Music From Big Pink

A friend of mine bought this album when it was a brand new release for no other reason than these guys had backed up Bob Dylan. It was fall of 1968. He played it for us and I went straight out and got my own copy. Over the years I've had three vinyl copies (still have the last one), a CD copy that ended up wrecked from so much handling, and now the mp3 album with the out takes.
I have a particular affinity for first albums and live albums. Rock music isn't just about a tight band. Full Tilt Boogie was a GREAT band, but Janis Joplin lost some edge with them going for "tight." This album has music that no band, including The Band, had done before or since. My only other Band album is Last Waltz.
One reviewer called this a "singles album," with weak songs. This album got rave reviews from other musicians and caused several to make music they wouldn't have thought of without it. The Weight got a little radio play, but The Band songs that you heard or will hear on the radio are from The Band, and Stage Fright. Honestly, Cripple Creek and The Night They..., are weak but commercial. This album, this music, is classic and timeless.

If you do not know who The Band was or just how important they were, and you want to know just what they were all about, listen to their debut, Music From Big Pink. This album brought everyone, including both musicians and music fans back to their musical roots. In my opinion, it was the first album to be considered Americana and the finest example of that genre, ever. Robbie Robertson was the ultimate storyteller who took you back to a simpler time where family was most important. His guitar work is understated, yet, extraordinary at the same time. Led by not one, but three singers, Richard, Rick and Levon, the songs were taken to the next level. With Richard's at times raw, yet, brilliant falsetto, Rick's country influenced harmonies, and Levon's roadhouse blues influenced vocals, each one of them brought something unique to the table, so to speak. And last, but most definitely not least, Garth, who added a dash of musical genius to the each and every song on the album, with his beautiful organ solos. If you are into music that will touch you in each and every way, this is your album. Music From Big Pink IS music for the soul!

The best collection of The Band contained in one simple little album. Each play you want it to go on and on, more and more, but close it does with a misty tear. This cuts across genre and fights for a place among the best of the best. Hard to imagine living in the 60's and 70's and not fee;ing ever song as a slice of your experience. Hard to imagine ignoring or not feeling these songs no matter your decade of youth.

So impressed with my purchase of the CD Music From Big Pink. Would recommend and give the seller a 5 star rating.

Being a professional musician I had heard by countless people in the industry about the greatness of The Band, yet I avoided them, staying in my progressive rock, jazz-fusion, Southern Cal singer-songwriter niche. Then I heard "Music From Big Pink", and my perceptions were changed forever. From the first rotary-effected guitar lines of "Tears Of Rage" to the anguished filled vocals of "I Shall be Released", my attention was firmly entrenched in this richly diverse album.
1. Tears Of Rage - A beautiful song written by Bob Dylan and Richard Manuel, who also puts in one off his best vocal performances. A daring move to open a debut album with a slow, mournful tune, but it works magically. Dig Garth Hudson and John Simon's woozy horns during the post-chorus!
2. To Kingdom Come - A great, uplifting song with all the voices pitching in, love the chorus "don't yah say a word..."
3. In A Station - My favorite song on the album, Richard Manuel (who is my favorite peice of this puzzle) adds this wonderfully unique track. Makes me wonder why he didn't keep writing, for he prooves right here he was every bit as good as Robbie.
4. Caledonia Mission - The first example of groovy Band
5. The Weight - The first hit, and what a good one it is. If you know this song I dare you to listen to it without singing. "And, and, and, you put the load right on me!"
6. We Can Talk - Another Manuel composition, this time sung by Levon Helm, with help from Rick and Richard. This song makes me move!
7. Long Black Veil - Alas, a cover! Love the lyrics of this song, it's a great story!
8. Chest fever - Garth's showpeice. The organ intro almost venures into progressive territory, but the song itself rocks as only The Band can! Killer riff!
9. Lonesome Suzie - One of Manuel's best vocals and compositions. A hauntingly mournful song, makes me think of a harvest moon in the heart of the country. Beautiful.
10. This Wheels On Fire - The first song to feature Rick Danko on lead vocals. I perfect showcase, and live staple, for Danko's uber unique voice.
11. I Shall Be Released - Dylan's perfect closer. The "Last Waltz" version is almost better, but! The best way to close an album "any day now, any day now, I shall be released!"

If you are a music fan of any kind, you will appreciate, if not love, this incredible album.