The Band

FUN

It’s a good mood for an album. great music and vocals. It’s a good rock and country fusion. 7/10

Nearly a 5

Band I like their super raw vocal sound . it’s just like a bunch of guys shouting in harmony. The whole vibe is like a drunken singalong. “When I awake” is great never heard that song. “Cripple creek” is so groovy. Always liked Levon helm’s feel on drums and voice. “Look out Cleveland” is cool. Kind of cool that these guys all sing and play a bunch of instruments and switch off on drums guitar, keys, trombone, sax and fiddle. Weird amount of songs about the old American south. Super influential band and album. Tough one to rate.

There are other albums of theirs I like more but rag, Dixie, and cripple creek are all great classics. I like the last waltz version of Dixie a lot more.

This is the first time I have listened to an album by The Band. Maybe today we would call it "Alt Country", or "Folk Rock". Whatever you want to call it, it's good.

7/10 good

Love this band sounds and style. Got some kinda chill southern rock something to it, but easy to jam to.

good quality folk rock. really enjoyable listen. highlights: “the night they drove old dixie down”, “up on cripple creek”, “look out cleveland”.

This is like Death Cab and Guster meets the Beach Boys. I actually really liked it.

I liked it better than the other The Band album I listened to. still an organ or voice tone that can grate.

Pretty awesome. Cripple creek's going on the camping playlist

Some fine tunes on this album.

Bah luhlalalala hewhooo

I don't really like how country they can get sometimes but this is obviously a very good album

The Band bangs

Classic.

Whenever I listen to The Band I start wondering if they might be the best band ever. Maybe not their best album here, but it's a great one.

spectacular, really really good

The kind of record you put on in the company of babbling brooks and crackling fires.

I enjoyed this. A right rollicking bit of Americana and rock n roll. The longer tracks like Jawbone, Unfaithful Servant and King Harvest were a bit tedious but the rest is jaunty enough drinking music.

You can tell that this is a great live band by this album. Whispering Pines is lovely. I like that the prettiness is kind of tempered with the organ's voicings. Makes me wanna drink lemonade on a porch.

Country/folky/classic rock. Lots of vocal.harmony

The two hits are really good. The music has good pace and the harmonies are excellent. Once we get passed the two hits, I like the songs with tempo but don’t like the ballads. I’m between 3 and 4 on this one and will round up to show the Canucks some love.

A very rootsy, Americana collection, which seems to be more cohesive than their first LP. The multiple vocalists can make it sound like a compilation album, though that’s a good thing. I decided to watch the live, Last Waltz version of The Night they Drove Ole Dixie Down, which is spine-tingling.

I like this a lot. Definitely felt like a concept album even though I can’t identify a story or even a central theme in the lyrics; the sound itself is sepia-toned like the album cover. Great melodies. Did wish I was listening to the Joan Baez version of Old Dixie, but I’ll respect the original. Best song: Up on Cripple Creek

This sounds like the band was shot forward in time from the Dust Bowl to write folk, but I actually kind of dig it. It's one of those albums you have to be in the right mood for, but it feels like there was so much soul put into it that it kind of roped me in. If I had to work in a field this is what I would play.

Some good old fashioned rock and roll. Sounds great, is a little funky and a bit of fun. Extremely easy to listen to. Nice progressive lyrics and vocals. Really enjoyable and accessible. Score: 80 Art: 60

Always good listening.

A lovely bit of homespun comfort from the country-folk-rock-Canadiana/Americana boys. How good is Dixie Down?

Excellent lazy summer rock

Loved Big Pink but somehow never got round to this. It’s great and a reminder that I ought to watch Last Waltz finally.

Just some guys being dudes, hangin out. 7/10

Loved it

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Tämä on hauska mutta sydämellinen, ei cringe

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

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!

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

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

Solid American Rock n Roll music.

softy and comfy )) yeah the best description

Ok

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Just groovy man

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

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

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.

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

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.

Classic rock.

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

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)

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

Very enjoyable, well written and well sung 4 🌟

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

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.

Twangy. 7/10

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.

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

Really good

Ya gotta give it up

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

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

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

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.

Intelligent folk rock, pretty good.

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.

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

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

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

good late 60's rock album!

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 fun!

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.

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.

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

👍

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

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.

Solid album.

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

layers upon layers

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.

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!

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

sådan der drenge!!

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 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.

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

A great folk rock album, really enjoyed this.

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

4.5

Southern rock is pretty good

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

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.

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

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.

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

Good musicians!

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

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.

Pretty great

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.           

Just some old-fashioned rock and roll. Love it

I really dig it

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.”

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.

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.

some certified HEATERS on this joint

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.

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

pleasant surprise, had never listed o them.

good stuff

4.5 if I could. Really good.

“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

Very enjoyable, well written and well sung

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.”

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'...

1969 worth to listen again

Good album but not all tracks are equally memorable.

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

Country, Liberal, Ahead of Time

Tolles Album, super zu hören.

Voll mein Ding im Oldie-gewand

It’s the band!

I really liked this!! eagles reminiscent

I love the band

Classic album

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

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

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.

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.

groovy

favourite tracks: up on cripple creek, jawbone

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

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.

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!

Okie Dokie

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.

flock rock. MUY BUENO!

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

Better than I realized. Really good.

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

Folk rock. Bastante bueno.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

Great album, gotta love the band

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

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!

Wholesome as heck

Classic, loved it.

The band, good band

Honestly mostly avoided The Band because they were Dead-adjacent (a bunch of my hippie coworkers like TGD and these guys, so scared me off). There's a lot more pulse here, as opposed to TDG, so I don't feel the comparison is *that* just. Good blend of blues, folk, rock, and maybe a little bit of southern rock and creole. Favorite tracks: "Jemima Surrender", "Up On Cripple Creek", "Rag Mama Rag"

My favorite Band albums are Big Pink and Rock of Ages (Don't Do It best cover ever), but love Cripple Creek and Jawbone. I want to dislike The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, problematic at best, racist at worst, but Levon's vocal is so incredible, it hurts my brain!

This is very very very good album, 4/5/5 for me

Pleasant enough

q buen openning song

This sounded so familiar. My alarm rang and interrupted my listen and I couldn't find where I was so I gave up on it. Inoffensive and smooth.

There were definitely moments where I really liked the energy and sound The Band was bringing. A big hang up to me, however, is that at many times I was making comparisons to the lead's singing and Randy Newman's singing. Something about their voice kept making me think of RN. I'd give this a 3.5 if possible.

One for the dads

weak rhymes

Not the worst, but also not all that interesting or worth re-listening to. 3/5.

I love The Band but I can’t help but harbor suspicion when Canadian guys are so obsessed with the confederacy.

Good

Compared to what Beatles or the Eagels did at the same time, this falls a bit flat honestly. Nothing bad about it really, the album just feels a bit mid, like they are holding back. If more songs were like "Look out cleveland" which is quite groovy I would rate it higher.

Not a big fan of country music but this album wasn't that bad 3/5

Americana

This is fine. But I just don't connect with it. A couple of these songs are quite good, "Cripple Creek," "Whispering Pines," for example. But on the whole - I'm just not into the fake-old-timey-ness that is The Band' whole schtick. THREE STARS

Le groupe au nom le plus original, XD PTDR ! Bon, sinon, musicalement, c'était fort sympathique ! J'ai surtout bien aimé que l'instrumentation soit variée. L'album dure une quarantaine de minutes, donc il maintient sans problème l'intérêt du début à la fin. Seul petit défaut : j'ai pas trouvé ça transcendant non plus. C'était un album de rock de la fin des années 60, quoi. Sympathique, mais pas non plus incroyable.

Cute easy to listen to music. I’d play it at a barbecue or something

Enjoyment: 7 Replayability: 6 Cohesion: 6 Flow/Pacing: 6 Artistic Merit: 7 Weighted Average: 6.5 Review: The Band lent themselves to a leisurely mix of soft and southern rock that's very easy on the ears. Liked Song(s): Across The Great Divide, Up On Cripple Creek, Rockin' Chair, Look Out Cleveland, King Harvest (Has Surely Come) Disliked Song(s): Jawbone Recommend? Yes

Nice album overall. Features a few classic songs. I dig the organ parts. It adds depth and keeps it interesting. 3.6/5.0

Okayish songs. Feel like country.

Tidstypiskt album

Better then I thought it would be but still very unlikely to listen to it again.

Nothing really stood out but I enjoyed it

eeeeee

I liked their debut more. This was fine but still overall felt bland and generic and not a lot stands out. Likes: Across the Great Divide; Up on Cripple Creek

This did not age well.

Rambling, folksy, pleasant to listen to.

Comforting somehow, bit bland but generally I liked it.

Instrumentally very good but I found the vocals to be somewhat jarring.

Gets better as it goes along.

Pretty good album

Solid “dad rock”

2,5

3.5/5

So country music but its cool good vibes

Pretty solid. Couple of bangers. Lot of beautiful yet forgettable rock n roll in here. Super appreciate their textures, harmonies, etc but too much of this was bland.

listening to a supposedly remastered cut of this album makes me wonder what the original sounded like. oddly felt like there was a distance between me and the band, like the recording flattened out to accomplish some uniform sound that sacrificed what I'm assuming was some great live chemistry in the studio. with this type of music (largely-acoustic, group harmonies, live feel), I like to hear the imperfections that naturally happen. I didn't get much a sense here -- tightly controlled. there are some fun, charming songs here. there's a Civil War tale that bends time. there's some off-kilter tenderness in "Whispering Pines" that foreshadows a sound that Flaming Lips would mine decades later. "Jemima Surrender" has a solid shout-along chorus. they kinda lose me on the B side. it's not bad, but it doesn't do it for me as much as the first half. "Jawbone" could be half as long as accomplish twice as much. I dig the instrumental solo into the outro of "The Unfaithful Servant" and then the closing song breathes some life back into the record. overall good stuff but not something I'm rushing back to. 3.5 stars.

I wish I liked it more than I do. It’s a lot of tasteful, fun playing in meticulously measured doses. Like, just too much restraint for me, but not bad at all.

I've heard a lot about this band but never felt like I had to check them out. But man, the praise for these guys as underdog geniuses as if they were 10cc or Alan Parsons has me scratching my head. They're fantastic musicians but this overtly cinematic roots rock sound just fades into itself too easily for me. Cripple Creek was a fantastic funk jam though.

kinda fun :)

Listening notes: Robert E. Lee mention eek Tom Lehrer has ensured that I can never take the word 'dixie' seriously These mfs are CANADIAN??? It's funny how the comments are glazing them like come on it's not all that Running theme with this album is the intro will make me think "ah this'll be good" and then it's just another country song Ffs it's happened again The mater changes on Jawbone are nice Generally good, although there seems to be a strong negative correlation between how country a song on this album is and how much I like it. There are some good riffs and piano parts but also country music so I'd say it averages out around 3.2

good vibe :D i like a groove. again a couple steps removed from my music of choice but i had a good time and could listen again if so inclined. 3.9/5

This band has always confused me. They're fine.

not bad, fun bluesy rock, 3.5

Yeah alright. Not really my thing but obviously well made

Didn’t really discover anything new about The Band listening to this album. I liked the songs I already knew (Up in Cripple Creek) but nothing else really jumped out at me.

Favorite songs: Across the Great Divide, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek, Rockin’ Chair, Look Out Cleveland, The Unfaithful Servant

Nothing here gets to the heights of "the weight", and probably not something I'll ever return to as a full album. By far the standouts for me were "Jawbone" and "King Harvest", and maybe "Rockin' chair" as a distant third.

Rubbish name! They clearly weren't considering their SEO when thy named themselves! The album was ok... where they leaned a little more into the blues, it sounded much better but the folk-country rock didn't do much for me.

Sure

Grand

Ouvi o álbum todo e não consegui pensar em nada que justificasse algo único, merecedor de 4 estrelas acima da média.

ok yes. now we're back into my vibe. and while i like the band quite a bit - this is not the best of their best.

Strong in parts, but less strong in others - particularly all other songs apart from the hits.

I don't know who needs to hear this, but it's okay to appreciate The Band's greatest hits and not really want to listen to their entire albums. Also it's important to remember that Nirvanna The Band from Nirvanna The Band The Show The Movie didn't just rip their name off from Nirvana, they also ripped these guys off too.

Yhtyeen Yhtye-levy oli kantrirokkia, aika neutraalia sanoisin. Ei jäänyt pahemmin mieleen, pesin lattioita ja kuuntelin. Ihan okei siis.

The Bandin The Albumilla The Band oli monta The Songia jotka kuulosti The Musicilta. Ei tästä oikein mitään järkevää sanottavaa oo, perus Americanaa, countryä, rockia, mitä olikaan. Mukiinmenevää, svengaavaa, ei kuitenkaan itsellä herättänyt suurempia tunteita, meni siivoillessa aivan hyvin.

OK. I think they’re better when they are Bob Dylan’s The Band, but some good songs.

Expected to enjoy this more, but it kinda left me cold.

6/10

I am happy to announce that when it came to The Band's sophomore album, it clicked a lot better with myself and showed that I can in fact get down with this band. Now what I do want to preface is that I don't see this album being anywhere near an "essential listening experience" and I honestly find it to be good and not much more. It makes the Folk Rock sounds of their debut much more clear and enjoyable to my overall tastes while also never doing anything extremely out there or weird. They are simple and to the point, and that is something I can appreciate. Even with that being said, why in the absolute fuck is this considered to be some "greatest of all time masterpiece" it feels like your average Folk Rock project with nothing super remarkable to make me die over this album for. It is standard in my eyes, and nothing more. No need to loose our marbles over where I'd hope most albums to be. Nuff said.

I didn't really like melody, but maybe I was just not in the mood for this album, given it's 12pm on Sunday, so probably not the right time to listen to it

Норм но ничего особенного, прикольно под конец прог как будто услышал

Decent enough - enjoyable, but nothing exceptional about it

Very good

6/10

I am learning that I really don’t like the late 60’s and 69 in particular. The Jimi Hendrix Experience- I dig. The rest- pretty sure I could trash it and not shed a tear. I don’t think I am a fan of the 60’s at all. But 69 was the year, right? This is my second time encountering this album. I have multiple projects going. The first time I gave it a 3. It is musically competent. No doubt. Robbie Robertson’s The Night They Drove… is a great song. And the original is by far the best. Yeah- I have to admit this is better than the average. But - argh. 3 Boolean: true, true, ok?

It was fine, nothing groundbreaking

Dad music for drinking beers at a bbq. Not bad. But shoulda named it The Album 3.4

Il n'est pas mal, mais rien ne m'a tenu

You can't just take a name like that. 2.9/5

perfectly fine. ok. I knew a bunch of them.

Enjoyed a few songs but can't remember anything else about it. I guess that sums it up 🤷🏻‍♀️ 3 ⭐️

Some good songs, some whatever. 3.5/5

Almost felt like a "Now Thats What You Call Music" cd

Their music has never clicked for me, not terrible.

The band plays music like every other band.

3,5

it was fine. but they all sounded so similar that i didn't even realise the album had ended.

Solid album. I get it's an all time great, but, I found it to be okay.

Americana - sounds like Southern Rock- brought to you by mostly Canadian dudes.

3.5 if I could

6/10… folk rock / american / *1969

Didn't know what to expect from this and it started off really well; good rhythms, fun guitar, fun piano, decent vocals. Thought this might be a bit of a surprise winner, but it very quickly descended into generic dad-rock with a country twang. Had moments, but not good enough as a whole to be higher than a 3. Not one I really needed to listen to.

This does sound like something a band called "The Band" would make. It would also be fitting if it was edgy or pretentious but instead we just get bog standard rock 3

Eh!

Listening session: may 31th, while getting ready in the morning Listened to before: no Thoughts: not necessarily bad, but this is quite forgettable 60s music Favourite tracks: When You Awake & Whispering Pines