ROBERT PLANT AND THE STRANGE SENSATION – Mighty Rearranger

Sounds like Robert Plant has found his happy place. He is sharing his discovery of this magical place with the fans by seamlessly combining the laid back feel of Dreamland and the composure of Fate of the Nations with a nod to his legendary past.

The production, as far as pushed to front vocals go, is crystal clear and makes you feel like you’re standing right next to Robert while he’s working his bit for the tape. You can almost hear every breath he takes. This gives the whole album a warm and cosy handmade feel.

“Freedom Fries” and “Tin Pan Alley” both play around the Zep feel everyone knows and loves. “Tin Pal Alley” also introduces a touch of keyboardist John Baggott’s Portishead/Massive Attack past, while the vocals by Plant carry on with a restrained desperation attached to them.

The beautiful and disarming ballad, “All the Kings Horses,” brings along a different side to guitarist Skin Tyson, introducing his gentle touch on acoustic guitar.

“The Enchanter” starts with an Eastern feel, and despite its lazy rhythm, still packs a firm touch.

“Takamba” begins with hand-clapping and flirts with the Zeppelin sound once again, while Plant plays around with his English accent. Those lucky enough to have witnessed Strange Sensation’s tour to support this release earlier this year, won’t be able to resist a smile when the part bringing back an image of guitarist Justin Adams’ World Music-inspired dance starts. The chant of “Hawaiian Hula, Hula” has a kind of African feel to it.

“Dancing in Heaven,” with its Beatles touch, starts the acoustic part of the album, which continues in “Somebody Knocking,” and carries over to the accurately titled “Let the Four Winds Blow,” which has a kind of Old Western Movie feel, and really does paint a picture of sand blowing in the wind … a bit of a ghost town sound, if you will.

“Mighty Rearrenger” sounds like the band is professionally goofing off, and the tick of the drums, the dance on the piano keys, and the bit on the harmonica bring in a touch of pure joy with them.

“Brother Ray,” the acoustic jam, is followed by a hidden track of a trance club mix for “Shine It All Around,” which has the personality of Mister Baggott all over it.

Wanna find a happy place? Then just lay back and let the warm touch of Mighty Rearrenger seduce you and take you there. Definitely one of the best albums of the year.