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Back in the late 1960s a young Robert Plant sang in an experimental blues group called Band of Joy. Now, over 40 years later, the legendary ex Led Zeppelin frontman takes the name for his latest solo album.
Following on from Raising Sand, his multi-platinum and Grammy winning collaboration with American bluegrass singer Alison Krauss, Plant returns with a new and varied collection of songs.
His voice may not have the range that it did in his heyday, but it has a strength and a maturity that perfectly suits the moody and bluesy feel of the album. The instrumentation is generally low in the mix, allowing Plant to dominate in a manner befitting his status.
Plant co-produced the album with Nashville musician Buddy Miller, who also provides guitars and vocals, and the pair wrote four of its songs. The remainder are covers from a wide variety of sources, giving the album an eclectic feel, with influences from gospel, blues, country and soul.
The album opens with an infectious version of Los Lobos' "Angel Dance", which is the first single from the album. This is followed by the up-tempo rocker “House of Cards”, which has a feel of Page and Plant’s “House of Love” and new song “Central Two-O-Nine.” This one has a country blues feel, with its combination of banjo and acoustic guitar backing.
“Silver Rider”, the first of two covers from obscure US indie band Low, slows things down and has a dark atmospheric feel, with the vocals soaring over a building guitar sound. Coming in at just over six minutes, it is the longest track on the album and perhaps the best.
“You Can’t Buy My Love” has a 60s feel, with its simple, repeated lyrics and pop groove, while “Falling In Love Again” is a classic love song delivered perfectly in a soulful manner by Plant, aided by some fine guitar work from Miller.
“The Only Sound That Matters”, a lovely county ballad opens with acoustic guitar strumming with a counterpoint from the pedal steel guitar, Add in Page’s beautiful yearning vocals, and you have another fine track.
“Monkey”, the second cover from Low, is again atmospheric with Plant in mournful mood, backed by Patty Griffin. It has a gloomy, almost disturbing, feel to it, but the vocal delivery is perfect.
“Cindy, I’ll Marry You Someday” is Plant’s superb take on a traditional folk song, a bluesy arrangement backed by banjo and pedal steel guitar.
"Harms Swift Way," is a cover of an unreleased Townes Van Zandt song. Plant’s version includes a driving guitar line that makes the song appear just a little less mournful than the original, which was one of the last songs recorded by the great Texas songwriter.
The album concludes with the spiritual classic "Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down", previously covered by Uncle Tupelo, and “Even This Shall Pass Away”, which has a poetic feel to it. Plant’s vocals on this final track are strong and delivered with an authority that closes the album in grand style.
Band of Joy is yet another fine album from one of rock’s great voices.
Backed by a fine group of American musicians, Plant has delved into his musical influences to create an album more than worthy of the awards that it will undoubtedly receive.
Robert Plant may be counted as an elder statesman of the music world these days; he is 62 after all. But he demonstrates with this release that he can still show the youngsters exactly how good music should sound.
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