It’s the HiBob’s birthday week and you know what that means. EIGHT days of random photos to enjoy.

This photo was taken while making the “Please Read the Letter” video. I like it because of the fun and playful nature. The expression on Robert’s face says he’s having a good time, and he’s even gotten Alison to join in on his impromptu dancing routine.

By now we’re all used to hearing Alison Krauss sing with Robert Plant, but you may not have heard her singing Plant before Raising Sand. In 2004, she appeared on her brother Viktor Krauss’ Far from Enough album singing “Big Log”. You’ve heard Alison mention her brother in several interviews for Raising Sand over the last year.

I’m not generally a fan of other people doing Robert’s songs unless Robert is also singing along, but I do like this version of Big Log. Alison and Viktor do a pretty close rendition of the song. Big Log is a wistful, lonesome song to begin with, but Alison’s vocals make it seem more so.

To listen to Big Log click the little triangle. To stop it, click again.

Big Log Big Log

This video is from the Lexington, KY show on July 18, 2008 which I attended. As a long time patron of Rupp arena I’m well aware that this venue doesn’t often lend itself to good acoustics that you’d think necessary for the Raising Sand show. Kudos to Robert’s long time sound man for making the sound much better than I had expected.

The video is “Down to the River to Pray” from the “O Brother Where art Thou” soundtrack, which was also produced by T-Bone Burnett. Alison’s performance of the song was mesmerising as usual, and it was interesting watching Robert sing with the backing voices. You could clearly hear him in the mix, yet it wasn’t overpowering the trio. Great job on this one.

From where I sat, both Robert’s fans and Alison’s fans enjoyed the song. Overall it seemed like Alison’s fans also came away with an appreciation for Robert’s singing, judging by the comments I heard as I left the arena.