Raising Sand

Raising Sand

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 musics 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 Nashvilles 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 thats 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, Burnettes 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 Lanoiss work with Emmylou Harris (Wrecking Ball). Occasionally, Burnette opts for a fairly straightforward production while still reworking the original song (Plants own "Please Read the Letter," Mel Tilliss "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
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Rounder
Manufacturer :Rounder
MPN :619075
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Rounder
Publisher :Rounder
UPC :011661907522
EAN :0011661907522
Price :$18.98USD
Lowest Price :$9.90USD
Customer ReviewsRaising Sand
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
This is an outstanding album. Amazing blend of voices that I wouldnt have imagined. Best buy for me this year.

It is good, but mighty slow
Rating Point :3 Helpful Point :0
I bought this DVD after hearing parts of it on Sirius radio - channel 12, and after watching the youtube interviews with Plant and Krauss. It is very polished and the two singers sound very good together. But I have to say that it does not exactly "raise sand." It is a very quiet DVD, and I kept wanting them to turn it loose and make some hell-raising music. It seems very conservative to me.

Buy it because it is very pretty- especially one of my favorite songs, "Killing the Blues" which they make their own. Dont buy it to keep you rocking on a long drive, or for party music.

Hal Herring

author of
Famous Firearms of the Old West: From Wild Bill Hickoks Colt Revolvers to Geronimos Winchester, Twelve Guns That Shaped Our History

Great listening
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
I have listened to this CD several times and I enjoy it more each time. Good beat and the having a male singer adds a nice balance to Ms Krauss.

A SONIC QUAALUDE!!!
Rating Point :1 Helpful Point :0
Subtitled...Plant goes terminally flaccid. This is drek, pure and simple. Im going to put on Pacific Ocean Blue and reinvigorate myself. Things do go better with Coke.

not my style
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :0
I love Allison K. Never knew Plant. It was ok but not what I expected and not something I would buy, had I heard it first. Gave it to my youngest son.

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