Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Alright
Like big pink that we got last week, I'm just not into this style of music. But this album was okay, though I'll never pick it up again. That last song, King Harvest, was my fave and I would have loved to see Queen cover it.
The Band, Dylan, The Band...all in a week? Seems we're stuck in a rut here of random selections. Not a BAD rut. But...hoping for a bit more variety next week. Anyways...this album...I like it better than Big Pink. Maybe just because more of the hits are on this one. But...that's enough The Band for now. Let's something new going on...
Some songs ok, didn't really connect
5/10 Emmet Otter's jug-band did it better. 1-27-2025
Interesting.
These Canadians sure do love America! But does this American love these Canadians? Kinda. There's a jaunty, ragtime gitbox way about this humble slice of Americana. That's cool, and I totally understand the importance of this album when it came out. Is it a first choice pick when I'm looking for some rock and roll music from this era? Not personally! Not a bad album for me, just not one I vibe with all that much. It's ranked #57 on the Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time and has a perfect 10 rating on Pitchfork, so this jugtime hullabaloo certainly resonates with a lot of people!
Nekakav country rock s primjesama bluesa i folka. Korektan album, na pocetku dosta cudni vokali (malo glasni malo tihi), sredina albuma najzanimljivija a pred kraj malo potone. Fav tracks: up on cripple creek, whispering pines, jemima surrender 6/10 = 3+
They're definitely not 𝘁𝗵𝗲 Band. They're 𝗮 band. A perfectly fine band, that is. Warm, upbeat folk music.
the album by the album (generator)
Pretty mellow album but has some really good songs, especially The Weight.
Good, album art makes them look like red dead characters hahah.
Not for me
This is one of those bands i’ve only heard of. This album is on the country side of classic rock. I’ve enjoyed the guitar bits but have to give it more time hear the lyrics because that makes all the difference for country music. I can see how Dylan was involved with them. Because it was more of an introduction for me i’m going to give it a 3.
Ahh, Hippies! I briefly lived that life, thanks to my mum. Loved that simple world view… and the drugs were fun too. But I left it all behind soon after I shook hands with Punk. The Weight is still one of my favorites songs. It’s not on this album. This jam reminds me of the Dead. Average.
How can Dixie and Cripple Creek be so good, and then there's dreck like Unfaithful Servant and Whispering Pines? The good nets out the bad (barely), meaning only 3 stars.
#88 - Nice easy listening but nothing remained
Slow 60s/70s rock. Did not catch my interest.
The band by the band S letste wo mir dezue ifallt isch im timmyG sini grandiosi wortwitzstory zum andere album Und es erinneret mi ah de track vum andere album wo mir sehr gfalle hed „i shall be released“ zudem hani oft mis neue möbeli im keller baut. Das album hami nani richtig drigeh, zerst zu fest cöntry und nachher hends biz d kurve kriegt. Doch na 3 cervelats ufm lagerfür für sie
will mich 2-4 lieder vom letschte the band album die vegangene wuche loyal begleitet hend bini mit hoche erwartige (5 puntos) ih das self titled abentüür gstartet weiss zwar nöd genau ah was es liid, probably wieder chli zu fescht amiköntry vibes, will objektiv isch es an und für sich quality stuff, aber hed mi chli enttüscht… am mentig morge tönts aber ufjedefall scho um einiges besser als am fritig namitag! trotzdem leider nur 3 wiisschopfseeadler vo mir, han euch aber immerno ganz fescht gern
Mmmmmm...
All pretty good but nothing stood out in particular.
It's pleasant enough to listen to but equally as forgettable.
This album sounds pretty nice.
I'm sure it's good, but it's not for me. Got a little bit through before giving up. Might listen to it more when I'm in the mood.
This is the kind of music I should like, but it felt very bland and didn’t capture or hold my attention. A low 3.
This is prime Americana. The fusion of folk country and rock elements are solid. I don’t particularly care for it although I recognize its significance. Look out Cleveland was a standout for me as it gets more into rock territory.
I know The Band goes beyond a support band, but Why do they sound so much like a support band?
Decent 3/5
do have a soft spot for this kind of music
Decent easy listening
Can't put my finger on what bothers me about these guys but anyway this is one of their better records.
0004 / 24.12.2024 I expected a band called The Band to be the most generic shit, and while it kind of is, it's not bad music in the slightest. I'm not a big country fan, I don't think this album is anything special, but I respect it. It's just nice Choruses - ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Mixing - ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Lyrics - ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ Vocals - ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Instrumentation - ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ Rating: 66 Highlights: Across the Great Divide; Whispering Pines; Jemima Surrender; Look Out Cleveland; Jawbone; King Harvest (Has Surely Come) Lowlights: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Two great songs and the rest are ok
One of the top reviews for this album says that this should be called "The Album" and I really have to agree. Getting something generated called The Album by The Band would just be really funny. It would be even more funny if this album was my first exposure to The Band, but I got Music From Big Pink back in April so I'm not a total newbie when it comes to The Band. Anyways, this album's pretty good. It's not my favorite thing ever, but it's alright. I would call it good. The sound is nice. The whole album has this Southern Americana feel to it, which is funny since most of The Band's members are Canadian. This feel is also reflected in the songwriting, which is pretty solid. It does a good job at not sympathizing with the Confederacy. I hate the Confederacy. The singing is alright. Overall, there are things to like about this album. However, I just don't think The Band interests me all that much. They just kind of exist. Maybe it's because of their name. I don't know. The album's good, but not really my thing overall. I respect it though. High 3/5.
Never been the biggest The Band fan. There’s a couple good tunes. But overall this is the type of music you license to play in the background of a movie scene that takes places in a Southern bar. 3/5
I don’t hate the band but I think they’re just a bit basic, like it’s cool being bob Dylan’s backing band but their music’s just good 3/5
generic sounding country rock. some good tracks here and there
Nice, but not my cup of tea
Not bad, some catchy songs. Sounds incredibly 60s.
-I definitely liked a lot of these songs… though it’s not all really my kind of music if im being honest, so im not a good source for giving it an accurate review. but it was really cool, it’s always nice to hear old roots rock and see how it inspired other acts I listen to regularly -Favorites are Rag Mama Rag, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, and Up On Cripple Creek
I found this to be pretty mid. Nothing really hooked me. Everything is well done. But this is very little for me.
Must be my age but I liked the album, even though I was only a kid when it came out. Easy listening.
High highs, low lows
This was fine. Classic album, classic band. Nothing super special about it.
the band 1969 review across the great divide -> liked this one (8/10) rag mama rag -> did not like this one (1/10) (0 but they put in effort to make it so 1) the night they drove old dixie down -> okay (3/10) when ur awake -> (2/10) was 3/10 until end did not like end up on cripple creek -> okayyyy opening is kinda funky i like but the frogs are making me LAUGH (5/10) whispering pines - chill. gives noah kahan i fuck w it (7/10) jemima surrender - i feel like im in a jukebox dancey club diner thing which is fun (5/10) rockin chair - (2/10) look out cleveland - i also like this one dancey club diner again (4/10) but lowkey repetitive jawbone - made me giggle. what was this (1/10) unfaithful servant - okay (3/10) king harvest - workers union? period but why SKID ROW in the same song confused (2/10)
they were just jamming and I cant fault them for that but sometimes the jams can go on and on
Might be harsh, but i'm getting a bit bored of this kind of music. It's fine but nothing stood out to me or made me want to listen again.
Thought it was going to be a five but I think listening to anything after Genesis is going to sound amazing. Really enjoyed it to start with but Up On Cripple Creek got a bit repetitive and it got a bit boring after that
Production and mixing across this album is fantastic. Best description I can give is that the songs are cozy but never cluttered. Great use of stereo to separate complementary elements into separate channels -- never distracting and always to great effect. I really like something about When You Awake. Up on Cripple Creek is an all time classic -- love the underpinning stanky organ lines and rootsy vibes. Reminds me of the Dead at their best. King Harvest taps a similar space, but with a stronger groove. For me this exists in a space between a high 3 and low 4. I don't think I'll come back, but its a fine listen straight through.
This had some good songs here but it did not leave a lasting impression on me. But I really dig the harmonies on the record.
This is not good or bad. It is simply mediocre and I am growing tired of this kind of music and the idea that I should listen to this before I die. Why should I? What I would be missing if I didn't?
meh
70’s pop
Fun folky rock
Didn’t enjoy as much as I thought I would. Seems to be missing something. Hard to explain, but I compare it to Levon Helms’ The Mountain. There seems to be something missing from The Band that Levon could capture solo.
Jak się nad tym zastanowić, to nazwanie zespołu i płyty "The Band" miało zaskakująco dużo sensu. Bardzo generic nazwa, ale z drugiej strony zamknęli w tym albumie różne rodzaje tradycji muzycznej Stanów. Przez cały krążek wymieniają chyba z 10 różnych lokacji/stanów, czuć wpływy muzyczne nowoorleańskiego jazzu, bluesa, teksańskiego country. Jedna z piosenek brzmiała dla mnie jak ta muzyka z Południa Randy'ego Newmana (dobrze, że przesłuchałem go wcześniej, żeby złapać reference), fragment "Jawbone" skojarzył mi się z "Free Fallin'" Toma Petty'ego z Florydy. Całość faktycznie brzmi dosyć płasko i mało wciągająco, ale ogólnie to moim zdaniem dobry album, powiedziałbym takie 3,5. Pewnie w innych czasach spokojnie dałbym mu 4.
If it was a spice it would be a flour. I forgot all songs the next day.
Znów mam poczucie, że dobry zespół, ktorego nie potrafię do końca docenić. Ciekawie opowiedziane historie (znów - nie moje, ale mozna wejść w czyjeś buty), w porządku głos i nutka country-rockowa. Brzmi na klasyk, ale... nie do końca mój klimat. Mam wrażenie, że przez lata powstało już tyle wariantów podobnej muzyki, że dziś ciężko, by zrobiła wrażenie Dobrze znać, ale nie wrócę - no chyba że gdzieś na wycieczce po USA, przy ognisku, rzewnie odśpiewamy coś wspólnie z lokalnymi białasami, wtedy sztosss. Favs: Across the Great Divide The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down When You Awake
From the cover, I understood half of what this album would be- The Night They Drove Old Dixie down and Rag Mama Rag are both slightly Gram Parsons/the Byrds, a kind of semi-psychedelic country, but I was surprised by the Motown influence. Across the Great Divide and Up On Cripple Creek are very white man Otis Redding, and I like that better, which is a bit surprising. I like the whiney organ on When You Awake, it’s nice that in a song which refers to his grandpa and growing old there’s a kind of white baptist church energy. Whispering Pines opens a bit Bee Gees, which is generally a very positive thing for me, but doesn’t go much of anywhere- it’s pleasant but not evocative enough to be a Free Bird. I liked the piano where it’s scattered in (kind of like a Chuck Berry guitar on Look Out Cleveland, which is actively fun), and I’m a sucker for harmonica, but the singing left me fairly cold. Some of the lyrics feel pretty awkward. Rhyming “Virginny” with “Ragtime Willie” in Rockin Chair sucked. I think in general I prefer Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Music for sad modern cowboys
Nice lil album
This was fine. Nothing really jumped out as awesome or terrible. Just some 60s American blues based rock.
Better than "Music From Big Pink" which i suppose makes sense, since this was their second album. It feels more cohesive as far as sound goes. Folkesy genre-wise, which I enjoyed.
Bel mood, non molto di più
I should have liked this but I just found it sort of tedious and pretentious. Maybe it wasn't at the time.
I see a lot of people commenting that this sounds like old people day drinking. I absolutely agree. However, I don't know if that's a bad thing.
Was beetje moe dus misschien daardoor wat saai
This is the most Canadian band with the most Canadian name. Pleasant music. As I said... Canadian way...
At first, I was like - why is this on the list? But as the album continued, I began to like the songs better. I get the impression it would land better if I knew what they were saying, but I don’t care enough to look up the words.
Nothing wrong with this but also not much to get the pulse racing. Fairly inoffensive stuff. I guess if you’re into this folksy American sixties rock it’s probably quite good.
It’s a reasonably entertaining listen, with an impressive amount of variety, and it’s better than their first album (which we’ve already had in here). But did we really need two The Band albums on the list? Tbh I had to Google what the fuss is all about and still don’t really get it, other than loads of contemporaries loved them. Someone get me a fence, I’m getting back on it.
rather good album, i found it boring initially but then i found its value
Likeable enough, but nothing too special.
I enjoyed it but didn't love it.
'Up on Cripple Creek' was a high point overall, pretty good
Old school whiskey drinking drown your sorrows type rock. Made me feel like divorcing my wife all over again. And I'm not even married. So naturally, I like it.
Not my first time with the Band but is my first time with the album. Nice chill music, 3.25/5
Coming fresh off Robert Wyatt, this album just wasn't interesting to me. Might have deserved a little more attention, but I didn't have any to give. Sounded okay.
Una onda sesentosa. Buenas canciones pero sin que ninguna resalte tanto. Debería prestar más atención a las letras, suelen ser buenas en canciones de esta época. Me enganché un poco con "Whispering Pines".
Classic 60s/70s era rock. Good listen.
good folk album to listen to on a road trip
Perfectly competent. But it feels insincere somehow. I’m completely unfamiliar with the band The Band, so I don’t think I’m biased against them, but I just don’t believe them when they say things.
Not a bad album, and I’d never listened to them before. It’s old skool, but has a really nice vice and some decent songs on there. Quite enjoyed this to be fair.
Laid back sixties campfire rock. I always think of these guys as Grateful Dead lite. The songs sound like Dead songs but without all the extended jamming solos. Which makes The Band way more enjoyable for me.
Talent, but not for me
Twas alright I guess. 3.5/5.
It's a shame, really, that I discovered Joan Baez's cover of Old Dixie first. I find her version rousing to an almost euphoria-inducing extent, which means I couldn’t help but be underwhelmed when I heard the original. Across the rest of the tracks I guess I found much to admire, but not much to love. It’s a competent assortment of straight-down-the-line Americana that didn’t bore me but rarely grabbed me. Jawbone came closest.
OK
I was surprised by my immediate liking to the start of the album and how I got into it right away. Throughout, it got a little twangy for me and I lost a lot of my interest though. I think that it started off very strong, but throughout time I got bored of it.
Unscientifically, I believe the only music I've ever loved that expressly sings about the American South is by a pair of Brits named Reginald Dwight and Bernie Taupin on the perfect "Tumbleweed Connection" album ... which probably took some sort of lyrical influence from this one but actually added a massive amount of musical diversity (and tempo). I still - or especially now, perhaps - don't give a shit about the American South and their so-called Dixie heritage so points deducted for bullshit pandering. Secede already, ffs. ok ok honestly, even though this is nowhere near my favourite styles of music, this album is better than I remember and maybe it's partially because I'm not 20 anymore. If I had to choose an album by The Band, this is the one. Even though they tend to plod a bit for my likings, I've not truly noticed the musicality within and this is a good variety that ends just in time for it not to overstay its welcome. But why do each of the singers sound like a muppet. 7/10 3 stars.
I enjoyed a few songs from here, but there were also some weird ones that confused me. Would put a few on the playlists
Still to finish
This was fine. I know there's a famous Scorsese-produced documentary about their final concert. I can't say I want to watch it after listening to this.
I obviously know the hits off of this album pretty well, the other songs are pretty great too, great chill vibes. Honestly not much to say about the rest of this album, it's a good album, not too many of the tracks stand out in a huge way to me outside of the hits, but it's good.
Redneck vibes with a funky twist.
The Good: The Band The Bad: The Band The Ugly: The Band Maybe it is due to me playing catch-up on my listening, but I am finding it difficult to listen to this album today. I also need to take into consideration that this is the 4th album in a row from late ‘60s era, and I am getting a little sick and tired of the late ‘60s era trying to figure out what era it is. In order not to screw up the ratings too much, I will give this album a 3* due to the fact that I recognize the importance of The Band when it comes to modern music, but I would really want to give this album 2*
Sounds abit like grateful dead just not as good, Pretty good overall would listen again
Not terrible
Not just any band, but THE Band. I wanted Bob Dylan but got his backing band instead, it'll do I guess.
Not bad, but it didn’t click with me the way I hoped it might. Favorite track: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
I really enjoy the Americana sound, so in a historical context, I'm really glad I finally listened to an album by The Band. All I knew of them before was their history with Dylan. Many songs grew on me more with a second listen, but the album just wasn't the whole package to me. Highlights are When You Awake, Whispering Pines, and King Harvest (Has Surely Come).
Never heard of The Band. Great original name! A little bit Funky. A little bit Cool.
America from the perspective of Canadians. Concept strung throughout which is cool. Its as if Bob Dylan were a band
Good folk rock album, much more soulful and energetic than expected, but still nothing too special.
This is a solid album from The Band, but it’s not my favorite. Frankly, it’s a little slow and boring. “Up on Cripple Creek” is the highlight for me, and also the highest chart hit on the record. I can put this on the in the background while cooking on the grill with a beer and it’s fine. Beyond that, meh.
Influential. Songwriting is good. Not surprising since Robbie Robertson wrote the majority of the songs. A bit too dad rock and a bit too folkie at times for my taste. Decent but not spectacular.
Probably a really good album by the band. Just not a huge fan of theirs.
Meh. It was alright. Easy listening. Reminds me of old country for some weird reason
This is really good, early Bruce definitely bit their style
Ok, two positives, two negatives. One - There's so much humanity to this album. No feeling of studio wizardry. Reminds me of Fleetwood Mac's Rumors. You can tell these guys were just in the room playing these songs together. I love that. And two - the songs have such a homespun quality, and I mean that as high praise. These guys are putting their hearts into this stuff. You can tell immediately these guys must put on a hell of a live show. But three - the name of the band. The Band. There's no way that plays well. It either comes off as spectacularly arrogant or profoundly uninspired. And four - these guys have got nothing but passion, but something always felt strangely restrained. Maybe it's just the production style back then, but the songs never really roared into my ears the way it felt like they needed to, so I always felt a little underwhelmed. All the same - I get it why folks love these guys, and given their place in rock music history, I'm not going to argue with them being on this list!
The best songs were The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Up On Cripple Creek
Very surprised by this album. I can honestly say its one of the few southern rock music Ive liked ever. I like them better than Lynard. Great album not loving the voices but overall solid. You should listen to this
***A good album
The balls it takes to call yourself The Band. Not a bad album though.
Folk-Rock. Bien.
Pretty good. But then YouTube took me to Genesis Foxtrot and my mind was blown! :)
Hippie music
Nothing really stood out for me on this but I do like stories. Unlike the other album that had a standout song this one is solidly 3. Fave: Up On Cripple Creek
Didn't connect with this as much as "Music From Big Pink". It was alright, I suppose, but not much stood out, and it wasn't as folky as I'd probably prefer. Fave track - "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" I think. "When You Awake" was alright too...
Fairly enjoyable
Not as strong as their first album for me. Some great individual songs, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek, King Harvest. Too much filler though. 6/10.
Didn't like every song but it is a solid album.
3.5 Enjoyable. No sub-par tracks, in my opinion
Meh, good to listen to while drinking beer in the sun.
The Band might be one of the most ineffective band names of all time. I’m not saying that the name has to perfectly encapsulate what a group will sound like, but that name gives nothing. Like, wow, couldn’t tell you were a band just from looking at you. I’m mostly joking. The Band is actually a regularly acclaimed group, especially by many famous artists. And they were a big inspiration to many. They played with Bob Dylan for a while before starting their own thing, and they were the first electric rock band he ever played with, which I think says something about the quality of the musicianship here. And there is a surprising amount of historical value to get from this album in particular. It seems to be regarded as a form of concept album, that covers old Americana music and the culture that surrounded it. The life blood of the history of American music is very much infused with Americana. And it’s intriguing to see the ideas that were once considered distant history for them, and how their music now stands nearly 55 years later. Now, as much as I love learning about that kind of stuff, the actual music is even more important to me. And I’ll admit that a select few of these songs are pretty good. And feel decently ahead of the time in which they were released. I can also see where other groups like Wilco and Elton John might take some inspiration. But this album is populated with more lackluster songs that don’t do anything for me. I have heard much of what this offers from other albums before, and to a higher level of quality. The synergy between members is cool, but the actual performances aren’t amazing. I see the influence and appeal. But I would probably default to those who took the inspiration over the ones who inspired in this case. Rating: 6/10
Not bad, just not memorable at all. Favorite song: up on cripple creek
It's solid. A couple songs stand out as real winners, cripple creek and old dixie down. The band has a real legacy and they are one of the links between country folk and psyche and prog. This album especially feels like a stepping stone, but not some grand epic. It's good, but somewhat forgettable.
Canadians into the confederacy. Proto-drake?
I forgot what The Band album we had before this one, but this is the one with the "Big Hits" on it. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" and "Up On Cripple Creek" being those songs. They are far and away the best on the album. I wrote in the last review that the lazy country/rock combo is what makes The Band a bit unique among other rock bands of the time. It holds true in this album, maybe even more so than others. Unlike "Music From Big Pink" though they lean heavily in to it on this one, and I think that actively makes it worse. Too much twang and too much accent for my liking. I compared The Band to The Allman Brothers in the last review and this time I think the roles are reversed - the Allman Brothers are more interesting in everything other than the two singles I mentioned. This isn't a bad album, but it's not my style because I don't live in a saloon in Alabama.
if this type of 60s americana appeals to you then i can see that is would be a 4 or 5/5 album. however, the sound isn’t personally for me, which heavily restricted my enjoyment of the album. some tracks i found quite generic and a bit dull, whereas some others i found more interesting and redeeming, such as “the night they drove old dixie down”. maybe it’s just because i’ve had so many albums so far of such a similar genre that im getting bored, but overall, i didn’t feel strongly about this album one way or the other.
163/1001
I really want to love The Band but I just don't. They're fine.
I have neither anything good nor anything bad to say about this album. I'm entirely indifferent to it.
A meeting of good musicians playing some happy songs, although it lacks of an identity. Nice to listen by a cristmas evening.
That was good. Quite a few songs I'd heard before and hadn't attributed to the Band
Quite interesting
A good average white man blues band. Not my genre but not unpleasant to listen to.
Buen disco. No es particularmente mi estilo de música. Destaco algunas canciones.
Another ho hum middle of the road album on the list of albums I need to listen to before I die. Give me something good for once.
It stays in the middle the entire time. It doesn’t get better or worse just the same sound over and over so if you like it good if not you are in for a long 40+ minutes. It’s a 3 because like mentioned above it doesn’t change at all to make it go up or down
Totally mid “southern” rock. Really just very bland. The songs just kinda blended together and none of the dudes voices sounded any good. The are a joke especially when you call yourself “The Band”. Totally mid.
early southern rock. not bad. like the mix of instruments & tempos.
A few decent tracks here, a pleasant enough listen
I didn't end up completing this album because I got busy, but I have it bookmarked so I can listen to it later. I appreciate the significance behind it, but it is not quite my cup of tea all the same.
misikalisch hochwertiges, gut gemachtes album. stil ja, nicht unbedingt mein „daily staple“
Aika perus country rockia, välillä kävi kyllä hieman rasittavaksi. Joitakin hyviä kappaleita. Parhaat: Rocking' Chair, Up On Cripple Creek
Album was as generic as the band name
Folk-Rock. Bien.
alright, too twangy for me sometimes 2.75
Rocking.
Enjoyable - I found myself tapping my foot even if it wasn't an incredible discovery.
I feel like this would be a good album to listen to while floating down a river, at a picnic, or live at a bar. But listening to this at home with headphones ...meh. I usually like southern"ish" jam rock, but there are other bands that I prefer in this genre which sound less country. Perhaps they opened the door for these later bands. Favorite songs: Up on Cripple Creek and King Harvest. The keyboards on King Harvest have some Fat Albert theme song like grooviness going on. "The smell of the leaves of the magnolia trees, in the med-oh" 2.5 rounded up
Solid country rock album.
They come off so relaxed,confident and fun. They have all of the pieces but after the hits it just doesn't keep my attention. Get's a bit too dull.
Good jam album, wouldn't listen to it by itself but it has a place in the larger playlist. Like the Band just fine, pretty low-key album
This is country music that, contrary to my usual reservations about this music, I can listen to well. I was pleased to be able to listen to The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. I had only heard cover versions before, including the German fake version by Juliane Werding. Although it certainly wasn't a waste of time, I probably won't be listening to the album again any time soon. 3/5
Mostly pleasant folk & country rock. Coming in with newer ears, I honestly hear a twinge of Adam Duritz from the Counting Crows in the vocals. Not much stood out, though. Couldn't tell what the singles were, if there were even any. "Up on Cripple Creek" was maybe the closest thing.
sweet tea
Este disco me ha gustado. No me ha encantado, pero sí me ha parecido grato de escuchar. Mi favoritas fueron Jemina Surrender y King Harvest.
If you aren’t Canadian, you probably assume The Band is from the Deep South. When they are at their best, they might actually be the best version of Southern rock, despite being from Toronto. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is a perfect example, but the rest is just decent. 7.0/10
This album grew on me. The lead singer's voice reminded me of The Counting Crow's singer.
Pretty classic. Some great songs.
The songs' endings are so weird? Like the story is still being told when it abruptly fades
I really enjoyed Rag Mama Rag, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down and Jawbone (that piano interlude between lines!). Quite a good album with a consistent song style, worthy of a repeat listen, a high 3/5 overall.
Meh. It was an okay background music. Better than the first album tho.
Fun for what it is. Thought this band was better given the reputation.
A solid relistening to that classic rock era.
Not as good as I was hoping it would be
The long term influence of the first two Band albums can't be overstated - even reaching modern bands that I adore. But... but...for some reason I have never been able to find a way in. Sounds weird to say for a band like this but I just don't connect emotionally. I appreciate it. I respect it. I see why it's good. I know it's good. I just don't love it. That being said - When You Awake and Jemina Surrender are great tunes so maybe some day...
Some good ole mountain music. Nothing like driving through the Appalachian Mountains while having this album on. Overall, not something I would normally listen to, but there’s always a setting that this music just makes sense. Except for the Confederacy part… but hey, freedom l, am I right?? Yeehaw
Surprisingly enjoyed it. Would be interested to hear the background of these guys. Nothing groundbreaking, but a pleasant listen.
There have been some 60s rock albums that we’ve come across that have left me wanting more, and this wasn’t one of them. Great vibes, chord progressions that catch your attention, and a good mix of blues and rock. I think if there were one or two more songs I really liked I’d give it a four without question, but I feel comfortable sticking with a three.
Solid album, but no standout hits. Could easily have it on in the background anytime.
A very twangy country rock album. I enjoyed quite a bit of it, but sometimes I just got sick of how truly twangy it can get. So much twang.
Its good but no bangers, except old dixie
Sometimes simplicity is best. The band played the music. But it’s pretty good folk rock music from a simpler time. This is similar to contemporary Americana but back in the 60s this was significantly more of a popular style. The old school folk rock style is done best by the band on this album. Worth revisiting but not outstanding. 6.5/10
Funny album for me. First time I heard it I didn’t get why it was universally loved. Enjoyed it a lot more this time, the emotion in the vocals a highlight though out. Also, the “concept” leanings of the songwriting resonated more, with great images of characters from the U.S.’s Civil War era. Great guitar work on Jawbone.
Fun album with a mix of rock and blues and very 60s/70s vibe.
Actually does a great job of finding it's own genere. Enjoyable tracks that switch it to just enough.
Really good music backing loads of cheesy rhyming pairs. Also weird song about the confederacy especially when I thought these guys were Canadian
Average laid back American rock. They're good at what they do, but doesn't do much for me 3/5
I had to do some research to know how to feel about these guys. Their music is good, if not a little antiquated feeling (even for their era) in places. But “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” reeked of Confederate sympathy. I know they’re a southern rock band, and that sometimes, especially back then, that sort of came with the territory (see: Lynyrd Skynyrd). Nothing I read told me that this was the case with these guys, but still. I tread with caution. The album is good. A great example of its genre, and crafted by a group of musicians that are all excellent at what they do. Everything feels in its proper place, like a plan was drawn up and then executed. It doesn’t feel overproduced or over engineered at all. It just is. The songs feel like they were always as they are here, that they didn’t come from nothingness and then slowly crafted into existence. It’s that ease that gives the album its charm, and gives the listener an invitation to just enjoy what’s presented here. I enjoyed a handful of songs here (see below), but I can’t say I was blown away by anything. I even listened twice to be sure. The Band are clearly very talented (you’d better be if your name is “The Band”), but I doubt this is their best work. Three stars. Standout tracks: Across the Great Divide, Up On Cripple Creek, Whispering Pines, Lookout Cleveland
Pretty alright all around. The type of album that's good to just put on in the background.
I liked this. I didn't know the couple singles were The Band, but I knew them already. I wasn't in love, but it's a solid album. 3.49/5
This was an easy listen. I felt like I could be listening to different albums throughout because each song kind of had its own sound. They remind me of classic rock that I listened to growing up with my parents, but I don’t think I ever listened to them, specifically. I would give us another listen!
Not too bad, but not exactly great either. Some troubling lyrics but music generally OK.
Quite good album - not too much country style (like the later albums). Therefore 3 stars
Quite decent album, but nothing mindblowing
I swear 1969 is this website’s favorite year. I’ve gotten so many albums from this year. Anyways, this one is super mid. Sounds like a typical 1969 blues rock album. That’s about it.
Not my usual vibe but still can appreciate it! Maybe not regular listening and I know that’s been the case with quite a few albums, but I can still appreciate it.
This is my second and final album by The Band to review. I really didn't care for Music From Big Pink, so I didn't have high hopes heading into this one. I thought this self-titled effort was fine, and I enjoyed it more than Music From Big Pink. Musically, I thought this album was pretty well made. I enjoyed the clavinet and organ playing, and I felt like they both gave this album a distinct feeling. The sounds of the clavinet and organ really helped give this album a unifying feel, and it really helped create a physical setting through sound. The songwriting on this album was pretty good as well, and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Across The Great Divide," and "King Harvest" were among the best tracks on the album. "Look Out Cleveland" was pretty good too, and I liked how it alternated between piano and guitars driving the melody. Also, it's hard not to like any song that mentions my hometown of Houston. The biggest detractors on this album for me were the vocals and the fact that a good stretch of the album was pretty boring. There were times where I felt like the vocals worked well, but most of the time, I really didn't care for them. I think the singing just felt flat to me. The middle part of the album really dragged for me, and I felt like a lot of those songs just felt like generic folk rock. Still, this album was fine, but it's definitely not something I'd revisit.
The night they drove old Dixie down är en fantastisk låt. Övriga låtar är väl inte fantastiska dock. Ändock en stabil trea.
I've always suspected I'm not super into The Band and now here we are. Fine. Medium. 2.5
A couple of good songs, but this style of folk rock never spoke to me. The Weight almost carries this album though.
The Band
Good album
Endlich die Quelle von "der Tag als Johnny Kramer starb" gelernt. Ansonsten üblicher classic rock
The Band makes some good cozy country folk rock music. Like the folk-alternative to Skynyrd. Just an all-time classic band with some great tunes! They deserved more credit than they ever earned during their time. Standout Tracks: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up on Cripple Creek
5/3/24. Good and fun late 60s rock record. I believe this represents the sound of a straight up rock and roll record at the time.
Wish i could do 2.5 but 3 works.
would love some more variance in the band's sound throughout this album; I liked Music from Big Pink much more, although this one has its gems
Meh, fine. I liked Whispering Pines a lot, a bit Neil Young-y, but otherwise a bit boring.
I was hopeful, so I was disappointed.
Cripple Creek is a great song, but the non-hits are all extremely forgettable. Was really hoping to like this.
Was alri, didn't finish tho
Okayish Country Rock. Would'nt listen a second time.
Good Songs sounds Old
>>>>>>>>>>>> <<<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>
This was a fun listen, I can vibe with it
Liked a lot of it
Good for it's time.
Nice
It's got some OK stuff hiding betwixt the twang
This album started pretty boring to me and I didn't really care for either of the big songs from it, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down or Up On Cripple Creek. I did quite like some of the other songs though, like Whispering Pines, The Unfaithful Servant, and King Harvest. Don't think I'll be coming back to the band anytime soon though.
It was OK
This was fine. I thought it would be lazier given their efforts bending the band and promotion in general but it has a few decent tracks and a few thst were forgotten as soon as finished
The Band are never bad but the also rarely get out of 3rd gear
Quite forgettable but pleasant enough
Couple of good songs, overall not bad, not incredible.
Have I heard this album before? No Highlights: Across the Great Divide, Rag Mama Rag, The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down, Up On Cripple Creek, Jemima Surrender Rating: 7.4/10 It’s an interesting listen with different members of the band singing each song. Nothing on here really blew me away, and I think Music From Big Pink is a stronger effort. For me this is just a solid folk rock record.
A very country Americana vibe. This would go crazy to some southern college boys near a lake drinkin some brews
Not much to say, I liked it but didn’t love it and most likely wouldn’t revisit again
Another band I’m surprised I’d never heard of before! Not quite my style but might grow on me as I go deeper into their discography.
3.5
3.5
2.5 stars
Mostly boring
Liked it, I feel that with a replay I would rate it higher
So...The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Racist or naw? I'm going with no since it was written by a Canadian bro...but I guess Canadians can be just as racist as the next bloke. Anyways, I thought this was a pretty decent and easy listen. Didn't blow my mind, but a couple enjoyable and recognizable songs. Def something I wouldn't mind listening to again. 3.5/5
gimme real shit
no estuvo mal
A nice comfy down home good time. How good a time? That depends on how down homey you like to get, I suppose. You at least have to respect the monster hits.
Why does it sound like the vocalist is in another room shouting, and the second vocalist is even further away shouting harder. The vocals really started to annoy, the music became quite stale after a while. Some good songs but an overall meh expierence
Kinda unremarkable, but not bad vibes
Quite Bob Dylan-y. Not bad!
It has that classic late 60s and early 70s country rock sound which is kinda nice, easy to listen to
schöner End-1960er RockRoll
The Band, The Album, The Songs. It feels that the generic name of this "musical group" is adequate to the content of this album. Okayish songs, some nice melodies on multiple instruments, an at times off-putting vocal. But overall, nothing stands out, for the better or worse. Just a forgettable experience.
The song “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is the best on the album, but even for that song the covers of it are better than the original.
Påminner of en del om Neil Young. Trevlig bakgrundsmusik. Jemima Surrender är dock creepy.
Folkrock.
There is no genre that I would ever deny outright. I have notiiced over my lifietime that every time I decide I don't like X genre, that I like something in it. This includes southern rock. In fact, it even includes several songs by The Band itself. However, southern rock is not among my favorite genres and outside a few outlying songs I am not really a fan. This album could metaphorically sum up my interest in the genre. Most of it is "meh" to me and a couple songs prop it up.
I'm getting quite tired of folk/soft rock, we've had quite a few of this music of late. This was an ok listen but nothing special. "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" is a great song and deserves being on this list, the rest was pretty meh, although I also liked "Look Out Cleveland" which stood out also as a better song than the others. 5 star for "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" 2 start for the rest, giving it a 3.
C'était brun mais du bon brun.
Interesting, dated, country'ish stuff
Honestly I wanted to like this because it's funky but something about it is too country sounding for me. Before people judge, I know it's rock and roll but the Americana has too much twang for me.
nice naman but unmemorable
Its a 2.5 for me. Had to listen twice.
Solid album. Great vibe. I love the how incorporated the drum fills are and the organ. My favorite songs were ones with piano. Super upbeat and happy. 6/10
Fun album
i mean i love the chill vibes but too blunt even after multiple listens
The twangy lyrics, and foot stomping beats make it feel a bit more southern than standard folk rock. Driving piano in "Jawbone" is upbeat fun. Standout is "Up on Cripple Creek".
Cripple Creek is still a banger, the rest is fine. 2.9
Terrific passing the time music.
It was ok for some background music.
Enjoyed the album but won’t make the rotation. A good album, well crafted songs, but nothing super special but like more songs than disliked. 3/5
Meh, not sure about the hype here.
Didn’t make it all the way through but enjoyed. For some reason I just don’t really get into it
I accidentally played this almost the whole way through for a second time without realising, says a bit
Meh
Pleasant enough to listen to.
The Band were great... for a time. Some songs are classics, but the others are very ordinary...
Album #2 This was a nice album. Not my typical kind of thing, but I enjoyed it for the most part. I didn’t think it was necessarily anything too special, but I liked songs like Whispering Pines, Jawbone, and When You Awake.
Reasonably good tunes on this album! Its definitely not my preferred genre, but I enjoyed listening through. Lots of unique tracks, some folksy vibes, hint of early era rock. The Band, never heard of them before. Exceedingly decent.
Great sophomore album from these guys - lots of wonderful songs including a favorite that I forget about, 'Up on Cripple Creek'. Great 60s rock though it doesn't really feel like anything is too earth-shatteringly experimental, especially considering everything else going on at that time, but it's still a great album. 3/5
it was alright, i was printing while listening so i didn't get the names of any tracks i really liked, it was a pleasant listen
A couple catchy songs, mostly just a bunch of sludge to sit through
Straight rock.
Tranquila. Llevadera. Folk rock.
Me gusto menos que Anne Fitzgerald
Some of these are absolute classics, but a few really dragged the album down.
Country regulinchi enjoyable
Καλά τα λες
Favorite Songs: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down Jemima Surrender Absolutely solid folk rock album but few songs that really excited me.
The twangy lyrics, and foot stomping beats make it feel a bit more southern than standard folk rock. Driving piano in "Jawbone" is upbeat fun. Standout is "Up on Cripple Creek".
I really wanted to be more into it than I was. But it was just kind of average at best. Not very memorable, maybe I wasn’t really paying enough attention but I just wasn’t into it. 5/10 Top 2: 1. Look Out Cleveland 2. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down
Meh..they sound like a garage band
what can you say, another solid 60s rock album
3/5. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down really is the star on this album and that’s what pushes this rather mediocre album to a 3 star rating.
Wasn't in a mood to listen to this as I never really liked The Band, but I gave it a shot. Musically, great. But my taste hasn't changed and I'm glad I'm finished listening to it.
Solid rock album, glad it had some personality to it and wasn't a generic album. The band certainly has their own unique sound and I appreciate them for it. My fa orite songs were up on cripple Creek, jemima surrender and jawbone.
Kan ikke helt huske
Good. Enjoyed it.
honky tonk
J'aurai du aimer cet album beaucoup plus. Il est proche de choses que j'apprécie voire plus : des fois un peu Randy Newman, the Avett Brothers, mais à quelques exceptions près "Across The Great Divide", "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", c'est un peu lassant. Trop brouillon, pas assez catchy, trop d'instruments qui font leurs trucs dans leur coin.
It's nice. Heartfelt, bluesy trad rock. It passed by pleasantly but I don't know if I could pick a track out if I heard it again. The band definitely have a few great songs, but only the closer on this is one of them.
Good stuff, definitely wouldn’t be ‘band’ from my playlist.
Folky, funky. Not necessarily my type of music and the song sound a bit samey to me. Not sure if I don’t have an appreciation for this album just because other things I’ve heard are a derivation of these guys.
Enjoyed the callback themes and another good entry for 1969 but didn't break through for me
wel een lekker album
Missing the The Weight, but otherwise fine.
Much better than I expected. Not some bland 60s folk rock, but actually had some great songwriting and performances, plenty of extra instrumentation to flesh the songs out too. Kept my attention the whole time. Can't bring myself to give it a 4 though as it wasn't blowing me away, and it's not really the sort of stuff i'm too used to, but a good album nonetheless.
Really really wanted to give them 2 stars because the Confederate song pissed me off so bad but I do mildly enjoy some of the songs. King Harvest is a great closer. Do you know that that one Village Voice critic said this was the best album of the year, beating out Abbey Road? Imagine if Paul had made Her Majesty be a sad song about a British person who suffered because colonialism ended or whatever the fuck. Give me a BREAK!
Certaines pièces m'ont semblé précurseures des Flaming Lips. Je sais que c'est considéré comme un super band, et c'est agréable à écouter, mais je ne trouve pas que ça se démarque tant que ça.
1. 3/5 2. 3/5 3. 3/5 4. 3/5 5. 3.5/5 6. 3/5 7. 3/5 8. 2.5/5 9. 3/5 10. 3.5/5 11. 2.5/5 12. 3/5 = 3/5
For most of this album, it was a pretty clear 2 for me. But the last 3 songs push it to a low 3. i'm just not american enough for this I guess, most of it I found to be pretty uninteresting. Maybe they were really revolutionary for a style that has become a convention later but it still feels really generic for most of the album
3/5
Cool to have
Good stuff