Showing posts with label robert plant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label robert plant. Show all posts

Outrider Review

Outrider
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For those dogs that like their Led Zeppelin without any frills, this is the bone for you. Years after the tragic end to Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page released Outrider to very little fanfare, but if guitar rock is your thing, then this is definetly one for you, not a single keyboard used, and don't let that fool you into thinking the sound isn't full, think again this is Mr. Jimmy Page we're talking about here. Jason Bonham occupies the drum stool for seven of the nine tracks, and a more than adequate job he does of it to, you can never compare two musicians fairly, but let us just say that his father would have been more than proud. To these floppy ears it's the instrumentals on the album that really take the biscuit, showing the likes of Eric Johnson & Kenny Wayne Shepherd how to play with flash but keep it interesting. Although all the songs sound as if they have been recorded by a band who've known each other for years, actually Jimmy uses 2 drummers, 3 bassists & spread over the 6 vocal tracks 3 vocalists, the very underrated John Miles (he of "music" fame) handles the first brace with his usual aplomb. Chris Farlowe ("Tears Go By", Atomic Rooster & Colosseum) takes the final curtain calls, when he engagingly stutters his opening delivery of "I've be a b-b-b-b-b-bad b-boy and I've been a bad boy all night long" you can actually hear him smirk & wink over Page's bleeding electric guitar, of course after this the lyrics descend even further into bloke rock, and the guys seem to be having the time of their lives. The final vocalist used is of course Jimmy Page's old sparring partner, Percy himself Mr. Robert Plant, and it's a credit to the other two that this song is not the stand out track of the album, I think that has to go to the 12-bar of "Prison Blues", if Mott could get his paws round a guitar neck, this is the way he'd play guitar, with legs astride, head thrown back, in front of 250,000 screaming women. As in the last quote this album may be a little self indulgent, but they sure don't make albums like this anymore, and to make sure it was just right Jimmy Page even produced the whole thing himself. If you still not convinced, try lending an ear to Jimmy Page's latest release with the Black Crowes where he revamps his old Led Zeppelin Catalogue as well as bashing through some old chestnuts. Listen & Believe. Mott the Dog.

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Japanese only SHM-CD (Super High Material CD - playable on all CD players) pressing packaged in a paper sleeve. Universal. 2008.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded Review

No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded
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The 1994 release of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant's "No Quarter" or "Unledded" was part of the MTV unplugged series. It is not a Led Zeppelin reunion, but there are plenty of guest musicians who shine, including Najma Akhtar on vocals and the Egyptian Ensemble, Musicians in Marrakech and the London Metropolitan Orchestra.
Rather than trot out the hits, Page and Plant chose lesser known and acoustic-based tunes, especially from LZIII, and did some significant reworking of songs like "Nodbody's Fault But Mine" and "Kashmir." The result is multi-textured and organic, with an outside feeling.
"Nobody's Fault But Mine" has a country flair, and although Plant's voice sounds strained, he makes up for it with effort.
"Thank You" is a love pledge ballad, and Plant's vocal in a lower register sounds better here.
"No Quarter" is really missing John Paul Jones. Page's guitar playing gets a bit creaky, but overall this song is effectively haunting.
"Friends" brings in some of the traditional North African instrumentation, along with acoustic guitar, and with this number the musicians start to sound more comfortable and relaxed.
"Yallah" is one of three new songs here, with soaring vocals by Plant, strong percussion and an exotic feel sounds like one staring into the desert at sunset.
"City Don't Cry" features more North African instrumentation, a one chord rhythm with strong percussion, and strong vocals from Plant and the backing singers.
"Since I've Been Loving You" seems kind of out of place as the only blues number on the disk, but Page's soloing is crisp and Plant shows some howl. Strings on the blues?
"The Battle of Evermore" is one of the standout tracks, with the instrumental backing, mandolins and outstanding female duet with Plant.
"Wonderful One" is ballad where Plant and Page weave their magic of vocals and guitars.
"That's the Way" is one of my all time favorite songs, and this version does not disappoint. Guitars and banjos and some of the most heartfelt lyrics Page and Plant ever wrote.
"Gallows Pole" is a great acoustic number from LZIII that gets a nice treatment here, especially when it picks up tempo and the other instruments join in.
"Four Sticks" also stands out in this set. It's one of the more obscure tunes from LZIV, but the rapidly strummed guitars, strings and especially the percussion make this an outstanding performance.
"Kashmir" fits the organic, exotic theme of this set perfectly, and while Bonham's physical presence is missed, he's there in spirit. The orchestra playing is excellent, and there are some nice surprises.

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Japanese edition of the Led Zeppelin member's 1994 collaboration album in a miniaturized LP sleeve. Contains 14tracks, including 'Thank You', 'Friends', 'That's The Way', 'Gallow's Pole' and 'Four Sticks'. 1994 Mercury Records release. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Now & Zen Review

Now and Zen
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First of all, if you buy a Robert Plant recording and expect it to sound like Led Zepplin, you will be seriously disappointed. Of course, that is exactly the point. Robert Plant wanted to be Robert Plant and not an imitation of his former band. After all, Led Zepplin consists of the creative energy of four individuals, not just one (even if he is the voice)! That having been said you may not know what to expect, that may be good or bad for you.
As for me, I particularly like Robert Plant's solo career. It is different. First of there are synthesizers, not overly domineering like on "Carouselambra" but definetely prominent. Second, the guitar playing is well more subdued and "lite" if you will, but at the same time extremely original, beautiful, and tasteful.
Now and Zen combines these two major elements to make a pleasent record. If you liked "Tall Cool One" don't be misled, the rest of the record does not sound like this song. Many of the songs are pretty atmospheric, with washes of melodic and haunting synths, and marked with tasteful licks of guitar throughout. On this cd are to be found beautiful laments (i.e. "Ship of Fools"), haunting dreamscapes, and even a few upbeat numbers. Yet, the songs on this record are consistently melodic and they pull you in with beautiful melodies.
If you are in the mood for some melodic music, yet not to hard, then you may enjoy this record. I am definitely biased and would like you to take a chance on it, yet what you hear may suprise you.

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The Expanded & Remastered version of Robert Plant's album, NowAnd Zen, finds Plant charting new musical territory. Marking his firstcollaboration with keyboardist Phil Johnstone, the album's classic tracksinclude "Heaven Knows," "Ship Of Fools," and the smash hit "Tall Cool One."Three bonus rarities include live versions of "Tall Cool One," "Billy'sRevenge," and "Ship Of Fools."--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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The Principle of Moments Review

The Principle of Moments
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It's unlikely that an album such as this is going to win over new fans - I'd guess most people buying it are fans from the past. So I'll address the three things those who are considering upgrading will care about:
1. Does it sound better?
2. Are the bonus tracks worthy?
3. Is the booklet any good?
Is the sound better? The quick answer is YES. However, it's a MARGINAL improvement only. It's much louder, so if you play your music with the stereo turned up to 5, then you might only need this disc on 3 (if that makes any sense). There is EVER SO SLIGHTLY more clarity, and the bass is tighter. However, probably only audiophiles will care. It is NOT a "night and day" difference. When you adjust volume levels so the old disc sounds the same loudness wise, the differences are very minor.
Are the bonus tracks worth it? Well there are four here. The first "In the Mood Live" is actually quite bad. Plant's vocal is out of tune on the harmonies, and the mix loses instruments every now and again, pushing the guitar to the back. The second "Thru with the Two Step Live" is pretty good though. It clocks in at 10 minutes, with an extended intro of more than 3 minutes. The mix has settled, and it's a good listen. The third is "Lively Up Yourself Live", a Bob Marley tune. This is a good song, and while Plant simply covers it (not major changes really) it's a fun tune, and it's done by musicians clearly having a good time. Finally, there's "Turnaround", an outtake from the original sessions. This is by far the best bonus track here. I wish they had put it FIRST among the bonus songs, so we could have enjoyed the sessions rather than have to wade through the live stuff first.
All in all, the bonus material is okay. The studio track is great, the live stuff is nice, but not essential.
Finally the booklet. They have taken the notes straight from the booklet of the box set from wence this came - they're not exhaustive, sadly. Still, tey beat the original release.
All in all then, this is a minor upgrade to a classic record. Those expecting something revilutionary sound wise will be disapointed if they do a close examination. The bonus tracks are't terrible though, and Plant is always great.

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Robert Plant's Post-Led Zeppelin Solo Career is celebratedwith an expanded & remastered edition. The Principle of Moments is acomplex and expressive sonic marvel. It includes four rare bonus tracks aswell as the previously-unreleased track, "Turnaround."--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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The McCartney Years (2007) Review

The McCartney Years (2007)
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New McCartney DVD Set for Release 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' LOS ANGELES, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- On November 13th, 2007, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' will hit the stores from MPL/Rhino Entertainment. This first time ever DVD includes the definitive visual collection of Paul McCartney's amazing career featuring solo music videos, career-spanning live performances, personal commentary by Paul McCartney and exclusive footage that tracks his incredible musical journey as never before.
Spanning four decades, 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' is a three volume DVD collection, featuring some of the world's best-loved music that has become the soundtrack to all our lives.
VOLUME ONE and VOLUME TWO contain the definitive collection of McCartney music videos. Starting in the 1970s with Paul McCartney's first solo single "Maybe I'm Amazed," the DVD includes the Wings promo video for "Band On The Run" as well as hits from the 1980s such as "Say Say Say," and the 1990s with "The World Tonight." It finishes with 2005's "Fine Line." The films can be viewed either in chronological order or as play-lists that have been personally arranged by Paul featuring his exclusive voiceover commentaries.
VOLUME THREE includes live performances taken from three classic McCartney live shows; "ROCKSHOW" filmed on Wings' 1976 World Tour, new edits of Paul's seminal "UNPLUGGED" in 1991 and Paul's now legendary headlining performance at 2004's GLASTONBURY Festival.
'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' is also packed with bonus features and extra never before seen footage and performances, including "Let It Be" from LIVE AID, archive interviews with Melvyn Bragg and Michael Parkinson, alternative versions of music videos and the full-length 2005 documentary "Creating Chaos at Abbey Road." Paul has recorded exclusive commentary and personal introductions for each promo video and each live concert.
This collection has been meticulously restored and all films polished, re-graded and given a new lease on life in Widescreen format with re-mastered stereo audio and for the first time the original recordings re-mixed into 5.1 surround sound. 'THE McCARTNEY YEARS' includes over 40 promo videos and over two hours of live performances.
DISC/TRACK LISTING DISC 1 1. Tug Of War 2. Say Say Say 3. Silly Love Songs 4. Band On The Run 5. Maybe I'm Amazed 6. Heart Of The Country 7. Mamunia 8. With A Little Luck 9. Goodnight Tonight 10. Waterfalls 11. My Love 12. C-Moon 13. Baby's Request 14. Hi Hi Hi 15. Ebony And Ivory 16. Take It Away 17. Mull Of Kintyre 18. Helen Wheels 19. I've Had Enough 20. Coming Up 21. Wonderful Christmastime Extras 1. Juniors Farm 2. Band On The Run 3. London Town 4. Mull Of Kintyre 2 5. The Southbank Show
DISC 2 1. Pipes Of Peace 2. My Brave Face 3. Beautiful Night 4. Fine Line 5. No More Lonely Nights 6. This One 7. Little Willow 8. Pretty Little Head 9. Birthday 10. Hope Of Deliverance 11. Once Upon A Long Ago 12. All My Trials 13. Brown-Eyed Handsome Man 14. Press 15. No Other Baby 16. Off The Ground 17. Biker Like An Icon 18. Spies Like Us 19. Put It There 20. Figure Of Eight 21. C'Mon People Extras 1. Parkinson 2. So Bad 3. Creating Chaos At Abbey Road
DISC 3 Rock Show 1. Venus And Mars 2. Rock Show 3. Jet 4. Maybe I'm Amazed 5. Lady Madonna 6. Listen To What The Man Said 7. Bluebird MTV Unplugged 8. I Lost My Little Girl 9. Every Night 10. And I Love Her 11. That Would Be Something Glastonbury 12. Jet 13. Flaming Pie 14. Let Me Roll It 15. Blackbird 16. Band On The Run 17. Back In The USSR 18. Live And Let Die 19. Hey Jude 20. Yesterday 21. Helter Skelter 22. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Extras 1. Live Aid 2. The Superbowl XXIV
Check out www.paulmccartney.com for the latest news and information.

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MCCARTNEY YEARS - DVD Movie

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Walking Into Clarksdale Review

Walking Into Clarksdale
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When I first heard Jimmy and Robert were producing original material together for the first time since the break-up of the mighty Led Zeppelin, I winced. After all, we've seen the old-rockers-try-again formula before, and it usually doesn't work. But Plant and Page avoid that pitfall with a meticulously crafted album that shows they still care. Radio hit "Most High" takes the long-standing interest in Middle Eastern sounds to new heights, while "Please Read the Letter" and the title track experiment with very cool arrangements and innovative structures. "When the World Was Young" is one of the more vibrant and complete tracks. "Upon a Golden Horse" and "Burning Up" rock, though Robert's voice shows a little wear here and there. Most Zeppelin moment: The first touch of the guitar shortly into "Blue Train" - my favorite track -- is unmistakable Page, and the ensuing effort could be "Tea for One" Part II. Second Zep moment: "Shine in the Light" sounds like a cross between "Friends" and "Poor Tom," yet stands beautifully on its own. Overall this is not Led Zeppelin, but of course it could never be. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts though, and like Plant's own first solo effort, "Pictures at Eleven," this CD is not a classic but it's quite solid. I'd put "Clarksdale" above anything Page has done post-Zep, and right up their with Robert's best solo jaunts.

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Japanese edition of the 1998 & second collaborative outingby the former Led Zeppelin bandmates with 'Whiskey From TheGlass' added as an unmarked bonus track. 13 tracks total,also featuring the single 'Most High'. Steve Albini (Pixies,Nirvana, Cheap Trick,--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Mighty Rearranger Review

Mighty Rearranger
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I have suggested in this very forum that it is mystifying to me that people will fork over huge sums of hard earned money to see a middle aged rock "star" whose last relevant music was decades old (hello Mick Jagger, how ya doin' Rod Stewart?). That sentiment certainly does not apply to Robert Plant. He has never released a truly bad album and this one ranks with his best. There is not a bum track on this disc, and "Tin Pan Valley" alone is worth the price of admission.
While there are other 60's and 70's heroes of mine who have aged gracefully (see e.g. Van Morrison), only Neil Young comes to mind as being able to rock as convincingly thirty plus years into a career. Here's to another decade of great music from arguably the best rock and roll voice of them all.

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Robert Plant, perhaps the greatest and one of the most recognizable voices in rock and roll delivers MIGHTY REARRANGER, an extraordinary accomplishment from one of the most inventive, consistently daring and talented figures in contemporary music. On the album, Plant is joined by his band The Strange Sensation who worked with him on 2002’s Grammy nominated DREAMLAND and have been vital in the development of Plant’s musical growth. The record is an inspired collection of new songs that are raw and bristling with energy but also rich in texture and detail. MIGHTY REARRANGER recalls the drive and passion of Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin’s strongest work taking the explosive riffs, compulsive guitar hooks and mind boggling arrangements that Zeppelin is known for and infusing the music with the modern influences of Portishead, Massive Attack and Roni Size. The result is a sonic tour de force and one of Robert’s finest offerings to date.

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Robert Plant & The Strange Sensation - Soundstage: Live (2006) Review

Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation - Soundstage: Live (2006)
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I have been pleasently surprise with Robert Plant's work since he decided to carry on with a solo career after Led Zeppeling. He has not followed the nostalgia road trying to do do the same Zep songs over and over. He has explored his interest and vocal possibilities taking advantage of the moment. His last couple of albums, Dreamland and Mighty Rearrenger are true gems. These albums have been covered in this concert DVD.
The main let down... this concert is only a hour long. I was glued to the TV after a couple of songs and I wished it was not over while looking at the DVD menu and DVD package for secret extra bonus performances that I may have missed! I just wish some marketing genius will grant us a chance to hear and see more concert footage from Robert Plan in the future.
It is true that his voice has aged and that he does not seem to be able to hit the notes as in his 20's... but his performance does not ever tries to sell you his past but the present and he does so with an excelent band and a true and sincere performance!

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First ever DVD from Robert Plant. Features both solo and Led Zeppelin material, including: "No Quarter," "Shine It All Around," "Black Dog," "Freedom Fries," "Four Sticks," "Tin Pan Valley," "Gallow's Pole,""The Enchanter," "Whole Lotta Love, " "Hey Joe," and more. Filmed in Hi Definition on PBS' Soundstage program during Plant's 2005 Mighty Rearranger tour. Total run time: 66 minutes. Mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound.

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No Quarter: Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded Review

No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded
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I am very pleased with the reissuing of this CD. The remastered sound is a vast improvement over the original CD version. Page's guitar (especially the acoustic) comes off much clearer and more resonant (esp. on "Nobody's Fault," "Gallows Pole," and "That's the Way"). The electric guitar is less muddled as well. Plant's vocal singing is stronger and given more clarity.
Some new additions in this version:
a) The welcome inclusion of "Rain Song" -- one of the highlights of this reunion concert and beautifully done by Plant and Page, backed up by the orchestra.
b) "Wonderful One" is slightly different than the original audio version. In the original audio version, it starts off with the drums for several measures, then the guitar comes in. The original version is also shorter than this version. In this version, the song starts off with the guitar, Plant sings differently, and the song is slightly longer.
c) The song "Yallah" is renamed "The Truth Explodes"
I have a number of misgivings though about this new reissue:
a) It omits "Thank You" -- one of my favorite songs featured in the original CD
b) Why doesn't it include "What is and What Should Never Be" (which is featured on the DVD and video)?
c) Like other reviewers, I prefer the more familiar Zep songs than the Middle-Eastern music (even though I have nothing against Middle-Eastern music)
Other than that, I highly recommend this CD. You'll also love the DVD -- you'll get the complete tracks along with some new special features.

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Jimmy Page and Robert Plant changed the face of rock 'n' roll as cofounders of Led Zeppelin. The massively influential group disbanded in 1980 following drummer John Bonham's death, and Page & Plant pursued solo careers before reuniting in 1994 for MTV's hugely popular Unplugged. That historic session-which led to an international nad new studio album-became New Quarter. Page's guitar virtuosity and Plant's vocal mastery are potent as ever as they deliver thse inspired, reinvented, takes on choice picks from the Led Zeppelin songbook.

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Raising Sand Review

Raising Sand
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This is wonderful listening. Even more, it's truly significant. That's in part because of the reaction _ I don't how many times in the last few months I've read about what seems to "critics'' and others to be a truly strange pairing. Something like: "You'd never expect two singers so far apart to team up, but it seems to work.''
That's nonsense (except the part about it working _ it doesn't "seem,'' it's real.) That's because the "critics'' and others put music in boxes and can't understand a pairing of "bluegrass,'' (the quotes are intentional) and heavy metal. This is Americana, but Americana as interpreted by Plant, Krauss and T-Bone Burnett that transcends category in a way that few albums do. Look on top. How many different categories does it rank No. 1. _ Rock, pop, folk, international. That's what music should be but too often isn't because the folks who run record companies and radio stations want to put music in the narrowest possible category.
It's also a breakthrough for all three artists, including Burnett, but especially Krauss, who in her last few albums has boxed herself in with very nice listenable material that's too often predictable. A couple of the albums won Grammys(she has 20)and they're incredibly well produced and performed, but after a while one Robert Lee Castleman song turns into another and the effect is underwhelming.
On this one, she uses all her talents, even, perhaps even as the excellent producer she is _ Burnett clearly took her advice and Plant's on some of the songs. Her country/bluegrass fiddle turns into gypsy violin on "Sister Rosetta,'' producing a haunting effect that's rarely heard in this kind of music.
Beyond that, I've never heard an album where the voices blend so well that it's hard to tell where one stops and the other picks up _ Tom Waits' "Trampled Rose'' is the exemplar of that and the most fascinating and haunting song on the album.
But it's almost all wonderful and it ends with what sounds very much like a little game being played by Burnett and Krauss in particular. The last number begins with Mike Seeger on autoharp leading into a Doc Watson gospel tune. Seeger discovered Elizabeth Cotten, who was his family's housekepper, and he was one of the pioneers who convinced record labels to record roots artists, Watson among them. It's also the most Krauss-like _ it's closest to what she does, right down to using a gospel number to close her albums (and her shows.)
But most of this is totally new territory for both artists. Maybe Krauss should have gone there a decade ago or maybe the timing is perfect. It's one of the few albums _ Luncinda Williams' "Essence'' is another _ that can get away with slow tempos and minor keys on two-thirds of the songs and not sound repetitious or boring.
Again, it's most important because it defies category. Other artists are trying _ Ben Harper and Norah Jones, with whom Krauss guested on a Bonnie Raitt show/CD/DVD are mingling pop, rock, country, gospel and reggae (in Harper's case.) The more the younger generation goes beyong genre and into "just music,'' the better off we'll all be. (Uh, no, Plant, at 59, isn't exactly the younger generation, but he's been looking for new frontiers for a decade or more.)
He's also a Brit and Brits tend to understand American music better than most Americans. In any case, people like Mark Knopfler, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison and even Jagger/Richard stay away from boxes. (And, by the way, I just heard Krauss do a wonderful version of Winwood/Traffic's "I Can't Find My Way Home'' on XM) It was issued three years ago as part of a TV Soundtrack. So yes, she's known for a long time that there's a big wide world of music out there.
This landmark album makes that point even more strongly.


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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. 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. The song "Killing the Blues" is featured in the new JC Penney American Living Campaign.

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Band of Joy Review

Band of Joy
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OK, I'll get this out up front: I think this is Robert Plant's single best offering. Ever. There, I said it - and I can feel the psychic outpourings from a gazillion Zep fans already.
Of course Plant produced wondrous things in 'that other band'. I'm sure I could select any number of permutations of single Zeppelin, or even post-Zeppelin, tracks and put them together in a compilation that I rate higher than I do this. But, no previous, non-compilation, offering satisfies me in quite the way Band of Joy does. Perhaps that simply reflects the 30 plus years I've put on post the untimely demise of what to me was the unparalleled rock band. As one other reviewer has said: there was Zeppelin and then there was everyone else.
So what makes Band of Joy so pleasurable for me? It's a long list. For starters and in no particular order:
Track selection: I like the way Plant has delved into the archives and brought to us a selection of tunes that range from foot-stomping to dark and brooding. I can't fault it. He's introduced me to stuff I would not otherwise have heard and that means that I will probably go back to the source for some of it to hear how they have been reinterpreted. So, he's honouring us as listeners and those who have laid the way before him.
Plant's voice: Of course his has always been one of the great distinctive rock voices. At 62 though we can't expect the wail of the Immigrant Song. On this album his voice ranges from playful to introspective and at all times he sounds completely in control of it. He does give us the occasional peek back to signature notes from his career but this is a wonderfully assured mature voice. He seems an artist who has absolutely nothing left to prove and is revelling in the artistic freedom that gives him.
Musicianship: With the exception of Buddy Miller, I was not aware of any of the other instrumentalists on this album. Of course, RP has worked with the best in his time. These guys all live up to the standards one would expect. Plant's own comments sum them up: "The musicianship of these guys is almost frightening, singing with them, I'm just sliding down the rigging with a knife in my teeth, trying to make off with a few experiences. Sometimes I think I should just be helping out in catering."
Patty Griffin: long one of my favourite singer-songwriters Griffin brings an other worldliness to Band of Joy. Make no mistake, this is not an album of duets. Rather she adds a depth, complexity and richness to the sound that is almost instrumental. Having heard it I struggle to imagine the album without it.
I'm hard pressed to single out favourites from this album. There's certainly no tracks that on the umpteenth listening I'm hitting the skip track button on. If pushed I would pick 'Central Two-O-Nine'; 'Silver Rider'; 'Falling in Love Again'; 'The Only Sound That Matters'; 'Monkey'; and 'Harm's Swift Way' but that list might change tomorrow.
I'm fascinated to hear where Plant goes next. I could care less whether Zeppelin reunites - we have a wonderful archival history to draw from. In the liner notes to Band of Joy Plant gives gratitude to David Rawlings and Gillian Welch for kindness and hospitality. A collaboration with that couple would be fascinating.

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2011 GRAMMY NOMINEE: BEST SOLO ROCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE & BEST AMERICANA ALBUM Robert Plant's Band of Joy reflects his unquenchable thirst for new songs and new sounds. Not satisfied with his stature as one of the great innovators and heroes of pop music, he continues to let his curiosity guide him to unexplored territory. Building on the roots-imbued sound he achieved with Alison Krauss on the wildly successful Raising Sand, Plant's song selection and incomparable vocals make Band of Joy a new triumph.

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No Quarter - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded (1994) Review

No Quarter - Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded (1994)
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Ex-Led Zeppelin vocalist and lyricist Robert Plant always said that the true spirit of Led Zeppelin as represented within a single song was more evident in "Kashmir" than it was in AOR standby classic tracks like "Rock & Roll" and "Black Dog"; the notion that a hard rock blues-based band of English white boys who practically invented the heavy metal music genre could in fact be considered the godfathers of "World Beat" music a full generation before Peter Gabriel came along is conveniently overlooked by Western rock music fans, as is the notion that the principles of Eastern music (in terms of Indian and Arabic theories and applications) were far more prevalent within Led Zeppelin's work than that of the Beatles, typically more associated with Indian music thanks to George Harrison's association with Ravi Shankar.
This outstanding live performance recorded 10 years ago as of this writing is a fantastic example of Plant's opinion and the Led Zeppelin vision of musical exploration gloriously realized. As detailed within the interview included with this DVD's bonus features, Plant and guitarist/co-songwriter Jimmy Page chose a set that lent itself well to a broad interpretation and that reflected less the brute force of the riff-driven heavy metal classic tracks that permeate albums such as "Led Zeppelin II" and their self-titled 4th album (although "Four Sticks" and a wild reinterpretation of "When The Levee Breaks" are included) and more of the songs crafted as introspective compostions from "Led Zeppelin III" and "Houses Of The Holy".
This is not Led Zeppelin in their prime; that would be "How The West Was Won". And in truth John Paul Jones' absence is much lamented by this listener as he may well have been the best musician in the band and was the unifying force keeping them together during their last years...but the musicians filling in for him and the late John Bonham are certainly competant and their absence tugs at the sentiment of the heart rather than the sensitivity of the ear.
But for me the accompanying musicians are what really makes this set go. This is not a case of adding an extra guitarist (i.e., Pat Smear from the "Nirvana: MTV Unplugged" concert); the musicians added to this performance play every thing from banjo to hurdy-gurdy to native Arabic lutes, in addition to both Western and Eatern string sections as well as Arabic percussion specialists. The culmination of the meshing of musical talents and the melding of musical sensibilities is no better realized than in the epic performance of "Kashmir", my personal favorite Led Zeppelin song (and perhaps my favorite song by any performer). The song is hardly recognizable as the 8-plus minute classic rock radio staple; it has instead become the living embodiment of the spirit of the band and with its new energy surpasses the original studio recording whose orchestral sounds were generated from an early synthesizer (by John Paul Jones); the energy and the determination exhibited by the lead and supporting musicians during its performance is thoroughly inspiring and worthy of one of the finest performances in contemporary rock history.
This is a tremendous sampling of a band broken down to its most musical elements. Not specifically rock, folk, or even acoustic. Just evidence of the work of one of the finest bands to ever record. All the elements are there; you owe it to yourself to partake of them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: No Quarter - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant Unledded (1994)

Performing with the London Metropolitan Orchestra in 1994, Unledded documents the much-heralded reunion of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. Among the songs performed are reworked versions of many Zeppelin favorites, including "The Battle of Evermore," "Gallows Pole," and "Kashmir," along with four new songs, such as "Yallah" and "Wonderful One." The platinum-selling Unledded cd heralded a new era or renewed popularity. Released now for the very first time on DVD, Unledded is the DVD Led Zeppelin fans have been waiting for. Track Listing: No Quarter Thank You What is And What Should Never Be The Battle of Evermore Gallows Pole Nobody's Fault But Mine City Don't Cry The Truth Explodes Wah Wah When the Levee Breaks Wonderful One Since I've Been Loving You The Rain Song That's The Way Four Sticks Friends Kashmir

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