Raising Sand: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
 On Raising Sand, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss delve into both artists' genres, while also experimenting with entirely new ground. Bluegrass singer/songwriter/producer/fiddler extraordinaire (and 26-time Grammy winner) Krauss would probably not be the first person to team up with Led Zeppelin frontman Plant, but then again, Krauss has become quite the master collaborator. T Bone Burnett produces. 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. From the first notes of "Rich Woman" the groove is set and you know this record is going to knock your socks off. "Gone Gone Gone" is Elvis-style rockabilly, driven by a sweet, bouncy groove from the upright bass, contrasted with a growly electric guitar riff. Plant and Krauss' voices work together perfectly here. "Trampled Rose" sees Krauss on the lead vocals, backed by a very raw acoustic guitar track and a very atmospheric, new agey arrangement. "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson" is a catchy folk-rock tune where Krauss shows off the bluesy side of her voice and is backed by a very 70s-style rock groove. "Your Long Journey" is a little more quintessential Krauss, with lovely harmonies and a near-gospel narrative about losing love.
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.
Song List | 1. | Rich Woman | | | 2. | Killing the Blues | | | 3. | Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us | | | 4. | Polly Come Home | | | 5. | Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) | | | 6. | Through the Morning, Through the Night | | | 7. | Please Read the Letter | | | 8. | Trampled Rose | | | 9. | Fortune Teller | | | 10. | Stick with Me Baby | | | 11. | Nothin' | | | 12. | Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson | | | 13. | Your Long Journey | |
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