Robert Plant: Manic Nirvana

ROBERT PLANT'S ALBUM Now And Zen was one of 1988's more delightful surprises: whilst quoting in jest from his own proud past in Led Zeppelin – everyone else was, so why not him? – he girded himself about with a set of young and practically unknown musicians (chief of whom was keyboardist and song writing-production collaborator Phil Johnstone) and boldly struck out in several rather experimental directions at once. The man they once called "Percy" was rewarded for his audacity with a commercial hit and an acclaimed tour. Naturally enough, he's done it again. And it's even better.