Search - Robert Plant :: Manic Nirvana

Robert Plant Continues Where Zeppelin Might Have

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 05/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With MANIC NIRVANA, Robert Plant goes beyond reaching back to his Led Zeppelin roots and covers old R&B songs such as "Your Ma Says You Cried In Your Sleep Last Night." In other words, Plant digs REALLY deep here, while continuing to move forward by returning to aggressive hard rock following two highly psychodramatic albums. Overall, MANIC NIRVANA continues to where Led Zeppelin might have gone had drummer John Bonham not died in an alcohol-related choking incident in 1980."

Manic Nirvana "Remastered" reminds one of Plant's vocal powe

Leo Navarr | Donner Pass, California | 10/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Plant's solo run, which should be noted is not far from a thirty year milestone, is again celebrated with another remastered album, and with this one fans get a refreshed listen to 1990's "Manic Nirvana" album. To put it quite simply, this one rocks with high energy guitars and that ever so familiar crooning of Plant. This album seems to re-capture some of the vocal energy that was found on the first Led Zeppelin album, which featured a much younger Plant with hits like "Communication Breakdown". The vocals here are of course; more seasoned with the passing of time, but it perhaps is one of the best when showcasing not only his range, but his passion for the songs he is singing. Plant seems more like a man possessed, while at the same time having a lot of fun.



Manic Nirvana does not waste any time jumping into the ring, starting out with a solid, heavy rocker called "Hurting Kind (I've got my eyes on you)", which has a start up riff that has eagerly garnered a listener's attention. The song was a radio hit and rightfully so, the accessible riff and high screech that hangs for a time until the drums crash along to another chorus is quite addicting. The song "Big Love" is also tight, with a slow tempo and heavy drums that have a lot of groove before Plant (with backing vocals) wail on. The third song (S S S & Q) gets right back on that rocking path. By this time a Robert Plant fan has to be smiling and tapping their toe, perhaps even pumping a fist in the air if no one is looking! Songs like "I cried", "Your ma cried..." and "Anniversary" tone things way down with ethereal, soft sounds that showcase sometimes a darker, mystical appeal that remind one more of some of the hits from the Zeppelin years. Want some acoustic bliss? Then, look no more than to the song "Liars Dance".



Seventh song is superb, because "Tie Dye on the highway" seems to mix all the elements and energy into one. Rocking beats mixed with serenading like vocals that stretch out with some "ah-ahh" during the chorus makes one want to hit "Replay" over and over again. As a fan, I can never get enough of this song, or any other on the album for that matter.



The remastered album does include the bonus tracks "Oompa, One Love and Don't Look Back", yet even if they were not here, the first eleven tracks alone are worth the price of admission, with the exception that you may not ever want to leave. Manic Nirvana is melodic, rocking and full of energy and showcases the magic of Plant's vocals for all to enjoy.

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Even better than Now and Zen

kireviewer | Sunnyvale, Ca United States | 02/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1990, this was Robert Plant's fifth solo album (not including the Honeydrippers). The original CD was 49 minutes, and the sound quality was very good, especially for a CD from 1990.



This is a remastered reissue (which,to be honest, I haven't heard). I don't think that there could be much improvement over the original, but the mix could be a little different. There are 3 bonus tracks that might make this worth getting even if you do own the original.



Manic Nirvana was the follow up to Now and Zen, where Plant had developed a new sound and style. Much of this was driven by his new collaborator, keyboardist and composer, Phil Johnstone. It is nothing like Led Zeppelin as someone suggested.



The CD does not start great. The first few tracks sound like clones of songs from Now and Zen. They are good but nothing new or exciting. But, the CD just keeps gettting more interesting as it goes along. It is like a mixture of progressive hard rock, and new wave.



I really like the album, but it is a little dated sounding. You put it on and you can pretty much pinpoint the year it was recorded, based on the sound. It is not a bad thing, but it certainly isn't a timeless album like some of the Led Zeppelin albums.



CRAPPY COVER ARTWORK, though. Looks like something from K-Tel or one of those TV sales."