Finely cultured Krauss, Plant duo brings out best in Americana

Led Zeppelin co-founder Robert Plant and Grammy-winning record-holder
Alison Krauss have taken their profound understanding of rock, blues, country,
bluegrass and folk and released an album that is truly worthy of Grammy
contention for best album of the year.

In the album, “Raising Sand,” the duo grazes the emotions with the slightest
touch of instrumental texture and vocal harmonies while letting the gravity of
their musicianship hit hard. Krauss’ haunting voice in “Trampled Rose” induces
goose bumps while flecks of banjo keep the feel grounded in Appalachian
heritage.

Fans of Zeppelin will be pleased to know that Plant’s ability to stir souls is
still present. While his vocal quality has matured like a fine Cabernet, Plant’s
old style still defines songs such as “Fortune Teller” and “Gone Gone Gone
(Done Moved On).”

The album features both up-tempo grooves and stalking ballads. Minimalism
is the key to unlocking perfection in slower songs, which feature the best vocal
blends.

The writing and arranging are spectacular. Spicy elements of the revolutionary
rock of the ’60s, of the Beatles, of bluegrass and of the Allman Brothers all blend
to achieve a tasty end result.

The album tugs and thrashes emotions throughout with wicked guitar riffs a la
Jimmy Page and sick violin and banjo commentary, especially on “Nothin’.”

Plant and Krauss surely live up to critics’ expectations with this album and
most likely will please anyone with a willing ear, especially your parents.

Grade: A+

Download (don’t steal): “Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us” by Robert Plant and
Alison Krauss