Raising Sand- Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

       Holy Crap It's already been a month since I have written in here...I apologize to all my loyal readers A.k.a Mom, Erin and Tina :) Suffice to say no music has really been blog worthy lately, at least not a lot of New stuff however, I think I will pull out an oldie just for blogs sake, it is a classic in my opinion and one of the greats. I referenced it in my first blog for The Civil Wars and I figured, why not show the people why it was referenced so...without further adieu (or babbling depending on how you feel about my opening sentiment) the album in Review...Raising Sand

1. Rich Woman
2. Killing the Blues
3. Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us 
4. Polly Come Home 
5. Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On) 

6. Through the Morning, Through the Night 

7. Please Read the Letter 

8. Trampled Rose 

9. Fortune Teller

10. Stick with Me Baby
11. Nothin’
12. Let Your Loss Be Your Lesson
13. Your Long Journey

There are duet albums and then there are duo albums...this album for all intents and purposes is a duo album. There is non of that "his line her line" nonsense that usually litters duets, it is two artists, both amazing artists in their own right, combing their awesome talents to make art for the ears.

Quick History time, Robert Plant is probably one of the most famous musicians of all time because of this little band called Led Zeppelin...maybe you've heard of them. "With a career spanning more than 40 years, Plant is regarded as one of the most significant singers in the history of rock music, and has influenced contemporaries and later singers such as Freddie Mercury and Axl Rose. In 2006, heavy metal magazine Hit Parader named Plant the "Greatest Metal Vocalist of All-Time". In 2009, Plant was voted "the greatest voice in rock.” (1) So needless to say the man is a freaking legend. 

Alison Krauss, his partner on the album isn't too shabby herself. "As of the 2011 Grammy Awards, she has won 26 Grammy’s making her the most awarded singer, the most awarded female artist, and tied for the third most awarded artist overall in Grammy history. She has released eleven albums and appeared on numerous soundtracks. At the age of 14 She was invited to join the band with which she still performs, Alison Krauss and Union Station (AKUS), and later released her first album with them as a group in 1989." (2) So I think it is safe to assume, chick knows what she is doing.

In 2007 the belle of bluegrass and a hard rock hero got a little push from music producing legend T-Bone Barret to step outside of their comfort zones and create a masterpiece. 

Each song tells a story and the intertwining voices of Robert and Alison lead you on the journey perfectly. Before I review the songs it is really important for me to note that this is not a Led Zeppelin album, so don't expect it to sound like a Led Zeppelin album. If that is what you are looking for then you will want to skip this album because you will not be pleased, however if you want to open your ears and experience something different than DO NOT miss this album. (Could I say album anymore?) 

Disclaimer out of the way...onto the review!

The album in itself is phenomenal, Robert's voice and Alison's voice intertwine together so seamlessly that you think they had been together for years. The distinct tone of Robert's voice makes the gentler songs feel like a lullaby but his ability to shift into the fast paced "voice of rock" reminds us that at 63 years old the man is still a freaking legend. Alison at times may seem a little over shadowed in the early songs of the album compared to the strength and distinction that is Robert Plant but she really knows how to shine and you get to experience Alison's power on a couple of the songs.

Which songs do you ask? Well let me break down a couple songs for ya.

Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved on) comes in at number 5 on the track listing but that doesn't mean 1-4 should be overlooked, however I am skipping to this track because it is one of my absolute favorites. The lyrics are simple but the fast past rhythm is reminiscent of Johnny Cash's early sound, the one that sounds like a train coming at you. Robert and Alison's voice blend together amazingly and the fast paced nature of the song gives Robert a chance to really stretch those vocal chords the way we love. What I like most about the song though is how catchy the lyrics are, like I said they are simple but they get the point across. 

Please Read the letter is number 7 and simply amazing. "Please Read the Letter" is a song originally recorded by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page for the 1998 album Walking into Clarksdale. (Robert and Jimmy's Version.) It was released as the second single off the album. Plant and Alison Krauss later recorded a version of the song for their collaboration album Raising Sand. The song was well-received by critics, and won the Record of the Year award at the 2009 Grammy Awards." (3) 

The song is beautiful lyrically and the harmony is incredibly haunting. I've said it a million times but the intertwining of Alison and Robert's voice is such perfection that it still remains my favorite album 3+ years later. The way their voices play off each other in this song when they sing the chorus gives it such power and you can hear the heartbreak in Robert's voice. 

The song comes across as very powerful because of the simple music backing it, the whole song relies on their vocals and they carry it very well. It is also builds up and so towards the end you actually feel kind of pumped cause of the power and vocalizing of Robert. (Seriously who doesn't love Robert's voice?) 

Normally I don't really go into music videos but for this one I'll make an exception, cause the video all though simple fits the song perfectly. To begin the whole video is tinted in a blue colors which always makes things more melodramatic, and it begins with Alison walking into the house to see a very tired looking Robert plant sitting at the table. Robert sings the first verse and it fits like a conversation between a couple that just isn't going to last anymore. The video is filmed in a big empty house and we see the couple move through out the house singing the lyrics to each other. Robert does most of the singing and his comes out like a plea to get back together, And Alison's sounds more like a plea to just let her go. I'm not gonna break down the whole video cause you really should see it. 

On Trampled Rose we are really given a chance to let Alison's vocals shine...and boy do they. This song is so hauntingly beautiful that it gives me chills just thinking to it. Her voice gives you the feeling of almost floating and when she glides into the higher notes it just adds to the allure of the song. It is mostly just her voice and an interesting instrument backing her (anyone know what it is?). You can picture this song in a very macabre setting with candles and dead rose petals. Her voice slowly fades out and creates an intense atmosphere. Definitely a song everyone should check out, because it's a little different than the rest of the album cause it is one of the few of Just Alison singing and it's a lot slower pace, but nonetheless still beautiful.

Ok, so the next song I am gonna touch on is Stick with me Baby. This song is 100% my absolute favorite song on the album and probably one of my favorite songs of all time, at least according to my itunes count that shows I've played it 110 times. It is a love song in it's purest form. The song stays so relaxing and mellow through out, there are no high notes or crazy riffs it is just pure poetry to music. The lyrics melt my heart every time, and much like the rest of the songs, simple but get the point across. Whenever I'm in a bad mood I just pop this baby on and I feel so much happier and lighter. Kind of reminiscent of an early Beach Boys song with those catchy words minus the whole cheese factor. It makes for a great late night summer song. I could go on and on about how much I love this song, but this is JMO and you should check it out for yourself. 

All right so the last song I'm gonna touch on is Let Your Loss be a Lesson. This song is another one staring just Alison and it is interesting because T Bone decided not to change the words of the song to fit that it is now a female singing because he didn't want to lose any of the originals quality. So at first listen you're a little thrown off by the fact that she is singing about a woman, but her vocal abilities quickly make you not care and the awesomeness of the song is not loss. It is another fast paced beauty and to simply put it, it's just fun. It's a fun song you're gonna wanna turn up and enjoy. 

I know I only touched on a couple of songs but honestly none of the songs should be missed. Overall it is an awesome album that combines rock with folk and bluegrass. Each song is a little different than the last, but that's what makes this album such a stand out album. So major recommendation on this album, every song but especially Stick with me baby :-D 

Thanks reading friends and tell me your thoughts when you've checked them out! 

 (P.S. In case you haven't realized it, the Red words are links so you can check out the songs on youtube or itunes)

Adele-21

1. Rolling In The Deep

2. Rumour Has It

3. Turning Tables

4. Don’t You Remember

5. Set Fire To The Rain

6. He Won’t Go

7. Take It All

8. I’ll Be Waiting

9. One And Only

10. Lovesong

11. Someone Like You

Ok, so I'm just gonna dive right into this blog today. Basically the only way you haven't heard of Adele at this point is if you live under a rock, which is really no excuse because her music is so rocking (ok horrible pun I know) that it would transcend all layers of the earth. 

The beautiful and talented Adele first arrived on the US scene in 2009 with her debut album 19. With her soulful lyrics and strong voice Adele won our attentions. Three years later she brings us her sophomore album, appropriately titled 21.

The first single was released in November 2010 to bring attention to the album, and boy did it work. 

Rolling in the Deep is by far one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. The lyrics, written by Adele, tell the story of a romance gone sour and though it may seem as if Adele is lamenting, truth be heard, she is telling the boy what an opportunity he missed out on. It's always great to hear a chick sing about a lost love and not sound like a wimpy, weepy female. Adele is not a damsel in distress and some of my favorite lyrics really show that she isn't messing around. 

Example:

Baby I have no story to be told

But I’ve heard one of you

And I’m gonna make your head burn

Think of me in the depths of your despair

Making a home down there

Cause mine sure won't be shared. 

That's just a little glimpse into the lyrical genius of Adele. What really makes this song shine though is her soulful voice with one hell of a beat adding to the power. The strength in this song sets up the rest of the album, and while I could talk about Rolling in the deep forever (I know I repeat it enough) it is just a prelude to a great album. 

Rumor Has it is the second song on the album and the perfect follow up to Rolling in the deep. Like most of her songs it tells a story about the power of rumors and how what we hear may not always be true. The song, much like it's predecessor, has a very strong beat to it that has you tapping your feet in time with the music. Her voice sound fantastic, and the slight rasp gives this song a 1950's rocking oldies feel to it. The song starts off with a perfectly timed bass drum before humming vocals add to the power of the song, and then her voice starts and it helps kick the song into gear. 

This song is great, it maintains the power of Rolling in the deep while still being different enough to stand on it's own. The only downside to the song is at about 2:18 when the song all of a sudden slows down to piano and her own haunting vocals. Now I know many people may like this breakdown in a song, but to me it feels unnecessary. The breakdown has no real significance and just takes down from the power that is Adele. 

With that being said though, it's still a great song. 

Now, number 3 Turning Tables, is a much slower but beautiful ballad. The piano and violin give this song such a unique feel it's wonderful to hear the violin being used on a mainstream song. As I said, it is slower but just as powerful as the two before it and though I do enjoy the song, it is not one I find myself listening to as much as Rolling in the deep and Rumor has it. 

Gonna jump a round a little bit here now. Something I found truly interesting was Adele's desire to cover The Cure's 1989 "Lovesong". To be honest I thought it was a good cover, I know a lot of people hate covers, especially when it comes to bands like The Cure but for a soulful female british singer (I added femlare cause The Cure's lead singer was british as well) I thought it was a good cover. It kept that mellow, seductive vibe that the original contained and she still added her own flavor to it. You be the judge ont hat cover though. Adele's LoveSong and The Cure's LoveSong

Some of the other stand out songs was the beautiful Someone Like You. With the mellow piano and her haunting lyrics you can feel her heartbreak in this song. And since just about everyone has experienced their own heartbreaks it is nice to have some words to it. 

The whole album is chock full of great songs. Really there doesn't feel like a weak song on the album, but in my opinion the coup-de-gras of this album is track number 5.

Set Fire To the Rain is almost indescribable. While considered a "slow" song compared to Rolling in the Deep, there is just as much power to it. Her voice touches to the core of your being as she varies from raw and intense in the chorus to almost gentle like in the verses. What is so great is how she is able to transition so smoothly that you don't really realize it is happening. The verses bring a slow build up to her strong chorus. And of course the lyrics are phenom. In my heart of hearts I am obsessed with imagery, and there is nothing more beautiful than when a talented lyricist is able to paint an image with her words. 

The image that Adele portrays is one of heartbreak, pain, suffering and that of a woman scorned. Now, normally that is not a beautiful picture but with her lyrical paintings and powerful voice you realize you are listening to a masterpiece. 

Overall, I rate this album as a must have. There is not a song you will regret owning, but if you are not a fan of the album ownage then above all the other songs you must have Rolling in the Deep and Set Fire to the Rain. I promise you won't regret those!

Purchase 21 Through Itunes

The Civil Wars- Barton Hollow

 The Civil Wars- Barton Hollow.

20 Years - 3:02

I've Got This Friend - 3:24

C'est la mort - 2:30

To Whom It May Concern - 3:32

Poison & Wine - 3:42

My Father's Father - 3:21

Barton Hollow - 3:26

The Violet Hour - 3:26 

Girl with the Red Balloon - 3:50

Falling - 3:59

Forget Me Not - 2:57

Birds of a Feather - 3:06

Bonus Tracks:

 I Want You Back - 3:16

Dance Me to the End of Love - 3:08

Quick history, "The Civil Wars is is an indie folk duo composed of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. The duo met during Nashville songwriting session and formed The Civil Wars," (1). John plays the guitar and the harmonica, and Joy plays the piano and the organ, both sharing duties of the vocals. 


They released their album Barton Hollow on Feburary 1, 2011, so like I said fairly recent.  


Ok enough blabbing, time for music. The album as a whole is simply brilliant. The album falls into the indie folk genre but I feel like it can have a bit of bluegrass in there. It is very similar to an older album called Raising Sand, a collaboration album between Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, frontwoman for Alison Krauss and the Union Station. One of my favorite albums of all time, which would be why I was interested in Barton Hollow. 


 The combination of Joy's voice and John's is a great contrast to each others. Both are very folksy and soft, but her higher more gentle voice comes across as haunting compared to his lower baritone (? don't know the technical term for his voices' type, forgive me if I'm wrong).      The way their voices play off each other just entices the listener to a mellow mood and you find yourself wanting to do nothing but listen to their music. Each Song is just as beautiful as the last, and if you read my introduction blog you'd know what a fan I am of lyrics and their lyrics are amazing. 


In the first song of the album 20 years, it seems to tell the story of a lost love, perhaps waiting for him/her to return and unable to let go of the fact that is has been 20 years since they have heard from the lover. John's guitar playing on this song is so simple but so beautiful, the song starts with him playing chords that seem to draw you in right away, and then the vocals start with both Joy and John and instantly you know that you're gonna be hooked and if the rest of the album is anything like this song, you know you're in for some great music. 


The theme for the album is about lovers, which is set by 20 years and followed throughout the rest of the songs. It is a sad tale of love, evident in songs such as I've got this friend and Falling. And there seems to be some tie in between songs.


In C'est la mort (french for "such is death") both the guitar and the piano are being played for the introduction and the sound makes one think of an old music box, the kind you opened up and a ballerina or some figurine would spin in front of the mirror. 

Like this one

The words tell the story of two lovers and one of them has committed suicide, evident by the opening lyrics (Swan dive down eleven stories high). As the story continues the lover still alive is shown to be telling the story and tells his lover to not continue on to the "other side" with out them. The lyrics are beautiful and the musical composition makes the song haunting, but it is so beautiful it is definitely not one to be missed. 


Another favorite is Poison and Wine.  If you didn't hear the words, the melodies between the two voices and their separate instruments makes the song carry a romantic feel, and makes you just want to cry at how beautiful it is. Once reading the words though you realize how f***ed up their relationship truly is and that just makes the song even more beautiful. The building crescendo in the repetition gives the song an amazing quality that will truly stick with you after it has finished, and if you're anything like me you'll repeat it more than once. 
Side Note: This song had been recently featured on Grey's Anatomy and, I haven't seen the episode, give the heartbreaks of the show you can definitely see this song fitting perfectly into the theme of the show. 


 Barton Hollow the namesake of the album. From the minute the song starts with the vocalization of John and Joy I'm hooked. It has a western feel to it, and you can just picture a small Western town of the Tombstone era with a man wandering the desert knowing his fate ahead of him. He is an outlaw and nothing good came from what he left behind the titular Barton Hollow. Joy and John are able to paint such a vivid picture with their words that you can almost see an entire movie being made out of this one song. (Hmm....) The song ends after an amazing build up to the simplicity of just John and Joy's voices stating the chorus and it leaves you with a feeling I can't even describe. Good, bad...ugly? Either way it leads right into The Violet Hour.


The Violet Hour is entirely instrumental, something rarely heard on albums anymore and is absolutely gorgeous. The guitar and piano is breathtaking and it makes me want close my eyes and let it lull me into a deep slumber. These two have serious talent! It also seems fitting given the "story" they just painted with Barton Hollow. 


All right, so I'm gonna stop there and let you guys all tell me your own opinions. I'm obsessed but what are your thoughts?




 Lyrics to Barton Hollow
Buy Barton Hollow off Itunes




1. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Civil_Wars)

Introduction...welcome to my world

So this is my first entry, this is more of an introduction to what this blog is gonna be about then any reviews or what not. Basically, I am just a huge fan of music, all sorts of music. I believe that music is an essential part of living and with out it life would be miserable. In my opinion sometimes all it takes is a lyric, not even a full song, just a single lyric than can change your whole outlook on things. You can be having the worst day of your life and all you heard was that one lyrics and suddenly things don't seem so grim. Music defines lives, it's powerful and beautiful. It is is art in the simplest, purist form of the the word. We interpret it, we discuss it. We try and figure out it's meaning and we believe in it. If nothing else music, the words, the melodies, they become apart of us. Everyone has their opinions on songs, albums and artists, I'm just choosing to voice mine. Like I said, I'm not a professional so I might have spelling errors and what not, but if you can look past it then you might find yourself enjoying this blog. It's more for my own entertainment, and the entertainment of my friends and family and you might find yourself disagreeing with some of my statements. Feel free to post your own responses in the comment section, I am always open to others' opinions, however let's keep it civil. There is seriously no need to belittle someone cause they don't agree with you. 


With that said, I hope you enjoy this experience with me and we'll see how it goes? Looking forward to hearing every one else's' thoughts.