The Band

Meh

this shit fucks!!! It’s like cool Bob dylan

The Band hit the feeling of the expanse and history of America and the complexity of the American dream better than any of their peers or many that would come after. Always surprising to me that they were mostly a group of Canadians, but I suppose it’s the natural landscape that drives so much of the sound here. Whispering Pines is one of my all time favorite songs and the centerpiece of this album, with Richard Manuel’s beautifully tragic voice flowing over it, to me it’s the ultimate Band track. This album reminds me of a road trip through the Adirondacks.

i like it

A bit too lethargic for my current mood. I know I generally like this album, but it's more of an early morning album than a night/evening one. Also, The Grateful Dead have sort of ruined this for me. I would probably give this 3 1/2 stars, but based on the string of somewhat painful albums I've had, I'm going to round it up.

Eh this album was just merely ok. Nothing really stood out to me while listening to this.

An oddly important album for me despite how rarely I listen

Some good ol Swamp rock

Rustikt. Riktigt bra ibland men det är flera låtar som inte riktigt håller måttet.

Ahh Cripple Creek being the highlight this is a relaxing album. Great muscisionship.

Good but just sounds so old!

Fín músík, en söngurinn er svo ómerkilegur að mér getur ekki fundist þetta neitt svakalega skemmtilegt.

It wasn't that bad: granted I listened to this album after having has it skipped for over a month but honestly I enjoyed it. Love the rock aspects whilst also containing that classic country tang to it.

Love the last song but the rest, not for me really!

Du bon vieux rock, ça sonne vraiment classique de ces années là et c'est rafraichissant de tous les bands brit des années '60 qui sonnent tous pareil (Byrds, Kinks, etc.). Par contre c'est un peu monotone et ça parait un peu long : l'album est un standard 43 min, mais on a l'impression qu'il dure 1h. 6/10

So much soul and warmth. It’s music that is living and breathing. Only knew the intro break of “Up on cripple creek” from Gang starrs sample for “beyond comprehension”, but what a fantastic track! I might be overreaching with five stars, I don’t love every track, but there is just something magical in the dynamic between the musicians on this album.

Jackson Pollock: Good start, 'the night they drove old dixie down' hit me, loved the vocals and piano. 'When you wake' is a solid entry, really pleasing folk just staying far enough for country. Captains daughter line kinda country bumpkin. Favs: The night... When you wake Least Favs: Overall: Yeah pretty solid folk rock, at times a bit country for my enjoyment. But more varied instrumentaiton and vocals then that. Start seemed stronger than the end. solid 7.8/10

Папик бьёт меня за то, что мне не нравится.

Absolutely loved.

Tämä on hauska mutta sydämellinen, ei cringe

Across the Great Divide on toimiva aloitus, ja Dixie on alisoitettu klassikko. Noh, kaiken kaikkiaanhan levyn biisimateriaali on varsinkin B-puolella vähän tasapaksua, rytmi turhan tallusteleva, ja laulajien kaverillinen taitamattomuus alkaa pidemmän päälle ärsyttämään. Toisaalta muistan miten esim. Rag Mama Rag ja Up On Cripple Creek menevät, ja voin kuvitella, että pidemmän päälle muistaisin enemmänkin. Levy on siis kai 2,5, johon luotan sen verran, että olen valmis pyöristämään ylöspäin.

Some great writing. A few classics. Overall, a fan of this band.

Good for the times. 3/5

One of the seminal albums of the period and my favorite of theirs. They are one of the few groups that can legitimately claim to have changed the course of popular music. So many classic songs and an almost perfect album.

It’s a great album, not something I always go to, but I do listen to a lot of the songs individually a lot

Great classic rock album, shared with Dad.

Real guitar, drums, piano and organ. Pretty much the perfect band configuration. Sounds like a bunch of guys getting together to sing a bunch of old folk songs and weird story songs. Kind of rough and ragged, but that adds to the charm. It sounds like they are making stuff up as they go along, but it is way too complex to do that. I was flirting with a lower rating due to "Jawbone", but after a second listen I liked the weird song about a criminal. Not sure why The Band is not cancelled for "The Night the Drove Old Dixie Down". I don't think you can mention the old south anymore without cancellation. They should edit out all the references to the south and rename it "The Night Something Bad Happened in my State". I was thinking 4.5 on my first listen, but I will upgrade to 5.

I will try not to pontificate too much about my favorite album of all time. 12 songs, none of them sound alike, but the whole album is extremely cohesive, right down to the brown cover and sepia toned photo of them on the cover. As someone I once heard said, this is the most Americana album of all time… by 4 Canadians and an Arkansan. This band has 3 of the top 50 singers of all time, and Robbie Robertson could write a song that would perfectly fit one of them, or all 3 at once. All 5 of them are experts of their main instrument and could play each other’s instruments just as well. Just like the Beatles, they’re such a tight band because they spent just as many years on the small-town bar circuit as they did as famous rockstars. A band deserving of the title “The Band.” I’m a thief, and I dig it.

Buenardo, el 1ro de The Band.

Boring

хзз наверно, для того времени это было интересно сейчас абсолютно проходным альбом ощущается

чуть завышу свою оценку, потому что это отличный отходняк после предыдущего альбома)))))))))))

Группа "Группа" представляет пластику "Группа"! Боги неймингов... Обычный альбом из 60х. Мне кажется, мы уже столько их прослушали одинаковых, что они нас теперь совсем-совсем не впечатляют. Причём опять же, вроде как и не придерёшься к нему: звучит он хорошо, не противно, нет проблем со стерео. Но и не удивляет.

Ну как корабль назовешь, так он и поплывет. Есть пару интересных песенок, в остальном база база для того времени == нудная хуета сейчас

A couple of monstrously amazing songs on this one, of course, and most of the rest are really damn good too but it just never quite hits as a whole album for me as much as I want it to every time. Very close, but not quite.

A great album by the Band with some true classic songs, along with some deep tracks that make this a solid record. Still sounds fine after all these years!

11.04.23. Приятная уху "чисто американская" музыка. Самое то для погружения в атмосферу "деревенских" США конца 60-х годов. Понравилась работа с инструментами. Думаю, этот альбом мог бы играть фоном в каком-нибудь "охотничьем" ресторане.

This is one of the greatest

Quaint, sonically pleasant. Not something I would go out of my way to listen to, but I don't regret listening. Whispering Pines is FANTASTIC.

Enjoyable folkish record Saved tracks: Across The Great Divide, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek, Look Out Cleveland, King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

Much more enjoyable than I expected, full of flavour and well produced, this isn't usually the sort of thing I would listen to but it definitely hit the spot for me

What a great album No jams or screaming vocals, just straight ahead great musicianship. These guys traded vocals and instruments throughout this masterpiece album. This one sets the standard for Americana.

Undeniable masterpiece

Great 60's sound. Loved the bluegrass meets pop feel. Would listen again

Solid American Rock n Roll music.

What am I missing? Was this proto-roots rock? Am I simply living in a post-"The Band" world much like my eldest son is living in a post-Beatles world and doesn't much understand what all the fuss is about? It's Americana. It's competent. But it's not blowing my mind.

Album is the definition of a masterpiece. It has every part of a perfect album rocking tunes, soft tunes, epic tunes, and tunes that just make you happy. The skills and power of Each of the 3 lead singers All have amazing voices.

softy and comfy )) yeah the best description

Ok

I can't help but hear Randy Newman every time I listen to this group

Pretty sure I had this album back in my college days. I do remember most of the tracks, and although I rarely listen to The Band at present, I still appreciate their work. Such a great band.

Just a whole lot of jams. This album came out 4 days before Abbey Road. What a week. Best track: Up on Cripple Creek

SÅ STOPPER DET

Dude, this rocks!

A perfect record to play when wanting to hear the sound of 1969

Folk Rock / Roots Rock / Country Rock Favs: "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up on Cripple Creek"

In their second album proper, released in the twilight of the 60’s, The Band venture out in search of a pre-psychedelic America, tracing well-trodden roads to their humble beginnings. Some lead to country (“Across the Great Divide”, “Rocking Chair”). Some lead to folk-tales of the American Civil War (“The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”). Others even lead to ragtime (“Rag Mama Rag”). Don’t let the brown, washed out aesthetic fool you: this is a deceptively diverse, enjoyable set of songs. I first heard “The Band” a few years ago, and it didn’t move me much at all: to me, they represented all that was safe and staid in late 1960’s rock. I still feel this way to an extent: this is a bit of a white bread, ready salted, meat and potatoes, dry Weetabix, 35 in a 40 zone, second-hand sofa, one-pint-and-then-home kind of album. Most of the songs sound like they could have been hastily picked from an old and dusty book of folk or country standards, and are delivered more with a shrugging ease than boundless passion. It might not appear to push the envelope in the same way as the lysergic freak-outs dominating the back-half of the 1960s… but really, it’s just pushing it in a different direction. There are, in fact, plenty of enjoyable tracks to be had here, with fantastic vocals and nicely diverse instrumentation. The bittersweet “Night they Drove Old Dixie Down” boasts a gorgeous harmonised chorus and swells of harmonica in the verses. “Up on Cripple Creek” has a downright funky drum beat and clavinet bassline, with a campfire of a chorus. I also enjoy the 6/4 refrain in “Jawbone”, the spiralling organ and catchy chorus of “When You Awake”, the tenderness of “Rocking Chair”, and the all-out fun of “Rag Mama Rag” and “Look Out Cleveland”. These are splendidly performed songs with plenty of characterful moments: it’s just taken a long while to reveal itself to me. Well worth sticking with it, even through the sleepier moments.

It was ok, passable even, I didn't hate it and I found myself tapping away for most of it. Would I go back for a second listen? probably not though.

The perfect blend of Americana. First heard this album about 30 years ago, and have loved it ever since. Was delighted when it popped up here for me today, and took the opportunity to listen to it again twice.

Bonus points for the original name of both the band and the album. Typical sound of that era. It was OK.

It was ok

It’s The Band. THE Band. I’ve seen Last Waltz a few times, and I appreciate Levon’s voice too much to give this album a half assed listen. With the exception of the biggest hits, this album is full of excellent melodies and great instrumentals. Great Americana rock. These guys toured with the best and created some absolutely iconic tracks. The album flows so well together. Maybe not the strongest 5 I’ll give, but this album deserves it, all the same.

I'm fairly certain I've never heard a song by The Band before or if I have I didn't know it was them. Good old 70s rock! Lots of different styles intertwined throughout the album.

Eh

Literal perfection

masterpiece

I love this album. Alluringly unpolished.

I enjoyed it but I didn't super enjoy it.

I’m somewhat familiar with this band, but I have not heard this album beyond the three most popular songs. This album feels kinda like late period Beatles except instead of visiting India they took a year long trip to a remote, wood fired log cabin in the mountains and made regular visits to a dusty honky-tonk bar. Folky and fun - I’m getting the impression that they’re not taking themselves too seriously but at the same time there’s a competence and confidence in the performances on this record. Some of the lyrics haven't aged well here. Standouts: Whispering Pines, King Harvest 3.5/5

The Band is like the Dead or Phish, you either really love them, or have no strong feelings. Overall this album was a nice chill, easy to listen to album. No real feelings about it one way or another.

A groovy banjo good time Have known and enjoyed this one for a long time

Nothing much interesting to me here. Like The Band, but this was too much on the folk side rather than the rock side. Favorite track: Look Out Cleveland

Good

zero notes 5/5

Great in a vacuum, but some tracks sound dull compared to the versions on The Last Waltz (Dixie, Cripple Creek). Jemima Surrender only being 9th for Spotify plays is criminal. Should have been called 'The Album' for an extra star.

Classic

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.

Started well but trailed off later in the record. Can hear some influences on Springsteens early records here. Nice listen but probably wouldn’t revisit

Maybe the best backing band in the 70's

I just don't get the Band. Tried to listen a few times. This album has some songs that i've heard before, know of, and think are ok, but its so ho-hum I can barely finish. Just sounds like hipster music from 1969. Very grateful dead vibe with no jam band/guitar work. Weak 3.

Not for me. A little boring and slow. Soft 3 to 2 territory

Excellent Americana/Folk album

Really enjoyable country rock album. I like the composition of the songs as well as the vocals.

The neo confederate theme

Fine but not really to my taste

One of the best albums ever

Just groovy man

I feel like I'm "supposed" to like this album more, and while it's not bad, it's not something I would listen to often. 1 - bad 2 - average 3 - good 4 - great 5 - outstanding

Pleasingly produced classic Americana. There's something reassuring about the Band and this one of their best. Must explore more obscure stuff.

Super album!!

One of the best

The Band is undoubtedly a great group, but I just don't click with roots rock.

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)

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)

Wasn't really in the mood for this, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt, based on previous experience.

I don't hear that this is such a classic. It's definitely solid but nothing really grabs the attention.

did not finish, not at all my cup of tea.

Meh, I'm bored. Not convinced here.

These compositions man…Just so amazing. And the recordings are just so slightly intimate, which adds another layer to the album. Side note: I’m connecting why Dijon felt The Band were so important to shout out on his own record, Absolutely. There’s just so many moving parts to take in and feel here. And side note 2: I saw Goose play Look Out Cleveland during my first concert, it was such an important moment in my life and I’m glad that The Band created such a complete song. All the different instruments make up textures that are so rich and flavorful. This is just an album to approach from every angle you can to fully appreciate every piece and how they all come together. Faves: Look Out Cleveland, Whispering Pines, Rag Mama Rag, The Unfaithful Servant, Rockin’ Chair

This is the second album I’ve reviewed by The Band. My first was Music From Big Pink which left me quite underwhelmed, so I can’t honestly say I’m super excited for this album. I still love the name “The Band” though. It’s almost as good as “The The”. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Rag Mama Rag, Jawbone Well colour me surprised, as I quite enjoyed this! The whole instrumentation stayed mostly interesting with a lot of hits and only a few misses. Rag Mama Rag was a standout for me personally. It put me into the headspace of sitting in a saloon partying with the Sundance Kid. I wasn’t blown away by this album, but I definitely enjoyed it which is far more than I was expecting.

I took up all of my winnings And I gave my little Bessie half And she tore it up and threw it in my face Just for a laugh Now there's one thing in the whole wide world I sure would like to see That's when that little love of mine Dips her doughnut in my tea Its funny in retrospect that a bunch of canadians wrote a song (not the quoted one) that the american south held so dearly. But in the end the whole thing is actually worth a listen. 3/5

Dylan-backing band nonsense. How can the best song on the album be Cripple Creek, one of the most annoying songs of all time? Writing this I talked myself down a star in my rating

Interchanging singers gives this album an eclectic feel but the organic instruments keep it linked together. King Harvest, Unfaithful servant, Drive old Dixie down and Cripple creek are such well crafted songs

Country correct

I gotta explore more of their catalog. Only really care for 2 songs off this album

Extremely similar to their debut, on this listen The Band's second album doesn't quite get me as excited as Music from Big Pink. I don't appreciate their experimenting as much with 'Look Out Cleveland' sticking out as a sore thumb. But with songs like 'Across The Great Divide', 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down', and 'King Harvest (Has Surely Come)', this is still a classic.

There are days where I prefer The Band’s sophomore effort over their debut. Especially considering songs such as “When You Awake”, “Whispering Pines” and the three closing songs. Today is one of those days.

Listened Before: N Man, these dudes sound a LOT like the Dead. I will probably grow to really like this if I listen to it a lot. Whether its compelling enough to make me do that, I don't know yet. A solid effort though. Good musicianship and great storyteller lyrics. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Up On Cripple Creek

Honky and tonky. Stood out to me as much as the band name did. Which is to say: Not much. That is definitely "An album" by "The Band".

Was alright. A little boring for me. Up On Cripple Creek was the standout song for me, despite the name

Got a little too Cletus the Slack Jawed Yokel by the end.

Why did they bother coming up with song titles they all sound the same anyways

bad 2/5

I like The Band and this was enjoyable to listen to. 3.5.

Not a new one to me, very solid album. Maybe not as good as "Music From the Big Pink" though.

That's how you do folk. All around great record.

Yeah this was ok, but it didn't leave me longing for more of it.

In an unusual turn of events, I actually liked this album less on my second listen. So, 3 stars instead of 4 it is.

- Nice old folk songs - Enjoyed it, not sure I'd listen in full again - Criminal that they didn't call this 'The Album' - Fav songs: The Unfaithful Servant, When You Awake, Look Out Cleveland

Ok. Some better than others.

Classic rock_folk

Artistically well done, but not my cup of tea

Dull

A mind-numbingly dragging album, with a band name as mundane as the music. There are some pretty good songs like King Harvest and Look Out Cleveland but, like jazz, I just cannot relate to or enjoy folk rock as a whole.

Classic rock.

A really enjoyable listen. More funky swing than I was expecting.

Solid album by a solid band. I can't say I love it, but I definitely don't hate it either. I mean that in the best possible way. Like, it's good all the way through, but it doesn't "do" much for me either.

Smooth country rock listening, a good album.

"hey so what do you do?" "i'm in the band" "oh cool! have i heard of them?" "have you heard of the band" "which one?!" "the band" "ya... which one?" "..." "..." "😡" fav songs: Rag Mama Rag, Up On Cripple Creek, Look Out Cleveland, King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

cool

...maybe I just like 70s music.

This is fine. It seems a lot of these album of ‘60s and ‘70s rock and this band The Band are a great example of it done right. Top to bottom it’s sufficiently made and has nice production quality to it.

7/10

I love the Last Waltz but this album is just run of the mill folk rock to me. I appreciate the influence they have to so many bands

Great stuff.

Songs had a timeless quality to them, which left me surprised that I hadn’t heard them before. Will return to this album.

I like the band, so I liked this. It’s not as spectacular as big pink but still good

Just a late 60s/early 70s sounding band. Nothing stood out on the album. In fact, it all sounded the same. 5/10.

Very enjoyable, well written and well sung 4 🌟

Mostly unremarkable

That‘s so handmade that The Band must‘ve had horny hands. Great American Songbook. 2.4

3.75

Not a huge fan

Alright, new, no melody

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

American

Not my fave album of theirs, but still fantastic. So many great songs. Up On Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down being the hilights

Aburrido

Southern Rock. If thats your thing, go right ahead. Up On Cripple Creek is a cool tune.

I'm only passingly familiar with The Band and I've listened to their first album a bit but never in full. It was pretty good. Some good late 60s music.

7/10 a rather comforting listen.

6/10. The Band was all together, and it was... alright.

Twangy. 7/10

This is the most boring music/album I’ve ever listened to…

Relatief makkelijk doorheen te komen. Over het algemeen een best leuk album. Met vlagen enorm matige zang wel. Hoe invloedrijk en uniek voor die tijd het is kan ik niet beoordelen, dus daarvoor geen bonuspunten. 3/5

a banda

Can't ask for more

Meh

2. Some cool instrumental parts but overall boring.

Listened to this as I was roadtripping across the corn fields and hills of the midwest, and I certainly felt it complimented my ride nicely. This is folk rock done right. Takes inspiration from all sorts of American folk music, including country, soul, and bluegrass influence and all sorts of folk-like instrumentation which fills up the space to make each song memorable and luscious. Noticed other influences too like psychedelia in "Whispering Pines." Huge fan of the harmonious vocals. Not as beautiful as CSNY, but pretty close and still sounds amazing. There's something to like about each song, and they're all unique so they all contributed positively to the record. It's a relaxed and comfortable listen with both softer, emotional ballads and harder upbeat rock tunes, yet all tied together with common themes to maintain consistency. I have my favorites but there wasn't a song I didn't like, and it was short enough to fly by.

Not my type.

The Band prouve encore une fois avec cet album que derrière ce nom de scène se cache bel et bien un groupe de musique.

Un album que je qualifierai de gentillet

Really good

Not a huge fan of the twang. I don't even really like "The Weight" which seems to be a beloved song by almost everyone. Again, not a bad album but not one I would seek out again.

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

Ya gotta give it up

Love my Canadian band boys. No notes. No complaints. Just good tunes.

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

An album must click with you emotionally. No matter how good the music is, how non-intrusive the listens, when no song makes you listen closer and no lyrics stand really out, there's also not really a use to listen to it anymore after these first 3 playthroughs. The Band does nothing to me.

I don't really know what to say about this album. It has a cool sound. I enjoyed it. I don't think there's really anything wrong with the album, but I don't like it enough to give it a higher rating. My favourite song is Across The Great Divide.

Rock clássico que segue interessante.

Wanhanliiton juurirokkia. Ei oo kyl juurimusa välttämättä ihan mun musaa, mutta onhan tää nyt hyvä levy siitä huolimatta. Kelpomaukasta. 3/5

Nautinnollista, mut on kyl aika faija :D Ehken oo vielä ihan valmis. Tyhmästä nimestä myös aina näille miinus.

Sukellus Americanan syvään päätyyn. Lopetusraita ehkä oma suosikki tältä levyltä, mutta myös esim. avaus ja isommat hitit toimii. 4/5.

The song I loved most on this album was actually the Wilco song that auto played after the closing track.

Classic 1960s

Franchement y'a du groove et ça parle de chiller dans son bon texas la on est ienb allé bisous

Decent album, with piano and synth. Lacks in energy sometimes, some songs could gain from a little punch to them. Decent 3/5

Really cool blend of blues, country and rock. Still not as good as Music From The Big Pink.

Great album, would definitely listen to it again

Solid Album. Will very much listen to again.

Still,don’t get all the hype,on the band. Emjoyed it. But not revolutionary

I can see why people might like it, but this was pretty dull to me. Not especially terrible, just not very interesting.

Good

Intelligent folk rock, pretty good.

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.

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

They have this thing going where the music is imperfect but that somehow makes it perfect. There's a humanity to it. I was listening to Jack White, Neil Young, and Rick Rubin talking on Broken Record, and Jack was saying that he loves the band's vocals because they're often reaching for notes, even ones that they can't quite hit, and that makes it compelling. You can definitely hear what he's talking about. At times the lyrics are a bit cringe worthy. Overall, really enjoyed it.

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.

It all sounds nice and well done, but in general this style of Americana-ish rock does nothing for me listening back. Live I bet would be a hoot but it doesn't speak to me at all, unfortunately since I can recognize that it's all well done.

I like their music and how the band interacts with their individual talents.

I think one reviewer said MEH. Pretty much sums it up. The Band doesn’t offend anyone but it didn’t advance much in the music canon. Cover art 2/5. Did anyone think it was good.

Work slightly less productive, good drive, cook out, cutting in line, house, vibez, bonding? Drinking, fire pit, music, good walk, uno, ratatouille, cot

Dad Rock. Boring.

3 stars, good tracks.

On paper this should be a band that I would enjoy, but there's something about it that I just don't like. The music is good but there's something about the vocals that just aren't hitting my ears right...it feels like their voices clash when harmonizing and there's a goofy aspect (Randy Newman-esque) to a couple of the singers that just makes me cringe

Another good background album. Enjoyable but nothing jumped out at me though.

This is a nice album, was nice background music. But nothing really stood out other than Night They Threw Old Dixie Down.

Music seemed pretty generic. Cripple creek was fun, but not a huge fan of the album in general. 2.5 rounded up.

Not really my vibe

Nice

ehhhh

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!

This is an amazing album by the Band. It's earthy, laid back and effortlessly cool. This music never gets old. Fave Songs: Up on Cripple Creek, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Look Out Cleveland, Rockin' Chair, Jemima Surrender, When You Awake

Across the great DIVIDE

good late 60's rock album!

The talent and songwriting is undeniable. 5/5

This was a fun listen. Crisply produced prog rock. I could hear a little Pink Floyd in here at times.

A good time

I like The Band, in moderation. I think I've listened to this one before. Pretty nice.

As american an act as you can get. Rooted in Rock and Roll with a strong folk influence (how much of that is from working with Dylan is unclear). This album from 1969 seems to have completely missed the british invasion - it comes from a parallel universe inhabited by themselves and CCR. Is it any good - at times yes, at times less so but never manages to be bad. Personally I prefer their first album - Music from big pink, - nevertheless this is worth hearing.

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

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

Just good music to listen on good day.

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

King Harvest

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?

folksy, country sound. Just okay to me, didn't knock my socks off.

Really fun!

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

Lots of good stuff on here. Emotional songwriting, great textures with the instruments, great vocals and vocal harmonies. The album really gives off a mood.

Was a great transition from 60s to 70s rock.

Pretty okay music by a band.

Buen rock-blues-country, movido y bien hecho. Lo hubiera disfrutado más si una de las voces no me hubiera sonado a Ray Romano, restándole seriedad al asunto. Jemima Surrender es mi favorita. Está bien, a secas. 2.5 que sube a 3 porque está más bien que mal.

Muy a gusto, mejor de lo esperado. Cuando vi que eran canadienses me temía otra cosa como nuestros amigos Crosby, Stills, Nash o Young… pero no, de hecho es un rock folk bastante agradable. Bien. Me dejó la curiosidad de escuchar un poquito más de ellos.

The Band – The Band The Band? The Band. - The Great Divide – A song about the divide between men and women. Mixes rock and roll, jazz, country sensibilities etc. Not a style I’m a huge fan of, but it’s well done. - Rag Mama Rag – Some ragtime influences on this one. Another example of a track that is very well doen but that I fundamentally dislike. Lyrically, it’s a bunch of folksy-isms that just annoy me, and musically it’s a ragtime/country bounce that I just don’t like. - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – Discusses the last days of the Civil War and the hardships faced by white Southerners. Good song, but it just feels too much from the Confederacy’s view for me to be comfortable. I don’t think it’s intended to be a “Lost Cause” perspective or anything, just hard for me to connect with the white Southerners being victims. - When You Awake – Lyrics are better on this one, but the instrumentation isn’t one I care for. - Up On Cripple Creek - Nice bass in intro. Describes the narrator’s (a truck driver) escapades with “Bessie” including betting on horse races and drinking. Doing a deep dive into a single character is a solid idea for a country type song, so this works well. Don’t like the weird yodelling thing they do at the end, though. - Whispering Pines – A lonelier track led by the keyboard and soft drums. I like this one a lot. It’s sung by Richard Manuel (their keyboardist) at lead, and I like his voice way better than the others. My favorite track so far. The line “for if I live again, these hopes will never die” is especially chilling in light of the fact that Manuel committed suicide many years later. - Jemima Surrender – A sex song for the eponymous Jemima. Don’t like Helm’s voice. That plus the rather gross lyrics makes me dislike this song. “You can jump and shout, but can’t you see girl, that I’m bound to win.” Um, that’s not ok. - Rockin’ Chair – Song about an old retired sailor longing for the good times on his rockin’ chair with his best friend Ragtime Willie. Concept is good. Music isn’t to my taste. - Look Out Cleveland – A bit more of a blues track than their usual country folk. I like blues more than folk, so I like this more than much of their output. - Jawbone – Not my favorite. Pretty repetitive and forgettable track. - The Unfaithful Servant – Sings about an unfaithful servant being sent away by the lady of the house. Odd subject matter for a band in the 20th century, long after servitude was abolished in developed countries. Descending chord progression makes this unique, but I don’t really like it. - King Harvest (Has Surely Come) – A song about sharecroppers being exploited, first by the landowner, then by the union boss who claimed to help. He suffers misfortunes during the Dust Bowl, and the union offers no true relief. It’s a decent story song. Overall, way too country for my taste. The exaggerated Southern accents make me cringe. The whole aesthetic of southern/country music doesn’t appeal to me, and some of the problematic attitudes (e.g. in Jemima Surrender and Dixie) reinforce my dislike of the entire Southern genre. That said, some of the stories on this are quite good, especially in Cripple Creek and Rockin’ Chair. The songs with more personal lyrics are also great, Whispering Pines most notably. Overall, the Band tells interesting stories and has some notable musical innovations, but there’s very little that I actually like listening to. I’ll chalk them up as a band I’ll respect and probably not listen to much at all. The quality is enough to get them a 3/5, but I’m reserving 4s and 5s for albums I’d actually listen to again. Top Tracks: - Whispering Pines – Most personal lyrics and most emotional music. Good stuff. - Look Out Cleveland – Nice blues-inspired track.

Hadn't heard of them for some reason; will listen to more of their music. Very coherent album, and a bop.

👍

Some songs I really liked the others where mediocre. Not good not bad. 3.5/4

The album isn't perfect, but there are some classics here. The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek were my favorites.

I’m surprised I liked this album as much as I did. Some great tracks there with mixed genres. Turns out that I can’t say I don’t like country music anymore haha

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

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).

I’m not sure this has aged well. I enjoyed it much more when it came out than I do now. I can’t quite put my finger on it, though. I’ll have to give this more thought.

Very solid thematic album. The Band has a distinctive sound, and this album really shines with some of the big hits but the lesser known songs all carry their own weight. Robbie Robertson always dominates the conversation when it comes to The Band, and what an incredible guitar player he is, but for me I almost never really pick up on the guitar work in the songs, the vocals carry so much passion and the synth and bass always seem more evident than the guitar work to me. Great listen, enjoyed this a lot.

Really enjoyed the bluesy elements, not my favourite album but was a nice easy listen

I've seen too much of The Muppets, I think. This band sounds like The Muppets, but without the jokes. I'm pretty sure The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is gonna be stuck in my head for weeks now...

Another 60s album, what else can I say

Even in the first few seconds of the first song I can hear what influenced The Grateful Dead and others like it. I would consider myself a fan of blues rock, but I’ve only heard of the Band in passing and of course have heard the Weight, but never anything off this album. I’m not gleaning any particularly spectacular musical talent with any of the instruments, it’s just some guys vibing and singing about Cripple Creek. It was novel for the first few songs, but halfway in I’m ready for something different. Also, is no one talking about how problematic Jemima Surrender is??Looking at the cover art and listening to the organ and fiddle in these songs, I feel like I’m in the middle of the Gold Rush and I just stopped into the saloon after a long day of panhandling for gold. The Wikipedia talked about this album reflecting life in America, and I guess I don’t know enough about the 60s/70s to corroborate, but this just seems too old for even then. But then again, I can see them performing at Woodstock. My journey with this project has been short, but already from each of the few albums I’ve listened to already that is the main theme: each is timeless and yet represents its time period perfectly at the same time. I guess that’s what makes good music, when it stands the rest of time. I don’t know if I can agree with the critics however, it certainly isn’t better than Abbey Road, and Abbey Road is my least favorite Beatles album. My favorites: Rag Mama Rag, Up on Cripple Creek, King’s Harvest (Has Surely Come) (which btw sounds like a Schoolhouse Rock song?)

Solid album.

A little too long, but does have some absolute classics. 3.5/5

great album - some just classic folk rock/early alt-country on this album

The Band is another group for which I know that I do not understand their significance at the time they were making music. I know they are talented, but I'm not drawn to their sound. I may have listened to this album before to try and figure out why The Band gets so much praise, but it didn't stick with me. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", and "Up on Cripple Creek" (my favorite from this listen) are the only tracks that sounded familiar. There is some good keyboards / organ on several of the tracks, and competant musicianship throughout. I wonder sometimes if the vocals aren't to my taste - ¿a little too strained and shouted rather than sung? - and that pulls me away from becoming a fan. The Band's The Band was okay, but I'm guessing I won't come back for seconds.

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

Standouts: Whispering Pines, Rockin Chair, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Jawbone

Dit is niet The Band voor mij in ieder geval.

Lekker sfeervol op een bloedhete dag

Ik denk niet dat ik dit ooit echt interessant ga vinden. Ik vind het saai en gedateerd.

Voor ouwelullenmuziek best leuk en vrolijk.

"The night they drove old Dixie down" and "up on cripple creek" are classic tracks off this album. Reminiscent of the Grateful Dead

Wow this is bland. Must have used up all their creativity on the band name.

Solid 3.5, but forced to choose I'm rounding down today.

Generally really the Band and a couple of my faves on here (The Weight) but found some of them a bit samey. Wish I could give a 3.5

Enjoyed this. Had some really good bangers but some of it was a bit samey...

On en a gros

traversée du désert musical imminente j'en ai bien peur

So so.

Sure is a band.

very 60s, didn’t hate, didn’t love

Bluesy style country music. Unusual and well worth a listen.

Rockin' Chair was a very fast skip. The rest of the album is tolerable - nothing to write home about,

More like the BLAND amirite

Maybe the alt-country period really inoculated me against this album. If I had heard it before that period, and if I had been inclined to Americana and C&W which it took me into my mid-20s to get it after growing up in the 80s, I would have dug it.

layers upon layers

I think I understand the historical significance of The Band in rock music. And their importance given their connection with Bob Dylan. I've heard the quotes from rock music "A" listers about what The Band means to them. Plus I'm Canadian so I gotta be proud, right? And I am. But....this album leaves me cold, I much prefer Misic From Big Pink but even that one doesn't make me swoon. All in all it's mostly uninteresting music...3 🌟

Feels like a compilation of 70s sitcom theme songs with a folky bluegrass twang.

recommended for: drinking southern comfort in ontario. this album grew on me. probably a 3.

Screw you guys, five stars!

Just not a folk guy. 2/5

Ehhhhhh really just not for me. But according to Pete they are really good.

The Band is another really famous band that I haven't ever really connected with emotionally for some reason. Nevertheless, there were several moments that I enjoyed, like how the guitar and piano move in unison on Look Out Cleveland or the understated use of horns on The Unfaithful Servant. I also really loved Whispering Pines - such a comforting song. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is weird because it's lyrically fishy but formally good, with all the instruments in the right place (particularly the haunting harmonica-esque sound, drums during the chorus).

Cringe. Had to skip songs because my aversion was so overpowering.

Not great, Not terrible

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.

Surprisingly good listen. And only surprisingly because I am uncultured enough to have not listened to them before.

Folk-rock. Ni fu ni fa.

Good stuff - proper songwriting. I've had it up to the ears with 'artists' - how about some musicians for a change? This will do as a start.

Dull americana

Had low expectations going into this one, based off the terrible artist name, and the even more terrible album cover, but was pleasantly surprised. Highlights include Across the Great Divide, which plunges you right into this 44 minute jambouree, Up on Cripple Creek is a funky jam ahead of it's time, and the album finishes off strong with the fun and lighthearted King Harvest. The rest of the material is solid and varied enough to keep this hoedown rollin'.

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.

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

Just some classic folky, country-ish rock tracks. What’s not to like? With tracks generally about old Americana concepts, this can almost be a sort of concept album. Whether it is or not, it’s incredibly joyful and bouncy and fun to listen to!

Pretty sweet record. Deals a lot with old themes which combine with the folk rock sound really well. 7/10

Not bad!

Not bad actually, the Night they Drove Old Dixie Down continues to slap

3, something to listen to on a porch armchair

Cohesive album. Vignette of blues-americana, with some classics of the the 60s.

Not my thing

sådan der drenge!!

hyggelig 60'er folk-rock, solide blues vibes, indflydelsesrigt

Ok

This was an excellent album of what I would call Americana today. The Band incorporates elements of traditional American music including bluegrass and blues in a popular song format to create memorable songs, many of which have become standards.

The Band. Sound is pleasant, easy country listening, could do without the confederacy love though. Also one of those that clearly made the list for its impact at the time rather than doing anything special and long-lasting.

It's perfectly pleasant and competent from a musical perspective, but not really challenging. The themes / subject matter are interesting, but the music doesn't change enough to tell the different stories in a particularly interesting way. Re: the confederacy stuff, it does get dangerously close to tipping into longing for the good old days of slavery etc. - apparently the writers did try to make sure that it was telling the story from the perspective of one non-slave owning Southerner who lost his brother in the war, but they didn't clarify that until 2020... 2/5, not miles off a 3 though.

Meh 2

Was good, no idea what is was about though

A little too much honky-tonk in this one for me.

Awful

It was fun to listen to. Not bad but not really my thing. Folk rock bordering county. Standout tracks: When You Awake, Whispering Pines