Hurts So Good:

First of all, let me say, I am so...so..sorry for this. Oh, you just don't know what you're getting yourself into if you choose to download this one. There are tribute albums, and then...there are TRIBUTE albums! Behold...fucking BASS ZEPPELIN!

I know that I don't even need to keep typing any of this to some of you readers because you've already started the download once you saw the cover; or you've moved on to something else. In fact, I kind of feel like the cop who stands behind the yellow tape and tries to shield the innocent eyes of the public from the shocking horrors of a head on collision. "Go on...move along, everybody...nothing more here to see."

But at the same time...you've got to hear this trashy, tacky, brilliant, genius...eerrrmmm...tasteless, unforgiveable...atrocity! Needless to say, I have "complicated" feelings towards this album.

There are just so many "WTF?!" things on display here. The band name (duh), the album title (not very original, but completely appropriate), the album artwork (what is this anyway? the Japanese version of Razor and Tie?)..but things take a very Anton Maiden-esque turn for the worse(?) once you actually hear the music.

When you think of "bass" records..."Miami Bass" etc. those albums were created to literally boost the sub-sonic field and put those sub-woofers to good use. And the main focus on those records was the beat. So, keeping that in mind, here's the weird thing...the beats are laughably bad here! I have heard better beats on deodorant commercials. The drum machine is a tinny thin buzzing gnat-like pest in the mix. Apparently, when Bass Zeppelin think "bass" they think ...uhhh...the bass...as in analog bass. Or, as the liner notes state..."Analog Mega Bass". Excuse me.

To make things worse (oh god...how much worse could it get?), someone decided to throw some samples in there with the songs. It's weird, but hearing Flavor Flav shouting "Don't Believe The Hype!" over the sub-par jungle version of "Living Loving Maid" is almost too much to bear. But bear with it I must...because it is almost just too good to be true.

1. Immigrant Song
2. Kashmir
3. Heartbreaker
4. Black Dog
5. Good Times, Bad Times
6. Communication Breakdown
7. Living Loving Maid (She's Just A Woman)
8. Whole Lotta Love
9. How Many More Times
10. Trampled Under Foot
11. Moby Dick
12. Houses Of The Holy
13. Stairway To Heaven

1998 East West/R's records, Japan

In Japanese, there is a term "Heta sugi te omoshiroi." and that about sums up the almighty Bass Zeppelin. So..without further hesitation, get ready to laugh, get ready to cry, get ready to throw your shoe at the stereo, get ready to air-bass the night away...

get ready to climb...the Stairway To Bass Heaven!