Random Thoughts: Plant/Krauss, Rush On Colbert
The other day Jack listener Davey C asked me my thoughts on the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss show I attended at the Molson Amphitheatre. Unfortunately the first word that comes to my mind when I think of the show (which, contrary to reports from The Toronto Star, was far from sold out) is boring. While it doesn’t sum up the entire 90+ minutes, it is the vibe I was left with. Here’s the thing - the duo’s album “Raising Sand” is a great listening experience, the perfect Sunday morning record. But does it translate to a live setting? Yes and no. The band was tight. When Plant and Krauss were onstage together, there was clearly something very cool going on. The two respect and compliment one another and their voices together create a unique sound. But too often throughout the show Plant would either sit in the background or stand offstage, giving the spotlight to Krauss. Therein lies my big problem with the gig. Plant should have been onstage for every minute of the concert - there’s no real excuse for him not to be. He’s such a captivating figure that the energy in the Amphitheatre noticeable dropped when he’d disappear. There’s no disputing Alison Krauss’ talents - she’s an amazing vocalist, and a decent foil for Plant. But one of them is The Golden God; the other, not so much. All that being said, hearing the two of them sing “The Battle of Evermore” was worth any moments of boredom I may have experienced.
Did you check out Rush on the Colbert Report? It was the guy’s first appearance on U.S. television in 30 years! Geddy, Alex, and Neil looked great and the sense of humour the band don’t get enough credit for was clearly on display. And for all you comic book geeks out there (I know there’s a few reading), keep your ears open for a quick Colbert mention of a great Marvel tradition. Drop me a line if you hear it! Check out the guys interview and performance below and then use COLBERT for your bonus code.
July 17th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I really like the live videos of the two together on YouTube. I find it weird that they weren’t together all the time at that concert. I’m a big fan of what they’re both doing here, they’re working outside of their career bubbles and that’s a good thing.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
What was the Marvel tradition?
July 18th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Colbert mentioned that the “No-Prize” would be in the mail.
July 18th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Rush on the Colbert Report was awesome! Did you notice they were still playing Tom Sawyer the following night…hahaha hilarious!