New Robert Plant, Band Of Joy, Streamed For Free On NPR!

The only review I`ve read so far of Robert Plant`s new effort, Band of Joy, is Jim Farber`s leveling piece in the New York Daily News, Band of Joy Goes Down Like A Led Balloon. Fortunately, NPR is streaming the entire record for free until its official release next Tuesday. Thus, we can formulate our own opinions. Band of Joy is mainly covers, with Central Two-O-Nine as the only original.

I`ve experienced one short dash through the songs, and the most striking song (for me) is Silver Rider. What we have here is a return to Pre-Rock Americana, such as we had with Raising Sand, a most special record for me. This is primarily blues and folk, with lots of fabulous mandolin work by Darrel Scott. Country star, Patty Griffin covers many of the vocal harmony responsibilities here. Take a look at the tune list…

1. Angel Dance 2.House of Cards 3.Central Two-O-Nine 4.Silver Rider 5.You Can`t Buy My Love 6.I`m Falling in Love Again 7.The Only Sound That Matters 8.Monkey 9.Cindy I`ll Marry You Someday 10.Harms Swift Way 11.Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down 12.Even This Shall Pass Away.

So, let`s try to let this record sweep over us and give it some slack before we press too hard on the judgment button *(The Guardian review is positive). And afterall, Harm`s Swft Way is a Townes Van Zandt composition. Robert Plant is 62-years-old now and not the feisty rocker of his Led Zeppelin days anymore. And besides, Americana is his preference these days, not British Rock. Once again, Silver Rider blows me away as the best track. Take a listen!

Related posts:

1. Puerto Rican Band, Calle 13, Will Appear at Coachella on Friday
2. French Pop Band Phoenix Makes A Splash With “Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix”!
3. Was LOVE`s “Forever Changes” a Last Hurrah for the ‘Summer of Love’?
4. The Blues Myth To Perfection With Robert Johnson!
5. Big Band & Classic Jazz, Hosted by Thomas Durnin on KOOP 91.7