CD Review - Raising Sand, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

[Krayy]

Where to begin...

I saw the video for the single "Gone, Gone, Gone" on C4 and was immediately hooked. Robert Plant needs no introduction, but my only previous exposure to Alison Krauss was on the "Oh brother, where art thou" soundtrack. With 2 such diverse artists I wasn't sure what to expect.

With a track list made up of (somewhat) obscure covers performed in earthy bluegrass/rock strains, this is music to chill by rather than dance.

The tone is set with the opening reverberating bass line in Rich Woman, and by the time the first verse is over, you would have sunk into the groove that will last for the whole album, save for the wailing Tom Waits tune "Trampled Rose". The duets in the tracks are extremely well balanced, but each artist gets to stretch their own range with the other providing a subtle counterpoint.

For those who think Plant's range is limited to the harsh Led Zep sound, the melodic and mournful "Polly Come Home" will lay your skepticism to rest, but if it's the angry Plant you're after, then "Fortune Teller" gives a glimpse of the old rocker.

Alison Krauss' solo efforts are pitch perfect representations of a vocalist at the top of her craft. The lilting "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us" shows her ample range, but her choice to lend her lead vocal to the love ballad "Through The Morning, Through The Night" seems misplaced, as the object of the affectation in the song is a woman.

All in all, this album is highly recommended as every track, aside from the aforementioned "Trampled Rose", is well crafted and has something new to offer for every repeat listen. You will also find yourself singing along to most tracks after 1 or 2 listens and marveling at how even a hacks harmonies fit in quite well (in the helmet anyway).

It's on repeat in the cage, on my laptop hard drive for 1 or 2 listens daily at work and is in my phone for mp3 motorcycling goodness and it should be in yours too.

[Trudes]

Thanks for that Krayy!! I have looked at this album several times (being a HUGE Zep fan, will listen to anything Plant or Page related), but have always been a little put off merely for the fact I hadn't heard anything off it or any reviews, so cheers, may have to pick it up.

[Paul in NZ]

Buy with confidence - it's both highly rated by the critics and its a good album according to Vicki and the girls (I like anything with Alison Krauss in it). Its a little on the light side if your preference is proper bluegrass and to be brutally honest it's not as good as the Emmy Lou Harris / Mark Knopfler duet album that I'm guessing both ms Krauss and mr Plant listened to at some stage - but I'm biased..

Still - it's 1000 times better than that horrid Eagles album that was released at the same time...

There is currently a trend for established stars to issue roots type albums - long may it continue - for a real treat check out Bruce Springsteens 'Live in Dublin' - it is utterly utterly FANTASTIC.

[Krayy]

...There is currently a trend for established stars to issue roots type albums - long may it continue ...FANTASTIC.

Another remake album worth considering is George Michael "Songs of the last century". Grab a bottle of red or white and sit under the stars while listening to it and you'll know what relaxing is.

[Beemer]

I like what I've heard on the ads but am often disappointed when I buy an album on the strength of that, so thanks for the recommendation. Think I'll go and buy me a copy!

Every time I see the ad I am struck by how much Robert Plant reminds me of our neighbour, Davey Hughes, who owns Swazi!

[Hitcher]

I am a huge Alison Krauss fan, indeed I have most of her earlier albums with and without the magnificent Union Station. I am also a Robert Plant fan, so immediately my eyes lit on this new album I bought it.

I have played this a few times now and am disturbingly underwhelmed. I think it does neither performer credit nor does it highlight their individual talents or show listeners anything new in terms of the intermingling of their respective aural attributes.

The choice of songs is woeful. The listening experience is distinctly sub-optimal.

What were they thinking?

While this album may be a recording studio's wet dream, it left this listener and loyal Krauss fan unimpressed.

Further fuel for the addage about not buying any album one sees advertised on TV.

[Paul in NZ]

I am a huge Alison Krauss fan, .

Youre just big boned...

I know what you are saying but I still rate it as a worthy album - overhyped for sure but well worth the purchase price.

[vifferman]

I am also a Robert Plant fan

So, do you have "Mighty Rearranger", then? :spudwhat:

[F5 Dave]

So, do you have "Mighty Rearranger", then? :spudwhat:

Argh, just deleted my reply.

Oh well heres the short version. Bought it. Nothing like earlier solo work. Can't remember anything about it. Maybe I should re listen, but enthusiasm waning.

Also the CD cover doesn't fit nicely into the CD rack. Damn arrogant 'arteests' - what do they think we'll never want to store it? Mind you neither does 10,000 days (Tool) CD cover.

[dickytoo]

there is a dvd for the soundtrack for "o brother, where art thou" where most of the original artists who performed for the movie performed in a benefit concert. excellent viewing and great listening. she certainly has a great voice.

[vifferman]

Oh well heres the short version. Bought it. Nothing like earlier solo work. Can't remember anything about it. Maybe I should re listen, but enthusiasm waning.

The first time I listened to it (after a five star, glowing report from some music reviewer), I thought, "Wow! This is great!".
But it's a wee bit too polished and sterile. I still enjoy listening to it, but only once every six months or so.

Also the CD cover doesn't fit nicely into the CD rack. Damn arrogant 'arteests' - what do they think we'll never want to store it? Mind you neither does 10,000 days (Tool) CD cover.

Yeah, I have several 'arty farty' Cds with cardboard covers with pretty artwork. They have to live on the shelf beside the receiver - no where else for them unless I pile them up in a heap somewhere...