The Band

The Band played at my 14th birthday party. They were all stoned and one of them threw up all over my new yellow pullover that my nan had knitted. I can't thank them enough. It was hideous. She was so shit at knitting. A pathetic laughing stock in the needle world. Grandad later divorced her because of her knitting. Honestly, it was so bad. Fantastic at sewing though.

Could only be improved if it was called the album.

Robbie Robertson found a way to position himself as the leader of The Band. The front man if you will. The alpha of the group, despite the fact that he NEVER SANG LEAD on any of their songs. And we're talking about a band - THE Band - that had three great lead singers. In fact, legend has it they even had to mute Robbie's mic during The Last Waltz because he just couldn't harmonize with Levon and the boys. Apparently Robbie's plan was to make sure the other 4 members of The Band soaked themselves in booze and drugs while he remained sober and took all of the songwriting royalties he could. But just look at that photo of The Band on this album's cover. Who do you think is the leader of this motley group? Certainly not the dude on the far right who looks like a cross between a substitute high school teacher and a failed character actor. No way. It's the gruff lookin' fella out front on the left. The singing drummer, who would also take turns on the mandolin and guitar. The one who would play Loretta Lynn's father in Coal Miner's Daughter and Jack Ridley in The Right Stuff. He's also the one who sings lead on The Band's best songs. Levon Helm deserved better, or at the very least some of the spotlight Robbie Robertson refused to give anyone but himself. Tune in for next time when I talk about why The Last Waltz soundtrack should be on this list, perhaps in place of Music From The Big Pink. But make no mistake: This is the country rock you're looking for. Better than anything by The Byrds or The Flying Burrito Brothers. It's as close to a perfect album as any on this list. I listened to the Deluxe Edition on Spotify because that's just who I am. I'm a completist. Maybe that's why all my friends call me Whiskers.

The longer I listen to albums on this list, the more I'm starting to doubt my own ability to recognize good songs. I keep getting albums like this where the only songs I really like are the ones I've already heard. Feels like I'm good at recognizing music but not critiquing it. "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" are 5+ stars but everything else is a 3. 3.5 stars overall.

Meh, good to listen to while drinking beer in the sun. Dad probably likes this album

A folk rock masterpiece. Every song has just the right amount of twang and dirt without it turning into outright country. The Band really gets rolling and there’s not a bad track on the album.

I wasn’t expecting much when I saw I had an album made in 1969. What a fool I was. I was hooked from the opening to the closing track. Each song had a unique sound to it while still being one piece of the complete puzzle. Up on Cripple Creek was extremely catchy while King Harvest was my favorite. I knew after my fourth listen of the day that this was a resounding five stars. I can’t think of a single flaw to say.

I've tried to get into this album before, but found it as cheesy as the Calico Saloon at Knott's Berry Farm (and I say that as the world's greatest fan of Tumbleweed Connection which is, shall we say, "inspired" by this record quite obviously). It's also probably shoulders some blame for the glorification of confederate losers in popular culture - I don't want to hear any song about the Civil War that isn't titled "Glory To Tecumseh Sherman" or "You Lost, You Racist Cunts"; repeat after me: THE SOUTH WILL NEVER RISE AGAIN! Nevertheless, this won me over eventually, good tunes, great musicians, yadda yadda. Grudgeful 4*

A little too old people day drinking in the park for me. Also full of super casual misogyny.

Dylan established the style of songs described by Greil Marcus as 'weird old america' on his John Wesley Harding album and Basement Tapes, but The Band pushed it to a whole new level with their first few albums. I find it staggering that this album exists, its magic.

absolutely cozy and lived-in well-deserved classic. plays like your favorite pair of jeans. fav track: the unfaithful servant

Fuckin sick as hell

This album is an all-time forever favourite of mine. It gives you everything in perfect measure. It's emotional yet ebullient, earnest yet flip, folksy yet full of soul; it's a masterclass in storytelling and songwriting. It takes the listener on an incredible journey of good ole' times with quirky characters through wholly visceral places. It's amazing how pleasantly relatable and fun it can be one moment and how swiftly it turns deep and contemplative. Helm's vocals have always been the standout for me, he has a way of evoking deep emotion so easily while maintaining this unique twangy cool. Every note drips authenticity. He's so convicted about everything he says; I believe him and I feel like I know him intimately too. It's remarkable the way he can open up and draw you in to his world in the same breath. I just love this album so fucking much "... and I dig it!"

Brilliant album, so much variety often in the same track.

The Band's first album, Music from Big Pink, seemed to come out of nowhere, with its ramshackle musical blend and songs of rural tragedy. The Band, the group's second album, was a more deliberate and even more accomplished effort, partially because the players had become a more cohesive unit, and partially because guitarist Robbie Robertson had taken over the songwriting, writing or co-writing all 12 songs. Though a Canadian, Robertson focused on a series of American archetypes from the union worker in "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" and the retired sailor in "Rockin' Chair" to, most famously, the Confederate Civil War observer Virgil Cane in "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The album effectively mixed the kind of mournful songs that had dominated Music from Big Pink, here including "Whispering Pines" and "When You Awake" (both co-written by Richard Manuel), with rollicking up-tempo numbers like "Rag Mama Rag" and "Up on Cripple Creek" (both sung by Levon Helm and released as singles, with "Up on Cripple Creek" making the Top 40). As had been true of the first album, it was The Band's sound that stood out the most, from Helm's (and occasionally Manuel's) propulsive drumming to Robertson's distinctive guitar fills and the endlessly inventive keyboard textures of Garth Hudson, all topped by the rough, expressive singing of Manuel, Helm, and Rick Danko that mixed leads with harmonies. The arrangements were simultaneously loose and assured, giving the songs a timeless appeal, while the lyrics continued to paint portraits of 19th century rural life (especially Southern life, as references to Tennessee and Virginia made clear), its sometimes less savory aspects treated with warmth and humor. [Source: https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-band-mw0000192897]

Bit dull. Also a dreadful name for a group.

It's acceptable rock music with Western influences, but it's not particularly exciting and doesn't have anything catchy enough to make me want to give it a second listen.

Just really not my cup of tea, hope they sort the harvest out.

Although I think you get diminishing returns from the studio albums of The Band as they move away from their debut, this album is just a notch below the mythic "Music From Big Pink." An A to Big Pink's A+. This album has "Cripple Creek" on it for God's sake - can't be anything less than five stars. Quite possibly the most soulful thing a group comprised mostly of Canadians ever recorded (besides "The Weight" that is). My second favorite track is definitely "Jawbone" with its triumphant chorus and swirling 6/4 time signature. This is the record where they really stepped out from Bob Dylan's shadow and established themselves as a complete creative powerhouse in their own right. I love that they have multiple vocalists, as they are each suited to different material, and I especially love the interplay between them, but I have always gravitated most towards the songs where Levon Helm's southern twang takes the lead. Man I just wanna get good and drunk and listen to this on repeat all night.

Up on cripple creek alone is worth 5 stars

Always a consistent point of view, but never felt one note or stuck in a box. A lot of songs we like sound like this- you can really hear how massively influential The Band is.

Critics may refer to the band as being contemporaries of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc. but I think that’s a bid generous. This is good for what it is - early American / southern rock. I’m sure they are fun to watch jam but this didn’t really do it for me

i couldn’t shake the feeling that this album was inspired and was recorded by the Muppets Electric Mayhem band. i can really hear it when the second vocalist comes in—sounds just like Floyd!

Sort of boring

halfway through, dont like this at all so far. okay surprisingly the last 3 tracks were okay. enough to bump it up to a 2.

Basically fine, but not very interesting. Is it honky tonk? It sounds honky tonk. What is honky tonk? Not massively keen. Terrible band name.

Groovy Americana jam music that sparks pure joy. The Band has a way of sounding like a loose live performance that invokes nostalgia, intimacy, and camaraderie that draws in the listener. I particularly appreciate their imperfect vocals, limber drumming, and piano forward instrumentation. Some really unique compositions on this album, but as always the lyrics are timeless. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, “Up On Cripple Creek”, “Whispering Pines”, “Rockin’ Chair”, “Jawbone”, and “The Unfaithful Servant”.

It's all about being in the right place at the right time. People were weaning off the psychedelia peace and love Aquarian trail and were looking for things that were a little more homespun and threadbare; they just needed answers. The Band were the answer. With little use for effects and plenty of usage of harmony and chemistry, the Canadian-American group hit the sweet spot; the kind of spot that would influence some of the then-biggest names in rock at the time to develop similar approaches towards that style. And it wasn't a flash-in-the-pan moment either, this was the result of a near decade's worth of work and toil and a tad bit of luck to get to where they were, sepia tinged and all. This all brown album should have been covered in gold, for that's all there is around it. An absolute monster of a record with earworm grooves that get stuck in one's head for a while, even if the songs are often seen as either little spoken of or problematic in modern parlance. Knowing the story of The Band, it is a crying shame that lingering tensions soon took hold and manifested into something less than ideal but, when they were at the top of their game, they were amongst the very best.

The Band chose the best name ever for any band. They truly deserved it. Here was a group of musicians who could effortlessly construct the tightest yet loosest tunes I've ever heard. Everyone in the group can shine without overshadowing the other. There's tremendous talent and no showing-off. It's incredibly tasteful and always very musical. The wide styles and three singers make for a diverse set of songs on this self-titled second album released in 1969. Fantastic record! Favorite track: 'Whispering Pines' and 'King Harvest' (or really anything on Side 2).

Folk, rock, 1969. Essential record for all the rock n' roll lovers and one of the most influential albums in the history of music. This is a true masterpiece full of great and memorable songs both lyrically, vocally and instrumentaly (eg. Whispering Pines, Up On Cripple Creed and basically any other track). If you want to spend 44 minutes listening to beautiful music this may be the right LP.

A great folk rock record from a talented band, this has you foot stamping and toe tapping right from the off. Brilliantly crafted, no foot placed wrong, joyful.

The gold standard for roots rock/Americana. Just impeccable songwriting and musicianship.

No. 238/1001 Across The Great Divide 4/5 Rag Mama Rag 4/5 The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down 5/5 When You Awake 4/5 Up On Cripple Creek 4/5 Whispering Pines 4/5 Jemima Surrender 4/5 Rockin' Chair 4/5 Look Out Cleveland 4/5 Jawbone 4/5 The Unfaithful Servant 4/5 King Harvest 4/5 Average: 4,08 Just a great folk rock album.

The Band’s The Band feels very old-timey, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It resembles a past time in America, a quieter and calmer, more traditional way of life, which is a cool theme for the album. However, when it comes to it, I am not re-listening to anything on here, because realistically none of it is noteworthy. Yes, its an ode to the past, and yes, it makes me feel like a cowboy, but on track like Rag Mama Rag, its just so boring. My favorite was King Harvest (Here They Come), but that wasn’t all that either. All in all, The Band is a mid album. Best Song: King Harvest (here They Come) Worst Song: Rag Mama Rag

I was not in the mood for this today, perhaps not for music at all, but given how parts of this still linger in my head, this is probably a good record, though I've a lingering suspicion of this sort of earthy, country-blues racket.

Hokey, but not in a charming way.

absolute Jizz. the most interesting thing about this generic 70s dirge is that the album cover makes them look like 19th century miners. calm down SHACK, miners with an E. also worth pointing out how shockingly shite their choice of name is. i bet they felt like legends when they settled on that.

This is one of my all-time favorites. The Band (They called themselves that because they used to be the backing musicians for Ronnie Hawkins and Bob Dylan and that is what everyone referred to them as.) were five of the most talented musicians in the history of rock music. Everyone in this group was a phenomenal instrumentalist with three also very talented vocalists. Robbie Robertson was an excellent songwriter. There are no bad tracks here and the cover photo is very haunting, considering that all but one member has passed on. This album along with "Music from Big Pink" are definite desert island pics.

Every bit as good as the debut. Heartfelt and full.

Before the Clash, the Band was the only band that mattered.

One of my GOATS

Love the band. Some strong songs but also a few filler tracks.

I had a Creedence album the other day. Levon Helm excepted pretending you were from the south of USA was quite the thing for other North Americans for a moment there. What was that all about? Anyway I think The Band's version was far richer and engaging. Plenty is said quite correctly about the great songwriting and them having three great lead singers but I think a major ingredient in what makes them stand out is the interplay between two keyboard players. It gives them a fluid sound with more colours than the more typical of the time two overdriven guitars approximating the blues.

Solid album. Some all time classics on this one. If you're looking for a little Americana country rock this is tough to beat.

I'm a huge fan of The Band's music and this album could possibly be their best and at times my favorite.

Great album. The Band has a very distinct sound.

Epic

Прекрасный альбом. Музыкальный, мелодичный, динамичный. Классический рок и кантри. Есть и медленные песни и быстрые, и веселые и грустные. Replay value точно высокий

This is clearly a 5. Anyone who says different has no taste.

Absolute masterpiece.

Happy familiar roots-rock classic. Forgot how many 'hits' were on this album.

Qué buena banda es La banda. Discazo.

Each member cooler than the last.

The Band is the second studio album by the Band, originally released in 1969. After their cult classic debut record, The Band continues the Americana revolution they started, kicking out the psychedelic 60s just as fast as they emerged. This record is amazing from top-to-bottom. The production is perfect for this group, very raw yet somewhat tight/polished. The songwriting centers American themes such as the Civil War and Great Depression. The Band seamlessly mixes country, folk, blues, soul, and funk influences on this record. Great musicianship as is to be expected from this group. Who would've thought a bunch of Canadians could do Yankee music so well!

An all time classic.

Well I never.... another album from an artist I'm not very familiar with that turns out to be a bit of a gem. I find it difficult to pigeon hole this into any specific genre, seems like a lot of ingredients here to make a fairly unique sound. I will be listening again.

I’ve always been partial to singer-drummers and Levon is on my Mount Rushmore in that category. While Rock of Ages remains my favorite album by The Band (which is unusual for me as I typically don’t care much for live albums), this album (The Band) is still The Band at their best. Groovy, unique, heartfelt, nostalgic. This is it. 5/5 Highlights: Up on Cripple Creek Rockin’ Chair King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

Kentucky Fried Chicken

not only is this one of my favorite albums, but i would consider this a 'desert island' album for me. truly one of my albums i turn to if i need to listen to something comforting - it's like a warm blanket for me. i prefer this one to the debut 'music from big pink' because although i think 'big pink' has higher highs, this album is a lot more consistent. the production on here is home-y, country, kinda lo-fi. some of robbie robertson's best songwriting is on here. all five members of the band shine here at different parts, whether it's playing or singing. it just feels so homemade and so lovely. the famous songs on here are great but to me the standout has always been the closer, 'king harvest (has surely come)' which, to me, may be the most underrated band song of all time. it's an album i cannot be unbiased about, i think it's nearly perfect.

Firstly, based on the album cover these guys could exist in current day. I think the guy second from the left while in suspenders and a non-ironic fedora served me a $27, ten-ingredient drink. Secondly, I enjoyed this. The romp through 1960's Americana was smooth and soulful. Rag Mama Rag, The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up on Cripple Creek were all standouts. Maybe I'm waffling around genres and my daily mood dictate my scores more than the music. Shrug.

I still remember learning about these guys.

Reference album of the genre

Phenomenal album. The Band at their best.

Perfection.

I love Music from Big Pink. A stellar, groundbreaking, magical record, an easy 5 stars and probable top 50 album all-time for me. And I think this one is even better. What it lacks in mysterious psychedelia it gains in even more gorgeous intimacy. All three vocalists sound better than they ever have or ever will. Likely a top 20-25 all-time album. I’m so grateful for its existence. 5+/5

Damn. Every. Single. Song. Saved: - all of them

A bonafide American classic by a group that was 4/5ths Canadian

"Up On Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" are enough for me to make this a 5* album. But The Band delivers with every song on this album. This is southern rock at its finest for me.

A thoroughly great listen, with seemingly incredible amounts of influence on many famous artists. It's solidly in the folk genre, but given that, it's definitely some of the damn best folk out there. So many of these songs continue to really stick out to me on every listen, but particularly "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "The Unfaithful Servant" really hit the brain buttons. They do plenty to keep every song interesting and unique in a genre that I think tends to be too simplistic with instruments sometimes. I don't put too much stock into lyrics in general, but this album seems to do really well in that regard, I felt pulled into the narrative for some of the songs, which is more than the average album can say.

A whole album about masturbation.

Rick Danko is the GOAT

5/5 - will be checking out more of this band, The Band

Great album. Non stop hits

One of my top 5 all time albums

An album you can listen to anytime.

Another one of the goats

Friendly little album

These Canucks made the most American rock album ever.

Country definitivamente não elenca entre meus gêneros favoritos. Apesar disso, esse álbum conseguiu cativar. Ele tem a medida certa das características de country. As músicas são bem animadas e existe uma variedade instrumental entre todas as músicas que dão identidades diferentes para cada uma delas. Se fosse apresentar um álbum de country para alguém, seria esse álbum.

I just love The Band so much. One of the all time great producers of music from a group of five dudes, The Band’s first two albums are as good as any two album run by anyone in my opinion. Music From Big Pink and their self titled are incredible records filled with excellent musicianship, gorgeous harmonies, and fantastic lyrics. The stories told here are great: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down may be the best song of all time about the American south, and it’s written by a Canadian. Up On Cripple Creek is a tale of the drunken, polyamorous joy of living on the road. It’s a brilliant record, on par with and slightly more consistent throughout than Music From Big Pink. One of the very best of the late 60’s.

The Band I love Music From Big Pink, but this is their best album. All the good things about MFBP are distilled, refined and matured into the 12 songs on here. The two central pillars of the album The Night thy Drove Old Dixie Down and King Harvest (Has Surely Come) are superb, monumental and expansive, but also intimate and empathetic. Around those two songs there is not a weak track, whether more uptempo, like the country stomping of Rag Mama Rag, the soulful and rhythm section driven Up on Cripple Creek, the more rocking Jemima Surrender and Look Out Cleveland or the more tender and melancholic When You Awake, Whispering Pines or Rockin’ Chair, or the more plaintive Jawbone or The Unfaithful Servant. The playing and arranging is also a step above MFBP, Levon and Rick Danko’s drumming and bass playing are absolutely superb, by turns propulsive, melodic, ‘funky’ or delicate. Garth Hudson also really shines, his musical virtuosity deployed beautifully, adding texture and tone, elevating everything. Richard Manuel’s piano, harmony vocals and occasional lead vocals are also superb. Robbie’s guitar playing is relatively subdued but very Harrison-esque in the sense of serving each song rather than each song being a vehicle for his technical proficiency, which started to happen later in their career. His songwriting though is his main contribution, never reaching this consistency again. Easy peasy 5 for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

True Americana that's timeless.

## In-Depth Review of "The Band" by The Band **Album Overview** Released on September 22, 1969, "The Band" by The Band, often referred to as "The Brown Album" due to its sepia-toned cover, stands as a seminal work in rock history. The album solidified the group's reputation as masters of Americana, blending rock, folk, and country influences into a cohesive, timeless sound. This analysis will delve into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of this landmark album, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. ### Lyrics **Storytelling and Characterization** One of the album's most striking features is its lyrical depth and storytelling prowess. The Band crafts vivid narratives that evoke the American experience, often focusing on the lives of everyday people. - **"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"**: This track is a poignant reflection on the American Civil War from the perspective of a Southern farmer. The lyrics capture the loss and resilience of the protagonist, Virgil Caine, as he witnesses the fall of the Confederacy. Lines like "In the winter of '65, we were hungry, just barely alive" paint a vivid picture of hardship and survival. - **"Up on Cripple Creek"**: This song tells the tale of a carefree, hard-living man and his adventures with a woman named Bessie. The lyrics are laced with humor and colloquial charm, encapsulating a sense of rural Americana. The refrain "Up on Cripple Creek, she sends me / If I spring a leak, she mends me" captures the playful, resilient spirit of the characters. **Themes of Nostalgia and Americana** The Band's lyrics frequently explore themes of nostalgia and a yearning for simpler times. This is evident in: - **"King Harvest (Has Surely Come)"**: The song deals with the struggles of farmers during the Great Depression, capturing the hope and despair of rural life. The line "Scarecrow and a yellow moon / And pretty soon a carnival on the edge of town" evokes a sense of faded glory and lost innocence. - **"Rockin' Chair"**: This track is a wistful meditation on aging and the passage of time. The imagery of sitting on a rocking chair by the sea, reminiscing about the past, conveys a deep sense of nostalgia and longing. ### Music **Instrumentation and Arrangements** Musically, "The Band" is a rich tapestry of sounds that draw from a wide array of American musical traditions. - **Roots Rock and Americana**: The album's sound is anchored in roots rock, with prominent elements of folk, country, and blues. The use of traditional instruments like the mandolin, fiddle, and accordion adds to the authentic, earthy feel of the music. - **"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"**: The use of piano and brass instruments creates a somber, almost orchestral atmosphere that complements the tragic narrative of the lyrics. - **"Up on Cripple Creek"**: The song features a funky clavinet riff played through a wah-wah pedal, giving it a distinctive, swampy groove that stands out from the more traditional arrangements on the album. **Vocal Harmonies** The Band's vocal harmonies are another standout feature. The group members – Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Garth Hudson – each brought unique vocal qualities to the table. - **"Whispering Pines"**: This track showcases Richard Manuel's hauntingly beautiful falsetto, supported by delicate harmonies from the rest of the band. The interplay of their voices creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. - **"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"**: Levon Helm's gritty, soulful delivery lends authenticity and emotional weight to the song, with the harmonies adding depth and resonance. ### Production **Raw and Organic Sound** Produced by John Simon, "The Band" is characterized by its raw, organic sound. The production avoids the slickness of contemporary studio techniques, opting instead for a more live, intimate feel. - **Live Recording Techniques**: Much of the album was recorded live in Sammy Davis Jr.'s pool house in Hollywood Hills, which contributed to the cohesive, spontaneous energy of the performances. The decision to record in such an informal setting allowed the band to capture the essence of their sound without the constraints of a traditional studio environment. - **Minimal Overdubs**: The production features minimal overdubs, allowing the natural interplay between the instruments to shine through. This approach is particularly evident on tracks like "Rag Mama Rag" and "Jemima Surrender," where the loose, jam-like feel adds to the authenticity of the music. ### Themes **Exploration of American History and Culture** "The Band" delves deep into themes of American history and culture, often presenting a romanticized yet critical view of the past. - **"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"**: The song's exploration of the Civil War era reflects on themes of loss, resilience, and the complexities of Southern identity. The Band's portrayal is empathetic, yet it does not glorify the Confederacy, instead focusing on the human cost of the war. - **"King Harvest (Has Surely Come)"**: This track deals with the socio-economic struggles of the American farmer, touching on themes of labor, community, and the promise of better times. It captures the cyclical nature of hope and hardship in rural America. **Personal and Emotional Journeys** The album also delves into personal and emotional journeys, often using the lens of rural life and Americana. - **"Rockin' Chair"**: This song is a meditation on aging and the passage of time, reflecting on the inevitability of change and the desire for peace and contentment in one's later years. - **"Whispering Pines"**: The lyrics and music evoke a sense of longing and melancholy, with the whispering pines serving as a metaphor for the elusive nature of peace and fulfillment. ### Influence **Impact on Music and Culture** "The Band" had a profound impact on the music world, influencing a wide range of artists and genres. - **Roots Rock Revival**: The album is often credited with helping to spark the roots rock revival of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Artists like Bob Dylan, who had already collaborated with The Band, and later acts like Bruce Springsteen and Wilco drew inspiration from its authentic, rootsy sound. - **Legacy in Americana Music**: The Band's blending of rock, folk, and country elements laid the groundwork for the Americana genre. Their approach to storytelling and musicianship has influenced countless artists in the genre, from the Eagles to Mumford & Sons. **Critical Acclaim and Longevity** "The Band" has received widespread critical acclaim since its release and continues to be regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time. - **Timeless Appeal**: The album's timeless quality lies in its ability to evoke universal themes and emotions through its rich storytelling and masterful musicianship. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary music, and it remains a touchstone for artists exploring American roots music. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth**: The Band's storytelling prowess and ability to evoke vivid images and emotions through their lyrics are unparalleled. Songs like "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" are prime examples of their narrative strength. 2. **Musical Richness**: The diverse instrumentation and arrangements create a rich, textured sound that blends rock, folk, country, and blues seamlessly. The use of traditional instruments adds authenticity and depth to the music. 3. **Vocal Harmonies**: The vocal harmonies are a standout feature, with each member bringing a unique vocal quality that enhances the overall sound. Tracks like "Whispering Pines" showcase their vocal interplay beautifully. 4. **Production Quality**: The raw, organic production captures the essence of The Band's sound, allowing the natural interplay between instruments to shine. The live recording techniques and minimal overdubs contribute to the album's authentic feel. 5. **Thematic Cohesion**: The album's exploration of American history and culture, combined with personal and emotional themes, creates a cohesive and compelling narrative. **Cons:** 1. **Lack of Commercial Appeal**: The album's raw, unpolished sound and focus on traditional American music may not appeal to listeners who prefer more contemporary, polished production. 2. **Complexity of Themes**: The depth and complexity of the themes explored in the lyrics might be challenging for some listeners to fully appreciate or connect with, particularly those unfamiliar with the historical and cultural references. 3. **Pacing and Variability**: Some listeners might find the pacing of the album uneven, with slower, more contemplative tracks interspersed with upbeat, energetic songs. This variability can affect the overall listening experience for those who prefer a more consistent tempo. 4. **Nostalgic Focus**: The heavy emphasis on nostalgia and historical themes might not resonate with all audiences, particularly those looking for more contemporary or forward-looking music. ### Conclusion "The Band" by The Band is a masterful exploration of American roots music, blending rock, folk, country, and blues into a cohesive, timeless sound. Its lyrical depth, rich musical arrangements, and raw, organic production have left an indelible mark on the music world, influencing countless artists and genres. While its lack of commercial polish and complex themes may not appeal to everyone, the album's storytelling prowess, vocal harmonies, and thematic cohesion make it a landmark work in rock history. Its enduring legacy and critical acclaim are a testament to its artistic significance and lasting impact.

Awesome

All of the Band’s albums have great songs. But this is one of the best.

Near-perfect follow up to a near perfect debut.

A classic.

Stone cold classic full of great tracks

This was such a treat! Took me back to my young adulthood. This band and the Grateful Dead were the first forays into country rock, and it was just perfect for that time. The songs still stand. I love the mix too. The vocals stand out, the instruments are perfectly set in the mix. It's so important for vocals to be heard clearly. The quality of the vocalists may not be perfect, but it's perfect for this music. Oh my, this is great stuff!

Brilliant album. It seems to capture a moment in time from the deep South USA without ever feeling at all dated. 5 stars.

Such a good album! I could listen to this on repeat for days!

This was cool, in a Tom Pettyish way. Light, breezy, well-crafted song writing. I really enjoyed it.

Pretty safe five stars here.

Just about a perfect record ...........

10/10

I love this album. Grew up trying to geet into the Big Pink in Saugerties (never did though). They were brilliant.

I love it, classic songs that still hold up today.

"The Band" is the second studio album by Canadian-American rock band the Band, also known as "The Brown Album." The music is categorized as roots rock, folk rock, country rock and Americana. The album is considered loosely a concept album with songs focusing on people, places and traditions associated with an older version of America. The Band is Robbie Robertson (guitars), Rick Danko (bass, fiddle, trombone and vocals), Levon Helm (drums, vocals, guitar, mandolin), Richard Manuel (vocals, piano, drums, sax, harmonica) and Garth Hudson (organ, clarinet, piano, accordion, Sam's, trumpet, bass pedals). The album hit #9 in the US and had universal acclaim. In 2009, it was inducted into the Library of Congress for its artistic significance. "Across the Great Divide" opens the album. Piano, guitar, bass, drums, horns and an organ bringing an uplifting feeling. Richard Manuel on lead vocals as he sings about a wife who has a gun on him. The fight eventually ends and he wonders where the gun went. Levon Helm takes the vocalist lead on "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." An acoustic guitar and great backing vocals. It's a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of a young confederate soldier on the last day of the Civil War. Helm takes the lead again on "Up On Cripple Creek." The MVP on this song is Garth Hudson who's playing a clavinet through a wah-wah pedal giving this song some funk. A soaring organ. A trucker is contemplating going back to his wife or not. They deliver a few simple bluesy rockers in "Jermima Surrender" and "Lookout Cleveland." Not every song has a detailed story. The album closes with "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)." Manuel back on lead vocals as he tells the tale of a poverty-stricken farmer. The band brings the funk and soul with an organ, electric piano and Robertson's guitar. Robbie rips through a great solo. Nice ending song. Each song on this album brings something whether it's an emotional, a heartfelt, a loneliness, a funky or a rockin' feel. The multiple vocals work really well and deliver some excellent choruses. The instrumentation is impressive and adds to the vibe or tone they're rying to create. A classic in every sense of the word.

We blijven nog even hangen in de jaren 60, en in Canada. En daar hebben we weinig problemen mee. The Band, vond het altijd een prettige groep om naar te luisteren, maar sinds 'The Last Waltz' gezien te hebben klikt het volledig. Het debuut ''Music From Big Pink'' zag de band zichzelf bevrijden van zijn ondersteunende functie voor verscheidene tours van Bob Dylan, en de wereld maakte kennis met de exceptionele songwriting van Robertson, de breekbare én kostbare vocalen van Manuel, de aanstekelijke energie van Helm, de groovy ritmes van Danko, en de curieuze duizendpoot Hudson. Naast dat je natuurlijk kunt stellen dat het brein van het ensemble Robbie Robertson was, is het toch de verfijnde balans die The Band zo speciaal maakt. De multi-talenten, die zich per nummer in een andere rol lijken te kunnen schikken, creëren een bruisende vibe. Het eerste album kent de sterkere individuele momenten en songs, maar deze plaat leeft. Het is het kloppende hart van Noord-Amerikaanse rootsmuziek, en knalt bijna uit z'n voegen door de synergie die de mannen te weeg brengen met elkaar. Ik kan er moeilijk de vinger op leggen wat het is, of het de productiewijze is, of het de studio is, of het de instrumenten zijn, maar het klinkt allemaal zo lekker en organisch. Zelfs zwakkere songs - waar er echt wel wat van zijn - klinken gewoon verrukkelijk. Neem 'Jawbone', an sich een beetje een rommelig nummer, maar sonisch gezien echt om je vingers bij af te likken. Een soort garage-folk, als dat wat is. De tweede helft van het album heeft meer van die nummertjes die niet echt helemaal uit de verf komen, los van het fijne geluid. Maar het is ze vergeven na een haast perfecte eerste helft van de plaat. 'Across the Great Divide' stroomt over van die aanstekelijke energie, en altijd weer een big smile op m'n gezicht als de blazers hun intrede maken. 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' is één van de mooiste verhalen van Robbie Robertson, en benadrukt de centrale positie van deze groep in de Americana. En nauwelijks bijgekomen van de eerste paar songs, komt de catchy groove van 'Up On Cripple Creek' langs met de genadeklap. Gedverderrie wat een smerig fijn nummertje. En wat deze groep zo'n onuitputtelijke bron van muzikale energie maakt is dat de country groove van Levon Helm daarna omslaat in de introverte en intieme delivery van Richard Manuel in 'Whispering Pines'. Wat een hidden gem, de 'I Shall Be Released' van dit album. Zoals gezegd is wat volgt niet zo onnavolgbaar als kantje 1, maar de band doet nog wel een waardige toegift met de laatste twee nummers. 'The Unfaithful Servant' laat zien dat het een album met vele smaken is, waar Danko zorgt voor een welkome lead. Om vervolgens de cirkel rond te maken met de rootsrock banger 'King Harvest', wat zorgt voor een krachtig einde van een hartstochtelijke tour door Americana cultuur, genres, historie en folklore. Muziek klonk zelden zo zalig als op deze plaat, en ondanks dat er wel een paar fillers op staan is de flow fantastisch. Heb je even zin in uptempo ragtime ritmes en funky country, dan zijn de songs met Helm achter de microfoon daar. Of ben je even toe aan wat meer sereniteit? Dan is Manuel nooit ver weg. Een beetje van beiden, en je komt uit bij Danko. En dat allemaal verbonden door de levendige vertelwijze van Robertson. Ik ben voor het eerst echt geheel overtuigd dat dít hun beste album is, en dat je als luisteraar getuige bent van een bijzondere studio-sessie. PS: De fabelachtige productie staat op naam van dezelfde man als de gene achter 'Songs of Leonard Cohen', dat ook al zo puur klinkt. Hij is niet overleden, of iets dergelijks, dus het lijkt me toeval dat ze nu beiden achter elkaar langskomen. 9/10 Highlights: Across The Great Divide Up On Cripple Creek Whispering Pines King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

The Band was één van de eerste LP's van mijn collectie, en daar was een goede reden voor. The Band zijn bazen! De muzikaliteit is onwijs. De plaat swingt heerlijk en ik vind het genieten dat ze veel meerstemmig zingen. Dat ze van leadzanger wisselen voegt ook wat toe, de variatie tussen de nummers wordt groter. Levon Helm heeft een echte countryrock stem, de stemmen van Danko en Manuel zijn warmer en daarmee een welkome afwisseling. Misschien is het het feit dat the Band een begeleidingsband was en daardoor veel aandacht legt op de ondersteunende partijen. Deze zijn echt hard, ze zijn scherp en hier en daar zelfs swingend. Wie of wat zingt is daardoor ook van ondergeschikt belang. En schijnbaar moeten we blij zijn dat Robbie geen microfoon had om in te zingen. Het gerucht gaat dat bij the Last Waltz zijn microfoon niet stond aangesloten omdat het hem niet lukte in harmonie te zingen. Gelukkig schrijft hij goeie songs, want die zijn ijzersterk. The Band zet een sterk staaltje countryrock neer. Ik vind dit hun sterkste album in de breedte. Music from big pink kent wat meer zwakkere momenten. Dat is bij deze plaat niet aan de orde, er zit sowieso energie in de nummers. Deze plaat past goed bij een zomers zonnetje maar kan je ook op een donkerkoude je de benodigde warmte geven. Ik ben fan. 9/10 Highlights Across the great divide Up on cripple creek The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Jawbone