Tech

What if someone tried to fix Led Zeppelin with Auto-Tune?

One of my big issues with a lot of contemporary music is that it’s perfect. No bum notes. Tempo is as accurate as an atomic clock. Vocals that are 100% in tune. Performances are tweaked by various studio gear to the point where all humanity is squeezed out.

But imperfections and mistakes can result in beauty, character, engagement, especially with vocals. I prefer voices with character rather than those which are pitch-perfect. Mick Jagger. Tom Waits. Eddie Vedder. Courtney Love. You have to wonder if any of those people could get a record deal today.

Let’s take Robert Plant, for example. Led Zeppelin remains one of the great rock bands in history with Plant’s shrieking vocals an import part of the mix. But what if someone tried to fix Plant with Auto-Tune?

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37868 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

3 thoughts on “What if someone tried to fix Led Zeppelin with Auto-Tune?

  • Yes let’s rob all music ever recorded of any warmth & human imperfection. After all with the current generations they were told all things should be perfect & now they can be.
    Everything is virtual & digital . What’s real mommy? Sorry no idea!

    Reply
  • I’m not tone deaf, but let’s call me ‘tone deaf adjacent’.
    I cannot hear the difference between the melodyne and the originals. Not a glimmer. The full robotic, yes and it’s terrible.
    I’m always impressed by anyone who can hear those sorts of variations.

    Reply
  • If I could ever have dinner with Alan Cross and Adam Neely I would lose my mind. Add in Adam’s mom and I’d probably just fan girl right and die on the spot. I don’t understand any of the stuff Adam says, but I hear it. And Alan is just a hero after my music nerd heart. Thanks for delivering consistently awesome stuff Alan.

    Reply

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