The Band

Undoubtedly fun and funky, but may be too chicken-friend for my tastes. Personal highlights include “Whispering Pines” and “Rockin’ Chair” and “Look Out Cleveland.”I find the singing sort of labored at times, too, though mostly effective, even if vocal quality isn’t exactly first-rate. (Dylan would be the comp I suppose and vocals hold up well there.) I recognize that this may have been a very “of the moment” record in 1969, but it’s hard to hear that now or judge the music based in terms of social commentary or perceived impact. And anyway Big Pink is considerably better.

The third album by The Band that we got and it's another good one, although not quite as great as Music From Big Pink. Still, it's a pretty great mix of americana, folk rock and rock'n'roll that hits the right spots. Good songs, good musicianship and enough variety to stay engaged throughout the album. This gets a thumbs up from me.

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.

A classic. Quite like it. 7/10 Fave: Across the great divide

A great folk rock album, really enjoyed this.

Wasn't sure if I'd like this, but was pleasantly surprised. Can't say I need to listen to it again, but as a kind of gentle background noise somewhere, it might be more interesting then some other candidates.

Solid Band album. No surprises.

"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek" are my favorite tracks. This is a timeless album.

Nothing super grabbed me but not so bad. Playing catch up with the albums so that’s probably skewing my impression.

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.

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.

They should change names to The Banned, so nobody ever has to hear of them again. Right? Right? Or The Bland, because of how dull it is, yeah? Nah...but, honestly, it wasn't very good really. 😕

I listened to this, I can confirm it exists. I have nothing further to say.

4.5

Southern rock is pretty good

Not as good as I expected it to be

Blues Rock and Folk Ballads. Nothing that stands out for me. 2/5

Really good. 3/5

p176. 1969. 3 stars Yeehaw. Average band play average country rock songs. Well done of its kind I suppose but... just washed over me and left no residual trace. Only a couple of standout tunes, and a lot of the vocals veer into a thin whine far too often. I might be missing something, but on the other hand this album could just be really average.

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?

vissa låtar är roliga och lite svängiga men generellt sett inte så bra

The least interesting of the Southern rock I’ve heard so far.

The Band

Znany i lubiany krazek The Band w wykonaniu The Band, ktory byl ich drugim studyjnym albumem z roku 69, kanadyjski zespol ktory zostal zhamerykanizowany przez dekade tourowania z Dylanem w pewnym czasie samemu zaczal tworzyc wlasnie materialy, chociaz czesto czerpani tez z dylanowych kawalkow, eponimiczny albumik moze byc sluchany jako konceptowy krazek o ludziach i myszach, wiec mocno hamerykansko sie go slucha majac przed oczami moonszajny, linczowania czy unionizujacych sie farmerow, teksty zachaczaja o tematy przyziemne, ale nie zabraknie mniej przyziemnych problemow jak samotnosc pod sosenkami, czy lustowanie na farmie, zespol ktoremu podczas koncerowania z Dylanem zarzucano popowosc stworzyl cos tak folkowego i nie czuc tutaj forsowanego obrazu, a slychac prawdziwych brodatych lesnych dziadkow, w sklad ktorych wchodzilo pieciu czlonkow, z ktorych najwiekszy wklad w proces tworzenia liryki i muzyki mial pan Robbie Robertson, creditowany w wiekszosci trakow, a grajacy takze na gitarkach, akustyku i elektryku, bogate klawisze i pianinko wnosi Richard Manuel, drumowane bylo przez Levona Helma, bas w wykonaniu Ricka Danko, ktory ma takze udzial na skrzypcach i puzonie, ale prawdziwym multiinstrumentalista grupy byl Garth Hudson, klawisze, klawikordy, saksy, trumpety, wiec brzmienie jest na tyle bogate, ze jedynym muzykiem sesyjnym byl producent plyty John Simon, to wlasnie to bogactwo brzmienia najbardziej kieruje banda bardziej w rocka niz w folka, a moze rocka pomalowanego w folkowe historie, ktore jednak mnie kupuja, bo jestem suckerem takich klimatow, dodatkowo wokalnie trzech czlonkow bandy ma swoje utwory, wiec nie jest rowniez nudno pod tym wzgledem, bo o dziwo, ze trzy kawalki ktore najbardziej mi pasuja na plejke z tego dwunasto kawalkowego zestawu naleza do trzech roznych wokalistow, od Helma up on the cripple creek, dankowy when you are awake i king harvest od pana Richarda, chociaz wszystkie glosy lubia sie pojawiac razem jako backujace chorki, wiec albumik osluchany kolejny raz, ale tak samo dobry jak zawsze

I expected folky rock - with organ and from Canada - to make more of an impression, but only heard The Band as high quality background noise.

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

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.

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.

The Band is not my favorite band. But there definitely some good tunes. Vocals are really good this is a style of music I enjoy. I just don’t connect to it for some reason. I mean, it’s ok.

This hit a good spot for me. I really like the piano and harmonies. Also recognized a few of the songs.

I liked this album. I knew a few songs already, and the others were good too. I had a degenerate gambler uncle who used to play at Cripple Creek in CO. He was always humming or singing that song. Brings back some good memories, RIP Uncle Dan.

A bit too country for me. Not bad but nothing great here.

Pretty good, but leans a bit too much into the country style

Odd to hear a Canadian band sing about dixie... but I guess there is a deep south canada isn't there?

Very solid americana rock album that does not show real signs of age. There are some mediocre points (Rag Mama Rag, Jawbone), but the album is pretty consistent start to finish. Dixie is the strongest, but plenty of other earnest songs that make an enjoyable listen.

Honestly, was hard to actually listen. Was just not that interested. The jam shows talent but I just didn't get into it. Is it me? Also, some of the southern, Dixie, references have too much of a weighted past to really enjoy.

Thoroughly enjoyable. Certainly the yearning for the old South was disturbing but the joyful songs about sad things, honesty, equality of instrumentation, Americana made just really pleasurable listening. I had never listened to the Band but I actually liked them more than a lot of classic rock I've heard. It sounds like jamming with friends gone right. I didn't save any tracks from the album but I might listen to more in the future when in the right kind of mood.

There’s no lack of late 60s - early 70s folk rock on here. This one seems like a particularly good example though, with a wide range of styles and influences: blues, rock and roll, honkytonk, even some yodelling in there. The funk pushed it to a 4 for me.

A solid offering of bluesy folk rock. Not quite a 5 for me, but it's still up there. Personal Favorites: Up On Cripple Creek, Whispering Pines, Jawbone

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

Good musicians!

Nodded along right from the start, very folksy without being country, great guitar work in the background. Very enjoyable.

Solid roots rock out of Canada. Kinda folksy, but all-around a nice listen.

This album just has a classic feel to it. Really easy to listen to and not much wrong with it. I also feel there wasn’t necessarily anything standout about it compared to other classic rock, but it taps into a nostalgia I think a lot of people probably hold for classic rock without having even heard any of the songs on the record. I will say though, I’ll probabaly listen to this album more and more because it’s such a good album to drive to.

Up on cripple creek alone is worth 5 stars

Pretty great

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

Não gostei

Meh. Bored.

Great sound, I don’t think it can be a bother to anyone. Great passive listening from a very influential band.

Decent classic rock that, 50 years later though has lost a bit of its uniqueness. What's left is good music without any real highlights though

Four stars An all-time classic, and an album which still holds its own many years after it was released. Beyond the great songs this record can boast about, what's really interesting is how The Band's second effort also works like a subtle concept album about America's Civil War, here seen from the vantage point of ordinary folks. They should have called it *Across The Great Divide*, after the opener. But then again, The Band were never really good to find names, were they? As is usually the case with those classic albums, I won't write a full-blown review here given that others have already written wonderful stuff about them and there's not much I can add that I feel could be relevant and interesting. *The Band* is just a timeless gem for anyone who has even a remote interest in sixties and seventies music. Go and listen to it a.s.a.p. Number of albums left to review or just listen to:  more than 900, I've temporarily lost count here Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens:  approximately a third so far (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: another third Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): the last third Albums I might not be the best person to judge, but that I will probably include in my final list: 3. That, I remember.           

Jamais entendu parler de ce groupe. C'est pas que j'aime pas, mais je n'entends aucun intérêt . 2

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!"

Medium taste album, pretty similar to the Beatles in some song, but general a vanilla album

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

Just some old-fashioned rock and roll. Love it

Eh.

I really dig it

Come on, it's THE band.

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.

A museum piece.

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.

This album clearly had a lot of influence in the 70s. A whole genre of Good Ol' Boy rock was to follow. It has a nostalgic sound, as though many of the songs were old American standards instead of their own new compositions. The instrumentation is a lot of fun, and they switch and blend their voices to a good effect. It also has a bit of that Good Ol' Boy-ness that feels a little uncomfortable nowadays...

I was not familiar with most of the album, and it was okay. It just struck me as kinda meh... There are some up-beat and funky-ish moments that are fun, but overall not something that I really embrace.

I thought I would like this more. I love their general sound, this southern-fried rock sort of thing, with its fiddles and mandolins and honky-tonk pianos and yodels. I do still love Up on Cripple Creek and King Harvest was a nice new discovery. But I was ready for the album to be over when it ended. I know it was recorded 50 years ago and, at least in my circles and the media I consume, there's not a lot of this kind of stalkery caveman garbage left but I really couldn't stomach the lyrics of Jemima Surrender. ("You can change your name, you can find a new walk, you can change your lock, it's all the same. ... Jemima surrender. I'm gonna give it to you.") After that, I was just tired and sad.

I certainly have some familiarity with this album. I used to hear it in the 1970s at my aunt’s and uncle’s house as my older cousins were very much into music like this. The songs I know fairly well are “Up On Cripple Creek” and “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” The rest I couldn’t specifically identify but they feel familiar. I am not always predisposed to love the sort of rustic-rock of the late 60s/early 70s but I often do like it once I hear it. Still I liked most of the songs and will be happy to revisit this again. Some of the standouts in addition to the two monster hits mentioned previously include “Rag Mama Rag,” “When You Awake,” “Whispering Pines,” “Rockin’ Chair,” “Look Out Cleveland” and “King Harvest.”

Root-rock jam band with a bit of a honky-tonk feel. It's easy listening with a good vibe and some rich storytelling.

not for me!

Reminds me of Grateful Dead... couldn't listen to it all but I'll surely give it a try again soon

Not as good as the pink one but still good

Take a load off Annie is a 5 star track for me, overall a great album that had bent my ears out of shape

I've always loved The Band for their super-hits I knew but haven't really delved into their catalog. Similar to the Dead, they're a funky romp - country, blues, folk, rock, all mixed together. I didn't really love everything on this album but it was a great listen.

Genre: Roots Rock 3/5 A collection of fake-Southern actual-Canadians, who used to be the backing band for a fake-Southern actual-Minnesotan, Bob Dylan, departs from their touring life and starts writing their own stuff. The harkening back, while a little cringey nowadays (re: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down), sounds somewhat genuine here, and The Band does a good job of sounding like the olden days in their production and playing style. Not a perfect album, but makes for good easy listening. Up on Cripple Creek is great.

Really liked it! Good to have in the background while working.

Forgot I was even listening 2/5

Standin by your window in pain Pistol in your hand

Loved the honkey tonk elements of this album, definitely don't hear that much anymore. Cool album overall.

I wouldn't have guessed this was written in 69. Not every song was for me but overall I enjoyed it.

middelmatige Amerikaanse folk

Lievästi sanottuna vittumainen päivä ja meni levy vähän ohi, mutta eipä siinä tainnut juuri mitään mieltä ylentävää ollakaan....

Bändin paras biisi, The Weight, puuttui, sillä olisi nostanut arvosanaa. Kuitenkin kuuntelun arvoinen ja 2,5* antaisin. Yltää siis kolmoseen

Some pleasant folk I guess?

To my surprise I rather enjoyed this. I've listened to it a few times and not been particularly impressed, but this time it kind of worked for me. I might even like it.

some certified HEATERS on this joint

Welp. This is it. My first 1-star rating. This album is just as interesting as it's name. Boring and not my style at all.

Excellent storytelling mostly about the south of past/present supported by folk, blues, and rock rhythms. Old timey sound with classic keys/organ and guitar up front with commanding drums and bass turned way up. Funky finish with King Harvest. Real focus on building a scene with characters and details. Drove old Dixie down, cripple creek, jawbone

A classic of course. I much prefer Music from Big Pink. I wish that they rocked harder at times on this album. 4 🌟

Incredible album.

2022.12.14

The album is even more varied and dense, with a few more classics of their ragged, debonair style, taken a little from 1920s town bands, a little from barrelhouse entertainers, a little from country bands and a little from 19th century minstrels. (7/10) FT: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek, Jawbone

Skemmtilegt kántrí rokk

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

I’m a union man… this goddamn album was a bop all the way through. Just groovy, head bobbin’ vibes. Get my cigarette and coffee and let’s go rangle up the crew

pleasant surprise, had never listed o them.

good stuff

4.5 if I could. Really good.

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

Rating: 5/10

Rockabilly rock.

“Up On Cripple Creek” unlocked old memories with my dad.

Un bon album, en plus leur 1er. Mon 2e prefere de the band. 4.5

This album is unoffensive and fine. A relic of the past. When I listen to this album, I can't help but feel like I should be driving an old Studebaker toward the west coast with a green frog in the front seat singing "Moving Right Along" https://youtu.be/Q6NQcO9KTBY

Canadians who couldn’t come up with a band name do Americana. Regardless of its origin, the debate about “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is probably the most interesting thing to me about this album. It's from the perspective of a poor Southerner as the Confederacy is losing the Civil War. Does it glorify the rebellion in any way? Or at least not denounce it? Does such a piece of art need to denounce it? While those are worth discussing, what it makes me think about most is the everyday people who lack power and agency when their government starts a war. The song’s Virgil Caine was not a slaveowner, and may not have voted for secessionists or supported the war. But it ravaged his home nonetheless. No one really wins in war, whether you drive Dixie down or not. Second most interesting thing is “Up On Cripple Creek.” Decent tune. Third most interesting thing is the vocals. Interesting because they’re mostly not good. Neil Young-ish. Is that just what Canadians think American Southerners sound like?

3 1/2

Almost a 2 because of any song with lead vocals by Richard Manuel. I much prefer Helm’s voice.

I’m disappointed. I really thought I would like this album more. I’ve dabbled in The Band before and liked them although now I realize it must have been mostly a greatest hits type deal. I like Up On Cripple Creek a lot. The clavinet provides funky greatness reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. Jemima Surrender has some grit to it. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is a nice little ditty. Look Out Cleveland has some good energy. The rest of the album is a bit boring, but pleasant enough. An exciting aside to this album is that Martin Scorsese directed The Last Waltz. And that he was co-director for the Woodstock documentary. When learning these nuggets is almost as exciting as the album itself, mediocrity, and thus disappointment, hath be upon me.

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.

Peak dad music, this one

Not awful, but nothing to write home about either.

One of the best

I’m not a big Americana guy but this album is fun enough. I can understand the significance even if it isn’t 100% for me.

The second half was a lot stronger than the first half but overall still very boring to listen to

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.

nah, bit dreary

Very enjoyable, well written and well sung

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.

Frekar predictable, en gott í þessu.

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.

Classic rock is classic. That Jawbone song is a banger.

I have heard "Music From The Big Pink" and "The Last Waltz" a few times, so I am pretty familiar with the Band. The vocals always grated on me a bit. I'm not sure which singer it is, but he always sounds overly whiny. I know I should let that go. I mean, if I like Neil Young and Ian Anderson's vocals, this guy should be up my alley. But there's no forcefulness there. Then there's some of the songs... "Jemima Dancer" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" are definitely problematic (God, I hate that word.) songs today. At least "The Night" is a better song. "JD" is not that good to begin with. It's a good first effort by the group, but they definitely went up from here in their later efforts. They are NOT a group I have to get every 50th anniversary super deluxe edition set for, but a good comprehensive set would be good for me. I'd give this a good 3.7, minus "Jemima Dancer" (wow, what were they thinking?"

I never liked the Band. Still don't. So I can't give this album 5 stars. But I appreciate the artwork and musicianship here. Wide range of instruments and sounds, decent two or three part harmonies. Some real solid songwriting. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Up on Cripple Creek are deserved popular songs. Whispering Pines, Rockin Chair, and King Servant were nice songs I didn't know about. Rag Mama Rag reminded me why I don't like the Band.

Last week I did a listen of Music From the Big Pink. Although it wasn’t a bad album, to me it sounded like they were still Dylan’s backup band and hadn’t quite found their sound yet. I think they’ve arrived with their second album. The songs sound less forced and more original. There are no covers on this, with all the songs written or cowritten by Robertson. The lead vocals are mostly evenly divided between Helm, Danko, and Manuel. I enjoyed the guest Tuba on “Rag Mama Rag.” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “Up on Cripple Creek” are classics. Rest of the album was good too. I loved the mandolin on “Unfaithful Servant.”

It's good stuff, but nothing I'd go out of my way to listen to. The classics are certainly good (The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek").

That took all of my strength to get through. Not my thing. I like a lot of albums from the 60s. So that’s not it. Why all the hype with this? Their last show was supposedly the second coming. 1.75 stars

It was OK... But not for me at all. Rating: 5/10

The band sucks. Did not like anything they did, at all. Stopped halfway through, couldn't do it anymore.

A mixed bag of an album. Simple rock with a bit of country. Liked "Night they Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up on Cripple Creek". But "Whispering Pines" seemed out of place on the album in my opinion. Though still enjoyable overall

7/10

I was just completely bored throughout this album. This album was not fun to listen to for me, sorry.

Great. Folky, harmony. Maybe a favorite

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.

It was an okay experience. Not overly my cup of tea but I respect and appreciate the guitar work and overall songwriting. The couple of singles have certainly grown tiresome over the years, tho they're not without a certain charm of life.

57 The Band - The Band 12 tracks. Too lazy to create a band name never mind about name their album, the music is just as lazy. Little bits of quality surrounded by loads of mediocrity. 2/5

Before this, my familiarity with The Band pretty much ended with "The Weight," which got played to death on the radio throughout the 70s. I never could figure out why it was such a staple, except the chorus lends itself to drunken singalongs. Listening to this self-titled release provides a clearer picture. The Band is a roots-rock band, mining pretty much the same territory as The Grateful Dead at the time. In fact, I had heard Up On Cripple Creek before and mistook it for a Grateful Dead track. Both bands share a loose (some might say sloppy) approach, with wobbly vocals, but I'd say that's intentional--they're avoiding slickness in favor of feeling and authenticity. Both bands approach various genres with respect, but aren't afraid of modernizing the textures, let's say with a clavinet on Up On Cripple Creek. And like the Dead, they don't restrict themselves to any specific genre like country or honky-tonk, but feel free to borrow from a variety of genres. This album is a modest, low-key effort, which tends to camouflage its strengths. One is that The Band has a real feel for Americana, unlike most modern attempts at the genre. Paradoxically, that makes the then modern interpolations of organ, clavinet, horn charts and so on an enrichment instead of a distraction. Another is that they're equally adept at ballads as rockers and everything in between. Over the course of an album, The Band builds up a ramshackle charm. The problem, if you can call it that, is that this music is comfortable like an old ratty coat. It's not designed to impress. It's meant to envelop you and keep you warm. I can't imagine ever going back to listen to this album from beginning to end, but I am going to put it on my 60s Spotify station.

Could only be improved if it was called the album.

This wasnt too bad of an album. Nice and easy to listen to.

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

I have three 5s in the last 5 days, so I guess I was I my zone and this one took me out of it. For it it was boring and couldn’t listen to it in only one sit

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 :)

Es un clásico con buenas canciones, cada canción tiene su toque especial, pero creo que no es para mí

Pretty good. 6-7/10

Sublimació de les aportacions del primer disc. Protoamericana i arrels del folk americà passat pel filtre dels 60. Sense la frescura de 'Music from Big Pink' ni els seus aires improvisats, però amb cançons més treballades i millor acabades. No hi són 'The Weight', ni 'Tears of Rage, ni 'I Shall Be Released'... però sí que estan 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down', 'Up on Cripple Creek' o 'Across the Great Divide'...

Love it

Not always what I would pick our, but still a good album. Favorites: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek, Whispering Pines

Worth a listen but not really anything that sticks in my mind.

Mumford & Sons should sue

Nice and loose

Funky but in a kind of generic way. Looking at the date, it seems like similar music that I'm familiar with from the 70s originates with this album making it proto-70s funk. neat.

1969 worth to listen again

I hate this shit. Absolutely hate it. Every time I think it might get better, it gets worse. I loathe it with every fiber of my being. If there is a hell, certainly it is The Band. But at least now I can say I gave it a fair chance.

Very old school. Not my favorite.

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.

Good album but not all tracks are equally memorable.

A bit more AOR/Country/Americana than I usually listen to. I can hear the musicality of the album and admire the audible collaboration between the band members, but it's not really my cup of tea.

Clearly good but not my thing

Can see what the fuss is about may relisten

3 classic songs and the rest were forgettable

This is good…. Classic alt American rock; done really well. The Band, the band!

nice album with great songs

meh

Masterpiece.

Too slow and country for me!

I was always a Band fan. This shows me I'm more of a fan of The Band's greatest hits/The Last Waltz. I hate it but this is a 2.5 for me dog.

Country, Liberal, Ahead of Time

Enjoyed it more than I expected, not being a Dylan fan It's a bit Good Ol' Boys and I can hear how they have influenced so many after them

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.

Good mixture of rock n roll, folk with a bit of soul. Not too country. Listenable. Not quite a 4

Tolles Album, super zu hören.

Voll mein Ding im Oldie-gewand

These chicks don’t even know the name of my band.

not totally sure how to categorize this. kinda blue grass I guess. 2.5

It’s the band!

I really liked this!! eagles reminiscent

Can see how they influence bands like The Eagles who also had that Country Rock sound.

I love the band

Pretty good…nothing special

Mostly good

Good album…but it is not ‘Music from the Big Pink’

Ok...1 or 2 good ones..the night they drove old Dixie down.....

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

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

It's a classic.

Sort of boring

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

Iconic

06/06/2021 Ricardo was here

Classic album

Não é mau mas não é memorável. Meio folk which isn't bad

A bit too soft and country for me personally, but I enjoyed this album overall. Favorite Track: When You Awake

wasn't sold by the first song but I liked it more and more as it progressed.

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

Did not know this was their second album in 1969. Cripple Creek as a standout.

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.

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

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.

Classic Rock. Great stuff will have to relisten.

Started strong, catchy songs and decent tunes. Seemed to have a bit of everything rock related (county, blues, ballad, folk) Would listen again.

I like what this album may have inspired, but overall I'm not really a fan. Track 5 has a really cool lick though. Highlights: Tracks 1, 3, 4, 12.

Pretty good! I was having a stressful day and this helped put me in a better mood. Fave song I think was Across the Great Divide.

Cool album, not really my vibe

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.

groovy

favourite tracks: up on cripple creek, jawbone

Already loved songs off this album, whole thing was pleasurable. Would give 4.5 if possible

Musically its quite good. Very of the time lyrics though.

Some interesting bits of instrumentation elevate it above generic sixties blues rock and I quite enjoyed it, but I'm unlikely to ever listen to this again.

This is definitely my type of music. I’ve always love The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, but it was nice to hear the rest of this album. Very ragged folky bluesy sound.

Late 60s pop/rock. Similar to the Beatles. Seemed fine, some decent tracks, not my favorite.

Not much to say. Good album but not something I'd listen to regularly. I really only know "The Weight" from their previous album.

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.

By turns haunting and forgettable. But mostly pretty great. This is, like, what all classic rock should be but rarely is.

Very good

Not my kind of thing, but pretty cool!

Not bad, but really not my cup of tea.

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

вау, дженерик рок эгейн. на этот раз кантри. ну ничего не сказать, достойно, пошёл ебать свою кузину

Тоже батя-рок, но уже с более негативной коннотацией. Тут уже отец на шашлык жарит, а скорее неторопливую зарядку. И при этом мешает читать. Между делом спрашивая: "Нравится? Но это же суп-пер". В таком батя-роке тоже есть мотивы, которые быстро усваиваются, но при этом они довольно скоро начинают бесить, а не подталкивать к напеву всуе. А то, что не бесит, оно хоть вроде и приятно, но на душе не оседает. Волею выходных вынужден слушать этот альбом чаще, чем слушал бы в будни. И вот после нескольких славных заходов начал уже сильно надоедать. Это раз на 4-5-ый. За такое четвёру ставить - уже грех. Но и вовсе парашу ебенить - хейтерство. Сойдусь с собой на тройбане. P.S. Наименования коллективов, что метят в безликий минимализм, вызывают некое отторжение. Особенно когда "the" в начало ебенят. Возможно, вьетнамские флешбеки по урокам английского. С The Beatles у меня таких проблем нет, так как "Beatles" - выдуманное слово, а с Queen нет, потому что, собсна, "the" не завезли. Группа "группа", конечно, вызывает некоторые приятные ассоциации с партией "Партия" Внука Елькина, но также и неприятные ассоциации с рок-группой "Рок-группа". Так же, как второй парень слева напоминает и Николая II, и Варга Викернеса.

хз

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

É o segundo álbum que ouço desta banda, estes senhores são bons, mas a sonoridade tem um leve travo a country que não adoro. Mas eles são muito competentes no que fazem, não posso apontar muito o dedo, acredito que não seja o público alvo mas é visivel a qualidade do álbum. A melhor música talvez seja alguma do inicio, antes de eu começar a enjoar um bocado do álbum. Diria que a melhor para mim foi a Rag Mama Rag. Nota: 6/10 Dia: 03/10/2026

Immediately sounds like a bunch of white dudes robbing black music of the time. Soul, blues, OG R&B etc (like Otis Redding). It's good music, but can't help but feel a bit like it isn't original. Developed though as the album went on, became more folly and Bon Dylan-esque, some good sounds. Jemima Surrender was decent. 3. 5 / 5.

1, 2 ganz nette Songs

false

Meh

Their sound is okay, just a little quiet for my taste. They could be pretty funky if they tried, but they're pretty chill instead, with some base guitar. Probably a 2/5 unless songs 6-12 get better.

Rustic beards. Best Tracks: Rag Mama Rag, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, King Harvest (Has Surely Come)

Okie Dokie

Sounds like early 70s Lynyrd Skynyrd

New a few of the songs before listening. Album matched expectations. A top album. Can see why they are referenced as an influence for so many that followed

Great stuff.

6.75

Not the biggest fan of this genre of music

fine

Meh

Band without Dylan is no bueno

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]

Boooring

Goes all over the place, every song is so different it feels like a compilation. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "across the Great divide" stand out tracks. Hard to judge it without an appreciation of the times.

Bit dull. Also a dreadful name for a group.

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

flock rock. MUY BUENO!

Nice. Should listen to it again

Yer Daw loves this one... and I think it's pretty cool too.

Buenos ritmos, melodías y tonos. Quizás le falte algo de chispa.

Better than I had expected, albeit a little plodding in places. I do like a singing drummer.

I don't like

Better than I realized. Really good.

so fun. never listened to this whole album. great southern rock.

Folk rock. Bastante bueno.

decent 1970s country rock. Not great, but also not bad.

pretty fun

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.

Another late 60's Americana/roots/folk/country/blues rock thing I firmly believe I won't listen to (in fact, just listened to the first song).

Meh

If “Unfaithful Servant” is the next to last song on your album, then you can name your band whatever the hell you want.

Currently 4 songs in. I hate it. Currently 8 songs in. Make it stop, this album is the best way to slow down time because it feels like an eternity. Yup. Hated it.

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

Major southerner energy, ehhh 3/5

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

Great band but this album is not my favorite offering from them. Huge fan of their live stuff.

Still sound great

The bigger hits on here I know and like but don’t love. I can see how this was a big influence though. Some of the tracks were pretty forgettable. I bet these guys were super fun live. 3.5 stars

Not a great start, but i love where it went

Country rock about being American and having your barn burn down. Some really awesome use of 7ths and unpredictable chord changes. Pretty cool band. Completely new to me. Love the first track across the great divide

This is a good album

Fun and poppy with slightly haunting lyrics. Almost twangy enough to satisfy me.

This album made it feel like I was at the end o a 90s movie and everything was going to work out. Very nice

false

Old time pseudo-Americana fronted by mostly Canadians shouldn't work this well, though like most things of its vintage the politics and social sensibility haven't aged perfectly.

Classic!

Unpolished. Fun swamp rock vibes.

Easily recognized the influences on rock bands after. Especially the grateful dead riffs. The beginning of the album eases into their sound with songs that reflect pop rock of late 60s. By the middle of the album is when I was really drawn in to a new unique jam sound. I feel this is when The Band is at their best, mixing rock and a little country with a blues jam style.

A definite classic, very easy listening, but nothing truly breathtaking

Helt ok, mysigt i bakgrunden. Kanske lite country/dylan för mig, men ej dåligt.

Not my favorite but def a great show of musicianship

I like 'The Band', rock music. But it has something country to me. Did not know they were the band of Bob Dylan.

Decent album. Good for a mellow mood.

I haven't listened to a lot of 60s-70s rock for a while... Listening to The Band, I'm surprised how much more 'unified' their sound is, compared to modern tracks. Every instrument sounds more together, more at peace with each other in the mix, than a lot of the modern stuff.

Not digging the bland, Beatles-country-bluegrass-esque fusion here. Nothing memorable on this one.

Great album, gotta love the band

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

Honestly, I liked the rest of the album way better than their most popular song, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

Yo, I am all about the fucking band! Nice stuff bros keep up the good work!

Epic

Good album if not my style of music. Favourite song was Across the Great Divide.

3.2

Enjoyable and breezy, but nothing super memorable! I prefer the cover version of "Drove Old Dixie Down". A few songs stood out, "Look Out Cleveland" was fun!

Didn't listen, but have listened.

Can't go wrong with THE BAND!

Some songs I could recognize, but otherwise feels like a standard good-quality folk rock album from the time. Solid, but not exceptional.

Good! Classic!

If I was trying to be purely objective I think I would score this higher, but it's veering a bit too close to country for my own tastes. Not for me, and I can't imagine ever revisiting, but I wouldn't run to turn it off if it came on the radio.

This just isn't for me. It's fine, there's nothing bad about it, but I don't see myself ever coming back to this album. 2/5

Wholesome as heck

Classic, loved it.

2.5 - 3, there are pockets where i really enjoyed this but not enough for me to long to come back to.

The band, good band

Ok but pretty mundane, like their name

Fuckin sick as hell