Music From Big Pink
The Band
1968
Album Summary
Music from Big Pink is the debut studio album by the Band. Released in 1968, it employs a distinctive blend of country, rock, folk, classical, R&B, blues, and soul. The music was composed partly in "Big Pink", a house shared by bassist/singer Rick Danko, pianist/singer Richard Manuel and organist Garth Hudson in West Saugerties, New York. The album itself was recorded in studios in New York and Los Angeles in 1968, and followed the band's backing of Bob Dylan on his 1966 tour (as the Hawks) and time spent together in upstate New York recording material that was officially released in 1975 as The Basement Tapes, also with Dylan. The cover artwork is a painting by Dylan. In 2000 the album was rereleased with additional outtakes from the recording sessions, and in 2018 a "50th Anniversary Super Deluxe" edition was released with a new stereo mix by Bob Clearmountain.
Wikipedia40. Music from the Big Pink - The Band 20 tracks. This seems to be a collection of tracks rather than an album. There is no flow. Some amazing tracks surrounded by some real fillers that detract from the whole. 3/5
What a rich and earthy album from such a mythic era. So much soul it aches. This is the personification of musical brotherhood to me. I think that most all of them share on the vocals is part of this feeling. It's funny cause many times I tend to shy away from rootsy music but this is the genuine article and I can't help but be drawn in to it. "The Weight" is one for the ages. Always loved "Chest Fever" too.
I've never been familiar with The Band but this really got me. Obviously 'The Weight' is a classic, but 'Tears of Rage' 'To Kingdom Come' and 'I Shall be Released' were also favorites for me. The whole album has an amazing feel, and it's wild to realize it was all recorded in just two weeks. || What really struck me with this album was the forging of rock, soul, and sorrowful old country western into an Americana Alloy. Its beautiful American wanderlust. I love it.
Very glad I had headphones for this album. Loved the way the songs built into The Weight. Especially on my second listen through. The story of both the album and The Band are amazing as well. The fact that both are considered so influential but take their name from the fact they were the backing band for Boy Dylan and then where they recorded most of these songs show the focus on the music rather than the marketability of the group.
Some nice jams but nothing more than easy listening to me. Their live video gig is class. Worth a watch
Loved how a couple songs were named for the idea, not an actual line or phrase in it. Took me back to the time when music was less succinct and more fluid. Sounded like it was fun to make. Easy enjoyable listening if you're in the mood for some older feels.
I knew The Weight going into this. I really enjoyed it. I don't really have a track by track breakdown or anything specific to call out. It just felt like a really complete record where all the songs were evenly matched, with The Weight being a standout. Very happy I listened to this.
I still remember my dorm neighbor bringing this album Bach from the electric fetus the first quarter of my freshmen year “John - check out this Floyd album I just found - do you know this one?” The album had been mistakenly put in the Pink Floyd bin. We immediately figured out it wasn’t Pink Floyd, but liked it immediately. Great album, and “The Weight” is still a favorite v
Very good. Wasn’t a fan of the first couple of tracks, but from the weight onwards brilliant
Loved every song. Beautiful instrumentation and vocals. Very pleasant record to listen to all around.
Classic album, warm and soulful and a delight to listen to. The Band makes it seem very effortless and laid back, like the album just emerged out of some jam session. This is part of their brilliance. This is a group of highly skilled musicians performing at their peak, clearly having a ball crafting music they love. 100 years from now people will still be drawn to these songs. Fave songs: Tears of Rage, The Weight, I Shall Be Released
An amazing debut from the little band that could These guys combination of folk and excellent vocals caused the whole late 60’s rock scene turn their head and look at what these guys were doing. Hell the album make Cream break up due to it being that damn good.
So far I only knew The Weight by The Band, a song I quite like. But it definitely didn't prepare me for what the album is like. It is lot more varied and experimental than I expected. Also, it was most likely absolutely groundbreaking at it's time. With one listen I couldn't quite wrap my head around all of it and wasn't sure if it's a 4 or a 5 for me. After a second spin, I'm rounding it up to a 5 from a solid 4.5 stars for the influence it must have had on classic favorites of mine, while still sounding good and interesting today. My favorite tracks were In A Station and the super trippy This Wheel's On Fire
This was a pleasant surprise. The album starts out beautifully. You get a familiar surprise by the song the weight. But that song just adds to the album. This album is beautiful and is now added to albums I need on vinyl.
I love this album so much. I had this vinyl for so long and it broke in my move from UT to CA and broke my heart. Tears of Rage and The Weight are two of my favorite comfort songs. I can’t say anything about this album except to say it is sacred and lovely and you should listen to it often.
The Great American Album. Name a better fit for that title. You can't. Best track: The Weight
Really well produced well very influential album. Last song has a great vibe and awesome organ sound. An enjoyable album.
Sounded like a group of friends jamming in the basement (because that's literally what it was). Thoroughly enjoyed it, musically & lyrically. Added.
Really good album. Good tunes all around, love the use of vocals throughout. Would like to have this album by a camp fire
This album is responsible for much of the trend towards roots rock and Americana beginning in the 1970s and as such its influence can be felt in contemporary music as well. To top it off, this album contains a couple of songs that were co-written with Bob Dylan thus lending some additional folk credence to what is already a genre defining album.
This is a great classic rock album that doesn't get enough love. I definitely need to revisit this and add some tracks to my playlist
Love it. I knew I liked The Band but been a while since I'd had a listen to them, never mind a full album. Very happy this popped up.
Some absolutely classic stuff from one of the all time great bands. I still like their second one better but what a debut.
Loved this! Listened to it twice over. Who can listen to ‘ The Weight’ and not spontaneously start singing along?
J'ai toujours aimé The Band.. J'ai découvert ce band au départ dans cette liste il y a longtemps et j'ai toujours adoré Music from Big Pink. Un vrai classique qui ne se démode pas et qui vaut vraiment l'écoute. 5
The combination of the lyrics versus the musical tones on the songs, the combination somehow leaves me reminiscing about a love I never really knew. Will be listening to this one again before the others. Just also noticed how older bands used to name their groups, "The Who(?!" And "The Band" . Who wanted to add emphasis and weight to their name. It's something I'll keep in mind when naming myself. Bob Dylan had good taste before everyone else lol
This is just... I mean, dang. This album feels so good to listen to. I don't know how else to describe it. The sound, the vibe, the musicianship is all so good that it's practically a mood-altering drug. There were so many moments where I found myself literally stopped in my tracks by a guitar riff, a lyric, the organ tone, or something else. I ended up giving up on everything that I was trying to do while listening to this album and just letting myself listen. Any album that demands my attention like this deserves 5 stars.
I wasn't a big fan of their second album, so I was pleasantly surprised by this album. Much more variety and just one good track after another. Outstanding musicianship and writing. It's very clear why this album is considered a classic. Favorite tracks: Tears of Rage, To Kingdom Come, Caledonia Mission, The Weight (absolute classic), Chest Fever (I wasn't sure about this one at first, but it really grew on me), We Can Talk. Really no weak songs.
I liked this. The weight of course being a classic, the rest of the album matches the sound and mood. Very pleasant listen.
Love this album. Especially the layering in both the instrumentals and the vocals create an amazing sound!
Starting to like the combination of rock and country more and more. This is something I would play on a lazy Sunday.
Loved this shit. Hit right where I wanted with a great folk-rock album. Favorite songs Tears of Rage and The Weight is a classic. I will definitely be re-listening to the album. Nothing that complex, just an enjoyable listening experience. 7/8. FROM HERE ON OUT ALBUMS WILL BE RATED HARSHER ON THE 5 POINT SCALE BASED ON HOW THEY RATE AS AN ALBUM SOMEONE NEEDS TO LISTEN TO BEFORE THEY DIE.
A lot of really familiar psychedelic, hippy cuts here Highlights: In a Station, The Weight Lowlights: Tears of Rage
I mean this album has, "The Weight," on it, so you know its a classic already. Levon and the boys in The Band always have those comforting harmonies and country flavor that a man of southern Illinois heritage is bound to love. I could also hear a lot modern artist that I like now in their music. I was hearing a lot of Grateful Dead in this record too, so I feel like even their contemporaries were inspired by The Band. My other standout was the ballad "Long Black Veil," a fantastically somber lovers lament. "I Shall Be Released," also struck a chord with me.
Really liked it! Very jammy, fun, and I liked how many people it seemed were involved. Many songs sounded like people just walked in, grabbed an instrument, and joined the fun
I was surprised I didn't like this more. I guess I'm comparing it to The Last Waltz. At least I now know The Weight is the name of the song about Fanny. I can now stop going through life thinking it was about Annie or Brandy. I also now know that the Nazareth reference in The Weight is to the US town where Martin guitars are made. I'm rounding up to 4 since the brothers are Canadians and Martin guitars are the shit.
Pretty good. A couple gems, a lot of solid music. Why do they sound southern, they’re not doing country music, is it like rocked up bluegrass? They relegate Levon Helm’s voice to the background too often. Lots of fun keyboard and guitar sounds. Not perfect though. Is the Band a Greatest hits band?
The band were already clearly very accomplished musicians before releasing their debut album, but here they really established themselves as a a proper a proper band/songwriters in their own right. At time is fells like their just having fun, jamming and playing about with different instruments and vocal styles, but also some incredible songs on here such as the weight. A great album.
Excellent album. The weight is a classic and makes the album automatically a 3/5. The cohesiveness of the album makes it great. Not really any songs worth skipping it’s an easy listen and flows nicely. 7.8/10
- sad this is the first time I've heard it - wikipedia calls it the father of americana. I can believe it. - real variety
JUNE 4TH & 5TH, 2021 1.TEARS OF RAGE- Great bluesy, slow 60's ballad. 2.TO KINGDOM COME- A bit more upbeat than the last track. The R-&-B influence of the music is beginning to shine through. 3.IN A STATION- Yet another great track emblematic of the era, the same kind of vibe as "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum and "Crimson and Clover" by Tommy James and the Shondells. Cool, unique instrumental accompanient. 4.CALEDONIA MISSION- This album keeps on getting better and better! Great piano work on this mid-tempo track. 5.THE WEIGHT- One of my favorite tracks on this album. Nothin' but bittersweet, yet good vibes from this folksy, soulful, vaguely-countryish track. 6.WE CAN TALK- Gotta love that organ. 'Nuff said. 7.LONG BLACK VEIL- Slower, bluesy, not too bad. 8.CHEST FEVER- KILLER OPENING! Sounds a tad "heavier" than the other songs (with those drums and psychedelic-ish organ and all). Perhaps my other favorite song on this album. 9.LONESOME SUZIE- Slow, melancholy type of song. I definitely don't dislike it though. ⭐10.THIS WHEEL'S ON FIRE- Definitely the most "far-out" song on the album. Pretty darn cool with a different vibe, and the third of my three equally favorite album tracks. 11.I SHALL BE RELEASED- Strong closing track to a very good album. 》》The VERDICT: Great album that should be listened to by anyone interested in C.C.R, Bob Seger, Neil Young and of course, Bob Dylan, along with late-Sixties music (and the era as a whole). Would definitely add it to the vinyl collection and listen to it again (and might enjoy it more the second time). ◇ RATING: 4.25/5
Excellent album. The weight is a classic and makes the album automatically a 3/5. The cohesiveness of the album makes it great. Not really any songs worth skipping it’s an easy listen and flows nicely. 7.8/10 Re-Populated Album.
really great album, my favorite songs are Tears of Rage and Lonesome Suzie. such beautiful instrumentals and lyrics, with a really fun album cover, this is such a cool album. I’m glad I heard this. i’ll give it an 8/10 for how much I enjoyed it, i’m not a huge country fan. The Weight had a nice chorus with the piano and all but i didn’t really like those verses, i mean they were okay, just not really my style. overall, the album is groovy as fuck and i’ll definitely listen to their other albums, and i’ll watch the documentary that Scorsese directed
Un disc que trobo que viu més del seu so, genuí i descarnat, que de les seves cançons. Per mi és la fita inaugural de tot el génere d'americana i brou de cultiu de centenars, milers de bandes que haurien de venir en el futur. A més, és clar, 'The Weight', 'I Shall Be Released', 'Tears of Rage'...
Another cracker of an album. The Weight is in my top 10 songs of all time. There are some real flashes of brilliance on here and I could easily sit back and listen to this any time.
This is bunches better than the self-titled one also on this list. Tears of Rage is very, very good. I looked it up and am reminded of a recurring observation: Bob Dylan should write songs and other people should record them. Recipe for greatness.
4.2 - "Lonesome Suzie" exhibits some of the strange alchemy on this record - the unique blend of different genres (country, rock, soul...), the ambitious vocal performances by non-singers who manage to carry some complex melodies while conveying raw emotion, the free and easy instrumentals by seasoned studio professionals. For me, what really sets this album apart and makes it worth revisiting, are the lyrics. There seem to be loads of biblical references that mostly float well above my head.
This album succeeded because the band consisted of five exceptional musicians. It boasted perhaps the best rhythm section of the era, powerful, solemn, exuberant and concise, one of the best ever. (7/10) FT: I Shall Be Released, The Weight
Bob Dylan soul with credence clearwater revival vibes. Nice Jam session-esque, deep lyrics.
Great album. I know the Band for their big hits, one of which is on here. They're a great folksy-rock band, with a lot of heart in their songs and playing. Nothing too fancy or remarkable about them frankly, but they're just very solid. I know there's some Bob Dylan involvement with this group but not sure how it manifests in the music. Regardless, I really enjoyed this and I wouldn't mind getting another from them. Favorite tracks: The Weight, Long Black Veil, We Can Talk, Chest Fever, I Shall Be Released. Album art: This is a cool one, and I've seen it a number of times over the years. Speaking of Bob Dylan's involvement, apparently he painted this one. Now that's some cool lore. 4/5
Good melodies and comp Interesting instrumentation "Tears of Rage" has unexpected modulations and chord progressions "In a Station" has a quite memorable refrain
Great album with one of my all time favourite songs (as overplayed as it might be) Fav Tracks : "The Weight" (what else would it be?)
A lot of really familiar psychedelic, hippy cuts here Highlights: In a Station, The Weight Lowlights: Tears of Rage
Having only heard the weight previously the rest of the album was something of a surprise. Good songs and fine musicianship.
Hard to believe this album came out the year I was born. Classic rock goodness. The Weight...what can I say.
I don't think I ever heard this in its entirety and find it less compelling that the second album. There are some familiar tunes and a couple others that are notable. Can't give this a 5.
The Band shows that they can step out of Bob Dylan's shadow and still be great. Man how I wish these guys could've kept it together to continue to put out great music, but we had them for how long we needed to have them and Music From Big Pink perfectly illustrates the collision that rock, folk, country and blues would happen in the Woodstock, NY scene. 4/5
This organic, loose, jammy feel really just tickles my pickle. It just feels so real and honest, which makes even the mediocre songs nice to listen to.
Another album that I was able to get through, mostly, while taking the dog for a walk. The standout track for me, and the only track that I had previous knowledge of was The Weight. Overall a good album with that classic sound. Definitely a chill listening experience.
‘The Weight’ always puts a bumping coif smirk on my face, though I think I attributed to their other album in the list. A few other good tracks, like long black veil.
It surprised me how much religious imagery was included. I’m not sure if this is a biased view as a person who has turned away from organized religion. Reminded me of The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd.
I really love some stuff by The Band. Other stuff is just meh. This album epitomizes that. The Weight has to be one of the greatest songs ever written (so much emotional depth in the lyrics and the instruments). Chest Fever rivals In a Gadda Da Vida for coolest organ solo. The rest? If you’re in the right (somber) mood, pretty cool. If not, it can grow tired. In that mood, i think it’s Tears of Rage, Lonesome Suzie, and I Shall be Released that do it for me.
I remember hearing about how this album is so momentous for a lot of musicians. My biggest problem with this album is the vocals by Richard Manuel. They are very whiny. "I Shall Be Released," for example. The vocals got really grating after a while. There are a number of covers that are so much better of that song. And "Tears of Rage" starts off very warbly. It made me think there was something with the wrong with the track the first few times I heard it. "The Weight," however is such a damn good song. I can't tell you how many times I've heard it. It's just perfection as a song. All of the music as a whole reminds me so much of the Dead (not that that is necessarily a BAD thing). But ultimately, it's hard to give this album super high marks when half the songs have such a whiny, nasally vocalist.
So many good songs beyond the obvious “hits” – notably “Tears of Rage” and “Kingdom Come.” And the outre twaningness late in the record is also great – “Chest Free” and “The Wheel’s on Fire” have a lot going on and most of it is quite good. Vocals aren’t optimal (on “I Shall Be Released” in particular) but effective enough. I rate this higher than the 2nd record. Last Waltz should be on this list, if only for historical impact and resonance (Neil’s “Helpless,” Scorcese, etc.) and because many of the same songs play better live.
Très relax. À écouter sur une route plate sans trop de virage, voir monotone, en été. The Weigh est ma chanson préféré en ce moment, et This Wheel’s On Fire, qui joue en ce moment, est une très bonne chanson.
3.5 stars. Americana classic, distinct sound. Standouts are "The Weight", "This Wheel's On Fire", "Chest Fever".
No doubt this is a classic album with more depth and consistency than just The Weight. The best record by The Band and much better than most Dylan albums.
a developed version of blues rock until it doesn't really share much with blues rock. It has a great sound and the weight it a great song but the rest of the songs a ren't all that different.
Of the music from this era, this country/funk/rock/psychedelic (or whatever you'd classify The Band as) really only gets topped by Soul music. This was a solid album.
Loved this album. Turns out the way to make folk music actually interesting is just making it easy rock instead. Favorite track: Caledonia Mission
I really liked the Blues feel to this album. I know it’s a rock band singing and playing but I feel like they tried to pull blues into the album. It was different than what I’m used to listening to but it really flowed together well and really worked for me.
I like this a bit more than their self-titled I think. It has a bit more of the psychedelic edge to it that offsets the Americana aspect which I'm not quite as into. Fun album.
This was fine. I think I expected more, so they seemed like an Eagles-lite but without the pizazz.
Getting hard to find different descriptions for albums that seem run of the mill. I seem to be giving out lots of 3s. So... this album is easy listening. Nothing 'bad' but few memorable tracks. 'The Weight' is probably the most well known track.
Some good classic rock--pretty ahead of its time! Some of these old albums just don't have enough flair to keep my attention, but the first few songs on this one are timeless.
Doesn't do a ton for me, but not bad. Some of the extra songs that weren't on the main release are kinda better, I like "Yazoo Street Scandal" but it's not on the Spotify default album.
The Band is ok, they don't excite me very much. I enjoyed "Caledonia Mission." "The Weight" is iconic but I have heard it so many times and I don't like getting it stuck in my head.
Solid rustic country folk rock... was hoping there were more standouts. Tears of rage and the weight were strong... interesting lyrics on long black veil. Enjoyable.
Es como una especie R&B, blues, algo de folk. Es un álbum redondo que tiene una energía muy buena en la mayor parte de las canciones
Vi hace muchos años la película del concierto de despedida de The Band. La portada es de Bob Dylan que lo dio todo ^__^. Y solo decir que está la canción The Weight, así que no hace falta nada más.
Definitely a band from the 60's Not my style but I'm sure it's a classic that others enjoy.
Interesting trivia... apart from Levon Helm, all members of the Band were Canadian, most notably Robbie Robertson. The Weight is greight, and the organ intro to Chest Fever is pretty epic.
Amazing this band of mostly Canadians could put out such an album of Americana, like CCR from SF playing bayou music. The sound is very intimate, though the production is a bit muddy for me - their release the following year is much more crisp. Roger Waters says "the second most influential album after Sgt Peppers". I'm sure I'll be a better judge after multiple listens or at least after I listen to the Basement Tapes. I don't mean to be unpatriotic but I think Levon Helm could do more singing.
This album was really cool! I liked the mix of sounds and styles, and I do think it's funny that their name is "The Band"
A handfull of super talented Canadians and Dylan move to the NY countryside, live in a big house together, and jam - morning, noon, and night - until they dial in this unique, haunting, soulful country folk style. They trade off vocals. It sounds like they recorded each track together live. It's beautfiul. It's boring. It's new. It's nostalgic. The organ is so good. Warbling Manuel and Danko are heartbreaking. It's considered a landmark album. For AER it's a real good one. B+