The Voice of Rock

Let me preface this post by saying that what I’m about to propose in this article is completely subjective. Unlike death, which can’t be argued is either inevitable or permanent, what I’m about to say is entirely subjective and could likely be debated until God himself returns to settle the argument. With that disclaimer out of the way, I’ll submit my statement for evaluation…

Chris Robinson is the “Voice” of rock.

Now I realize this is utterly subjective and completely open to interpretation. It’s like asking ten people what their favorite food is and expecting everyone to say, “pizza..” It’s a matter of personal taste and depending on what suits your musical taste buds, that’s what you are going to gravitate towards. Consequently, a poll of ten people will likely result in ten different responses.

Before I place the crown upon the king’s head however, we really need to have a look at some of the contenders for the throne. After all, for those of you that get nauseous from the very sight of pizza, you need to have a look at the other options on the table before you make your selection.

In no particular order, lets make an argument for…

Robert Plant – next to Chris Robinson, this guy is at the top of my list. Ok, so maybe they are in some type of order! Plant’s voice, whether you care for it or not, is unmatched in terms of power and range. He could blow your hair back with the likes of “Black Dog” and caress your ears with tunes like “Going to California.” He could carry a tune and scream like no other.

Paul McCartney – admittedly, not my thing but who’s going to argue with 90 million screaming women?

Janis Joplin – the most recognizable female voice in all of rock history. As Arthur Cooper wrote, “she stomped, shimmied, swung her hips, and screeched carnal knowledge in a voice as gritty as a Texas dirt road.”

Freddie Mercury – admittedly, not my thing but who’s going to argue with 90 million screaming men? On a serious note, Freddie’s range, creativity and precision make him one of the most versatile and respected artists around.

Honorable mention: Roger Daltrey, Steve Perry, Ann Wilson, & Paul Rodgers

So why Chris Robinson you ask, among a smorgasbord of exceptional singers on the table? Because he has all the ingredients of the perfect singer; soul, groove, range, purity, power, stamina and more. The kind of vocalist that defines the music he makes, with an instrument no less important than any guitar, bass, piano or drum. Robinson’s vocals are exceptionally soulful and powerful, matched only by the inspiration and introspection of his lyrics. How such a little dude could pack such a vocal punch is beyond the laws of physics and comprehension.

Not convinced? Not a Chris Robinson fan? Pizza give you heartburn? Well, have a listen to this and when you’re finished, be sure to leave a comment!

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Led Zeppelin – Number One on My List

Here’s a quick note to VH1, MTV and every other television network that broadcasts a “countdown” of the greatest bands of all time. Led Zeppelin is the greatest band of all time and should unquestionably be #1 on any list that hopes to garner any credibility whatsoever.

Stop.

Before you scroll down to the bottom of the page and reply to this post with your argument as to why the Beatles, Who, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, etc. should be elevated above them, let me present a few arguments that will inevitably prevent you from humiliating yourself. .

• Musicianship – Man for man, Led Zeppelin arguably had the best musicians ever at their respective positions. Ask any musician alive who the greatest guitarist, drummer, bass player and vocalist is, and Jimmy Page, John Bonham, John Paul Jones and Robert Planet will be in the top five on almost every list provided. Name another band where each and every single player is considered to be the BEST at their respective position. Struggling? Exactly. The Beatles, man for man, were incredible writers of music, but Ringo over John Bonham? Harrison over Page? You can’t be serious. Ever wonder why you don’t hear bands covering Led Zeppelin when you’re out at your favorite watering hole? I know why. They CAN’T!
• Credibility – From The Black Crowes to The White Stripes, the Beatles to Sheryl Crowe, Guns n Roses, Tori Amos, Aerosmith, pretty much anyone that plays music has been influenced by Led Zeppelin and will readily admit it. The Beatles’ John Lennon was quoted as saying, “When it’s all said and done, they (Led Zeppelin) will go down as being one of the most influential bands of all time.”
• Influence – Nice transition, right? As cited above in the aforementioned bullet point, dozens of major bands, if not hundreds, cite Led Zeppelin as a major influence on the development of their music. Some blatant, some subtle, but you can hear Zeppelin’s familiar riffs and undertones in countless tracks from bands that came after them (See Whitesnake).
• Diversity – Have a listen to the album Led Zeppelin I, then compare it to In Through the Out Door, then take a few tracks from Physical Graffitti and tell me you hear the same thing twice. Whether playing rock n roll, hard rock, rockabilly, country, folk songs, psychadelic rock, or blues, they grew with each new offering and created something different each time out of the gate.

Convinced? If not, go ahead and tell me why you think YOUR favorite band is better. But if you come with it, come hard and with some facts, cause I don’t think your dad can beat up my dad (props to you pops), or your band can beat mine!

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