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 enlarge | Creators: Robert Plant And Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss
Label: Rounder
Category: Music
List Price: $18.98
Buy Used: $9.49
You Save: $9.49 (50%)
New (48) Used (11) Collectible (2) from $9.49
Rating:  507 reviews
Sales Rank: 78
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.8 x 0.4
MPN: 619075
UPC: 011661907522
EAN: 0011661907522
ASIN: B000UMQDHC
Release Date: October 23, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 507
 Contrasts Complement Each Other October 28, 2007
Kevin A. Freeman (MA)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
Robert Plant fans best forget the heavy Led and embrace the light Zeppelin as their man collaborates with bluegrass star Alison Krauss for a surprising set of mellow-to-upbeat songs that, after repeated listening, grow on you. Krauss's voice was new to me -- but, to my surprise, Plant's distinctive voice was, too, despite the fact that I'd heard his rocking tunes many a time. You see, it's like this: here Plant slows down, puts his cowboy boots up, and sings the blues, a little country, and even some early 60's rock and roll. Can you say "eclectic"?
Among the covers from the past are such diverse numbers as Gene Clark's 1969 wailer, "Polly Come Home," the Everly Brother's 1964 sock-hop rocker "Gone, Gone, Gone," and Tom Waits's mellow romancer from 1960, "Stick with Me Baby."
Although there are a few upbeat numbers like the opening track from 1955, "Rich Woman," and the aforementioned Everly Brothers piece, this album is for the mellow-minded who like to relax with their music by taking a rich, oaky glass of red wine in a dark room and sinking into the couch as it plays. Or, if you will, a hot cup of coffee to the same couch on a Sunday morn when the kids are out and the spouse on an errand. Sip it in, in other words, and swirl.
Remarkably, despite being from different planets, Plant's voice and Krauss's complement each other. Best of all is the glue that holds bluegrass star and rock and roller together -- T Bone Burnett (producer) and his band, the Blue Glow. They are technically and artistically perfect in putting new wrinkles in this mix of covers and new music.
If you're a Robert Plant fan who's set in your hard-rocking ways, pass. If you have an open mind and admire a singer willing to take chances and extend himself (with a talented singer/fiddler in her own right, Ms. Krauss), buy and savor it slowly.
Beautiful; a revelation! October 23, 2007
William Merrill (San Antonio, TX United States)
19 out of 23 found this review helpful
Raising Sand is an album I'll be coming back to again and again to savor its treasures. I rarely give 5-star ratings in these customer reviews, feeling that a product needs to be not merely good but remarkable to earn the highest rating. This new collaborative work definitely qualifies. And it's a collaboration of three musicians, with producer T Bone Burnett playing just as important a role as the two headliners. One of many things about the disc that struck me most powerfully the first time thru is the subtlety of Robert Plant's vocals and how well he harmonizes with Alison Krauss. For such a screamer, I didn't expect quite this degree of gentleness from Plant. The harmonies on slow songs such as "Killing The Blues" and "Through the Morning" are breathtakingly beautiful. Vince Gill has nothing on this guy! As for the incomparable Mr. Burnett, his contributions both as a musician and as producer and arranger are huge. Just listen to a song like "Trampled Rose" to hear what I mean. A lonesome dobro and shuffling percussion set an authentic, old-timey mood that perfectly complements Ms Krauss' plaintive cries, but the credits also list toy piano and pump organ as instruments played on the song. Those sounds fill in little spaces in the song, adding an extra element of atmosphere and mystery. Burnett undoubtedly also contributed heavily to the choice of songs for Raising Sand, a selection that travels through "americana" and many of its styles, from rockabilly to country, folk, soul and various other stops along the way. "A T Bone Burnett production" has come to mean a particular and significant thing, and this new CD is yet another addition to an already impressive resume.
What talented vocalists. What a gem of a collaboration. November 19, 2007
T. Smith (Charlotte NC)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Not every album I grow to love is a "love at first hearing" affair. I had heard great raves about this cd for several weeks and jumped on buying it when I saw it for the first time. That said, I was disappointed some upon first hearing the cd. Looking back on my first hearing it several weeks ago, I really think I was a little disappointed in it because--hell, your guess is as good as mine.
The cd is a multi-layered undertaking. Consequently, one doesn't hear the nuances immediately. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed hearing this cd more with each listening. When that happens, somebody is doing something right.
I've long loved to hear Allison Krauss. If there's an angel in heaven who sings better than her, then God better give me better heavenly ears because these will burst with joy. However, Robert Plant is the one who has pleasantly surprised me to more. As someone who does a little singing myself I can tell you at least two relevant things regarding this cd: 1) The best singers can harmonize well. Harmony most times is a lot harder to sing well than melody. Here we have two singers who are used to singing the melody. They blend together exquisitely, nevertheless: one singing harmony, the next time perhaps the melody. These two individuals can "sang" people. I was pleasantly surprised by the nuances in Plant's voice in particular.
2) The best singers can sing more than one genre masterfully. Robert Plant, he of "Black Dog", "Whole Lotta Love", and "Lighten Up" fame can sing country with the best of them. Indeed, by and large, I'm really not impressed with most country singers. If every one was like Plant though, I'd buy every thing coming out of Nashville. Country can be an awesome genre: Plant reminds you of that on this cd. In my opinioin, well-sung bluegrass and country is the hardest genre to sing well (with the possible exception of classical/opera.) The fact that Plant excels at it tells me of how extraordinary a singer he is.
You know, I'm going to add a third thing: 3) The best singers can sing in an understated manner (ever notice how the worst singers seem to do it "over the top" more often than not?) Plant in particular knocked the understated thing out of the ballpark. It takes some doing to compete with Allison Krauss on a country/bluegrass song. Plant does more than hold his own. He excels at it. So impressed with his singing that I often find myself attempting (emphasis on "attempting") to sing along with him rather than listen to Krauss' angelic voice.
Allison Krauss is her usual brilliant self. If you haven't learned to appreciate her yet you're either deaf or have been living in a hole somewhere the past five years.
I could say more but it's dinnertime. A great cd I look forward to listening to for years. Oh, one last thing: the last song is one of the most beautiful songs ever sung by human beings. Buy it and find out what I'm talking about.
Astounding in so many ways... November 3, 2007
James Wiehoff
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I'll admit it...when I first heard about Robert Plant and Alison Krauss collaborating...I thought...surely you must be kidding. Yes...I know art and music are not supposed to go in "boxes"...but even the most open minded music fan had to find this combo a bit unlikely. However, after several days of listening I am convinced I am listening to a truly classic work that will be talked about for years to come.
T Bone Burnett's production leaves plenty of room for the vocals to shine. The instrumentation is very lean but manages to set the mood perfectly for each song. His mix of vintage and modern recording techniques creates tracks that are at once familiar, yet defy direct comparison. Perhaps even more impressive is his song selection. Burnett's chosen tracks go back decades in many cases and are often most beautiful in their simplicity. It adds to sense that this brilliant record could have been produced this year...or 50 years ago...with the same stunning result.
Alison Krauss is outstanding as always. As a big AKUS fan, I was happy to hear her explore some new ranges but also bring the sweet, airy bluegrass voice I know and love. To say she sings like an angel still doesn't describe how amazing her voice is in its ability to be soft, vulnerable, dynamic, and effortlessly controlled at the same time. To hear Alison Krauss sing is to be blessed.
However, having said all that, my highest admiration in this project is for Robert Plant. I would have never imagined he could cover the range of material found on `Raising Sand'...but he does...and does it well. The edge is still there when needed but more impressive to me is the depth and sincerity that comes through in a stone cold country song like `Through the Morning, Through the Night' and the traditional bluegrass gospel track `Your Long Journey'. There is not one moment of artificial twang or ever a sense that Robert is out of his element. The tone is one of a man who has found his new muse and it fits him just fine.
If the purpose of art is to stir the emotions, then Raising Sand is art of the highest caliber. From melancholy to hopeful and points in between, it moves you without seeming contrived to do so. If you don't get occasional goose bumps while listening, you may need to check your pulse. This unusual and wonderful collaboration leads me to predict that next year you will see the lead singer of Led Zeppelin and the angel of bluegrass cross the stage at the CMA to pick up country music album of the year. (Now be honest...did you ever think you would see that in print???)
Stellar Collaboration - A Must Buy! November 5, 2007
David Lusher (London England)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
First of all, this is a truly great collection of songs. The arrangements are all superb, delivering an irresistible blend of country and rock. I love the musicianship on this album and the combination of these stellar voices works really well. Alison Krauss is a remarkable talent and Robert Plant shows that he still has the quality and dexterity to deliver magical vocal performances. We know we are in for something special from the very first track ('Rich Woman') which is a swampy stomp with a lovely reverb guitar reminiscent of Roy Orbison or Chris Isaak. The next track ('Killing the Blues') is a great country song and the vocal harmony is just to die for - superb! And it just keeps getting better. There is a lot to enjoy here and even if you're not really a fan of either artist, or are unsure about the collaboration, this album is definitely worth taking a chance on - it is unlikely to disappoint. This is quality country rock along the lines of some of the modern country music around today from the likes of Howe Gelb, Calexico or Iron & Wine.
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