Robert Plant | Alison Krauss – Raising Sand (2007-CD) - Review by Thom Jurek [paraphrased]
The collaboration between former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant and bluegrass star Alison Krauss may seem unexpected, but it proves to be a harmonious and effortless pairing in contemporary popular music. The key element appears to be producer T-Bone Burnett and the skilled band, including drummer Jay Bellerose, upright bassist Dennis Crouch, guitarists Marc Ribot and Burnett, and guest appearances by Greg Leisz and others.
The album features a laid-back atmosphere, characteristic of Burnett's production style, which has been consistent over the years. Despite this predictability, the material chosen by the trio remains engaging. One standout track is Sam Phillips' "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us," marked by a forlorn tarantella backdrop and Krauss' skillful gypsy swing fiddle. The emptiness at the core of longing, aptly suited to Krauss' voice, creates an organically atmospheric composition.
Plant's affinity for old rockabilly and blues is evident in the opening track, "Rich Woman," a swampy, late-night boasting song. Rollie Salley's "Killing the Blues" showcases the duo's shared sorrow, transforming a subdued atmosphere into a poignant experience. Gene Clark's tunes, "Polly Come Home" and "Through the Morning, Through the Night," add a haunting folk style and a wasted country love song to the mix.
The Everly Brothers' "Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)" allows Plant to showcase his rock side amid distorted guitars, providing a refreshing change of pace. "Please Read the Letter," a collaboration between Plant, Page Charlie Jones, and Michael Lee, unfolds slowly with Krauss adding lonesome depth. Waits and Kathleen Brennan's "Trampled Rose" stands out as one of the most beautiful tracks, with Krauss' vocals sighing into the rhythm, accompanied by atmospheric instrumentation.
Naomi Neville's "Fortune Teller" displays Burnett's prowess as a producer, blending Delta blues, New Orleans second-line, and Congo Square drum walk. Mel Tillis' ballad "Stick with Me Baby" and Townes Van Zandt's "Nothin'" offer unique interpretations, the former reminiscent of Dion & the Belmonts on a street corner, and the latter adopting a twilight Led Zeppelin style.
The trilogy concludes with Little Milton Campbell's "Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson," a jangly country rocker showcasing Krauss's impressive vocal imitation of Plant. The album concludes on a haunting note with "Your Long Journey by A.D. and Rosa Lee Watson," featuring autoharp, banjo, wooden bass, and acoustic guitar. The seamless melding of Plant and Krauss's voices prevails throughout the album, delivering broken love songs with different shades of meaning.
In summary, the unlikely collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, facilitated by producer T-Bone Burnett and a talented band, results in an album that seamlessly blends genres and showcases the artists' musical prowess. The tracks exhibit a range of styles, from rockabilly and blues to folk and country, creating a cohesive and engaging listening experience.