#100 The Band, 'Music From Big Pink' (1968)

Previously #34

‘Music From The Big Pink’ is the debut LP by The Band AKA The Hawks AKA The Crackers AKA Bob Dylan’s Backing Band. The album takes its name from the name of the house shared by Rick Danko, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson just outside of Woodstock in NY, in which most of the album was written. In fact, it’s the same home in which ‘The Basement Tapes’ was recorded (#335). Following a 2-year stint touring and recording with Bob Dylan, the group decided to step out on their own and commit the songs they’d been writing to record. Dylan initially offered to sing on the album but soon realised that his presence would just overshadow the album. Instead he contributed three songs (two co-writes and one lone effort), ‘Tears Of Rage,’ ‘This Wheel’s On Fire’ and ‘I Shall Be Released,’ and also painted the cover artwork.

The music is a mix of Country, Rock, Folk, Blues and Soul. All members, apart from Garth Hudson, provided lead vocals, each bringing their own influences and giving the collection of music a breadth of diversity. I have so many favourites songs on this release, but the best has got to be the Country Rock, Gospel-tinged ‘The Weight,’ a song that has been covered by the likes of Diana Ross & the Supremes and The Temptations, The Staple Singers, Joe Cocker, Panic! At The Disco, Dionne Warwick, Weezer and so many others. It’s a modern standard. Other favourites include the aforementioned Dylan tracks, ‘To Kingdom Come,’ ‘We Can Talk,’ ‘Chest Fever,’ and their interpretation of Lefty Frizzell’s ‘Long Black Veil’ (also covered by Johnny Cash on ‘At Folsom Prison’ [#168] that same year). Although written by so many members, the music works as a cohesive collection. Their farewell concert was documented by Martin Scorsese in the 1978 concert film, ‘The Last Waltz.’ If you haven’t seen that, do yourself a favour, it’s definitely one of the best.

#rs500albums