year of High School. The loudest crowd I ever attended at a concert. There was some poor dude dressed up as the Best Buy Price Tag getting heckled, and Tracy Bonham (no relation) was booed. Page & Plant were phenomenal. I've never been able to find a bootleg.
@@freedmarine7216- incredible energy at that show !
Another great youtube video - thank you
I think the album would have came off better if Robert didn’t warble his voice so much. It didn’t sound like his warm mid range voice.
I saw P&P 2nd tour in Grand Rapids, Cleveland, New Orleans and Memphis (we drove up the Delta blues crossroads and missed Robert and Jimmy at the Clarksdale Blues Museum by just a couple hours)
They started by playing 4 or so Clarksdale songs but by the end of the tour it was 2.
True...Robert's voice didn't sound the same. I can't help to think his mother's health was not good, and her passing away in September was devastating for him. I can't imagine him going over the final mixes with Albini with grief crushing him to pieces. So cool you checked the 1998 tour, it did sound amazing man! Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
Thank you so much,Jose. ✌️
You are very welcome! Going over Clarksdale's history was depressing to say the least...
Interviews with Jimmy that I read at the time of the release shed some light on additional equipment he used on the record. A Paul Reed Smith Guitar, Gretsch White Falcon along with a 5150 amp.
I think your detailed analysis is pretty spot on 👌 My personal experience with the album is sketchy, I really wanted to love it, yes with the Most High expectations for it after hearing that single and expecting the album to be the continuom of unleaded with all new material, and was pretty disappointed at the time. 😔 There are some gems on the album, and yes some do sound like later Robert solo which now can be taken with a different perspective. I think I was expecting an Unleded/Zep/Coverdale Page sort of sounding album. But for all that, the tour, which was a lot like the later zeppelin heavy unleded dates minus the orchestration, was amazing! I saw the Concord, CA show and the crowd was REALLY into it, and the band seemed to feed off the energy🤩 Though I did still feel this would be the partnerships last hoorah together after the disappointing album, and knowing Plant’s quest for progression, relevance and reinvention. Thanks for another great video JCM, can’t wait for your tour analyses 🎤🎸🥁🎼🎬
Thank you for watching Tony. Most High yeah...it is a dissapointing experience. I know many fans like it, but man, it's like GUYS it's not 1994 anymore lol. Plant playing next to Jimmy makes the expectations impossible to let go. I know this tour of 1998 yes, benefitted so much of NOT having the orchestration stuff. I am yet to revisit it for my documentary series, can't wait. I do remember it somewhat and i have good memories.
Love this record.great riffs and solos. Great music
Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
I was watching a live video of Heart in Your Hand yesterday and I was thinking about how restrained the studio version sounds. But like I said before I was just happy to see them playing together, I admit it isn’t my favorite album but it had some bright spots. I remember being disappointed that there wasn’t much guitar solo work on it and overdubbed guitars. I think that the vocals could have used a lot of more depth. Those are my personal views.
Yeah, more Page guitar army stuff and some vocals needed more emotion, but i personally believe Plant was very affected by his mother's health. The fact they finished the record is a miracle. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
I also struggled with the vocals on some songs. And the hard rockers were also hit n miss.
Interesting references to Hugh Syme - he was also the original keyboardist in the band for Canadian singer/songwriter Ian Thomas.
Oh man that's great stuff that adds to the story most definitely, thanks for sharing!
Thanks J
Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
I don't understand also why this album got so much flak. Most High, Heart in Your Hand, Walking into Clarksdale, When the World was Young are all amazing songs. Not fair to listen to this thinking about the past, it's a strong album made by geniuses in their craft.
It had the potential, but the cover was just awful. This and the misleading singles i think hurt the album BIG TIME. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
Steve Albini ruined this album with a horrible mix that sounded dated on the day of release. This album would greatly benefit from remastering.
Still playing my vinyl copy quite often. And the show I attended was great too.
Nice Pieter, good to know you appreciate this record. I rediscovered its beauty but yeah, i don't think i will ever like Most High you know? Blue Train on the other hand...superb. Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
great record! the show in tampa was killer! and when i seen them, they only played 4 songs off the record.
The sound rocked hard for that tour, glad you saw them, LUCKY!!!
I love this album.
Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
Age 14, picked this up coming off the back of poor man's remastered and saw them live in Manchester, Uk. Wasn't convinced by Most High as the leading single; it felt a little forced and awkward, especially live, but a whole lot here was a real delight.
Burning up, sons of freedom... the stripped back rockers hit hard and the gentler songs sounded more 'human' and fragile than zep had in the past. Yes the mix is bone dry, but why not? I prefer to feel in the room rather than slapped in the face with overproduction gloss.
Will watch the actual video now ha! Thanks for all the great work man, much appreciated.
They do sound more human and fragile Michael, absolutely. You are right about that, funny how people complain too much about the mix, it's like, ahhh excuse me, was Physical Graffiti audiophile stuff? No, but music should not be appreciated like that but the emotions, the message and the concept. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
It is now unambiguously clear where JCM stands on the music of Meat Loaf! Lol But I enjoyed this video very much, well done once again
hahahah No meat loaf for me! Thank you very much!
Perhaps Meat Loaf's performances with Ted Nugent might change your mind at least about the music behind his voice@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories in the meantime I look forward to the next slab of creativity from you.
Just prior to it's realease the album title was changed from Most High to Walking Into Clarksdale, but the original album cover art was used anyway.
The mighty Steve Jones, i am honored to have you on my comment section man. YOU ROCK! Thanks for this information bit, i had no idea!
A tremendous video yet again. Was that THREE digs at Meat Loaf? You spoil us man. 😂
Hahahahhah i need to get a Meat Loaf Burn Counter. Thank you for noticing these. The Walking into Meatloaf reference made me laugh while in the midst of such a depressing album.
I just got this album about a month ago. I enjoyed it very much, not sure how many repeat listens it will get though.
Glad you are enjoying this record, it deserves a higher praise!
i loved the album and tour.
I believe I played it once at a listening station at a CD store.
It's worth revisting if you have a chance, Heart in Your Hand and When The World Was Young are terrific!
Very good disc!
Glad you like it!Thank you for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 15.
Love Blue Train
Me too Bryan, it's a killer track. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories all in all, it's a solid album. Although the mix is too crisp and dry for zeppelin fans ears.
Upon a Golden Horse is like a mini Achilles Last Stand lol
Interesting insights as always. Maybe the only way to get something really fresh from both would have been to transport them against their will to Bron-Yr-Aur! Another alternative might have been to give them JPJ's phone number.
I was under the impression that blue train was never played live. It was my favorite song on the album. Do you know what shows the boys played it?
Yes, they needed to go to Bron-Yr-Aur, change things a bit. I agree Jones' number was a better call hehe. Blue Train was never played by them unfortunately, it's a killer track, not the best marketing that album had Chris! Thank you very much for watching!
I've seen that club performance of OTHAFA before, and it is fire. Really enjoyed the solo.
Yeah it is one of his best post Zepp solos on this number! Thank you for watching !
Gotta a question: Did Dazed and Confused always have that harsh reverb of the guitar like it did in Celebration Day? I've found a version from the late 70s that did follow that grunge-like scream of the chords but then you look at MSG and how beautiful it was.
Hey 1015Elvis good question! Question back, when you say reverb you mean the echo section? I ask so i can understand you better.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories It was during the pyramid section that it seemed like the guitar was screeching
Great episode yet again. I played WiC when it first came out and I've just now played it for the second time. I don't think there will be a third listen. It's an odd album isn't it? Page seems to either keep finding his familiar chord shapes and runs ... or just taking wrong turns, I guess in an effort to break out of ruts. Tbh I can see why he hasn't created anything since, it's like he's just run out of ideas. (No shame there, he doesn't need to do more, he's a god anyway.)
It's like they were trying to manufacture some excitement when really they were just plain tired.
You can't fake a mood - whatever mood that might be.
Tired...that sums up this album. On the flipside JP.Jones blew them both out of the water with his two solo efforts, Zooma & Thundthief. There were cuts on those albums that would have redefined Zep for 2000's on the cutting edge, surpassing their peers. Neither Page nor Plant were up to delivering the goods.
@@hardrockindaddy not to mention Them Crooked Vultures which I think is the greatest post-zep achievement of any of them.
Yeah man, Page tries to break his usual guitar path but how right? I don't think it's a bad thing Jimmy has removed himself from recording. What i DO think he could have done was collaborate with JEFF BECK or do album tributes to vintage artists. From a management standpoint, Page was wise in not devaluating his brand, he is like the Karl Lagerfeld of rock hehe. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Lagerfeld but without the sunglasses :)
RIP Steve Albini :(
Page and Plant wanted to do an album that they could play live with no issues of overdubs and studio over arrangements.
Maybe :)
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories I believe Jimmy was quoted as saying "IF we can't play it live, we're not going to (record) do it."
I live in miss….sippi (the proper pronunciation) I’ve roamed the delta quite a bit….i love it here
Clarksdale is at crossroads. Page and Plant were touring and having a good time and also big easy bucks, but the decision was near.
Of course it is a bad record for the Zep standards. I think they both knew this was a poor achievement, and the troupe around too.
When an experienced session musician and producer says that he "only wants to play" and relinquishes an obsessive love for detail with such poor results, either he has lost his instincts, or more accurately, tactical and tactfully preparing the path for a Zep reunion (JPJ in) that would bring the old magick back under his exclusive command and leadership, taking control over, hiding the twangy guitar subtleties of the guest B-bender guitarist of The Firm alter-ego under the basement of Headley Grange, and awakening the order sorcerer riding the #1 Les Paul for worthy hard electric full speed rock. But first, Clarksdale must fail.
The plans of Plant were the opposite. He is not going to be able to cope with a hard rock repertoire for too long, his moody mellow records will preserve his damaged vocal abilities in time, finding again the muse of lyrics. For that, he needs to lead. And if and when he ever needs to refill to pay for his circus' bills, he will. Bill Curbishley knew too well on how to get him free again. But first, Clarksdale must fail.
At Clarksdale it's said Robert Johnson made a pact with the Devil, offering his soul in return for becoming a music legend. Page and Plant might have also done theirs.
RIP John Henry Bonham, Bonzo 🙏 September 25th 1980
43 Years Gone. RIP John Bonham!
Starting with this album, which I didn't buy, I started losing interest in Plant's solo stuff. And, I'm a life-long Zep fan. Maybe that is unfair, but that is the truth. JCM really showed some things I've never seen before. Once again, great research, and another great video.
Thank YOU so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16. If i see a copy of this album i'll grab one for sure!
Steve Albini had me in stitches lmao! Dinner was on him! I guess the boys paid him really well!
Yeah man, i was like WOW, Dinner? These gents had EXPENSIVE tastes, bet Albini regretted that decision hahah.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories sounds like Steve respected them as musicians but not so much on a personal level. Who makes the engineer buy dinner??
I guess im gonna be the contrairon here and say that I dont have any bad feelings about the album. Of course i didn't obsess over it like i did "TSRTS" when I was 15 because,well, we've all gotten older haven't we.
As for the music I do appreciate the different style Page was using. More of a blues rhythm guitarist mode...not cranking out heavy riffs. Using moody voicings, 50's style vibrato on the amp, and interesting tones. It is a example of yet ANOTHER style he possessed, which is what made him so great in the first place.
The rhythm section is serviceable. Not amazing but not trash. Ya gotta remember this was 17 years after 1980 and all of the amazing classics rock was ancient by then. There were no innovatives in the gerne in 1997.
Part of the reason we love certain music is the timing in our lives that it hits us.
If you are 13 and heard "How Many More Times" for the first time as I did in 1979, it is life changing. Hear it now as a 50 something and you might think "Where is the chorus???".
So perspective it important.
I would bet that if "Shine A Light" was on "ITTOD" we would all have loved it.
For some reason i missed this tour. Saw them in 95 which was great.
As for why Page retired from performance and releasing new music after 2000???
I think after playing with Robert again he really knew that he only wanted to be in one band, with one singer: Zeppelin. He was game to wotk in 2007...but only with Plant singing.
I wish be had kept recording. But music is a passion play. If you dont have a burning desire to do it then nothing gets done.
I agree, it you don't have the passion, you can't force it. God forbid Page did a sort of Supernatural thing like Santana did....nope! You are right that innovation within rock in 1997 was tough for classic acts. I don't see Jimmy going into Nu Metal hehe.
There's been duly noted criticism regarding Michael Lee's high pitch snare, and my guess it was done to distinguish his playing from the Egyptian percussion. When the band was downsized Michael Lee kept it as his signature sound like Jimmy with his open tuning.
11:34 They remade this album with current members to make it more Witesnake as it (as you mentioned) was originally a solo album. Came out 2 years ago.
And Tony Franklin from The Firm was part of David's touring band at the time.
Look at jones, before Zeppelin, not so much after, but he still did stuff for others. He was always understanding he was best with others, like they all were...
Each to his own path and vision yes, 100%. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
JCM, I think your critical analysis is very good. And it is because your favorites on this record are my least favorite. But you backed up your views well. For me I was HUNGRY for Jimmy Page to really play hard and most of this record or 1/2 of it is driven with effects. I think Steve Albini added the technical mixing well. I have played this record more than any other. I am nearly 57 in days. I saw Robert and Jimmy in Cleveland on July 3, 1998. It was the loudest concert I ever went to. For me playing and you as well, Walking into Clarkdale, the rhythm is fun to play. I knew this might be the last time, only time I saw the 2 together again. So far that is correct. Walking in Clarksdale, Burning Up, Upon a Golden Horse, Shining. Are my favorites. My criticism is the artwork and presentation of the cover. It shows 2 others peering in on those 2 as kinda of , "can we join?". There was an unreleased song, " The Window" which had a mood that could have been sprayed on other tracks. Pages effects were dominant and not hard to receive. I want more of it. Of course I, like you have been hearing Robert over the years, but my hunger to hear Jimmy and knowing he could excite Robert was my focus. This record is on my I phone. Maybe I am in the minority. I think the people who saw Zeppelin in 69 and 70 might not be that excited. As time passed with them, I became addicted to the evolution of the directions and personna of their music.
"Can We Join"...wow, that adds another disturbing layer to my impression man lol. You are right that the evolution and personna is the addictive factor, people sometimes expect the impossible task of reviving Led Zeppelin's chemistry, you can't. Your picks i like, i just heard Walking into Clarksdale live 1998, man that riff ROCKS hard right? I see myself buying this CD soon! Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
It's fine, would be about the middle of Plant's solo catalogue.
This is a lost Robert Plant solo album. His singing rocks! Thanks for watching.
The only two songs I like from the album are Most High and Shining in the Light - I have the polar opposite opinion to JCM on that front!
Fair enough. They are good songs but i just couldn't connect. I like the dark vibes of the album, those two are just like a Golden Retriever next to a Husky hehe. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories each to their own! Keep up the good work, I enjoy watching these episodes and look forward to the next one 🤘
Wasn’t “the window” recorded during the Clarksdale sessions? Thoughts?
I believe the album cover pays homage to the song “when I Was a Boy” and fits with the Swan Song trademark logo. There’s also the line in there about sleeping at Heavens gate.
Yes, this is a very good analysis of the album cover. It's creepy!
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories The Most High video was definitely creepy. I heard an interview with Robert where he was saying it really wasn’t his and Jimmy’s idea (they would have had to sign off though). The video theme was supposedly the producers idea who was doing some weird videos in the 90s. Also heard Robert say the song was an attempt to penetrate the Arab markets or make friends in the Arab world.
The working title for the album was Most High, which was changed just prior to release to Walking Into Clarksdale.
@@Zoso_ro8wi Robert of all people should realize that songs based upon North African drum loops aren't popular anywhere outside of Northern Africa and parts of France.
@@SteveAJonesEntertainment Exactly…I am a huge fan of Plant, however, can’t listen to much of what he has put out over the last decade or so.
Excelente video, como siempre. Es verdad que yo escuché varias veces Walking into Clarksdale en la época en que salió y no me quedó ninguna canción y en mi confusión mental Most High formaba parte del Unledded o "Unjohnssy"... Por cierto la canción en el minuto 2:57 dice "Tiene pulmonía, well well, así salía, well well, éso sale huele fría, well well, a máscara fría, well well"
Que gracioso Christian como Unledded ahora se llama Unjonessed haha. Esa letra del 2:57 muy cierto jahahaha. Esa confusion de Most High, por Dios, es que se vuelve NECIA la forma de cantarla, pero lo peor es para mi el teclado, me dio flashbacks de guerra de escuchar tanto la gira 1995-1996. No más fusion árabe por favor. Prefiero 1200 veces escuchar un album de Hossam Ramzy solista. Prefiero la fuente, la sustancia. Ese es mi take con World Music, prefiero Flamenco puro a las fusiones con jazz que terminan siendo Coctel de Camarón....Thank you so much for watching Chris! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Exactamente! Mejor escuchar las fuentes! Bueno y ya se porqué la configuración: Es que el video clip de Most High está comp bonus del DVD No Quarter Unjohnssy 🤣
I thought it was a great album. The guitar tones were different and more expressive. Great idea of them to use Steve Albini to do the album. I think it would have fell flat had they used the standard way of production w fake reverb. The room sound that Albini gets, shows more impact and dynamics. It sound like youre in the room with them with his production style.
MOST HIGH is (to me) as great a song as some of the Zeppelin classics. It's just so strong, with some of Page's most creative riffs & wonderful Eastern feel. The songs on WIC need time to grow on you...but Zeppelin OFTEN needed songs to mature in a listener's brain & heart before they could be fully-appreciated. As years go by, this LP sounds better & better to me.
Great album
Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
It's interesting to hear that this album was recorded around the same time as Plant's passing. I remember listening to it as an 18 year old when it first came out and thought Robert Plant was seriously depressed. Overall, the album felt sloppy and rushed and the mixing definately did no favors to Plant's voice as it didn't do justice to how well he actually sounded live.
I am a huge Zep fan and love Plant's solo career. I have not been nearly as big a fan of Page's post Zep material. That said, I own this album but have rarely played anything on since maybe 6 weeks after I bought it. It just seemed "dull" at the time. I was in the camp that liked "Unledded" and I listen to that material frequently still. But this just seemed tired. Frankly to a large extent Jimmy's work here is uninspiring. I frankly prefer the Coverdale/Page record to this as on that record Jimmy sounds somewhat inspired and vibrant.
I really think the issue is that Page is simply out of ideas as a song writer. He released some solid if unspectacular songs with the Firm (but Jimmy only co -wrote 9 of the 17 songs on those 2 albums. Then Outrider on which only only wrote 8 songs on a very disjointed recording, then C/P on which he co-wrote all 11 tracks but had 5 years to build the material. And Lastly this record with 13 songs that sound as I noted above,, and since??? Nothing,,, nothing for the last 25 years.
Plant by comparison for the ups and downs of his solo output has written, and released over 120 new songs in the same time frame,,, 120+ vs just over 40. I love Jimmy to death, but he seems to be a spent force..
All of that said I went back re-listened to the record for maybe the first time in nearly 20 years and found it refreshingly pleasant listen. Once I approached the record as though it were more of a Plant solo effort and not viewed as a Led Zep 90's effort the songs seem better than I remember. However, with noted "dry" mix, the record does show both Page and Plant's weaknesses and flaws to some degree, (sloppiness and pitchyness at times). It is still not a great album, but if you can get past the mix and the "flaws" already noted, this is a solid Plant post Zep effort.
At the time I was hoping for a "Zep sounding record" in terms of tone, given that they were both on it and how I thought much of Unledded at least captured the tone of a Zep recording. And this is very far from a Zep sounding record. Coverdale/Page was much closer to that tone. This sounds like a too dry mix of a solid Plant solo album.
Phil you are right on Coverdale Page moving closer to Zepp than this one. From what i read and heard, Plant was in charge, much more than Jimmy so, the sound choices are just strange. I don't think Robert was in a good place emotionally speaking, finding out about his mother's passing was very sad to me. People can't expect an artist create a good album in such conditions. I admire the honesty he delivered on these performances though. Page does seem to have run out of ideas at least past 1993. Funny how Coverdale Page's strong parts are either old ideas Jimmy had or David adding great songwriting ideas you know? Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16. Man that 120 Songs by Plant IS QUITE the number but also remember....the list of musicians who helped him and then where discarded lol.
Thank you, Jose. From this album I remember only "My heart is in your hand". Very haunting with Plant locked in like only he could be. Magic. Rest have "Robert Plant want to be a pop star" popish sound. He was a captain of this ship. To me this album is not good, it's not bad either... which is bad, because failure can be bold and interesting. This album is worst than bad, it is mediocre.
The album cover is just UGH....really puts you down. It is a haunting album, Robert was about to change his career. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
"Worst thing since Bat Out of Hell" Muwahahaha!!!!!😂😂😂
You know it hahahahhaha, i just had to do it! Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
Totally underrated treasure. Songs like Sons of Freedom, When the World Was Young and Shining in the Light would fit on a Zep lp
You are right! This album is a must own, i insist one of Robert's lost solo works! Thanks for watching PC!
Didn’t Jimmy also play on Heaven Knows from Now and Zen?
Yes as a composition it was already done by Johnstone before going in the studio. Great catch though! Thanks for tuning in!
You should do a video of the black Crowes tour with Jimmy.
I have one Scott! You can find it on the Post Led Zeppelin 1990s playlist, it's the last episode of the series and a very special one! Thanks for tuning in!
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories oh cool. Literally just discovered your channel today and omg there's so much to watch. PS I liked this album. Saw them 2x on that tour 😄
I’ve never heard it. Do I need to check it out?
No. It's pretty bad.
@@lanceash lol
Check it out yes, but go easy on it. It's really a Robert Plant solo album in disguise.
I had the cassette 🎉🎉
Nice, that is a treasure right there. Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
Saw them in Pittsburgh at the civic arena and I think it's a good record.
Go Pittsburgh! I loved the city when i visited in 2019. Thank you for watching, stay tuned for Episode 16.
🌠 JCM...u always Make Amazing Video's...Must be your Meatloaf LESS Diet !..?
Hahahaha i am Greg! Hope you enjoyed this purple episode, Thank YOU for watching, stay tuned for the next installment!
Purple Haze & Zappa wore purple in 200 motels..I saw my drummer friend play out last night in a Bad co tribute band..they did some free & the firm also ..it was good@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories
I like some things about Steve Albini. Other things, which I won't go into, I don't like. I have heard his in utero mix. Underwhelming. I think it was wise that the final mix was done by Andy Wallace. I knew he was involved with Page and Plant at one time but did not know he was credited with engineering. As far as blame goes, if page and plant produced it, the buck stops there. I need to give this a fresh listen. right now I'm enjoying the new replacements release. Thanks for all you do. I always enjoy your content
Albini has the attitude many punk musicians have against classic rock. It's funny how he of course accepted the paycheck. Some of his personal beliefs and ideologies prove that he's not the best guy to work with if you are Plant/Page. Robert was going through a lot, his mother passed away, can't blame him for wanting to get over the album and finish the damn thing. I think he just let go and said, whatever. Thank you so much for watching! Stay tuned for Episode 16.
That whole Jones "Remembering my phone number" was a scripted schtick just to get some laughs. He said that like he was reading off a cue card.
Heart in your hand is very pulp fictiony if I may LOL...But it is killer. I appreciated Blue Train 1st. Thats what made me did deeper and thats when I found Heart in your hand and that alone was worth the price of admission but on a whole... Its decent. That means it better than most regular bands but not a zeppelin offering.
I can totally see that song on Pulp Fiction. Weird nobody has used it on a soundtrack right? Thank you very much for watching! Stay tuned for the next episode!
@@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories Keep up the great videos Sir...I have watched many of them and it's nice to get a different take on the music...Most of which I agree with.
I've been waiting for you to do a video on this album in particular. While I agree with you that Plant makes some strange vocal choices here & there on the album, I am a BIG fan of this LP. It is (to me) the last Zeppelin album. It doesn't have Bonham's rhythm rock holding everything together (though Michael Lee is a fantastic drummer with a great Zeppelin feel)...and it doesn't have Jones to add some eclectic genius to the overall sound (as strong as the album is, it definitely has a bit of "sameness" between all the tracks that Jonesy would have fixed).
i thought it was a very good cd not a masterpiece but i love shining in the light when the world was young upon a golden horse walking into clarksdale burning up sons of freedom plus i saw the 1998 tour twice boston july 13 new york july 16
The 1998 Tour Rocked!