His on/off relationship with Led Zeppelin partner Jimmy Page may be firmly off again, but guitar maestro Robert Plant is certainly not resting on his laurels. His first solo album for nine years is an impressive extension of the old romantic's Indian summer, a cracking collection of well-chosen covers that hark back to his early blues and folk influences. Familiar material from such cult staples as Bob Dylan and Tim Buckley is re-invented here by Plant and his new backing band Sweet Sensation in a post-psychedelic style which turns out to be highly effective. Above all, Dreamland is the sound of a man with nothing to prove any more, playing for no other reason than his sheer love of music. Zeppelin diehards may find it all a bit tame, but those who don't mind a little self-indulgence from their guitar heroes will find plenty to enjoy here.

Your Comments

No comments have been posted for this article yet. Be the first!