After a bit of deliberation, (on which version, not whether to purchase; that was never in question!) I decided to purch. the standard version, after all, rather than the UK hardback book-case CD w/those same 2 bonus tracks as Target edition. Reason being: 1 Lucinda Williams cover = VG; 2 would "plant" Lucinda too firmly in mind while listening, detracting from it being a Robert Plant | Alison Krauss record, for me. Placed *order Wednesday, order processed same day & shipped yesterday - they're in UK, so no Thanksgiving holiday - so, knocking wood, I'll likely have it in about a week & 1/2; I'm in US & that's how my orders from them, order to receipt, have been running, which I deem quite well. Anyone wishing the hardback book-case CD version w/bonus tracks - it's on Warner UK, not Rounder Records, *my fav. indie. retailer, Reflex Record Shop, in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, link below - has them in stock: I shop them online. Andy & Alan are terrific; if what you're looking for isn't listed, contact & they go out of their way to locate it for you. Customer service is outstanding & store packages very conscientiously to ensure items arrive without damage during transit. User-friendly webpage layout/design, excellent. I've been placing most all my new (not used CD) orders with them for the last several years. Reflex CD & Vinyl
Tour dates for the USA and Europe are now listed on their site. No Irish date - bummer. Only U.K. date is Hyde Park with the Eagles.
Very sorry about Ireland! Hopefully dates get added as time get closer though who knows where things'll be next summer... Sadly (though understandably) playing sheds it seems...the 2008 tour both looked and sounded beautiful so I do wonder if that can be matched in amphitheaters. I'm shooting for either Philly or Atlanta. Pre-sales start Monday: general sale next Friday 12/3.
I'm curious why you keep saying that. Given the 'sound' of the first two albums -- it seems like Lanois' aesthetic would be precisely in keeping with what they are looking for (even if its not where you would want them to land).
I enjoy some artists he’s helped redefine themselves or find a new direction but I’m more then over his sense of “balance” and clearly these guys don’t need any help finding their “sound.” There is plenty of atmosphere in their sound already. And yes it’s def not where I’d like them to land. Where I AM excited to have them land is right down the road from me to kick off next summer tour! Pull together a solid tour and issue a nice live album. Yes that’s where I’d like to see them land
Plant has played Ireland on a regular basis down the years in his various incarnations. I saw Robert and Alison in 2008 in Birmingham (UK). They skipped Ireland then too. Hopefully, the tour will be extended at a future date (Covid permitting).
Plant has tried working with Lanois but the sessions didn’t get far. I was at the Birmingham gig too, great night!
Finally listening to this now - what a difference! I've never warmed to Raising Sand at all and still don't enjoy the album, but from the first notes of this release I was on board. Absolutely everything feels superior to me, and while the production is still typically murky and even Krauss's usual crystalline vocals are somewhat smothered with a blanket, the compression doesn't feel quite as bad as the absolute mess that was Raising Sand and there's a very welcome bit of air. Not much, but at least I don't feel like I'm trapped and suffocating while listening to the album (which is how Raising Sand makes me feel). I come at this from the Alison Krauss side; I don't have any particular affinity for Robert Plant in any form, but even his vocals are enjoyable to me on this one. Song selection, arrangements, etc., are all much improved to my mind. Haven't finished the album yet (it's playing as I type), but I'm already much happier.
There were two vinyl versions of Raisin' Sands, one cut by Ron McMaster at Capitol and the other by Kevin Gray, the Kevin Gray cut had a sticker on the front cover saying .... XO∆E ‒ Optimized for Vinyl Release by album producer T Bone Burnett. XO∆E = CODE! I personally preferred the Ron McMaster cut! JG
Congrats on 2nd row!! I bagged tickets for the Cary, NC show mid-June. Some absolutely crazy prices as it's a pretty small venue from the looks of it: most reserved seating tickets started at a whopping $175! ("premium" tix went up to $425) Needless to say, we'll be sitting way on the side with a possibly limited view for a relatively paltry $80 a seat.....even lawn tickets were $60. Now let's just cross fingers and hope this tour actually happens !
This might be the Best Album of the year. I am sad it is not doing well. They waited too long. Interest in both of them, has also faded. I was asking my local store , who bought the record. He told me , no one but me , was under 50. And he ordered way too many. He also told me , no one under 50 , really cares about LZ anymore. Things have changed rapidly.
