36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A taste of honey's worse than none at all..., November 23, 2000
This review is from: Volume One (Audio CD)
I think Smokey Robinson first sang that line in "Second That Emotion." That's true here, because after you listen to this one you'll want more than five songs, and you'll want Volume II. Whether you're a Led Zep fanatic intrigued by another Plant/Page pet project, or a nostalgic type attracted to the crooning vocals and big band sound, this is a keeper. I'm the former, and I have to say Robert Plant's vocals are transcending. Yes, it's the guy who sang "Whole Lotta Love" leading the Spectoresque wall of duop sound in the first track here, "I Get a Thrill." The Phil Phillips classic, "Sea of Love," is covered nicely, minus the bouncy strumming: It sounds like Page & Co. took an iron to the Phillips track and the resulting radio hit is smoother than, well, dripping honey. "Rockin' at Midnight" is unleashed big band fun, and "I Got A Woman" does fine justice to the Ray Charles effort. And on "Young Boy Blues," Robert's voice is ethereal, matching his "Sea" try and reminiscent of earlier croons with and without Led Zeppelin, like "I'm Gonna Crawl" and "Big Log." Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and company show that great rock musicians are great musicians, period. The string sections, big band sound, beautiful arrangements, and gorgeous guitar solos underscore the tremendous talent that recreated this music. It's true that Volume I was intended to be released without the artists' identities, but fat chance with such a fine ensemble. The CD is lush, well produced, and easy to listen to. My only gripe here is that I wanted more, and indeed Volume II was never to be. Still, I must recommend it -- if you don't like it, I assure you that someone else you know will.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
As Zep Faded Away Some Honey was found, June 6, 2005
This review is from: Volume One (Audio CD)
Honeydrippers vol. 1 might also be known as "Robert Plant in a Swinging Mood"...
In the middle of 2nd and 3rd solo efforts that saw him trying to define his solo career, Robert Plant returned to his roots, with this sojourn or detour into the rock and roll that started his career.
That's the point of the Honeydrippers. Most people don't get it - why did Plant do a Wayne Newton? one asks. He didn't - he was merely paying tribute to the music that turned him on.
But the Honeydrippers is too short. This was an EP - not a LP - and it is somewhat too short of an experience. I can't believe that Plant didn't record more tracks. He sounds quite relaxed, happy and bright - instead of trying to force himself in a zep mode.
For the follow up to this - buy Brian Setzer's big band albums - which continue the trend...
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Top 5 r'n'r records of all time!, October 19, 1999
This review is from: Volume One (Audio CD)
I'll never forget the first time I heard "Sea of Love" from this album. Completely blown away! I always wished Plant would do a second cover album like this. Getting it recently, on CD, was almost as good as discovering it the first time. Robert Plant has made many good and great records but this one is tops.
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