#57 The Band, 'The Band' (1969)

Previously #45

On their second album, The Band come into their own. Like their debut, it was written and recorded, for the most part, in an iconic house; not Big Pink, but this time a home occupied by Sammy Davis Jr., previously owned by Judy Garland. The record is the Canadian band’s homage to older Americana. Written by Robbie Robertson, with contributions along the way by Levon Helm and Richard Manuel, the vocal duties are once again shared across the record by Helm, Manuel and Rick Danko.

Getting straight into it Manuel vocals are heard within the first second of ‘Across The Great Divide,’ a jaunty song with Fats Domino-styled piano. ‘Rag Mama Rag’ has the feel of a ragtime jug band, contributing to the concept of the old Americana sound. This song could have been recorded at any point in the late 19th or early 20th century. It’s the third track that provides the watermark for Americana music past and present. ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ about a poor Southerner during the Civil War has been covered by the likes of Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, The Allman Brothers, Glen Hansard and Lisa Hannigan, amongst many others. It’s one of the great (Canadian) American songs. Another really special song on the release is ‘Up On Cripple Creek,’ a New Orleans-inspired song. Other favourites of mine on the record include ‘Jemima Surrender,’ ‘Rockin’ Chair’ and ‘Look Out Cleveland’ (such great piano playing). The Band had totally stepped out of Dylan’s shadow, with Robertson becoming a great songwriter in his own right. An album calling last drinks on the ‘60s, signalling a sound that would become so popular in the ‘70s.

#rs500albums