Quite like the vibe from these guys. The Band were actually Bob Dylan’s backing musicians before they stepped into the limelight with the help of Dylan and his manager. Music from the Big Pink was formed from times when The Band (mainly a bunch of ectremely good session musicians) were jamming in the basement of a house they shared with Dylan, that was actually painted pink (hence, Music From the Big Pink!). The Band recorded the album in two sittings, in keeping with Dylan’s MO to blitz it out.
The folky, country, rhythm and blues sound that so predominates rock music at this time sets the tone throughout this album. Although released at the height of psychedelia Music from the Big Pink is free of crazy self indulgent riffs and parts that I am struggling with so much.
Their famous track ‘The Weight’ is wonderful lolping song that has been covered by so many it is a wonder Van Morrison has not covered this track, even though it could very easily be him singing the original lyric, such is the similarity of the voice here. I love the lyrics to the whole song, but the first verse sets a tone for the song that in the end reminds me of ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, evoking images of the dark lord.
I pulled into Nazareth, was feeling ’bout half past dead
I just need some place where I can lay my head
Hey, mister, can you tell me, where a man might find a bed?
He just grinned and shook my hand, “No” was all he said.
‘Lonesome Suzie’ is also a stand out track for me but really it is the whole collection that resonates with me. Clapton credits this album for the collapse of Cream as he sought a new sound of his own at this time of friction for the three of them
Overall, Music From the Big Pink is a must listen and, again, is why I’m doing these 1001 albums.
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Album – Music from the Big Pink
Artist – The Band
Favourite Tracks – The Weight, Lonesome Suzie
Released – 1968
Rating – 8.0
Time – 41’20”
Tracks – 11
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Source – Tidal Masters
Player/Streamers – Moon 390 streaming pre amplifier
Amplifier/DAC – Moon 330A power
Output – JERN 14 DS supported by REL T/5i
Cables – Nordost incl. interconnects, speaker and power leads
Next Album – 131 – Truth by Jeff Beck
Not, I have not forgotten ‘Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake’ by The Small Faces. I’ve just found it yet on Tidal or elsewhere! I also note I need to get to ‘The White Album’ for the 50th Anniversary in November, I’ll do my best!