ROBERT PLANT NEW ALBUM PREVIEW
Robert Plant’s forthcoming new album, Band Of Joy was premiered at a press launch in London on June 1st. Robert made a brief appearance at the launch – commenting on the album he said ”Band of Joy’ was an appropriate title for an amazing group of people who had nothing to lose,”
The track listing includes Angel Dance, Silver Rider, I’m Falling in Love Again, You Can’t Buy Me Love, Monkey, Satan Your Kingdom, Must Come Down and Even This Shall Pass Away. The album is due for release in September.
Below is a review from Billboard’s Richard Smirke and further reports can be found over at Led Zeppelin news.com
Robert Plant Premieres New Album In London
By Richard Smirke, London
Veteran rocker Robert Plant unveiled his new album project “Band of Joy” in London earlier today (June 1).
Speaking at a reception in events venue Il Bottaccio, Belgravia, which had been specially decorated as a rundown farm for the occasion, Plant introduced himself by saying: “I was in a psychedelic band and there’s never been a more surreal point than this one.”
Prior to the singer’s brief appearance, for which he claimed to have coincidently been passing, guests were treated to the first playback of Plant’s new record — the eagerly awaited follow-up to 2007’s “Raising Sand,” the artist’s multiple Grammy-winning album with Alison Krauss.
“Band of Joy” takes its name from the blues band that Plant fronted before he joined Led Zeppelin, although Plant is the sole original member to participate in this new incarnation.
As previously announced, Plant is set to tour “Band of Joy” later this year with a 12-city trek beginning in Memphis on July 13. Further dates are set to follow in the fall, according to a statement posted on the artist’s official website (www.robertplant.com ).
Universal is set to drop the 12-track record internationally Sept. 13. It’s U.S. release will be handled by Rounder, according to a statement on the artist’s website.
Commenting on the record, which was met with an enthusiastic reception from all present, Plant revealed that he recorded “24 songs in 15 days” for the record, adding, “The enthusiasm and rebirth of everybody involved was fucking phenomenal. It stretched us all.”
Similar in tone and instrumentation to “Raising Sand”, “Band of Joy” includes a series of knockout vocal contributions from American singer-songwriter Patty Griffin. Buddy Miller, who also features on the album, co-produced the album.
Darrell Scott, Byron House and drummer Marco Giovino additionally star on the record, according to Plant’s web site, although at this stage Universal is remaining tight-lipped about whether any other guest musicians contributed to the record or on what tracks artists appear. Universal staffers at the launch also declined to confirm if Band of Joy was to be considered a solo project from Plant or whether it is a group endeavour with shared writing credits.
Billboard.biz, can, however, report that the new record forms a triumphant follow-up to “Raising Sand”, replicating the raw organic sound of its predecessor while, at times, pursuing a rockier direction.
Standout tracks include album opener “Angel Dance,” a driving blues number, “Silver Rider,” an epic duet (probably with Griffin), which alternates between quiet relaxed verses and an infectiously catchy rock chorus, and “I’m Falling In Love Again,” a beautifully soulful country ballad.
Elsewhere on the record, “You Can’t Buy My Love” delivers a foot-tapping cross between Johnny Cash and Hamburg-era Beatles, while “Monkey” momentarily harks back to Plant’s days in Led Zeppelin with its potent mix of feedback, grinding rock riffs and deep bass. The wonderful “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down,” meanwhile, is a blues number which pushes Plant’s still-powerful vocals to the fore.
The album closes with blues rock number “Even This Shall Pass Away,” which finds Plant singing, “What is wealth the King would say/Even this shall pass away” before culminating in an extended instrumental outro.
“‘Band of Joy’ was an appropriate title for an amazing group of people who had nothing to lose,” Plant told the assembled media audience before leaving the room, declaring: “I’m off to make another one.”
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Dave, I just got this from Plant’s publicist. “House of Cards” is the song by Richard and Linda Thompson on their 1978 album First Light. Richard Thompson, a founding member of Fairport Convention, played guitar on Plant’s “Come Into My Life” on Fate of Nations.
Hi Dave
If the album’d due in September and he’s touring the USA – what about a UK tour? Any news?
Rumour has it that the Band of Joy might make an appearance at Glastonbury Festival. Not much meat in the rumour other than it being mentioned on the efestivals website, but considering Robert saying back in October “I’ve just been talking to Michael (Eavis, Festival Organiser),” he said. “There’s place for me there, but I have no idea who with. There is a chance yeah, but I don’t know with who.”
Fingers crossed
No worries, DL. Pure speculation plus a bit of detective work on my part – aided by Google, of course. Not backed up by any inside scoop or sources. The Nigel Grainge reference above was taken from a newsletter sent out by industry man Bob Lefsetz. Good fun, though, and as the great man said himself, in time, “all will be revealed.”
Definitely looking forward to the album and to the tour; however, I’m saddened that none of the album’s tracks seem to be brand new. I’m hopeful that Robert will soon be working on a follow-up to “Mighty ReArranger” while the Band of Joy is touring.
Billy
Some superb research there and many thanks as ever
Dave,
Some quick corrections and other possibilities.
It’s possible that “House of Cards” is the Radiohead song, not the one of the same title by America.
It’s also possible Robert received the more contemporary songs as suggestions from Nigel Grainge who runs a publishing company based in Los Angeles and is one of the former leaders of Phonogram (and perhaps most notably signed The Boomtown Rats). That would explain the inclusion of two songs by Low (and possibly the Radiohead tune) amongst the other more Americana/rockabilly offerings.
Many folks may be more familiar with Elvis Presley’s rendition of Cindy than the Johnny Cash version, and it seems more likely that Robert would be inspired by the former in terms of delivery.
The Sylvers recorded a great version of “Even This Shall Pass Away” – check it out on YouTube.
And finally, I was *dead wrong* about “You Can’t Buy My Love” possibly being the same as Loretta Lynn’s “Silver Threads and Golden Needles.” For one thing, I cited the wrong *Lynn*. It’s much more likely to be the song “You Can’t Buy Me Love” by *Barbara Lynn*, or at least inspired by Barbara’s version.
Love to Mrs. Lewis, and happy birthday to Sam!
Billy
I am excited about the new music. But that album cover. Oh man.
Well looks like “The Wheel Rolls On” Mr Plant just never stops does he? cant wait for the album, lets hope some UK dates are forthcomimg.
So it seems no new songs penned by Robert… Shame on him !!!
sounds very promising from the Golden God. Hope this will be released on vinyl…
It seems to be a very cool stuff, i do love nothing’s version of robert and alison from van zandt and i’m sure he’s just done another surprising strong work with buddy & friends.
september will be a wonderful month, and i ‘ll have the best gift for my birthday !
i’ m really curious to listen to.
compliments to this artist with a smart mind and to his american musicians for the brave choises .
24 SONGS IN 15 DAYS WOW that is really going some not many artists
could pull that off but as we all know ROBERT PLANT is not any ordinary artist,cant wait to here album and see robert again in the uk.
Dave,
Believe these are all covers, but happy to be set straight by anyone who knows differently. Here’s the track listing along with the original (or at least most well known) performers and/or songwriters.
Angel Dance – Los Lobos
House of Cards – America
Central 209 – Lightnin’ Hopkins
Silver Rider – Low
You Can’t Buy My Love – Loretta Lynn (possibly also titled Silver Threads and Golden Needles?)
I’m Falling in Love Again – Jimmie Rodgers
The Only Sound that Matters – Milton Mapes
Monkey – Low
Cindy, I’ll Marry You One Day – traditional, Johnny Cash
Harms Swift Way – Townes van Zandt
Satan Your Kindom Must Come Down – traditional, Willie Nelson, Uncle Tupelo
Even This Shall Pass Away – Chuck Berry
Love,
Billy
Ever onward. Got to respect this guy he just keeps exploring the edge of the possible. Do I want to see Led Zeppelin again? Of course I do. Will I gladly accept and appreciate whatever he pulls from his musical journey? Of course I will. Looking forward to the show in Clearwater Fl. in July. Thanks Robert.
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