Raise the Roof
This is the 2nd EP released by Robert Plant and Alisson Krauss, following on 14 years later from their immensely well received debut, Raising Sand. A few years back, I read a biography on Robert Plant and in it he talked about how Raising Sand had captured lightening in a bottle, and the reason he and Krauss didn’t record another album soon after, was because they weren’t convinced it would be possible to capture lightening again.
I guess that is, until now…
So the question is, 14 years later, have they managed it?
Picking up where they left off
This album certainly feels like it’s carved from the same stone as Raising Sand.
Most of the songs are again covers with the fresh sparkle that only Plant and Krauss can add. And with the backing of some incredible musicians, the result is pretty awesome once again!
But like Raising Sand, it did take a few listens to really warm to it.
So a few weeks back and with wide-eyed excitement…
I put Raise the Roof into the CD player (yes I still buy and listen to CDs)…
Fingers crossed, I was going to be blown away as soon as I heard it... that I’d be mesmerised and enchanted…
But uh-oh… I wasn’t!
It didn’t have the instant, knock-out, smacked-in-the-face “wow” that some albums have…
However, like Raising Sand, it quickly grew on me, and is now one of my favourite go-to albums.
Phew!
Mixing Nashville with the Exotic
What I loved about Raising Sand was the other worldly feel to it – at least that’s how I hear it. Some songs have a strong Nashville vibe while others have a more exotic influence. It’s these combinations as well as the exquisite vocals of course, that really made this album stand out.
And it isn’t long before these combinations come to the fore in Raise the Roof. In fact, the first two songs, “Quattro (World Drifts In)” and “The Price of Love,” both capture their unique vibe with the former really feeling like a continuation of Raising Sand.
I would say however, that this album has a couple of songs that are a bit more mainstream. “Go Your Way” and “Searching For My Love” both feel a bit more generic in their format and style.
Their Uniqueness
Aside from the few mainstream vibes that feature early on the album, there really is loads of awesome music to immerse yourself in.
The hypnotic beat and sparse instrumentation of “Trouble With My Lover,” feature Krauss’ beautiful vocals taking the lead and an opportunity to really hear how Plant’s voice compliments hers when the chorus kicks in. Aside from the opening song, Quattro, this feels like where the album really takes-off.
“Can’t Let Go” feels like the stand out track on Raise the Roof. The two vocalists singing in perfect harmony throughout, all backed by the awesome musicians, have created a vibe that feels uniquely theirs. This is what I wanted to hear!
“It Don’t Bother Me,” “You Led Me To The Wrong” and “Last Kind Word Blues” continues this very cool theme. If you were itching to hear songs that remind you of Raising Sand, then these will effectively offer you the scratching prod you’re craving!
There are however, a couple of other songs that feel like they don’t quite sit right. “High and Lonesome” (the only original song; co-written by Plant and T Bone Burnett) is a great song, but has a different type of energy. As does “Somebody Was Watching Over Me.” However, they do offer a contrast against the general vibe of the Plant and Krauss sound that I find so appealing.
Maybe the album needs these contrasting styles to create the depth and space; allowing the other songs to really shine?
So did lightning strike twice?
This is a fantastic album and I love most of it. Overall then, I would say lightning was captured, but if Raising Sand captured lightening in a vintage wine bottle, then Raise the Roof captured it in a fine craft beer bottle. Still a great taste but less volume!
But what do you think? Which album do you prefer? Have I missed the point on some songs? Tell all in the comments below or let us know over on our Facebook page!
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