10 Fascinating Covers Of Led Zeppelin Classics
6. Songhoy Blues - Kashmir
Anyone who has listened to the wonderful album No Quarter: Page And Plant Unledded, will already have an idea of the intoxicating results which occur when Zep's music is wedded to African rhythms and sounds. That particular record featured the singer and guitarist playing Zep songs with the backing of Egyptian and Moroccan musicians. We can only assume, then, that Robert Plant must be delighted with this astonishing cover of Kashmir by Mali-based 'desert-blues' outfit, Songhoy Blues.
Hailing from Timbuktu, Songhoy Blues formed in 2012, in exile from their home country after having been forced out by the ultra-conservative jihadist group, MNLA which banned, among other things, music. Since then, Songhoy Blues have been perfecting their sound, riding the crest of a wave alongside other 'desert-blues' groups such as Tinariwen and Tamikrest.
Songhoy Blues' swirling, mesmeric guitars, muscular swinging drums and African poly-rhythms transform this Led Zeppelin classic into something truly special. Zep's blues-rock spirit shines through, but Songhoy Blues add a uniquely African twist, not least due to the vocals, which are sung in Songhai, the band's native language. Songhoy Blues' love and respect for the original shine through, and the results are simply wonderful.