VANILLA FUDGE
"Vanilla Zeppelin" (Golden
Robot; 2022)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
When I first heard a couple of early release tracks of Vanilla Fudge covering Led Zeppelin, I wasn’t impressed. My first impression was that these were tired covers of songs that have been covered before ad nauseum.
When I listened to the entire album, however, something clicked and, suddenly, I just got it. This wasn’t about a legendary band covering another legendary band. This was a legendary band taking another legendary band’s songs and making them their own.
And that's just what Vanilla Fudge does on "Vanilla Zeppelin." They take the classic Led Zeppelin songs that you know and love and, for lack of a better term, put a Vanilla Fudge filter on them. The songs aren't supposed to sound like Led Zeppelin, the songs are supposed to sound like Vanilla Fudge … and they do.
The addition of keyboards, varying arrangements, and changing of tempos and music genres make "Vanilla Zeppelin" a fascinating listen. For example, "Ramble On," almost becomes a gospel tune. "Black Mountain Side" turns into a folk song. "Dazed and Confused" becomes an orchestra-like piece. Truly amazing stuff.
If you're looking for a Led Zeppelin covers album that sounds a lot like Led Zeppelin, don't look here. If you're in for a transformation of Led Zeppelin tunes by a group of legendary musicians, you've got to hear "Vanilla Zeppelin."
For more information, check out https://vanillafudge.com.
Note: This review is of the 2022 re-master of the band's earlier album, "Out Through the In Door."
Rating Guide:
A classic. This
record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it
will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2023 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
