Nine Lives [Box] (CD - 2006)

Personnel: Robert Plant (vocals); Doug Boyle, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Justin Adams , Nile Rodgers, Porl Thompson, Robbie Blunt (guitar); Skin Tyson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar, bass guitar); Uptown Horns (horns); Jezz Woodroffe, Paul Shaffer, Phil Johnstone, John Baggot (keyboards); Billy Fuller (double bass, bass guitar); Paul Martinez, Phil Scragg, Charlie Jones (bass guitar); Chris Blackwell, Cozy Powell, Phil Collins, Richard Hayward, Clive Deamer (drums); Kirsty MacColl, Marie Pierre, Toni Halliday (background vocals).

The colossal legend of Led Zeppelin looms so mightily over the history of rock that it's sometimes easy to overlook the fact that Robert Plant has had a solo career that's outdistanced Zep in terms of longevity and output. NINE LIVES, a 10-disc box set, presents Plant's solo work in its entirety. Each of Plant's nine solo albums is included, and each is complemented by live tracks and a bonus DVD.

Listening to the whole of Plant's catalogue, what impresses most is its variety and range. Beginning with 1982's PICTURES AT ELEVEN and continuing through 2005's MIGHTY REARRANGER, NINE LIVES offers up atmospheric grooves, 1950's-style pop, synth-driven new wave, Middle Eastern drones, straight blues, and a healthy dose of post-Zeppelin thunder. Plant's voice morphs too, from dispassionate popster to banshee wailer to retro crooner and elsewhere, never letting the shadow of his former band determine his stylistic choices. Beautiful packaging and a comprehensive booklet sweeten the deal, making this a must for collectors or anyone looking to explore Plant's work in depth. minimize