How about an anecdote?

Picture me in a used record store, late in 1991. I’m looking for my usual fare, rare or imported singles, special editions, what-have-you. One question on my mind is, “Are there any new singles from Robert Plant’s latest album?” I’m delighted to spot something with part of the album’s name on it… but the joy is short-lived. It’s just some CD from some goofy Seattle grunge band. I mean, the album cover features a naked baby in a swimming pool? Whatever!

I briefly owned a copy of Nevermind some years later, and overall I didn’t think it half as good as Robert Plant’s Manic Nirvana. Different strokes, I suppose.

I grew up with a sort of background-radiation level of exposure to Led Zeppelin, but after hearing “Little By Little,” the single from Plant’s third solo album, I started paying attention to his post-Zepp career. He’s hardly one of my idols, but during the 1980s and into the ’90s his music fit in nicely with my styles and sensibilities. Well, the sound of it, anyway. You know me, I don’t pay attention to the words much… and with Robert Plant you’re not always guaranteed understanding even when you can make them out.

With that in mind, please enjoy “Down To The Sea” from Fate of Nations, the aforementioned single from Shaken ‘n’ Stirred, and “Watching You,” the closing track from my preferred dose of Nirvana.

Next week we’ll tackle some dark and moody music for which I get to blame a girl.