| Alison Krauss and Robert Plant "Raising Sand" Reviewed by Ceci Gilson January 2008 |
“Raising Sand” (Rounder) dwells in the realm of “Sit Up and Listen” to all who hear it -thanks to the unexpected alchemy of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss tripping the light fantastic through the American roots songbook. The genius of the disc lies in producer T Bone Burnett’s sparse rhythmic arrangements and the singers’ combined ability to ride the swells and sways with seemingly effortless phrasing and captivating harmonies. “Killing the Blues” is one highlight: poignant lyrics and stellar harmonies underscored by Greg Leisz’s weeping pedal steel guitar. Another standout is the broken-hearted ballad “Polly Come Home,” written by ex-Byrd Gene Clark. The dirge-like pace and glorious, spare guitar filagree (provided by guitar chameleon Marc Ribot) lock in with Plant’s dreamy delivery to create yet one more musical genre best described as “emo-twang.” It is Alison Krauss’s voice that anchors the project throughout. Singing lead or harmony, her high clear soprano is at times delicate and – for want of a better word – ladylike, yet grounded in an undeniable earthiness. She handles the range of material with unwavering confidence and soul – bringing to mind Dusty Springfield’s breakthrough sessions with producer Jerry Wexler on the similarly eclectic “Dusty in Memphis” (Atlantic, 1969). Just listen to Krauss swing through Little Milton’s southern soul gem “Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson” or her deceptively understated harmony singing that powers “Stick With Me Baby.” This is her vocal record – she plays fiddle on only three tracks. Robert Plant has somehow hung onto a melodic, supple voice despite his early days as a caterwauling rock god shrieking up and down the octaves. He admits he is somewhat new to harmony singing, but he wears it here like an old shoe. Sadly, on “Nothin,” Townes Van Zandt’s desolate lyrics get blown out of the water by chainsaw guitars, crashing tambourines and Plant’s now fully sleeping delivery. “Please Read the Letter” (written by Plant and Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page) adds up to the song you’d love to hate but can’t stop singing. The word “please” repeated ad nauseam in a love song just sounds whiny - but the hook is indestructible.
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