The Band - Music From Big Pink

1968

Track Listing                                                                            

1. Tears of rage                          7. Long black veil                                              

2. To kingdom come                   8. Chest fever

3. In a station                             9. Lonesome Suzie                          

4. Caledonia mission                 10. This wheel's on fire

5. The weight                             11. I shall be released

6. We can talk                          

Band Members:        

Rick Danko - Bass fiddle, vocals         Levon Helm - Drums, acoustic guitar. percussion, vocals

Garth Hudson, Organ, piano, saxophones       Richard Manuel - Piano, organ, drums, vocals  

Robbie Robertson - Guitars, vocals               Produced By:  John Simon

Notes

This is the debut album of Bob Dylan's backup band.  At the time of it's release it was not as popular as it is today.  It was written and recorded in a pink house just outside of Woodstock, NY, hence the title of the album.  The album showed how talented each musician is with everyone with the exception of Robertson playing multiple instruments.  Music From Big Pink includes the bands biggest hit, The Weight, and the cover artwork is a painting by Bob Dylan.  The album peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Pop charts, and was ranked the 34th greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone.

Recommendations

You may not enjoy every track, or even think that it's that much of a classic.  It's one of those albums that gets better through each listen.  But because there are some really good tracks and because of it's history, you must have this in your library.

If you plan on purchasing Music From Big Pink

The version you must own is the 2000 remastered version.  The album includes an excellent liner notes package with the story of The Band, the album, and photos.  Also, this version includes nine outtakes from the Big Pink recording sessions, which is a huge bonus.  You shouldn't have a problem finding this in your local record store.  If you can't seem to find it, you can always purchase it at Cdnow.com, which is usually at much reasonable price.

If you don't plan on purchasing Music From Big Pink but want to hear some tracks from it

Well if you do decide to pass up this classic you are passing up on some good tunes.  The Weight is a must, but other tracks such as Tears of Rage and In A Station are must own too.  If you're uncertain about picking this up then check out Itunes or Napster to preview some tracks or borrow it from a friend a give it a few listens.  For more suggestions, check out my ideal compilation at my The Band Home Page.

My Top 5