On the Record
Allan Raible's Take on the New Music Worth a Listen
Allan Raible writes about music and the music industry. He is based in New York.
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Review: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' "Raising Sand"
October 24, 2007 3:26 PM
When buzz around this record started to circulate a few months ago, it seemed a little like a joke. Taking the lead singer from Led Zeppelin, a hard-rock pioneer, and pairing him with a popular bluegrass performer seemed like an unusual combination.
The weirdest thing about the experiment is that it actually worked.
Plant and Krauss sound surprisingly good together. They meet at the stylistic middle-ground of their influence, mostly sticking with a blues-driven sound. And their album is a well-planned collection of covers.
Those looking for Plant’s signature wail aren’t going to find it here. All throughout “Raising Sand,” he sings at a soft and gentle vocal tone. Only on the bluesy reworking of the Everly Brothers’ “Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)” does he even work up a little bit of a sweat. But that’s fine. Maybe less is indeed more.
The opening track, “Rich Woman,” finds the two harmonizing tremendously well over an echo-infused watery guitar part that sounds like it was lifted from a spy-movie score. They sound like a toned down version of the Raveonettes.
“Killing the Blues” is a sweet country number complete with slide guitar, where the two once again merge their voices together effortlessly.
For the majority of the record, though, the two remain separated, alternating as they see fit with the other providing occasional punches of vocal backup. Krauss’ rendition of Sam Phillips’ “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us” is a haunting track fueled by a slightly ever-so-uneasy tin-pan-alley vibe. Elsewhere she delivers more typical country fare like “Through the Morning, Through the Night,” and softy haunted blues on Tom Waits’ “Trampled Rose.”
Plant has his own stellar moments, all of them somewhat hushed. His stirring version of Gene Clark’s “Polly Come Home” is the kind of slow, sonic intoxicant you might hear playing in a road-house bar at last call, while blearily downing a last shot of whisky.
On “Please Read the Letter,” perhaps the album’s best track, Plant is actually covering himself. The original version appeared on Jimmy Page and Plant’s 1998 album “Walking Into Clarksdale.” This down-tempo, relaxed version is sweet, and Krauss’ soft vocal harmonies emphasize the song’s romantic sentiments.
The Plant-fronted cover of Naomi Neville’s “Fortune Teller” has a vaguely trippy, delta-blues funkiness. It’s one of the few tracks that really rocks out, ending with a rollicking guitar solo.
On their cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Nothin’,” Krauss’ fiddle is placed in front of a guitar wall, which sporadically gives way, making room for Plant’s deeply ethereal vocal work.
“Raising Sand” was produced by veteran heavyweight T Bone Burnett. Burnett is no stranger to bluegrass -- he was one of the driving forces behind the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack. He’s also made many records with classic rock stars, so his rootsy touches suit both Plant and Krauss quite well.
In all, “Raising Sand” is a fine record which will definitely find its niche. It sounds strange on paper, but on disc it is indeed a great combination. Krauss does some fine work and it’s some of Plant’s best material in years, despite his lack of venom. This is a collaboration worth investigating.
October 24, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (11)
As a huge Led Zeppelin fan, I was looking forward to this album; but I was afraid Allison Krauss might 'country it up'. Thank you for letting me know exactly what I am in for!!!
Posted by: M. Cooper | Oct 24, 2007 5:18:38 PM
The iconic/rock god singer of the greatest pure rock band in history, paired with a brilliant bluegrass angel, some combination. Because of the top-shelf talent involved I expected it to be good. I was wrong, it's spectacular. The chemistry is magic. I'm one of a billion or so people who will always have a deep and abiding respect and awe for Led Zeppelin, forever the untouchable kings of all rock bands. At the same time I enjoy a wide variety of other music from virtually all genres. This pairing is a wonderful surprise. I was so excited by the quality of 'Raising Sand' that I played it for a dozen or so family and friends, and so far I've not heard anything but praise. Trust me, this one of the better albums you will ever hear.
Posted by: Bobby Mushoda | Oct 25, 2007 6:58:03 PM
Best Album I've heard in years. I'm a huge Robert Plant fan, and I love the way he is always willing to challenge himself and expand. He is a true musician. Alison Krauss has an ethereal voice, and their harmony is perfection!
Posted by: Brenda | Oct 26, 2007 11:54:48 PM
Have any of you people ever heard of Led Zeppelin III? Do you even relate to who those people were as muscians? "Taking the lead singer from Led Zeppelin, a hard-rock pioneer, and pairing him with a popular bluegrass performer seemed like an unusual combination." C'mon, man...
Posted by: Jazz | Oct 30, 2007 6:02:11 PM
I agree this is one of the best albums I have heard in 63 years.
WOW!
Posted by: Wayne | Oct 31, 2007 4:38:01 PM
When I say this one on the rack I thought "yeah, right..." and passed on by. But a good friend was not as much of a fool (and a dedicated PlantFanatic who would buy a bag of broken glass if Plant had his signature on it). He bought the CD. I listened to it. I was totally, completely blown away. I could listen to nothing else for hours. Let me tell you, this is a pairing like no other. It is genre-defying and just downright awesome. I hope that there will be a reprise of 12 of this remarkable combination of magical musicians. Buy one for everyone you love. You won't regret it.
Posted by: Chip | Nov 1, 2007 9:46:40 AM
Music that you could sink your soul into. One could listen for years and barely just uncover the layers that make up this haunt. Music that is true artistry. You can tell that fame has not detered passion for their art.
Posted by: Michele | Nov 5, 2007 1:20:29 PM
It's hard to find your posts on the site unless I hit it on a day a new one is up. I AM SO GLAD YOU DID THIS ONE AND I FOUND IT BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT _ THE ALBUM IS GREAT - it's on my ipod and I've got copies in the cd players in the car - it sounds much better direct from the cd.
Posted by: Bill | Nov 6, 2007 11:15:30 PM
this album raising sand is perhaps the greatest and most important album since meet the beatles. every track is a pure utter joy. instead of listening to this cd hundreds of times and getting sick of it, the OPPOSITE is true!!!!! the more you play it the more you love it, like a drug. all songs are nothing short of musical genius,but here is the most incredible thing of all,out of all the songs plant ever sang in his whole entire life,POLLY COME HOME AGAIN is without question,the greatest song he ever sang PERIOD! think about how incredible that statment is, that's like saying this new song from mccartney is better than anything he ever did in his life including yesterday!!! on polly come home, the listener gets the feeling of smooth chocolate melting in your mouth as robert holds back his passion and slowly slowly let's it out,for the listener to be surrounded by pure and utter bliss. if you don't buy raising sand right this moment, your crazy!
Posted by: bernie friend | Nov 12, 2007 9:52:17 PM
Raising Sand is a triumph and should win a Grammy for album of the year. This is a stunning collaboration and hands-down the best work of Plant's post-Zep career. In fact, in many ways, it tops Zeppelin.
This album celebrates American roots music and includes country, blues, gospel and gypsy sounds. Standouts include Killing the Blues, Gone Gone, Gone, Stick with Me Baby and Your Long Journey.
The album defies genres and must be heard to be believed. It's a classic.
Posted by: Gordon Ovenshine | Dec 24, 2007 10:04:55 PM
A really fine record. It's nice to hear Krauss push herself in a different direction. I grew up on Zepplin, and it is a pleasure to hear such fine contemporary work from Plant.
The collaborative nature of this work reminds me of the stellar, now almost forgotten, Rough Mix by Pete Townsend and Ronnie Lane. If you have never heard it, check it our. A real gem.
Posted by: anjin-san | Aug 19, 2008 11:52:45 PM
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