Sunday, February 11, 2024

Cover #82: Dread Zeppelin covers "When The Levee Breaks" by Memphis Minnie

    Once time settled a bit on the first album by Dread Zeppelin, the big question was:  will their fun yet very talented Elvis tinged reggae covers of Zeppelin stay fresh over further albums, or go the way of a novelty act?  I vote the former.  I don't think the approach is as self-limiting as, say, Beatallica, meaning that the Dreads should have more material to work with and therefore fewer excuses not keep the ideas fresh.  The signature reggae riddim' riff is present again on many of these songs, which is great because that's what keeps Dread Zeppelin from sounding like a neo-reaggae cover band.  

   This track, which may be considered a cover of a cover, is the best of the Dread-Led covers on the records (there are a few non-Led Zeppelin covers offered up).  The patented Dread reggae approach matches the song well, and there are small little touches like some banjo parts that are fresh and unexpected. 

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