By Matt Anthony - Summit FM Digital Media Specialist

Lucky to have met,

When we did.

          “Now Is The Time” - Jade Bird

In the early 2000’s, I was working as Imaging Director for WTEM-AM, in Washington, DC. It was our second opportunity to be in the nation’s capital. Seven years earlier, I was the PM Drive host for CBS’s Classic Hits station, Arrow 94.7, but at SportsTalk 980, my work was done primarily behind the scenes, writing copy, producing promos, and taking care of the imaging, for our role as the flagship station for Washington Capitals hockey.

Our station was in Rockville, Maryland, situated along one of the most congested roads in Montgomery County. Sometimes for lunch, I would walk down the street, try to avoid the traffic, and snag a sandwich at, what was then, a small chain of restaurants, ones that eventually became ubiquitous nation-wide: Subway.

That day the store was crowded. I waited with the others, and I noticed a young girl being tutored on how to make the various sandwiches. She was obviously a new employee. And the closer I inched towards the person taking orders, I kept my eyes on her. I noticed that she was having trouble communicating in English. She appeared frazzled, and unsure of herself, but I admired her willingness to learn, especially during a very hectic time-period.

I placed my order, and then moved on down the line towards her. She would occasionally ask a customer if they wanted onions or cucumbers for their sandwich, but it seemed easier for her to point at vegetables and wait for the customer’s response.

Finally, it was my turn. I guessed that she may have been of Hispanic origin, but I wasn’t sure. My Spanish is abysmal, but I thought I would try my best to help her out, if that was indeed the case. I mumbled a quiet ‘Hola’, and a brief smile crept across her face. She would point to the various containers of vegetables, such as onions and I responded, “Ceballo…no. Pero, pimientos, por favor.”

Down the line I walked, forgetting the Spanish words for ‘mustard’ and ‘cheese,’ but doing enough pointing and head-nodding to be able to complete my order. Once done, she slid it towards the person ringing out orders, and then tossed me a gentle smile before turning to her next customer.

“If you can’t find the truth right where you are, where do you expect to find it?”

• Dogen Zenji, Zen Master. 1200-1253

Her expressive brown eyes haunted me for the remainder of the day, and on the long drive home back to our small apartment in Annapolis, I thought of that moment during lunch. I wondered how difficult it must have been for her to completely change her life to come to a country where she was unfamiliar with the language and the customs. How chaotic her world must have been, standing there in a fast-food restaurant, on a crowded, busy street, near one of the great cities in the whole world, trying to learn to make American sandwiches in the throes of a lunch-time work-crowd.

Entering Anne Arundel County, I increased the volume on the radio. U2 had just released ‘All That You Can’t Leave Behind,’ and ‘Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of’ filled the interior of my car.  I considered it a moment of serendipity.

For whatever reason, I’ve thought of that moment several times since then. A few times over the decades, I’ve wondered what happened to that young girl. Did she stay in this country? Was she married? Did she own several Subway franchises? Did she go back to her country of origin?

Right here, right now

There is no other place I want to be.

          “Right Here, Right Now” - Jesus Jones

When I was riding motorcycles, I would encounter other riders at gas stations, diners, or rest areas. Being on two wheels without the protection of a steel frame is an automatic invitation to a unique club, a dangerous club, and yet, a fulfilling, bliss-inducing one. Those momentary conversations were instances that I would think about later in the evening, or when I would be trying to fall asleep.

I would think of riders who would pass me going in the opposite direction, and as is sometimes the custom, I would drop my left hand towards the ground, and he or she would do the same, the motorcycle ‘wave.’ As their gust of wind gently nudged me, I would be reminded that the moment…that moment, with that fellow rider…would likely never happen again.

In Zen meditation, we’re taught to try to settle our minds and to focus on the present moment, simply being aware of the act of breathing in and breathing out. It’s tougher than it sounds.  We’re taught to be ‘open’ to the present moment. Dogen says, “If you open your hand, you may receive anything.” While I fail repeatedly, I do try to keep in mind that the big, broad brushstrokes of experience are, certainly, to be expected and appreciated. Weddings. Concerts. Funerals. But it’s the instantaneous, one-off moments for which I’m most grateful…or try to be. I believe they help teach us to concentrate on the present. Those moments that, for whatever reason, we can’t get out of. They are experienced, and then, like us, they’re gone.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

No lying, no pretense, no hype sheet, just the facts! The Pretenders self-titled debut album stands as one of the greatest, most fully formed debut's in rock and roll! Way back upon its release in 1980, every note, every guitar chord, and every word rang true, and all these years later, that all remains intact. It was the sum of the parts, great songs, with great players, attitude, style, and bravado, all adding up to a pretty much perfect album.

Chrissie Hynde has always been, quite simply, one of the coolest rockers on the docket. From childhood, she knew she wanted to get the hell out of Akron, Ohio, and pursue her rock and roll dream. Upon moving to England in the early 1970s, she found herself hanging out with the 'in-crowd,' including members of the soon to form Sex Pistols, and their whole entourage. Hynde stood out, as it was obvious she was genuine, she began gaining a reputation among other aspiring rockers.

Inspired by the energy of the punk movement, but with her deepest love in mid-60 rock and roll, like The Rolling Stones and The Kinks, Hynde began writing songs, very good songs, which opened more doors, and soon signed a record deal. She assembled what seemed to be the perfect band for her songs and style; drummer Martin Chambers, bassist Pete Farndon, and guitarist extraordinaire James Honeyman-Scott. Their attack was simple, yet sophisticated, and Hynde's sharp and sultry vocals made their signature sound what it was.

It's interesting to note, that Hynde never seemed to make the fact that she was a woman the issue. Not unlike Patti Smith, she just got up and did her thing, being a rock and roller, and in the process, shut down any naysayers. Her talent as a songwriter and performer instantly made people shut up and take notice.

From the opening raw salvo of 'Precious,' it was clear this band meant business. As song after song came blasting out of the speakers, the listener was more and more captivated. 'The Phone Call,' 'Up The Neck,' 'Tattooed Love Boys,' (which contains one of the coolest guitar breaks ever!), 'The Wait,' and that's only side one! The first single released from the album was a beautiful cover of the lost Kinks classic 'Stop Your Sobbing,' Initially one of the songs the band sent producer Nick Lowe as a demo, after recording the track with them, he left the project with the remaining tracks to be produced by the legendary Chris Thomas. The next single, 'Kid' made the UK Top 40, but it would be the LP's third single, 'Brass In Pocket,' that hit pay dirt in America, clocking in at No. 14, and the video for the song got heavy rotation on the new MTV channel.

The album proved to be a big hit, making it into the Top 10 in the U.S., and number one in the UK. The band more than held their own on tour, proving they could rock it out with the big boys of the era. One more album featuring the original line-up would follow before personal issues and substance abuse would take its toll, with both Farndon and Honeyman-Scott losing their lives to drug issues. Hynde and Chambers would pick up the pieces and soldier on. The Pretenders carry on to this day, with Hynde as the sole original member. It’s encouraging to note that her most recent couple of LPs have been among her best, but that first album was truly something special. Essential? To say the least!

By Michelle Charles - Summit FM Development Director

While it's true that anyone can listen to The Summit FM and enjoy our diverse range of music, being a member adds an extra layer of significance and connection to the experience. Here's why membership is special and integral to our station: 

Enhanced Connection: Membership offers a deeper connection to The Summit FM's musical journey. When you become a member, you're not just a listener; you're part of a passionate community that shares your love for alternative music. 

Exclusive Access: Members enjoy exclusive access to events and perks that non-members don't have. This includes live Studio C performances, special concert ticket offers and much more! 

Support and Influence: By becoming a member, you directly contribute to the station's ability to bring you exceptional music and experiences. Your financial support plays a pivotal role in shaping the content we provide and the community we foster. 

Joining a Community: Membership isn't just about the music; it's about joining a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the artistry, creativity, and depth that alternative music brings to our lives. 

A Personal Investment: When you become a member, you're making a personal investment in the station's success. You're saying, "I believe in what you do, and I want to be a part of it." 

Nurturing Creativity: Your membership helps us create an environment where artists and listeners can come together to celebrate creativity and musical expression. Your contribution supports emerging artists and diverse genres. 

In essence, being a member is about embracing the unique opportunity to go beyond being a casual listener. It's about actively participating in a musical movement, sharing your voice, and helping shape the future of The Summit FM. 

While anyone can tune in at any time, being a member allows you to delve deeper into the heart and soul of the station. It creates a more meaningful and lasting connection to the music, the artists, and the community that makes The Summit FM truly special. 

Click here to become a member.

By Chad Miller - Summit FM Music Director

What's everyone been listening to out there? There's been an AVALANCHE of great new songs coming at us to start the new year, as per usual, with STILL more to come! Easily the most exciting time of the year in our world of music, that I get to sort through and play them for you on the radio. So much new music coming at us, so little time...however, these songs that might fly under the radar to most are what I've been diggin' most especially these past few weeks!

Like what you hear? Please email me at chad@thesummit.fm and let me know what you think!

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Straight outta Columbus, Ohio, Twenty One Pilots have certainly made, and maintained, a name for themselves over the past fifteen years or so. After entering the game with a couple of independently released albums, the duo of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun got snapped up by a Warner Brothers subsidiary, which aided their ongoing ascension with their third release, ‘Vesser.’

Released in 2018, their second major label release, 'Blurryface,' put them over the top in a handful of ways, not only outselling their previous releases, scoring over a million copies sold, it also hit the top spot on the Billboard charts, and ultimately won a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year.” Not bad for a couple kids from mid-Ohio!

'Tear In My Heart,' 'Lane Boy,' 'Fairly Local,' 'Ride,' and 'Stressed Out' were all released as singles, each one generating a buzz with 'Ride' hitting Top 5 and 'Stressed Out' making it all the way to the top. Perhaps part of the secret in not even a secret, but simply the way their fans relate to their music and lyrics.

“Music can connect people on an intimate level. What Josh and I are trying to do is represent anyone who has some of the questions that we have,” Tyler Joseph told The Standard, back in 2015. “When you write music that expresses doubt or concern, or talks about some of the darker things that a developing human goes through, people will come out of the woodwork to listen to someone else say it out loud.”

While touring the album, the band went from playing clubs to hitting arenas around the world. “When you zoom out, you might think, ‘Oh that was pretty nuts’”, Josh told NME. “But we’d been on tour since 2011 playing shows every night so you’re too close to realize it." Though the two albums that followed were also big success stories, they failed to match the glory of 'Blurryface,' which seemed to have been the right album at the right time. Their tale is far from over, however, a new album, 'Scaled and Icy’ is set for release in May of 2024.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

What with it being 'National Women's Month' and all, though, come on, women should be celebrated each and every day of every month! I thought it a good time to mention a new book just out for space on your shelves. It's a book about a great rock and roll band who, yes indeed, were all women!

The Bangles burst out of an unassuming garage, in Los Angeles, back in 1981. It was an ad placed in the local music paper ‘The Recycler,’ which brought guitarist Susanna Hoffs together with sisters Vicki and Debbie Peterson (guitar and drums respectively), as well as bassist Annette Zilinskas. The four members had previously played in bands, but nothing ever caught fire. It all started to gel when Hoffs answered the ad and got immersed in conversation with Peterson about music, as they shared favorite songs and artists, as well as commiserating over the recent assassination of John Lennon.

Initially christened The Colours, the girls soon changed their name to The Bangs, and began hitting local clubs. Their seamless mix of 1960s pop and garage tinged rock and roll, spurred on by a punk inspired DIY energy, quickly became their signature. They used to say it was "the B bands" that really influenced them, those being Beatles, Byrds, and Buffalo Springfield, but it was their vocal abilities in spot on harmonies that added the right topping to the mix.

The band issued their debut single in 1981 on their own label, Down Kiddie Records. 'Getting Out Of Hand' b/w 'Call On Me.' After learning there was already a New Jersey based band called The Bangs, they decided to borrow a few letters from their beloved Beatles, to become The Bangles. The single received heavy airplay on the local KROQ, which was enough to catch the attention of Miles Copeland, of I.R.S. Records, who signed them to his Faulty Records imprint, and released their debut self-titled EP in 1982.

The five song EP was a mini masterpiece of sorts, each song a shimmering example of great Pop music, that was awash in the colors of a previous era, while simultaneously glowingly modern. They had their own sound and weren't a second tier Go-Go’s, or any such creation. They had discovered they weren't alone in their pursuit of a musical future that owed to the past, as other like-minded bands such as The Salvation Army (later the Three O'Clock), Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, and Long Ryders, were all thinking and creating along similar lines. An offhand quote in the local press from the Three O'Clock's Michael Quercio had this lot of bands labeled as 'the Paisley Underground,' a moniker that adheres to this day.

With the EP receiving heavy play from college radio, the band was soon snapped up by Columbia Records. At the same time, original bassist Annette Zilinskas left the band and was replaced by Michael Steele, a veteran of the LA music scene, having been a member of the very first line-up of The Runaways. 1984 saw the release of their major label debut, 'All Over The Place.' The album had a slightly harder edge and punchier production while retaining the 60s pop glow. Singles from the album 'Hero Takes A Fall' and 'Going Down To Liverpool' didn't sell in tons, but did get the ladies on to MTV, and ultimately to radio.

As all the original 'paisley underground' bands began to sign to the majors, and alter stylistic approach, so too did The Bangles. Two more albums followed, 'Different Light' and 'Everything', both hugely successful and adorned with hit singles like 'Manic Monday,' 'Walk Like An Egyptian,' 'If She Knew What She Wants,' and 'Eternal Flame.' The band had crossed over to the pop world with ease, though lost much of their own personality in the process. It all took its toll on them, and following the 'Everything' tour, The Bangles had called it a day.

All members have kept active in music along the way, working on a variety of projects. In 1998, a decade after packing it in, The Bangles reformed, sans Steele, and continue occasionally to this day, sporadically releasing new material - 'Doll Revolution,' in 2003, and 'Sweetheart Of The Sun' in 2011. To complete the circle, in 2014, Zilinskas rejoined as the original lineup lives on! Hoffs, meanwhile, has become an author. Her first book, ‘This Bird Has Flown,’ was published last year to rave reviews. A new book, 'All Over The Place – The Rise of The Bangles From the LA Underground' has just been released, by Hozac Books, and covers their complete history. Author, and unofficial band historian, Eric Shade started work on this project back in the 1990s. Seemingly every stone is unturned, and nook and cranny dusted for info here. His meticulous research and contagious enthusiasm provides a wide scope portrait of the band. Interviews with early bandmates, detailed information from forgotten fanzines, and overseas interviews, leaves no stone unturned.

By Marc Lee Shannon - Summit FM Feel Better-ER Host

It was a December day when the decision came to make a move and go on the search for the next best friend of the Shannon boys and their dad. Now divorced for seven years, the family had seen its share of ups and downs, and by then, everyone was ready for the next chapter. A new furry friend and hopefully some love and cheer brought to fix the melancholy in the family's broken-hearted house on Brentwood Blvd.

It was a chance online ad for the “Adopt-A-Thon,” on a Saturday at the Twinsburg Humane Society that caught our attention, and off we went in the black Ford Explorer, the family hauler, with some holiday music on the radio and very high hopes in hand.

When we arrived, we discovered long corridors lined on each side with many choices of canine companions ready to be adopted and escorted to a new home and life. I told my boys we should split up and meet at the end of the line to compare choices and impressions. We did, and two stood out: a beagle and a sad but curious, well-mannered shepherd shar-pei mix, which we all felt hit the mark and gave us the right feels. We headed back to find out that immediately the beagle was taken by way of an “on hold” to be adopted sign, so we made our way to the end of a row of barking jumping pitties and a big, brown-eyed soulful fellow down on all fours looking up.

As I got down on one knee and said, “Hey, dude.” he took his big paw and put it up in the chain link fence as if to say, “Please, man, get me out of here.” For the dog named Martin and the Shannon boys and dad, it was love at first sight.

So many stories followed from that first day. Like running out a somehow left-open front door and jaunting into the neighborhood barking, “Free at last, thank God almighty!” to the nights when he would slowly hesitate to come into my bedroom, a smoky, alcohol-fueled, depressed hiding sanctuary before I got sober. We eventually landed at the happy house two years into my sobriety in Cuyahoga Falls, and in the isolated days of the pandemic, we walked three or four miles daily. Always leading the charge, he would sniff and tinkle and look back with delight as if to say, “Isn't it great to be alive, Dad?”

He was and always will be the best friend ever for this writer—non-human or not.

Martin the Dog was there when I went to my first AA meetings, waiting for me in the parked Ford and sitting in the driver's seat. He was there when I needed a walk to air my regrets from Substance Use Disorder and my post-acute withdrawal confused brain. He was there when I sat up late playing guitar, writing songs, or up early writing the essays of Sober Chronicles for the Devil Strip magazine that eventually became the book I would publish in 2022. He was there throughout every step of the journey of discovery along the path to recovery. He was there for it all.

In November of 2022, he went down in the backyard of that house in C-Falls, unable to get back up. He had a melanoma removed in 2020 but had recovered and showed no symptoms of the Cancer lurking within. I took him to the vet, and it was clear that there was only so much time left for this brave warrior. The kind and compassionate professional explained that surgery was an option, but it might be hard for him, was not guaranteed, and was very expensive. In the end, after more discussion and tears, the suggestion was made to keep a close eye on my friend and to “Feed Him Steak and Eggs.”

Amen.

The following April, he went down again in the afternoon on the 2nd night of my run of the sold-out stage presentation of “Sober Chronicles” at the Akron Civic’s Wild Oscars. I was not able to be with him on that last day at the last moments as there was no time to cancel, but my son and soon-to-be wife were able to hold his gaze and his paws as he crossed over. His last and final wish for me was to be happy, as I knew he knew I was finally okay, with a new life and season beginning as a happily married man. Somehow, he knew I would finally be ok, so his departure was OK. Dad will be fine. Anyway, I am sure that’s what I saw in his eyes as he raised his head for my hand to touch his warm, wet nose for the very last time.

I am curious to know how they know. Those mystical creatures that somehow make their way into our lives when they are needed the most. How do they know when to comfort, to saunter over to our side to rub against our thigh when our spirits need that rise and lift? How do they know?

Well, maybe there is something in the fact that DOG spelled backward is….

Miss you, buddy. I will see you again someday; I know it. Till next time, Stay Standing, Steady On, and Feel Better-ER™.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Robert Plant Looks Back While Moving Forward On 1988's 'Now And Zen'

Norah Jones is not your average, everyday performer. People picked up on that fact from the start, as her 2002 debut album, 'Come Away with Me,' proved in numbers. Born Geethali Norah Jones Shankar, in 1979, Jones was born into a very musical family, her father being the legendary Ravi Shankar, who was a key figure and influence on many rock and roll musicians during the 1960s. His sitar playing forever connected to artists like George Harrison and countless others during the psychedelic revolution.

Instead of directly following in her father's footsteps, she struck her own unique chord by combining jazz, folk, blues, and pop into one, and in the process, taking it to the top of the Billboard pop and jazz charts, not just in the U.S. but around the globe. It's no surprise that she found a home on Blue Note Records, home of so many jazz classics over the years.

in 2002, Jones described her music this way, "Sparse. It's simple music. I find beauty in simple music. I find when you're beat over the head, it turns me off." Her unique vocal style was just a natural place for her to land. "I grew up listening to singers who, a lot of jazz singers, who had a lot of nuance which you don't always find in pop music.” Critics were quick to compare her style to that of everyone from Billie Holiday to Dusty Springfield, both of whom had a unique approach to pop music via jazz and soul as well.

To add to the array of influences, Jones debut also includes her take on the Hank Williams' classic 'Cold Cold Heart' and Hogy Charmichael's 'The Nearness Of You.' Her sublime take on all these styles led to the album ultimately going on to sell more than 27 million copies worldwide, and easily considered an essential of both pop and jazz.

By Matt Anthony - Summit FM Digital Media Specialist

I had already plowed through a half-pack of cigarettes, and it wasn’t even noon yet. The workday traffic on Michigan Avenue was consistently heavy and loud, making downtown Chicago feel as though it was audibly inhaling and exhaling on its own.

I was left with my own devices, as it were. Donna was embedded in a nursing conference. So, I’d decided to entertain myself in the heart of ‘The City With The Big Shoulders,’ as any red-blooded Midwesterner would, at least before the bars open: by plowing through stacks of vinyl at a record store.

Before diving in, I stood outside of the entrance and sucked in a couple more drags off my Marlboro Light. Just then, a taxi pulled up, and out of it sprinted a short man in a long black trench coat, his dark mane blowing madly in the morning air of the Windy City, and into the record store he went.

Was that Richard Lewis?

I rudely flicked the butt into the street and peered inside the glass. The man in the black trench coat handed a store employee a sheet of paper, and the employee hurriedly made his way through the store with it.

That is Richard Lewis.

I walked in, immediately slammed in the nostrils with that glorious aroma of vintage decay that can only be experienced inside a record haunt. That store employee was literally running through the store, snatching up various album jackets and placing them under his arm. I moved closer to the man in the black coat, where I received indisputable confirmation.

I was a fan of Richard Lewis’s comedic patois because I probably felt similar bouts of anxiety and neuroses, and the very topic that comprised much of his routine seemed to be in abundant display that morning. He nervously bounced between fixing his gaze on the waiting taxi to checking on the status of the store employee’s search-skills to frantically glancing at his watch.

Sheepishly, I walked down the aisle next to where he stood, and then he suddenly turned around and made eye contact with me. I reached over the rows of vinyl and extended my hand. He clasped on.

“Hey, man, I really enjoy your stuff,” I mumbled.

“Appreciate it, man, thanks,” he replied. 

And then, as if on cue, the store employee appeared with a stack of 8 or 9 albums and a credit card.

“Hey, thanks a lot,” Richard Lewis murmured, tucking the vinyl under his arm, sprinting through the front door, and into the cab, where it raced off into the late morning air.

The brush with fame. Why do we remember it? Why does it make such an impact?

In this business of broadcasting, many of us have been in the presence of artists, bands, and sports-figures, and interacting with them is, in some ways, a perk of the position. Interviewing Tom Hamilton, of Aerosmith, before a show. Doing a ‘phoner’ with Gregg Allman.  Asking Meatloaf to record some liners. Or talking to John Riggins about his farm in Kansas. I’m grateful for all those experiences.

But why was it necessary for me to feel compelled to walk into Richard Lewis’s frantic, chaotic world to express my appreciation of his work? Was this a bad thing? It was the same inclination I felt when seeing Sheryl Crow in the produce section at a health-food store in Nashville. It’s almost as if some mystical, unexplainable force pushed me in the direction of ‘fame’ so that I might brush against it briefly.

But why?

One of the lessons of gratitude that I will take with me to the grave was the one given to me, indirectly, by the late, great Jim Chenot. We would sometimes meet for lunch every couple of months, and I marveled at the way he interacted with the hoi polloi. Whether it was a server, a hostess, or a guy selling hot dogs at his favorite Progressive Field stand, Jim spoke with them and listened to their responses, as if that person was Richard Lewis or Sheryl Crow or Gregg Allman.

It's a question I’ve asked myself repeatedly since Jim’s death: “Do I assign the same degree of importance with experiencing a ‘brush with the ordinary’ as I do the brush with fame?”

Yes, I’m grateful to have had those encounters, however short and brief they may have been. (and, by the way, Sheryl Crow was gracious, friendly, and seemingly a huge fan of endive!) But my goal is to better recognize the same electrical charge of energy that can be experienced everyday with the commonplace, everyday encounters, those that are uniquely designed to sustain us and truly give our lives meaning.

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Robert Plant Looks Back While Moving Forward On 1988's 'Now And Zen'

When Led Zeppelin fell apart following the death of drummer John Bonham, in 1980, there was little, if any, serious talk about continuing. The brotherhood that was Led Zeppelin was done. A new decade always presents problems for artists who came into their own during the previous era. Even the best of artists have regularly floundered at the drop of a decade, so often due to not wanting to get in a rut, but looking for new adventures.

Robert Plant was, and has remained, one of the best examples of how to do things right. After having been in arguably the biggest band of the 1970s, and with times changing as they were, how and where was Plant going to fit into the new era. From the big left turn with The Honeydrippers, to his first two post-Zeppelin solo albums, 'Pictures at Eleven' and 'The Principle of Moments,' Plant brought in varied influences, styles, and sounds, and though his voice was instantly recognizable, he wasn't attempting to carry on the standard Zep sound, instead, taking fragments of the past and merging with where he was at during that time.

Both albums, along with a third, 'Shaken 'n' Stirred,' were successful, and proved that there was still a demand for Mr. Plant, so by the time he set to work on album number four, he was, perhaps, a bit more comfortable with being Robert Plant, and began to reach back a bit to his oh so glorious past.

'Now And Zen' was the sound of Robert Plant still moving forward, while giving a nod and a wink to Led Zeppelin-esque bravado. Songs like 'Tall Cool One,' with its Johnny Burnette 'Train Kept A Rollin',’ vibe found Plant back in true rock and roll mode. Hitting No. 35 on the Billboard charts, the song even contained samples of a few Zeppelin classics like 'Black Dog,' 'Whole Lotta Love,’ and 'The Ocean.' Hey if Led Zep samples were good enough for the Beastie Boys, why not for the man himself!

Elsewhere, the album continues Plant's forward motion in both production and song craft, while mixing in his love for a wide array of musical styles from middle-eastern and folk to a more contemporary pop vibe, 'Heaven Knows,' 'Ship Of Fools,' and 'Helen Of Troy' all stand out here. The band in tow with Robert were a basic guitar, bass, drums and keyboard style lineup, adding to the more traditional vibe of the sounds here.

Always someone who kept his ear to the ground as a genuine music fan, Plant was often singing the praises of other acts that were inspiring him. "I'll be raving about Let's Active one minute and the Swans the next. I want to cut through radio with a hot knife. I wanna stretch it out some. People like Tom Verlaine and Husker Du are making quite important music now, and people aren't hearing it because it never gets played." All in all, it was a crucial step on the path of Plant's amazing solo career. For a guy who certainly could have rested on his past glories and regurgitated lesser interpretations of the signature Zep style, he has been an artist constantly on the move, looking for new paths to take. Honestly, Plant is one of a precious few of the old guard who are still engaged with music as their lifeblood. 'Now And Zen' was an essential piece of the Plant puzzle that continues to this day!