Music : Raising Sand
from: Rounder
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0011661907522
Label: Rounder
Manufacturer: Rounder
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Rounder
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Sales Rank: 87
Studio: Rounder
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Editorial Review:
Album Description:
The musical collaboration of the decade, Raising Sand is the sound of two iconic figures stepping out of their respective comfort zones and letting their instincts lead them across a brave new sonic landscape. Despite hailing from distinctly different backgrounds, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant share a maverick spirit and willingness to extend the boundaries of their respective genres. This spirit, expertly honed by producer T Bone Burnett, has resulted in an album pitched three steps beyond some cosmic collision of early urban blues, spacious West Texas country, and the untapped potential of the folk-rock revolution.
Supported by the unparalleled musicianship of Marc Ribot, Dennis Crouch, Mike Seeger, Jay Bellerose, Norman Blake, Greg Leisz, Patrick Warren, and Riley Baugus, Plant and Krauss -- as both solo and harmony vocalists -- tackle an intriguing selection of songs from such tunesmiths as Tom Waits, Gene Clark, Sam Phillips, Townes Van Zandt, The Everly Broth! ers, and Mel Tillis. Raising Sand finds Robert Plant and Alison Krauss exploring popular music's elemental roots while still sounding effortlessly, breath-takingly contemporary.
The song "Killing the Blues" is featured in the new JC Penney American Living Campaign.
Amazon.com:
Perhaps only the fantasy duo of King Kong and Bambi could be a more bizarre pairing than Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Yet on Raising Sand, their haunting and brilliant collaboration, the Led Zeppelin screamer and Nashville's most hypnotic song whisperer seem made for each other. This, however, is not the howling Plant of "Whole Lotta Love," but a far more precise and softer singer than even the one who emerged with Dreamland (2002). No matter that Plant seems so subdued as to be on downers, for that's one of the keys to this most improbable meeting of musical galaxies--almost all of it seems slowed down, out of time, otherworldly, and at times downright David Lynch-ian, the product of an altered consciousness. Yet probably the main reason it all works so well is the choice of producer T Bone Burnette, the third star of the album, who culled mostly lesser-known material from some of the great writers of blues, country, folk, gospel, and R&B, including Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Milt Campbell, the Everly Brothers, Sam Phillips, and A.D. and Rosa Lee Watson. At times, Burnette's spare and deliberate soundscape--incisively crafted by guitarists Marc Ribot and Norman Blake, bassist Dennis Crouch, drummer Jay Bellerose, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Seeger, among others--is nearly as dreamy and subterranean as Daniel Lanois's work with Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball). Occasionally, Burnette opts for a fairly straightforward production while still reworking the original song (Plant's own "Please Read the Letter," Mel Tillis's "Stick with Me, Baby"). But much of the new flesh on these old bones is oddly unsettling, if not nightmarish. On the opening track of "Rich Woman," the soft-as-clouds vocals strike an optimistic mood, while the instrumental backing--loose snare, ominous bass line, and insinuating electric guitar lines--create a spooky, sinister undertow. Plant and Krauss trade out the solo and harmony vocals, and while they both venture into new waters here (Krauss as a mainstream blues mama, Plant as a gospel singer and honkytonker), she steals the show in Sam Phillips' new "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us," where a dramatic violin and tremulous banjo strike a foreboding gypsy tone. When Krauss begins this strange, seductive song in a voice so ethereal that angels will take note, you may stop breathing. That, among other reasons, makes Raising Sand an album to die for. --Alanna Nash
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
This is an outstanding album. Amazing blend of voices that I wouldn't have imagined. Best buy for me this year.
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Plants voice is breathtaking-better than ever; the music pieces are deeply soulful, almost spiritual in nature. The moment I cracked the wrapper and slipped the CD into my casette, I loved it.
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One particular reason this record is outstanding, apart from the tight band and amazing vocals from both Krauss (whose voice I've always loved) and Plant (who I've never been a fan of until now) is T-Bone Burnett's song selection. Specifically, his recognition of former Byrd Gene Clark's songwriting talents is on full display on two tracks, "Polly Come Home" and the overwhelming rendition of "Through the Morning, Through the Night". The latter was on Repeat for two days after I got this CD and it moved me the 50th time I heard it as much as it did the first.
Can't recommend this album enough. Enter with no preconceptions and find some spectacular music and performances.
Rating: -
Others have given plenty detail describing the album itself, how the pairing of these two artists works and assessments on the songs themselves so I won't go into length on those. What I will say is that as a hardcore rocker dating back to my concert days in the 70's, I didn't have the highest of expectations for this album. But, being open minded and having great respect for Robert Plant, I thought I'd give this one a listen. Boy was I pleasantly surprised by their end result. Although my wife isn't as open minded as I am and doesn't really care for this type of music, I can say the opposite is true of me in that I have listened to this over and over. I loathe country music but this isn't really country. I love rock music and lean more toward Alice in Chains, when I'm in the mood for something a little different but yet still totally enjoyable, this one fits the bill. It may not be for everyone or even for you, but maybe you'd be surprised like I was and actually fall in love this this album.
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I AM SO EXCITED THAT I BOUGHT THIS CD. THIS HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITE CD'S ALREADY.
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