Song Of The (Time Period To-Be-Determined): Please Read The Letter

Let's just pretend that I've been faithfully posting regularly for the last few weeks, shall we? Good.

I discovered something pretty cool in my local library a while ago. They have a section with fully check-outable, truly listenable, splendiferous music! This gives people like me an opportunity to sample music we may not otherwise have access to. As I riffled through examples of jazz, classical, rock, and folk, I saw an album entitled Raising Sand that immediately caught my attention due to the name Robert Plant. For those who have ever gotten the Led out, you'll know that Plant was Led Zeppelin's bare-chested, golden-maned lead vocalist. Plant is the guy you hear singing on such tracks as 'Immigrant Song,' 'Black Dog,' and of course, 'Stairway To Heaven.' Plant and his fellows put out some of the most rhythmically-driven rock music I've ever heard.

It will come as no surprise, then, that what really caught my attention when I spied that random album in the library was the name that accompanied Plant's: Allison Krauss. This is a name which I assume more people will recognize (maybe her 20-ish Grammy awards have something to do with it?). Her work falls more in the realm of bluegrass and country. She's a gifted fiddle player and her voice is sweet, high, and pure.

Putting Krauss in the studio with Plant is not musically logical, but it's one of the rare 'what if' pairings that actually comes to fruition. And believe me--the album Raising Sand is no experiment gone awry. The musical chemist got this mixture just right. The voices of Plant and Krauss blend in a satisfying way that I never would have predicted. Though Krauss is clearly comfortable in the country-infused atmosphere of the album, Plant is by no means uncomfortable. He sings with great control and delicacy, offering Led Zeppelin fans a new shade of Plant vocals to enjoy. And Krauss is flawless, of course.

Among the notable tracks are 'Killing The Blues,' 'Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On),' and 'Please Read The Letter.' I've included the latter for your consideration in this post, and it's a pretty sweet tune. As you listen to the song, try to remember that Plant is 60 years old. Not bad for an old dude, eh?

I really like this album because it is equally complimentary to both artists. Krauss and Plant each have standout moments, but hearing their voices combine is the real fun in Raising Sand. I hope you enjoy 'Please Read The Letter' and feel free to let everyone know what you think.

Also, I just wanted to thank everyone that checks back on The Sonic Landscape from time to time. I see the counter at the bottom of the page gradually increase and I don't know who is following, but thank you. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the blog (other than posting more frequently; I'm working on that one), then please let me know and I'll do my best to incorporate your suggestions. So until next time, take care and thanks for stopping by.