Robert Plant - Sixty Six To Timbuktu [Digipak] [ECD] (CD 2003)

Although I've been a huge Zeppelin fan since the mid 70's - I've never quite warmed to Plant's solo career in the way I thought I would.. I purchased the first 4 albums when they came out in the 80's, but found my interest waning with each subsequent release. 'The Mighty Rearranger' album from 2007 made me do a bit of serious reevaluation, which led me to this hefty double disc compilation of the cream of Plant's none Zeppelin career... It should be stated clearly (as has been done by Plant himself in the liner notes) that this album is in no way a standard greatest hits package. True to form it takes an alternative route at examining the career of Britain's greatest ever rock vocalist.. The first disc although not quite standard album material is predominatelty made up from cuts from his various solo albums, and may I say is a wonderful listening experience. Disc two however really shines, but for totally different reasons. The first 4 tracks go back to pre Zeppelin and even features a 'Band Of Joy' demo.. The startling thing about the pre Zeppelin cuts is how strong they are, both as recordings and in hearing Plant's voice which is just so remarkably 'Robert Plant' - One often forgets that Plant didn't just arrive at Zeppelin as the full package, he had obviously been doing the rounds for many a long year prior to meeting Jimmy Page. These tracks are in their own way highlights of the set, as they build a bridge between the before and after Zeppelin period.. There's a great assortment of rareties and curios sprinkled throught the second disc. Everything from tracks from the 'Honeydrippers' project from the mid 80's, to tracks recorded for various charity album releases.. All of which are of an exceptionally high calibre.
The cd packaging also deserves a quick mention. The version I purchased on e.bay comes in a nice digi pack design. The booklet is both informative (sleeve notes by Plant himself) and has some nice pictures. The version I purchased also has videos tagged onto the end of each disc. Please make sure the version you are buying has these, as there are copies that don't have them as part of the package.. I would also be inclined to hold off for a digi pack version as it looks vastly superiour to the standard cased version.. I picked mine up for only a few pounds, so hold on for a bargain. +++++