[SouthernTrendkill]

Back when Led Zeppelin was my most favoritest band ever I used to try to ignore the fact that Zep is sloppy as bloody hell and Plant's singing voice live was basically the sound of crap in a blender as far back as the early 70s.

But 7 odd years later I actually love those facts about Zep. Even on studio recordings Zep is sloppy as hell... and I think that makes them even better. Such a raw, honest sound. It makes me think they're another one of those bands that really didn't fit in with the mainstream style but still managed to dominate the scene just out of pure artistic ability. And Plant's vocals (strictly in live performance) are as effed up as Bob Dylan's. That just makes him unique. Bob Dylan's probably my favorite vocalist ever, strictly from the standpoint of how it sounds.

As for studio recodings, though, Plant does kick excruciating ass and I wouldn't have a problem saying he's better than Mercury in the studio. Just because Mercury does a lot of harmonies with himself doesn't make him great. I'm a fan of both of them and they were both masters. I don't frankly care who's better anymore.