This is a Random Album Generator.
One album a day.
From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

The Band

The Band

1969

Buy At Rough Trade
The Band
Album Summary

The Band is the second studio album by the Band, released on September 22, 1969. It is also known as The Brown Album. According to Rob Bowman's liner notes for the 2000 reissue, The Band has been viewed as a concept album, with the songs focusing on people, places and traditions associated with an older version of Americana. Thus, the songs on this album draw on historic themes for "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" and "Jawbone" (which was composed in the unusual 6/4 time signature).

Wikipedia

Rating

3.37

Votes

14522

Genres

  • Rock
  • Country
  • Folk
  • Psychedelic Rock

Reviews

Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!
Sort by: Top Date
May 04 2022
View Author
1

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.

👍
Nov 11 2021
View Author
5

Could only be improved if it was called the album.

👍
Feb 09 2022
View Author
5

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.

👍
Jan 15 2021
View Author
3

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

👍
Feb 16 2022
View Author
3

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.

👍
Jun 07 2021
View Author
5

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.

👍
May 14 2021
View Author
5

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.

👍
Apr 05 2021
View Author
2

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

👍
Mar 06 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Dec 02 2021
View Author
5

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.

👍
Aug 31 2023
View Author
4

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*

👍
Feb 26 2021
View Author
5

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]

👍
Jul 11 2021
View Author
5

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

👍
Mar 04 2022
View Author
5

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!"

👍
Jun 22 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
Jul 08 2021
View Author
2

Bit dull. Also a dreadful name for a group.

👍
Oct 13 2021
View Author
1

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

👍
May 14 2021
View Author
5

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.

👍
Mar 14 2022
View Author
5

Up on cripple creek alone is worth 5 stars

👍
Oct 17 2022
View Author
5

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.

👍
Jul 13 2021
View Author
3

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

👍
Feb 01 2021
View Author
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.

👍
Jun 04 2021
View Author
2

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.

👍
Mar 21 2022
View Author
5

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

👍
Jun 27 2022
View Author
5

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.

👍
Jul 18 2022
View Author
5

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.

👍
Aug 26 2022
View Author
5

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).

👍
Apr 02 2024
View Author
5

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.

👍
Apr 18 2024
View Author
5

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”.

👍
Aug 22 2024
View Author
4

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.

👍
Aug 31 2023
View Author
3

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.

👍
Apr 16 2024
View Author
3

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

👍
Oct 10 2023
View Author
2

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!

👍
Apr 10 2024
View Author
2

Hokey, but not in a charming way.

👍
May 04 2022
View Author
1

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.

👍
Feb 18 2021
View Author
5

Come on Dave, this is an all-time classic. Obvious 5 stars.

👍
Dec 17 2020
View Author
5

Early folk rock masterpiece that invokes the essence of Americana. And it's by a bunch of Canucks...

👍
Feb 06 2021
View Author
5

Didn't listen, but have listened.

👍
Jan 28 2021
View Author
5

Some of these songs suffer for having superior performances on the Last Waltz, but the album is superlative all the same.

👍
Jul 20 2021
View Author
5

A yearning for Americana of old. This is the second of two showcases for why The Band are in high contention for being the best band of the 60's

👍
May 10 2021
View Author
5

Excelent album! Added to the favourites. Accross the great divide and whispering pines are my highlights

👍
Jun 05 2021
View Author
5

An awesome album. Lots of songs I knew but didn’t realize were on this album. Will listen to most of this album again soon

👍
Jul 09 2021
View Author
5

Top quality all the way through. Not a well song on the album and some absolute classics.

👍
Sep 13 2021
View Author
5

10th September 2021 Supposed to listen to this on Friday but ended up listening on Monday morning when back at home to work for the week. Has an immediate place and sound, so easy and fluid but grooves when it needs to. Love it.

👍
Oct 04 2021
View Author
5

I liked this one, as I anticipated I might. It was nice background music for what I was doing around the house, and it was a genre that I enjoy.

👍
Nov 01 2021
View Author
5

This is amazing. I know this is one of those albums that just gets better the more familliar you get with it. I am considering just giving it a 5 because I know I'll regret if I don't have it as one of the greats. I love the cover too :)

👍
Nov 16 2021
View Author
5

I have listened to many of these songs before but a new song from this album is 'whispering pines'. The album is good for this time of year and just overall amazing.

👍
Nov 17 2021
View Author
5

Great. Folky, harmony. Maybe a favorite

👍
Oct 13 2021
View Author
5

I first bought this when I was 19 or 20 off the back of Colin Larkin's 1000 best albums by and hated it. Found it really slow and boring. Unsurprisingly given I was into sixties psych, garage and pop at the time. It's fair to say my taste has evolved since as a few listens over time has shown this to be a corker of an album that brims with warmth and mighty fine musicianship. Best tracks are 'Across the Great Divide', 'Rag Mamma Rag' and 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' (the opening 3 numbers). All in all, superb Americana.

👍
Dec 04 2021
View Author
5

I was skeptical about it (the name is too postmodern for the music The Band plays) but there are some gems. Up on Cripple Creek is my fav.

👍
Dec 25 2021
View Author
5

I love love love The Band. This album is an all-time classic. I still probably like their first album (Music from Big Pink) better, but I'm definitely in the minority with that opinion. They're both classics. While Up on Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down are the most well known songs on this album (deservedly so) my favorites are When You Awake and Rockin' Chair. So great. 5 stars.

👍
Jan 10 2022
View Author
5

Not for me, this type of rock just goes right over my head.

👍
Jan 12 2022
View Author
5

Feel good tunes my parents used to play when i was young.... nice!

👍
Jan 28 2022
View Author
5

Standin by your window in pain Pistol in your hand

👍
Mar 01 2022
View Author
5

I’ve been here before but somehow missed the haunting beauty of Whispering Pines.

👍
Mar 14 2022
View Author
5

Never trust a man that doesn’t think this album deserves five stars

👍
Apr 12 2022
View Author
5

It's the band! 5 stars for Levon Helms voice alone. Great album, though a little uneven. Music from the big pink is still there best.

👍
Apr 12 2022
View Author
5

Great album by a great band. If I’m being honest I’d give this a 4.5 because it does drag a bit at times but the highs are too high to give this a 4. Up on Cripple Creek is one of my faves by them with a fantastic groove. Look out Cleveland, the night they drove old Dixie down and King harvest are also highlights. What an excellent group of musicians.

👍
Apr 12 2022
View Author
5

A great album start to finish. Finally a true 5 for me.

👍
Apr 22 2022
View Author
5

10/10, I think I like this one even more than Big Pink, I mean, it’s hard to beat Tears of Rage but the Deluxe Edition of this has a really fun live version so either way it’s a dub this album kinda feels like a guilty pleasure since I wouldn’t call myself a country fan but Bob Dylan and The Band just hit different, ya know?

👍
May 13 2022
View Author
5

This was always on rotation at our house growing up. My dad and I share this band together as a favorite. Always makes me think of him.

👍
Jun 25 2022
View Author
5

Beautiful, already loved it and great tobget it on a friday morning. A stomp trlhrough the pines.

👍
Aug 16 2022
View Author
5

Gosh darnit it's just gawd dang great. Hard to fault

👍
Aug 26 2022
View Author
5

This is good. I really like whispering pines. it's a cool vibe, folk rock country ish but not too much. I'm going to listen to it again to confirm but as of now i want to give it a 5. this was good and i appreciate this type of music. I think it can be an album that people of all types of music tastes can enjoy and find value in. I'd listen again

👍
Sep 06 2022
View Author
5

The album is pretty amazing. I'm only halfway through but it's surprisingly modern while classically country sounding. Love.

👍
Sep 13 2022
View Author
5

Love this album. Up on Cripple Creek is a top song favorite. Is Lake Charles really that interesting a lake that it shows up in this song and Lucinda has an entire song about it?

👍
Sep 17 2022
View Author
5

I mean it’s the band. They’re THE band

👍
Sep 18 2022
View Author
5

Just good music to listen on good day.

👍
Sep 19 2022
View Author
5

Great band, great album. A little folk, a little touch of southern "rock". A nice, easy listen.

👍
Sep 21 2022
View Author
5

Really liked the folksiness of this one, will definitely return to it

👍
Sep 26 2022
View Author
5

The talent and songwriting is undeniable. 5/5

👍
Oct 03 2022
View Author
5

Really enjoyed The Band even prior to listening to this. Great album here. Was shocked to look at their discography and see that Atlantic City was 24 years after this first full-length album of theirs!

👍
Oct 18 2022
View Author
5

Growing up my dad liked watching the last waltz and that was my intro to the band. I always liked their greatest hits and this album showed that they’re talented way beyond just those songs. They feel about a decade ahead of their time and it’s a perfect mix of blues and rock. Cripple creek and Dixie down are both excellent and this whole album was excellent too

👍
Oct 22 2022
View Author
5

This is one of my very favorites. The Band have such an incredibly full and diverse sound. The opener, "Across the Great Divide", is a romp based almost entirely on the brass section. The very next song, "Rag Mama Rag", is driven by the interplay between the ragtime piano and fiddle. Also, by the way, with lead vocals sung by an entirely different person. And the next song, "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", is an all-time classic ballad based around a descending-scale minor-key piano chord sequence, plus barbershop backing vocals on the choruses. I mean by this that every song is a new experience, distinct from the one before, and it's like that throughout the CD. I believe that every band member except the organ player (who quietly is the lubricant that makes the whole machine go) sings a song on this CD, and they're all pretty good. They harmonize well with all that vocal talent too - the one that really stands out as being anchored by it is "Jemima Surrender", but it's omnipresent throughout the CD. This record just has everything - it's fast, fun, diverse, smart, super-creative, and just a joy to listen to. I do just that cover-to-cover about once a year. Easy 5.

👍
Nov 16 2022
View Author
5

A classic for the ages. A great album from start to finish.

👍
Nov 19 2022
View Author
5

Har altid været lidt ligeglad med The Band. Måske ikke nogle helt vildt legendariske enkelte sange, men kæmpe vibe og godt album!

👍
Dec 13 2022
View Author
5

I actually listened to this one as a kid. Very nostalgic. Almost like if the Beatles did funk. Some folk notes

👍
Feb 12 2023
View Author
5

The Band has made a whole string of great albums. This is their best one (most consistent) and another superclassic album on the list (not really comparable to the most recent inclusions)

👍
Feb 13 2023
View Author
5

Fantastic album. I love the band. Some new versions of 'drove old dixie down' have been made by modern artists that keep the spirit, but remove any confederate sympathizing (even if the original is clearly just a story...the lyracist was Canadian)

👍
Mar 09 2023
View Author
5

A landmark album very close to perfection. My favorite album by a seminal band. There isn't a weak song on the whole album. Whispering Pines is one of my all time favorite songs.

👍
Load more reviews