Fil has become only one of two reviewers I watch. I won't mention the other because, as an obviously very knowledgeable virtuoso, Fil's in a different class. He's more like a professor!
The Band truly had it all in spades. Insane musicianship, 3 killer singers who could harmonize like no other and Song writing that took you on a voyage and told a story! Unmatched even today IMHO! 🇨🇦
I don't know if I'm proud, respectful, fascinated... That I live near "the home of Levon Helm" in Arkansas. I just know it makes me smile everytime I drive pass that road sign.
So many bands have trouble getting one really great lead singer - these guys had 3. I'm biased, being Canadian, but for my money, The Band is the epitome of late 60s/early 70s rock culture.
Hello from America (I’m a hop and a skip south from you lol) if your biased then I am too Levon Helm was the only American member I believe and he’s a gem. I’m a dead head but The Band has a special place in my heart and I can’t even rank them because they are on their own level. I saw Amy play with Phil and I would trade that for nothing
And they're not just a singles' band. "The Band" is one of the greatest albums in rock history. You get to the end and you feel like you're a part of a big, rambling America. A masterpiece.
As good as they are, they are still massively underrated. Everyone can sing. Everyone can play. Robbie's songwriting along with the musicianship and the amazing harmonies. I consider them a top 3-4 music group of all time. The Weight should be rated right up there with "Stairway to Heaven", "Good Vibrations" and all of the other great music from the era.
I can't say they were massively underrated. During their time they were pretty big and loved by everyone I knew - 60s/70s rock. And they were terrific with Dylan!
True actually Robbie's voice does not suck, listen to his albums after he went solo. Having said that he could not compete with the voices of Richard, Levon and my favorite Rick Danko. Garth was a genius on several instruments, and Robbie wrote most of the songs and play killer guitar, besides being very good looking and full of charisma the same for R@@teacup3133
Yes, it is pretty well known that there were 3 great singers, not to take away from the other 2, but Rick is my favorite. Robbie wrote majority of the songs, only a few were written by Rick, Richard and Levon. Robbie's voice does not suck, he recorded some nice songs as a solo artists, however, it is true that his voice was no match, for Rick, Levon and Richard. In any case you are right they were all very talented.@@teacup3133
@@zigwald It was a spectacular show and the weather could not have been better. Joplin Live featured a great deal of Calgary and there is a Blu-Ray of the Festival available. The Band of course were outstanding.
What I like about You is that You are openminded guy. You are not restricted to "trendy" style or type of music, You seems , that You appreciate all kind of MUSIC as long the music is good. I'm much older than You, so You are the hope of my generation - maybe not all young people are music deaf.
My favorite band ❤️” The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down” still makes me tear up, and I’m a northerner. There was a poignant past life review feeling about their songs!
That song sounds like it was written at the time of the civil war... I thought it was a traditional song passed down (like "House of the Rising Sun").. nope. they wrote it. Such a cool song.
Jaen Martens, "... still makes me tear up ..." For the brief part of my life that I lived in Atlanta I was busy re-adapting to "the real world" after getting out of the army and I did not appreciate the history that surrounded me. Later, when hearing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" while living elsewhere I felt a stronger connection to that area and what it must have been like during that war. Great songwriting by Robbie Robertson. (I also enjoyed Joan Baez's performance of that song.) If you have any tears left, try not letting them go while listening to "Tears of God" written and performed by Josh Turner, ua-cam.com/video/UM81j0ki-d8/v-deo.html or "'Til the Last Shot's Fired" by Rob Crosby and Doug Johnson, performed by Trace Adkins. ua-cam.com/video/SQ6e4Og97eU/v-deo.html
Jaen Martens, You are welcome. I have hundreds more where those came from, if you're ever bored. All about warriors, wanderers, cowboys, musicians, outlaws, lovers, leavers... Some'll make ya' cry, others will make your toes tap until you get up on them and dance. Some will make you homesick for places you have never been, or places that no longer exist. I shoulda' been a juke box (sung to the tune of "Should've Been a Cowboy", written and performed by Toby Keith).
Yes, a bunch of talented musicians! "Up on Cripple Creek" is another song I like. great analysis on a band you could have done a week of analysis on. thanks for all the hard work you put into all of your analysis videos for our enjoyment and education.
Bravo Fil! This is the best, non-judgmental, recap of The Band’s history I’ve ever read. Thank you for that. I have never seen a fretless bass before. What a beautiful instrument! I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard The Weight for the first time. There is something about this tune that sets my soul on fire. Dramatic? Yes, but so true. Levon is a brilliant singer/drummer/mandolin player. Rick and Richard’s vocals and instrumentation were outstanding. Robbie’s storytelling songs lit my imagination on fire. And Garth’s keyboards were perfect for this motley crew genius musicians. Thank you for this review. 💕
Katie S Jack Bruce of Cream played a fretless bass from time to time. I would think that instrument would necessitate very precise fingering, if that’s the correct terminology.
I really appreciate that you highlight how a song is made up of layers--some interlocking, some stratified--which speaks to the song's complexity and how it actually works. Your analysis unlocked so much of that and gave me a sort of visual of the song. And I love the intensity of expression on Helm's face as he sings. That, too, for me is part of the song's effect.
when I was a kid my dad would listen the BAND all the time. I had forgot how good, mellow and relaxing their music is. thanks mate. I needed this song today :)
I was looking through all my streaming channels for that movie last night. He is wonderful in that. I recall a story about the scene at Loretta's father's funeral where he is in the coffin and people were singing and he sat up and told them how to sing it- they weren't singing to his liking. :) The scene was awesome so they must have taken his advice.
The Band: my favorite group of all time. You should check out the video when they made “Up On Cripple Creek”. The smile on Garth Hudson’s face while playing the keyboards. That smile says it all.
The Band has always been my favorite American band. Along with all their other hits, far and away my favorite song of their's is Rick Danko singing "It Makes No Difference" from The Last Waltz. Absolutely gut wrenching if you've ever had the love of your life break up with you.
RIP “Levon” Helm. A very multitalented musician, who made a musical comeback after in ‘98 from throat cancer. He was also a pretty good actor as well. He was from a place right up the road from us in Elaine, Arkansas. The “Band” was a simplistic compilation of folks with a great sound.
Thank you for your respectful way of telling the story of "The Band." So many younger people have never heard of them. But, when folks hear them, even young people of today,, "The Band " penetrates their minds. They are ,in an inexplicable way, universal. One must work at not feeling the force of their music.The best anyone can come up with is "roots" music. Seems fairly accurate to me-- traditional blues underlies all of their music and it just grows exponentially from there.
In an interview on CBC’s three-part series “Heart of Gold”, Robbie Robertson describes Ronnie Hawkin’s obsession with band rehearsals and how these considerable hours of practice made The Hawks just get better and better. With a wry smile, Robertson concluded the interview by saying, “We got so good, we left him.”
Ronnie Hawkins said in an interview, when he first hired Robbie he worked harder than anybody, practicing all the time. Later on Rick, Levon and Richard let their drug use get in the way of the music, and Robbie had trouble getting them to practice. I read Robbie's book, he actually writes that Rick could play almost any instrument without much practice. You get the feeling that Rick was a natural whereas Robbie had to work at it, except for his songwriting skills, that came pretty natural to Robbie, he wrote his first 2 songs for Hawkins when he was just 15 or 16.
The story of their coming together is rather remarkable. When they joined Hawkins Robertson was 17, Danko & Manuel were 18, Helm was 21 and Hudson was 24. It's an accomplishment to write hit songs but it's a whole other thing to create music that lays down cultural signposts and moves the musical landscape. They first did that when they played with Dylan and helped give legitimacy to rock as "serious" music. Then later with their own music they redefined the notion of Americana and their fusion of rock with country set the stage for new genre. You can draw a direct line from them to bands like the Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons and the Eagles. For me the most amazing thing is the way their songs touched so profoundly on deeply American themes and stories but yet they were four Canadians and a lone American. The ability to connect on such an emotional level is the true definition of artistry.
@@SisterMidnite Actually, the "stories" were from a lot of sources. Dixie and W F Walcott were inspired by Robbie sitting up late at night drinking moonshine with Levon's Father, Diamond. It was Diamond's stories and attitude about how the South would rise again that inspired Dixie.
Not to be nitpicking, but Robbie, and Rick were both born in 1943, Robbie in July, RIck in December, and I think Richard was born in 43 as well. Robbie wrote his first songs for Hawkins when he was 15-16. I agree they were unique. I have loved them since I first heard "Up on Cripple Creek", I'm of their generation, just a few years younger than Robbie.
Robbie Robertson had died at age 80 he is recognized for his work as lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid-late 1960s and early-mid 1970s; as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception until 1978, and for his career as a solo recording artist. (RIP) Robbie Robertson July 5, 1943 - August 9, 2023
I was fascinated by Big Pink as a young-un. It was like the harmonies were trying to catch up with the lead vocal. Their influence is immeasurable. The Last Waltz as a concert film is a true must see and listen. The Night ... Down is EPIC! Levon was so unique as a drummer and vocalist.
The Band was a musician’s musicians. Levon was such a great drummer and singer. I always loved the organ parts, reminded me of some of Dylan’s earlier records.
Watching this after hearing of Robbie Robertson's passing yesterday. They were quite unique and the combination of Robbie's writing, Levon, Rick and Richard's singing plus Garth Hudson's musicianship really elevated their sound. Too bad that three of them have now left us with Garth being the sole surviving member.
Thank you for spotlighting this legendary group of musicians! Incredible instrumentalists/vocalists coming together with their unique talents as The Hawks, maturing into The Band. Been listening since their first LP, and saw them, at 16, in concert after their second album in 1969. What a treat! Timeless music...!
The Last Waltz.. produced by Scorsese, is one of the finest music docs ever. The last scene shows their diversíty using different instruments. Some incredible guest musicians, really top notch. I used to watch so many concerts on UA-cam, now most are monitized. I'd love so much to see The Last Waltz again. A couple mémbers have passed on. Thanks for the great reviews !!
The problem with both the movie and the album is that the producers cut, chopped, re-ordered, and over-dubbed the actual 4 1/2 hour, 40-some song concert and reduce it to 116 minutes for the movie and 129 minutes for the album. Watch the whole show either here on UA-cam or on Wolfgang's Vault to see their true genius. It's pure genius and includes a couple dozen guests, most of whom they played backup for as studio musicians.
Slowly working my way through your videos. Love, love, love this group. Saw them live and they were just as tight and incredible live and in person as they were on their studio albums.
The Band where such a great band and created some timeless classic songs 'The Weight' being one of them. They are just so good at making it feel laid back and effortless, but as usual when a performance feels effortless that does not mean its easy to play and replicate. Thanks for the analysis as usual Mr. Fil...
I don't know how I missed this analysis. After Robbies passing I've been looking back and ran across this. All I feel right now is thanks Robbie, Levon, Rick, Richard, and Garth. Lots of good times to this music. And thank you Phil for looking at artists I enjoyed in my youth.
Nostalgia.. Reminds me of my parents, my brother and my sisters- good memories. Fil you're right Levon did keep time well. He practice a lot the metrodome. Cool choice...I feel good inside. Thanx Fil 🤙🙂🤙
They'll always remind me of my parents because they met each other at a dance these guys played at (pre The Band) in my mom's tiny hometown in Ontario.
The first time we saw The Band was at an epic outdoor concert in Toronto in the early 70s where it rained all day. But to keep thing moving the rest of the line up was Jesse Colin Young ,Crosby Stills Nash and Young and a solo concert by Neil Young. As I said and epic day long and into the night event ,took us a few days to recover but it was worth it.
I saw them on the same tour in Oakland. For that show, the promoter added Joe Walsh and Barnstorm to the bill. It still ranks as the best concert I have ever seen.
I have seen the Last Waltz many times and any chance i get to see it again i am all in. Thank you for analyzing this song. Another song i have loved since the first time i heard it. You know so much about music it's very impressive. I'm so glad you are here.
I met Robbie Robertson when I volunteered at the Edmonton Folk Festival. Suffice it to say, for a guy whose name is famous in a few dozen countries, the man is very, very humble.
The Band was my favorite back in the day. I saw them at least half a dozen times, including two great shows at the intimate Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. These guys were "far out", indeed. Richard Manuel was one of the all-time great rock singers. He had this compelling "strained" element to his vocals. Rick Danko was also a very good singer. Levon Helm usually took the helm, so to speak. They were SO tight, yet sounded so loose. It was magic.
Thanks for covering one of my favorite groups of that era. They got saddled with backing Dylan during his transition into electric music, and that was why Dylan fans heckled. Most of those fans wanted Dylan to be frozen in time as an acoustic folk artist. I'm so glad that they managed to endure that touring experience and make their own mark.
They were a great band so talented all of them sadly most of them have left us now but they will never ever be forgotten R.I.P. Robbie, Levon, and Rick BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.
I recall watching Easy Rider when it was first out in the theaters, and was totally amazed by how the songs enhanced the film, and of course the Weight was one of those songs.
Great job Fil, I love this band so much, you have no idea. Excellent analysis, but I would say they had 3 lead vocalists, Richard Manuel was such an amazing heartfelt singer, gone too soon.
Thanks again for another brilliant review Fil. The studio version is exactly like the live version because that is how it should be heard, live, the same as any blues music, raw is how it was intended. What an incredible group of musicians.
Fil, thanks for covering one of the all time great bands. Rick Danko and Levon, so sad they left us too early. No doubt they’re jamming (with Richard, too!) as we speak. Blessed they were around at all to create such amazing music.
Fil, you hit my sweet spot, bought music from Big Pink in 1968 as a teenager and change my musical direction. Saw them live in 1974 and wow what a show. thanks so much!
I saw The Band with Bob Dylan in the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas back in 1974....that was one righteous experience...Bob walked right by us and said Hello....we had no idea he would be walking that way...I near soiled myself.
Fil, I appreciate so much your positive attitude, your passion for musical creativity, your understanding of what lies behind it and the dedication to your craft that propel you to do such a thorough job and leave no stone unturned. This particular presentation so inestimably enhances my bottomless admiration for this band of musical brothers whose art contributed so much to so many and still inspires me going forward. You are spot on my friend.
I love The Band. I read Levon's book, "This Wheel's On Fire", last summer and according to him most of their songs were written in pieces by the whole group and their manager or the label gave Robbie the credit which helped drive a wedge among the group. Levon was not happy about the breakup. Robbie and Garth are the only members left. 👍👍 Levon played Loretta Lynn's dad in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter".
@@obbor4 I am just stating what Levon said in his book because 1) I was not there & 2) I was not a twinkle in my dad's eye at the time of The Band's stay at 'The Big Pink' so please do not go off on me. Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day. Oh he didn't write all of the songs because Rick Danko wrote the song "This Wheel's On Fire" which he gave Levon permission to use for the title of the book.
Grew up in near Woodstock NY in 60’s - 70’s and saw them several times. Best time was at Tinker Street Cafe in Woodstock (sans Robbie) in 83. Also visits to Levon’s home studio several times (friend did cover of Electric Dirt for him) - Levon was a regular nice guy.
With the recent death of Robbie Robertson it was heartwarming to find Fil's analysis. One album that I loved was a live album with Bob Dylan called Before The Flood. It has my favorite version of All Along The Watchtower.
"The Last Waltz" is a concert video I have watched over and over again during the years, never have I tired of it. Besides Levon Helm, there was another drummer I admired as a lead singer (who also sang harmony) whom I was not going to mention in my comments here, until you did Fil : Don Henley. Getting back to The Band, I just loved the songs, the stories they told, the total integration of bass , drums, guitar and vocals. Every song was a masterpiece. I treasure"The Last Waltz" concert, every song you wanted to hear was played, along with the most fantastic guest players. Also, I learned from you that Clapton wanted to join The Band? Wow, didn't know that! Facinating..... As far as Don Henley goes, I was (still) enthralled at how he could play the drums, and sing so well at the same time. Lastly, The Eagles original bass player Randy Meisner is the whole reason why I discovered you on UA-cam. You analyzed Randy's vocals on "Take it to The Limit", having been a life long fan of The Eagles I checked you out and the rest is history!! Love your love of music Fil Henley (any relation to Don Henley LOL?) Peace & Love🤘
Another brilliant analysis. A great band that was so influenced by the roots of American music that people often forget they were 4/5ths Canadian. But what a fifth Levon made. There was so much bad blood between Levon and Robbie up until Levon passed away. In retrospect, it's obvious that songwriting was, for the most part, a collaborative effort and not just Robbie's creations. The financial decisions made in the seventies came at a time when the rest of the band members had various drug issues, including heroin, and would have sold their mothers at bargain-basement prices. I don't consider myself to be an expert in publishing rights and the like but I can imagine that, as a co-creator of such timeless musical gems, it made sense to maintain control of them rather than let them fall into the hands of unscrupulous corporations. In the end, as a Canadian, I love the Band and consider them one of our greatest exports (and Levon as an honourary Canuck).
OMG, you are so spot on! the Band was the greatest band! LEVON HELM is the greatest Sanger (as he would say) drummer ever!!! so so great. Thank you for doing this, I feel these guys get forgot too easily. Thank you.
steve schmitz , after recovering from throat cancer Levon premiered his album Dirt Farmer at The Ryman, Emmylou took her mum to the show, she said we all thought Levon would never sing again and there he was, singing like a god, Emmy had sang Evangeline with Levon on The Last Waltz, The Staples Singers sang The Weight, still thought to be the best rock movie ☘️☘️☘️
@@robertsmyth4998 I agree completely, Last Waltz is so great (love Stop Making Sense too). As a older shitty drummer I so admire his playing and singing! Stellar. Love how he old school chokes up on his drum sticks, uses traditional grip, he was a treasure. The video of Don't Do It is incredible, although audio and video not sink great, love Levon's performance and technique.
Thank you for that. On Dylan's 66 tour it wasn't really the Band that was hated, it was Dylan playing with electric instruments. The folk revival was at its peak back then and Dylan was viewed as the flagship to that movement. Folk fans tended to tribally distinguish themselves from the rock crowd.Even though the band was not associated to Dylan's first electric efforts on record it's the 66 tour that crystallised this opposition between Bob and his original fanbase. Of course the irony of that was that the Band with the Creedence Clearwater Revival would arguably become the initiators of a second folk revival when they showed that there was a way to create new songs that played with folk traditional tropes and sounds on the rock scene and paved the way for artists like Neil Young and CSNY and crystalized the idea of "americana" in rock music. They even were huge influences on british bands. When you think about it in 66 all the british bands were all into psychedelia and multi-layered recordings inspired by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The Stones were doing Their Satanic Majesties Request, The Beatles, were doing Sgt. Peppers, etc. All these boys listened to Dylan, they went and saw Dylan and the (not yet) Band on this tour and jammed with the boys backstage and that was a huge influence at the origin of the "back to basics" movement of albums recorded as much "live" as the recorders of the time allowed them to with simpler orchestration and looking for that feeling, that emphasis that can only be captured when all the musicians share the same physical space in the studio. The Beatles start recording The White album and "Let It Be" , The Stones do Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed, etc. And that's also influential on the birth of british Folk-Rock with bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle where british folk musicians start mixing their influences electrifying and adding drums and expanding their horizon to abolish the frontier that divided the folk scene from the rock scene. There is that famous video from the 66 tour that captures this opposition when Dylan is about to play "Like a rolling Stone" and a folk fan in the audience screams "Judas" and Dylan answers "I don't believe you. You're a liar. (to the band) Play f**ing loud!" : ua-cam.com/video/3Xz7WfVYxok/v-deo.html
Hi Fil! Awwww...back to the 70’s! This was one of the cool songs from that era! I am always amazed at how well you ‘get’ the oldies! You have taken the time to get to know all about music I love! Thanks for taking me back! ✌️
Bleeding,,' 'eck these guys are so good on their respective instruments,all ace musicia.I loved their first three studio albums that each contained a number of classic cuts.Sllof them were also skilled on many instruments that gave them not Only an advantage, but a wide pallet of sound available at their disposal .Keep up the great work Phil, I am loving Your channel.
Oh, boy. That takes me back. Feel like teenager again, groovin' to Southern rock, mellow not fried, down home. Their music has stood the test of time. Yes, 'Up on Cripple Creek.' Thanks again!
You are absolutely right, Professor! As a professional music appreciator I love your anslyses for many reasons, one because it is so nice to understand what it is I'm hearing and why I like it so much! Thx, Prof. Fil
i so appreciate your open mindedness (sic?) you never have a bad thing to say about anything you "interpret" thank ya sir. there is greatness everywhere........
No other group has ever harmonized like that, and no other song has ever had lyrics like that. The song is distinct because of it; and being distinct is what makes it interesting and timeless.
Nice analysis, Fil. So much can be written about the Band. Long before the genre Americana was in vogue, they were playing it. Four Canadians and Levon. Their influence far exceeded their record sales and AM radio play, much like Fairport Convention did in the UK.Here’s another cool fact: the owner of Big Pink, located in Saugerties, NY, near Woodstock, rents out rooms as if it were an inn. Not cheap, but well worth the expense. The owner has preserved the house exactly as the Band left it - furniture, artwork, and, in the basement, all the recording gear they used. It’s extraordinary. I slept in Rick Danko’s bedroom! Also, you mention Allen Toussaint. Years back, I had the pleasure of seeing a taping of Elvis Costello’s show on Sundance, “Spectacle.” Among the guests were Levon, whose throat cancer prevented him from singing but did not hinder his drumming one iota. Other guests were Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe and Richard Thompson. Levon passed away less than a year after the taping. Thanks for shining a light on this iconic band!
What I love about the "British guitarist" is how much he appreciates almost every artist he analyzes. Doubles our enjoyment!
Fil has become only one of two reviewers I watch. I won't mention the other because, as an obviously very knowledgeable virtuoso, Fil's in a different class. He's more like a professor!
No such thing as good or bad music if you understand music
The Band truly had it all in spades. Insane musicianship, 3 killer singers who could harmonize like no other and Song writing that took you on a voyage and told a story! Unmatched even today IMHO! 🇨🇦
I'm old enough to have seen them live in the 70s. Talented is an understatement. RIP Levon.
And RIP, Richard Manuel.
I don't know if I'm proud, respectful, fascinated... That I live near "the home of Levon Helm" in Arkansas. I just know it makes me smile everytime I drive pass that road sign.
RIP Robby as well ! And Rick ! 3 of the those guys are go
So many bands have trouble getting one really great lead singer - these guys had 3. I'm biased, being Canadian, but for my money, The Band is the epitome of late 60s/early 70s rock culture.
there are definitely some really great Canadian rock bands from this era.
Don't forget Richard Manuel sang also. A favorite for 50+ years.
nothing wrong about being ''biased'' 😀
@@chuck62891 he is one of the 3. Richard, Levon and Rick
Hello from America (I’m a hop and a skip south from you lol) if your biased then I am too Levon Helm was the only American member I believe and he’s a gem. I’m a dead head but The Band has a special place in my heart and I can’t even rank them because they are on their own level. I saw Amy play with Phil and I would trade that for nothing
One of the most adept and brilliant analyses I’ve ever heard. Great job! Very articulate.
And they're not just a singles' band. "The Band" is one of the greatest albums in rock history. You get to the end and you feel like you're a part of a big, rambling America. A masterpiece.
As good as they are, they are still massively underrated. Everyone can sing. Everyone can play. Robbie's songwriting along with the musicianship and the amazing harmonies. I consider them a top 3-4 music group of all time. The Weight should be rated right up there with "Stairway to Heaven", "Good Vibrations" and all of the other great music from the era.
Robbie can't sing a diddle. Never has. Never did. They used to shut his mic off during sets.
@@bruceeipperle2770 He gives it the good old college try these days.
@@bruceeipperle2770 Oh, he can sing but not that good as Helm, Danko and Manuel. It was Robbie's own choice to have his mic disconnected.
@@bruceeipperle2770 Out Of The Blue wasn’t half bad
I can't say they were massively underrated. During their time they were pretty big and loved by everyone I knew - 60s/70s rock. And they were terrific with Dylan!
The Band: I really hope they'll never be forgotten! One of the greatest bands ever: Four top vocalists, three top songwriters, five top musicians!
4 vocalists? I never heard Garth sing and Robbie’s voice sucks
True actually Robbie's voice does not suck, listen to his albums after he went solo. Having said that he could not compete with the voices of Richard, Levon and my favorite Rick Danko. Garth was a genius on several instruments, and Robbie wrote most of the songs and play killer guitar, besides being very good looking and full of charisma the same for R@@teacup3133
Yes, it is pretty well known that there were 3 great singers, not to take away from the other 2, but Rick is my favorite. Robbie wrote majority of the songs, only a few were written by Rick, Richard and Levon. Robbie's voice does not suck, he recorded some nice songs as a solo artists, however, it is true that his voice was no match, for Rick, Levon and Richard. In any case you are right they were all very talented.@@teacup3133
Even after 50 years, this puts a shiver in my spine every time!
I just love .. the last waltz ... tnats me for tears and memmorys for me ... what a line up that night ...
Brad Neubauer Same here & a tear 😢 to the eye.
Saw them perform this in Calgary during Festival Express in 1970. Joplin and The Grateful Dead performed there as well. I have been blessed.
lucky dog!!!!!!
@@zigwald It was a spectacular show and the weather could not have been better. Joplin Live featured a great deal of Calgary and there is a Blu-Ray of the Festival available. The Band of course were outstanding.
Brent Scott hi from Calgary, lucky you I was only 12. Couldn’t go but I heard about this concert for years after.
@@kathypiazza4567 Was 17 and the folks were NOT going to stop my brother, 15, and I from going. As I stated earlier it's on Blu-Ray.
I am a really big fan of the recording of I Shall Be Released from the movie.
What I like about You is that You are openminded guy. You are not restricted to "trendy" style or type of music, You seems , that You appreciate all kind of MUSIC as long the music is good. I'm much older than You, so You are the hope of my generation - maybe not all young people are music deaf.
My favorite band ❤️” The Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down” still makes me tear up, and I’m a northerner. There was a poignant past life review feeling about their songs!
That song sounds like it was written at the time of the civil war... I thought it was a traditional song passed down (like "House of the Rising Sun").. nope. they wrote it. Such a cool song.
Jaen Martens,
"... still makes me tear up ..."
For the brief part of my life that I lived in Atlanta I was busy re-adapting to "the real world" after getting out of the army and I did not appreciate the history that surrounded me. Later, when hearing "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" while living elsewhere I felt a stronger connection to that area and what it must have been like during that war. Great songwriting by Robbie Robertson. (I also enjoyed Joan Baez's performance of that song.)
If you have any tears left, try not letting them go while listening to "Tears of God" written and performed by Josh Turner,
ua-cam.com/video/UM81j0ki-d8/v-deo.html
or "'Til the Last Shot's Fired" by Rob Crosby and Doug Johnson, performed by Trace Adkins.
ua-cam.com/video/SQ6e4Og97eU/v-deo.html
ArcoZakus Thank you.
Jaen Martens,
You are welcome.
I have hundreds more where those came from, if you're ever bored. All about warriors, wanderers, cowboys, musicians, outlaws, lovers, leavers... Some'll make ya' cry, others will make your toes tap until you get up on them and dance. Some will make you homesick for places you have never been, or places that no longer exist. I shoulda' been a juke box (sung to the tune of "Should've Been a Cowboy", written and performed by Toby Keith).
@@marysmith805 I also thought it was traditional. That's great song writing.
You could probably do an entire month of "The Band" analysis. One of the best road bands ever.
Yes, a bunch of talented musicians! "Up on Cripple Creek" is another song I like. great analysis on a band you could have done a week of analysis on. thanks for all the hard work you put into all of your analysis videos for our enjoyment and education.
Drew Pall,
Ditto.
"Up on Cripple Creek"
ua-cam.com/video/EisXJSsULGM/v-deo.html
See the man with the "Stage Fright" - standin' up there to give it all his might.
"If I spring a leak she mends me"
Thanks Fil,
Levon Helm, Drummer Supreme.
Excellent "Band"...
@@johnm3152 Maybe she could attend to Slash as well .He may require an urologist for bladder issues. Lol!
Bravo Fil! This is the best, non-judgmental, recap of The Band’s history I’ve ever read. Thank you for that. I have never seen a fretless bass before. What a beautiful instrument! I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard The Weight for the first time. There is something about this tune that sets my soul on fire. Dramatic? Yes, but so true. Levon is a brilliant singer/drummer/mandolin player. Rick and Richard’s vocals and instrumentation were outstanding. Robbie’s storytelling songs lit my imagination on fire. And Garth’s keyboards were perfect for this motley crew genius musicians. Thank you for this review. 💕
Thank you for your review also!
Katie S Jack Bruce of Cream played a fretless bass from time to time. I would think that instrument would necessitate very precise fingering, if that’s the correct terminology.
That is an Ampeg Fretless bass.
I think the fret less bass gives a jazz and blues feel. Kind of a tribute to the standup.
I remember when I first heard this song too. Such a fantastic sound and great lyrics as was typical of all their songs.
I really appreciate that you highlight how a song is made up of layers--some interlocking, some stratified--which speaks to the song's complexity and how it actually works. Your analysis unlocked so much of that and gave me a sort of visual of the song. And I love the intensity of expression on Helm's face as he sings. That, too, for me is part of the song's effect.
when I was a kid my dad would listen the BAND all the time. I had forgot how good, mellow and relaxing their music is.
thanks mate. I needed this song today :)
I just watched Levon the other day as Loretta Lynn's father on Coal Miner's Daughter. A great actor to boot.
He played Ridley in "The Right Stuff" about the space program. Did a superb job. Great in Coalminer's....
I was looking through all my streaming channels for that movie last night. He is wonderful in that. I recall a story about the scene at Loretta's father's funeral where he is in the coffin and people were singing and he sat up and told them how to sing it- they weren't singing to his liking. :) The scene was awesome so they must have taken his advice.
Yes he was
Marty McGill Low-retty exactly the way her dad said it.
The Band: my favorite group of all time. You should check out the video when they made “Up On Cripple Creek”. The smile on Garth Hudson’s face while playing the keyboards. That smile says it all.
The Band has always been my favorite American band. Along with all their other hits, far and away my favorite song of their's is Rick Danko singing "It Makes No Difference" from The Last Waltz. Absolutely gut wrenching if you've ever had the love of your life break up with you.
They played American music but all except for Levon were from Canada.
I love that song too, nice call!
@@mickeysoltys6960 therefore a Canadian band eh?
I love them too!❤ They’re a Canadian band! 🇨🇦
80% Canadian & 20% American
RIP “Levon” Helm. A very multitalented musician, who made a musical comeback after in ‘98 from throat cancer. He was also a pretty good actor as well. He was from a place right up the road from us in Elaine, Arkansas. The “Band” was a simplistic compilation of folks with a great sound.
My favourite band . To young to see them in person, D! ❤️❤️❤️
Have loved that song since it came out.
I named my son Luke because of this song. He's 27 now.
@@gregdiffenthal2384 That is very cool. :)
Amazing analysis happy new year buddy
Thank you for your respectful way of telling the story of "The Band." So many younger people have never heard of them. But, when folks hear them, even young people of today,, "The Band " penetrates their minds. They are ,in an inexplicable way, universal. One must work at not feeling the force of their music.The best anyone can come up with is "roots" music. Seems fairly accurate to me-- traditional blues underlies all of their music and it just grows exponentially from there.
The Last Waltz is my Most favourite movie of all time ,music wise !
My younger brother,introduced me to this,and I. Forever grateful. 💕
In an interview on CBC’s three-part series “Heart of Gold”, Robbie Robertson describes Ronnie Hawkin’s obsession with band rehearsals and how these considerable hours of practice made The Hawks just get better and better. With a wry smile, Robertson concluded the interview by saying, “We got so good, we left him.”
Ronnie Hawkins said in an interview, when he first hired Robbie he worked harder than anybody, practicing all the time. Later on Rick, Levon and Richard let their drug use get in the way of the music, and Robbie had trouble getting them to practice. I read Robbie's book, he actually writes that Rick could play almost any instrument without much practice. You get the feeling that Rick was a natural whereas Robbie had to work at it, except for his songwriting skills, that came pretty natural to Robbie, he wrote his first 2 songs for Hawkins when he was just 15 or 16.
Thanks for using my upload and providing most fitting analysis.
One of my all time favorite bands! Loved everything they did! Thanks for this reaction!
The story of their coming together is rather remarkable. When they joined Hawkins Robertson was 17, Danko & Manuel were 18, Helm was 21 and Hudson was 24. It's an accomplishment to write hit songs but it's a whole other thing to create music that lays down cultural signposts and moves the musical landscape. They first did that when they played with Dylan and helped give legitimacy to rock as "serious" music. Then later with their own music they redefined the notion of Americana and their fusion of rock with country set the stage for new genre. You can draw a direct line from them to bands like the Flying Burrito Brothers, Gram Parsons and the Eagles. For me the most amazing thing is the way their songs touched so profoundly on deeply American themes and stories but yet they were four Canadians and a lone American. The ability to connect on such an emotional level is the true definition of artistry.
I one hundred percent agree!
That’s because the stories were Levon’s.
@@SisterMidnite Actually, the "stories" were from a lot of sources. Dixie and W F Walcott were inspired by Robbie sitting up late at night drinking moonshine with Levon's Father, Diamond. It was Diamond's stories and attitude about how the South would rise again that inspired Dixie.
Not to be nitpicking, but Robbie, and Rick were both born in 1943, Robbie in July, RIck in December, and I think Richard was born in 43 as well. Robbie wrote his first songs for Hawkins when he was 15-16. I agree they were unique. I have loved them since I first heard "Up on Cripple Creek", I'm of their generation, just a few years younger than Robbie.
Robbie Robertson had died at age 80 he is recognized for his work as lead guitarist for Bob Dylan in the mid-late 1960s and early-mid 1970s; as guitarist and songwriter with the Band from their inception until 1978, and for his career as a solo recording artist. (RIP) Robbie Robertson July 5, 1943 - August 9, 2023
I was fascinated by Big Pink as a young-un. It was like the harmonies were trying to catch up with the lead vocal. Their influence is immeasurable. The Last Waltz as a concert film is a true must see and listen. The Night ... Down is EPIC! Levon was so unique as a drummer and vocalist.
ua-cam.com/video/ccJTFXvkXkA/v-deo.html
The Band was a musician’s musicians. Levon was such a great drummer and singer. I always loved the organ parts, reminded me of some of
Dylan’s earlier records.
They probably played on the albums.
@@joelsimms4636 Planet Waves by Bob Dylan and The Band.
He was also a good actor
Garth is also the one who set up the first recording equipment for The Basemnt Tapes which is Dylan and the Band
Hi Fil !!!!
Thanks for taking me back to my hippie days.
Watching this after hearing of Robbie Robertson's passing yesterday. They were quite unique and the combination of Robbie's writing, Levon, Rick and Richard's singing plus Garth Hudson's musicianship really elevated their sound. Too bad that three of them have now left us with Garth being the sole surviving member.
With Robbie's passing, four members of "The Band" have left us... We were lucky to have had their musical talents.
Isn't Garth still alive?
1969, Isle Of Wight. The Band, Bob Dylan, The Who and so many more. What a weekend we had..
Thank you for spotlighting this legendary group of musicians! Incredible instrumentalists/vocalists coming together with their unique talents as The Hawks, maturing into The Band. Been listening since their first LP, and saw them, at 16, in concert after their second album in 1969. What a treat! Timeless music...!
Good one. Fil. Cheers.
Atlanta Rhythm Section was another group of studio musicians that formed a great band.
The Last Waltz.. produced by Scorsese, is one of the finest music docs ever. The last scene shows their diversíty using different instruments. Some incredible guest musicians, really top notch. I used to watch so many concerts on UA-cam, now most are monitized. I'd love so much to see The Last Waltz again. A couple mémbers have passed on. Thanks for the great reviews !!
Well said !
@@freespiritwithnature4384 Thank You !
The problem with both the movie and the album is that the producers cut, chopped, re-ordered, and over-dubbed the actual 4 1/2 hour, 40-some song concert and reduce it to 116 minutes for the movie and 129 minutes for the album. Watch the whole show either here on UA-cam or on Wolfgang's Vault to see their true genius. It's pure genius and includes a couple dozen guests, most of whom they played backup for as studio musicians.
Rich Diddens I totally agree. Chest Fever is not in the movie. That is the Band at it’s best.
@@richdiddens4059 I've watched it, but not closely. Was that before they airbrushed out Neil Diamond's coke booger?
Slowly working my way through your videos. Love, love, love this group. Saw them live and they were just as tight and incredible live and in person as they were on their studio albums.
The Last Waltz is a must to watch!!!
Thanks for the birthday gift Fil!
If you've never listened to "Music from Big Pink" or watched "The Last Waltz", you need to immediately XD
True dat....
So good
Caz Gerald I still have my original vinyl Music from Big Pink and a few other of the The Bands albums - Brilliant
Caz Gerald the last waltz is one of the best albums ever. Right up there with the White Album, Exile on Main St, Allman Bro’s at the Fillmore.
Rock Of Ages by The Band is a great place to start. Allen Toussaint arranging of the horn charts is superlative, to put it mildly!
Love this song..... it's just got a "feel" to it. I can't describe it but it puts me in a really mellow place and I like it there.
The Band where such a great band and created some timeless classic songs 'The Weight' being one of them. They are just so good at making it feel laid back and effortless, but as usual when a performance feels effortless that does not mean its easy to play and replicate. Thanks for the analysis as usual Mr. Fil...
I don't know how I missed this analysis. After Robbies passing I've been looking back and ran across this. All
I feel right now is thanks Robbie, Levon, Rick, Richard, and Garth. Lots of good times to this music. And thank you Phil for looking at artists I enjoyed in my youth.
This song has been covered a million times, but no one could sing it like Levon Helm.
I love the sound. The piano when it chimed in does it for me.
Nostalgia.. Reminds me of my parents, my brother and my sisters- good memories. Fil you're right Levon did keep time well. He practice a lot the metrodome. Cool choice...I feel good inside. Thanx Fil 🤙🙂🤙
They'll always remind me of my parents because they met each other at a dance these guys played at (pre The Band) in my mom's tiny hometown in Ontario.
@@buckodonnghaile4309 Very cool 🤙
The first time we saw The Band was at an epic outdoor concert in Toronto in the early 70s where it rained all day. But to keep thing moving the rest of the line up was Jesse Colin Young ,Crosby Stills Nash and Young and a solo concert by Neil Young. As I said and epic day long and into the night event ,took us a few days to recover but it was worth it.
I saw them on the same tour in Oakland. For that show, the promoter added Joe Walsh and Barnstorm to the bill. It still ranks as the best concert I have ever seen.
"took us a few days to recover"
I don't understand what you mean ;-)
I was there at the Varsity stadium concert, It was AWESOME.
fewwiggle it was outdoors raining and we were not dressed for 12 hours of rain .Some of us ended up sick or with colds.
Wow what a concert lineup. Would have loved to be there.
Love these guys! Levon Helm is a Great singer and story teller.
I have seen the Last Waltz many times and any chance i get to see it again i am all in. Thank you for analyzing this song. Another song i have loved since the first time i heard it. You know so much about music it's very impressive. I'm so glad you are here.
Real musicians, real talent, real music... a rarity, if not non-existent anymore.
Great job Fil. 👍
I met Robbie Robertson when I volunteered at the Edmonton Folk Festival. Suffice it to say, for a guy whose name is famous in a few dozen countries, the man is very, very humble.
The Band was my favorite back in the day. I saw them at least half a dozen times, including two great shows at the intimate Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. These guys were "far out", indeed. Richard Manuel was one of the all-time great rock singers. He had this compelling "strained" element to his vocals. Rick Danko was also a very good singer. Levon Helm usually took the helm, so to speak. They were SO tight, yet sounded so loose. It was magic.
Thanks for always picking such great performances! Always hear and learn something new from this channel!
Thanks for covering one of my favorite groups of that era. They got saddled with backing Dylan during his transition into electric music, and that was why Dylan fans heckled. Most of those fans wanted Dylan to be frozen in time as an acoustic folk artist. I'm so glad that they managed to endure that touring experience and make their own mark.
These guys were amazing. And the songs so unique, so amazing. Loved all of 'em.
They were a great band so talented all of them sadly most of them have left us now but they will never ever be forgotten R.I.P. Robbie, Levon, and Rick BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.
Robbie is still alive. You probably meant Richard.
@@tyrapp262 He was then, he died this past August at age 80. Will be missed.
I recall watching Easy Rider when it was first out in the theaters, and was totally amazed by how the songs enhanced the film, and of course the Weight was one of those songs.
The Weight was also in "The Big Chill". Great song.
Great job Fil, I love this band so much, you have no idea. Excellent analysis, but I would say they had 3 lead vocalists, Richard Manuel was such an amazing heartfelt singer, gone too soon.
IMO, the loosness of the harmonies, and the instruments, is what makes this song work so well! I LOVE IT!
Memories of my youth... love the Band, they made fantastic music. Stagefright - one of my favorite of their great albums...
One of the best...period.
Richard Manuel, what a loss - so young. Maybe one of the most talented people in music.
"Fallen Angel", from "Robbie Roberson" 1987 album.
One of the finest, most soulful, singers in rock history. ua-cam.com/video/TaKD1Vdarnw/v-deo.html
Oh hell yeah.
The heart and soul of the Band.
Thanks again for another brilliant review Fil. The studio version is exactly like the live version because that is how it should be heard, live, the same as any blues music, raw is how it was intended. What an incredible group of musicians.
Fil, thanks for covering one of the all time great bands. Rick Danko and Levon, so sad they left us too early. No doubt they’re jamming (with Richard, too!) as we speak. Blessed they were around at all to create such amazing music.
Didn't know the drummer sang this tune...Cool.....thanks Fil
Levon Helm
Neither did the camera operator!
Got my coffee mugs last night!!!! Love 'em, Fil. Rock
I just ordered mine yesterday. :)!
👍
Absolutely Fabulous is such a funny show I still watch repeats. They are so funny. Love them.
Their pure musicality was amazing. They always play as if they have practiced for a thousand years but loose at the same time.
Fil, you hit my sweet spot, bought music from Big Pink in 1968 as a teenager and change my musical direction. Saw them live in 1974 and wow what a show. thanks so much!
I saw The Band with Bob Dylan in the Hofheinz Pavilion in Houston, Texas back in 1974....that was one righteous experience...Bob walked right by us and said Hello....we had no idea he would be walking that way...I near soiled myself.
Fil, I appreciate so much your positive attitude, your passion for musical creativity, your understanding of what lies behind it and the dedication to your craft that propel you to do such a thorough job and leave no stone unturned. This particular presentation so inestimably enhances my bottomless admiration for this band of musical brothers whose art contributed so much to so many and still inspires me going forward. You are spot on my friend.
I love The Band. I read Levon's book, "This Wheel's On Fire", last summer and according to him most of their songs were written in pieces by the whole group and their manager or the label gave Robbie the credit which helped drive a wedge among the group. Levon was not happy about the breakup.
Robbie and Garth are the only members left. 👍👍
Levon played Loretta Lynn's dad in the movie "Coal Miner's Daughter".
Ed Ford :Interesting...I really only know those basement tapes, and the last waltz...but I don’t consider them yodeling.
Hey Ridley, got any Beemans?
Ya I might have a stick or two.
Well loan me some, I'll pay ya back later.
Fair enough
Robbie wrote 100% of the words. That is usually the way songwriting credits work. You write the words, it's your song.
@@obbor4 This is a silly statement.
@@obbor4
I am just stating what Levon said in his book because 1) I was not there & 2) I was not a twinkle in my dad's eye at the time of The Band's stay at 'The Big Pink' so please do not go off on me. Thanks and I hope you have a wonderful day.
Oh he didn't write all of the songs because Rick Danko wrote the song "This Wheel's On Fire" which he gave Levon permission to use for the title of the book.
Beautiful music. Beautiful presentation. Thank You
Richard Manuel (the piano player) was from my home town of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. He sadly died in 1986 at the young age of 42. May he RIP.
Grew up in near Woodstock NY in 60’s - 70’s and saw them several times. Best time was at Tinker Street Cafe in Woodstock (sans Robbie) in 83. Also visits to Levon’s home studio several times (friend did cover of Electric Dirt for him) - Levon was a regular nice guy.
Had a friend who sat next to Levon Helm on a flight out of LA in the 80's. Said he was very cool and chatted the whole time.
Great song brings back memories. Thank you Fil
Levon Helm. A great musician.
I loved him in the Shooter with Mark Walburg.
Ol Levon, great musician, actor, cancer survivor. Good old country boy. The Band was just so together. Good Good music.
They also said that artificial sweeteners were safe, WMDs were in Iraq and Anna Nicole married for love.
Great subtle performance as Loretta Lynn's dad in "Coalminer's Daughter"
@@charlesross9260 Uh, not a cancer survivor, it's what killed him.
so excited to see someone analyse and appreciate the talent, skill and magic of The Band! Thanks for this analysis Fil!
With the recent death of Robbie Robertson it was heartwarming to find Fil's analysis. One album that I loved was a live album with Bob Dylan called Before The Flood. It has my favorite version of All Along The Watchtower.
Thank you. They have been my favourite Band for many years!
"The Last Waltz" is a concert video I have watched over and over again during the years, never have I tired of it. Besides Levon Helm, there was another drummer I admired as a lead singer (who also sang harmony) whom I was not going to mention in my comments here, until you did Fil : Don Henley. Getting back to The Band, I just loved the songs, the stories they told, the total integration of bass , drums, guitar and vocals. Every song was a masterpiece. I treasure"The Last Waltz" concert, every song you wanted to hear was played, along with the most fantastic guest players. Also, I learned from you that Clapton wanted to join The Band? Wow, didn't know that! Facinating..... As far as Don Henley goes, I was (still) enthralled at how he could play the drums, and sing so well at the same time. Lastly, The Eagles original bass player Randy Meisner is the whole reason why I discovered you on UA-cam. You analyzed Randy's vocals on "Take it to The Limit", having been a life long fan of The Eagles I checked you out and the rest is history!! Love your love of music Fil Henley (any relation to Don Henley LOL?) Peace & Love🤘
Always loved this song. Wish I could have seen them.
Love The Band! Great analysis Fil!
Thanks!
Another brilliant analysis. A great band that was so influenced by the roots of American music that people often forget they were 4/5ths Canadian. But what a fifth Levon made. There was so much bad blood between Levon and Robbie up until Levon passed away. In retrospect, it's obvious that songwriting was, for the most part, a collaborative effort and not just Robbie's creations. The financial decisions made in the seventies came at a time when the rest of the band members had various drug issues, including heroin, and would have sold their mothers at bargain-basement prices. I don't consider myself to be an expert in publishing rights and the like but I can imagine that, as a co-creator of such timeless musical gems, it made sense to maintain control of them rather than let them fall into the hands of unscrupulous corporations. In the end, as a Canadian, I love the Band and consider them one of our greatest exports (and Levon as an honourary Canuck).
OMG, you are so spot on! the Band was the greatest band! LEVON HELM is the greatest Sanger (as he would say) drummer ever!!! so so great. Thank you for doing this, I feel these guys get forgot too easily. Thank you.
steve schmitz , after recovering from throat cancer Levon premiered his album Dirt Farmer at The Ryman, Emmylou took her mum to the show, she said we all thought Levon would never sing again and there he was, singing like a god, Emmy had sang Evangeline with Levon on The Last Waltz, The Staples Singers sang The Weight, still thought to be the best rock movie ☘️☘️☘️
@@robertsmyth4998 I agree completely, Last Waltz is so great (love Stop Making Sense too). As a older shitty drummer I so admire his playing and singing! Stellar. Love how he old school chokes up on his drum sticks, uses traditional grip, he was a treasure. The video of Don't Do It is incredible, although audio and video not sink great, love Levon's performance and technique.
Thank you for that. On Dylan's 66 tour it wasn't really the Band that was hated, it was Dylan playing with electric instruments. The folk revival was at its peak back then and Dylan was viewed as the flagship to that movement. Folk fans tended to tribally distinguish themselves from the rock crowd.Even though the band was not associated to Dylan's first electric efforts on record it's the 66 tour that crystallised this opposition between Bob and his original fanbase.
Of course the irony of that was that the Band with the Creedence Clearwater Revival would arguably become the initiators of a second folk revival when they showed that there was a way to create new songs that played with folk traditional tropes and sounds on the rock scene and paved the way for artists like Neil Young and CSNY and crystalized the idea of "americana" in rock music.
They even were huge influences on british bands. When you think about it in 66 all the british bands were all into psychedelia and multi-layered recordings inspired by Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The Stones were doing Their Satanic Majesties Request, The Beatles, were doing Sgt. Peppers, etc.
All these boys listened to Dylan, they went and saw Dylan and the (not yet) Band on this tour and jammed with the boys backstage and that was a huge influence at the origin of the "back to basics" movement of albums recorded as much "live" as the recorders of the time allowed them to with simpler orchestration and looking for that feeling, that emphasis that can only be captured when all the musicians share the same physical space in the studio. The Beatles start recording The White album and "Let It Be" , The Stones do Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed, etc. And that's also influential on the birth of british Folk-Rock with bands like Fairport Convention and Pentangle where british folk musicians start mixing their influences electrifying and adding drums and expanding their horizon to abolish the frontier that divided the folk scene from the rock scene.
There is that famous video from the 66 tour that captures this opposition when Dylan is about to play "Like a rolling Stone" and a folk fan in the audience screams "Judas" and Dylan answers "I don't believe you. You're a liar. (to the band) Play f**ing loud!" : ua-cam.com/video/3Xz7WfVYxok/v-deo.html
A great rhythm section, Levon with those snaky sneaky fills and backbeats so tasteful and solid a great drummer!
Hi Fil! Awwww...back to the 70’s! This was one of the cool songs from that era! I am always amazed at how well you ‘get’ the oldies! You have taken the time to get to know all about music I love! Thanks for taking me back! ✌️
Bleeding,,' 'eck these guys are so good on their respective instruments,all ace musicia.I loved their first three studio albums that each contained a number of classic cuts.Sllof them were also skilled on many instruments that gave them not Only an advantage, but a wide pallet of sound available at their disposal .Keep up the great work Phil, I am loving Your channel.
Oh, boy. That takes me back. Feel like teenager again, groovin' to Southern rock, mellow not fried, down home. Their music has stood the test of time. Yes, 'Up on Cripple Creek.' Thanks again!
Nobody could capture the feel of a song like these guys
You are absolutely right, Professor! As a professional music appreciator I love your anslyses for many reasons, one because it is so nice to understand what it is I'm hearing and why I like it so much! Thx, Prof. Fil
The Band was the greatest for me in 1969, and still are today. Great talent....
i so appreciate your open mindedness (sic?) you never have a bad thing to say about anything you "interpret" thank ya sir. there is greatness everywhere........
No other group has ever harmonized like that, and no other song has ever had lyrics like that. The song is distinct because of it; and being distinct is what makes it interesting and timeless.
Nice analysis, Fil. So much can be written about the Band. Long before the genre Americana was in vogue, they were playing it. Four Canadians and Levon. Their influence far exceeded their record sales and AM radio play, much like Fairport Convention did in the UK.Here’s another cool fact: the owner of Big Pink, located in Saugerties, NY, near Woodstock, rents out rooms as if it were an inn. Not cheap, but well worth the expense. The owner has preserved the house exactly as the Band left it - furniture, artwork, and, in the basement, all the recording gear they used. It’s extraordinary. I slept in Rick Danko’s bedroom! Also, you mention Allen Toussaint. Years back, I had the pleasure of seeing a taping of Elvis Costello’s show on Sundance, “Spectacle.” Among the guests were Levon, whose throat cancer prevented him from singing but did not hinder his drumming one iota. Other guests were Allen Toussaint, Nick Lowe and Richard Thompson. Levon passed away less than a year after the taping. Thanks for shining a light on this iconic band!