I was going to write an article about my short-term memory loss, and the fact that what I think would be a great topic for my Sunday Night Op-Eds – quite escapes me at writing time – leading me to believe that my alcohol consumption has finally taken its toll. But, as the legendary Anthony Moskal would say: it’s a Darwinian world, Dude — and only the strongest survive – so kiss those weak brain cells good-bye. But as Bradley sang: “It’s getting harder…” But speaking of Little Anthonys – I decided to dredge up this long-shelved editorial on another Little Robert Anthony – Robert Plant – of Led Zeppelin fame (for those of you living under a rock for the past 40 years [Oh my God! It’s been 40+ years!!]).
Before I get started, let me preface the following with my admiration for Robert Plant. I thought him a true rock god in those early years – and listened to Zeppelin I & II every night –till Zeppelin III came out. Zep 3 didn’t quite grab me the way the others did (with the exception of ‘The Immigrant Song’) – but Zep 4 got me going again! (Of course as I got older – I loved Zep III more-and-more, as I did ‘Houses of the Holy’ and ‘Physcial Graffitti’). And to croon like Robert Plant was the dream of every testosteroned male alive – because a voice like Robert Anthony’s had to get you any woman you wanted. Trouble was – Robert isn’t really a singer – he’s a vocalist. It wasn’t until Neil Young’s “This note’s for you” that I realized that Robert P. wasn’t really singing. Let me explain…
Once-upon-a-time, singers/vocalists cultivated rich, distinguished voices: just think of all-of-those great voices coming up, in, and through the 60s. Shall I ply a list? OK, let’s give the King his due, and the Beatles’ harmonies — and talk Morrison; Doug Ingle; David Clayton-Thomas; John Fogarty; Eric Burden; Van Morrison; Roger Daltrey; Peter Gabriel; Ian Anderson; Ozzy Osbourne; David Bowie; Elton John; Ian Gillian; and, Ray Davies — to name a few who come to mind. These guys developed their voices like instruments. But into their midst came Robert Plant: the monotonic crooner. Sure he could do octaves and bend and twist that single note like nobody’s business – but is THAT really singing? And then, every wannabe rock singer wanted to be like Little Robert Anthony – and no one really tried to sing anymore – they just started trying to scream like Plant (do Geddy Lee and Bon Scott kinda jump right out at you?). Sure, there were a few like Freddy Mercury; David Lee Roth; Bono; Steven Tyler; Bon Jovi; Axl Rose and Steven Perry — who did understand how to develop a voice – but they were far-and-few between (and I want to suggest right-here-and-now, that Freddy Mercury had the most incredible rock voice there has ever been…!!!). But most aspiring rock ladz couldn’t do Freddy – and Robert P. was a much easier (and certainly more comfortable) act to attempt – though there will always be, but one Robert P.
So, there has been quite a dearth of inspirational rock voices over the years. Sure, we all love Mick – but Mick does Mick, like Jack Nicholson does himself in just about every movie he’s done the-past-30-years-or-so.
Yes, Mr. Plant – I’m very happy for you and your Grammys – and all the great Zep music, but I wonder what strange and wonderful voices we might have heard – had legions not tried to emulate you?