The Band Guestbook, December 2000

Posted on Sun Dec 31 22:51:41 CET 2000 from ppp7602.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.90)

Richard Patterson

Re: THE FLY. RIP. Let this tragic accident be a lesson to us all. Don't drink and drive! (or drink and fly, or something like that).

Posted on Sun Dec 31 22:32:11 CET 2000 from spider-wl043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.38)

Dave Z

Just got off a plane... and my wife is about to hand the twins to me... but I wanted to quickly say... if you are sitting on the fence tonight... GOOOO!... you gotta see the Crowmatix!!!... I will add some thoughts tomorrow to what others have said... but yes, following at least two flurries of unsuccessful karate chop attempts subtlely disquised as awesome organ work... an undaunted Garth did get the fly over his left shoulder with his right hand... Oppps, gotta go now... have a safe one... and thanks Lil'... I'll email you when I get a breather...

Posted on Sun Dec 31 21:49:24 CET 2000 from spider-tm072.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.77)

Bayou Sam

Ring out the old - Ring in the new

Ring out the old - Ring in the new

Ring out the false - Ring in the true

Ring out the old - Ring in the new

Ding Dong - Ding Dong

Yesterday today was tomorrow,

and tomorrow, today will be yesterday

Ding Dong - Ding Dong

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL :-)

Posted on Sun Dec 31 21:46:02 CET 2000 from du-tele3-110.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.110)

Peter Viney

THE FLY: Tragic news. They’d performed that move so many times before without The Fly coming to any harm. It was timed to the nanosecond. The Fly had been seen gorging on a fruit pie a few seconds earlier, and as the pie had been lying around the stage for hours, it was probably fermenting. The resultant alcohol slowed The Fly just a little, and that was it. That Fly performed Robbie’s moves (the ones that Robbie wrote for it) better than anyone else could have. He hadn’t performed with Robbie since 1977 or 78, but the mature performances with Garth had developed extraordinarily. The Fly had improvisational ability. To think of the things that Fly survived. Being swallowed whole by Ronnie Hawkins when he settled on the rim of his glass. Getting the best view of Neil Young’s nostrils at TLW. Settling on Neil Diamond’s tonsils. Well, we’d all been looking to The Fly playing itself in Michael Winner’s THE LAST WALTZ II- THE REMAKE alongside Robbie Williams and Eminem. Let casting begin for another Fly. (BTW, We’ve done TLW-II at least twice before, so not again!)

A happy new year to you all.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 19:19:01 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Have a Happy New Year everyone! Enjoy-and i'll see ya on the other side!

Posted on Sun Dec 31 15:51:49 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp183.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.183)

Diamond Lil

Aah... I always said that the folks in this gb community are the best. I mean..who else would get get outta bed in the wee hours of the morning to come and shovel out the car _next_ to my car...and dump the snow on top of mine? I forgive you all though, as I'm sure it was an honest mistake. Um..it _was_ a mistake, wasn't it? :-)

Can anyone here post me the lyrics to Spike Jones' "New Years Resolution"? It always makes me laugh, and I haven't heard it in a long time. Thanks if anyone can.

Since work was cancelled for me today, I suppose I should now find something constructive to do. Send me all your addresses..and I'll be there with my shovel..clearing out your neighbors cars :-)

Have a good day everyone. Peace in 2001.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 15:24:59 CET 2000 from hvc-24-164-175-110.hvc.rr.com (24.164.175.110)

Happy New Year! from Woodstock Records

Greetings All!

Wishing everyone here a safe & Happy New Year!

Those traveling to New York City from out of town for any of tonight's shows, please allow plenty of time for travel as there may be traffic/parking delays due to the snow.

I would like to personally thank all of you for making 2k a great year for Garth, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and The Woodstock Records/Breeze Hill Records staff.

Peace for 2001

Tom/Woodstock Records

Posted on Sun Dec 31 13:47:13 CET 2000 from (62.98.88.1)

THE BEARDS FROM ITALY

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS NIGHT THE GREAT CONCERT :

THE BEARDS PLAY THE BAND !

IN THE DOLOMITI MOUNTAIN TO 2800 Of altidute!

BEETWEN THE WOODS , SNOW !!

VERY VERY FUN!!!

TO ALL THE BAND FANS , BAND MEMBERS , BAND FAMILY !

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! THE BEST FOR YOU!!

FROM THE BEARDS

Venice , 31.12.2000

Posted on Sun Dec 31 08:54:01 CET 2000 from spider-wq032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.155)

Tommy

ANOTHER TOMMY???!!! Man, I feel average!

Posted on Sun Dec 31 06:33:41 CET 2000 from p3ee2dea3.dip.t-dialin.net (62.226.222.163)

Wolle

Hi The Band&Fans, Happy New Year. Wolle(The Band-Homepage,Germany)

Posted on Sun Dec 31 05:44:47 CET 2000 from a010-0004.jncy.splitrock.net (63.255.88.4)

Tommy

I was particularly moved when I had recieved the news that Pops Staples had died recently, at the age of 84. All you "Band" followers will remember him sitting in on "The Last Waltz" singing and strumming on "The Weight". He was my all time favorite Gospel/Rhythm and Blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist! His 1992 cd "Peace in the Neighborhood" is a classic, in my view--check it out.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 05:01:19 CET 2000 from 3cust147.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.138.147)

Crabgrass

I'm in shock since Garth always impressed me as a gentle soul who wouldn't hurt a fly!

Billy Preston turned up in the late '80s as musical director on the short-lived David Brenner Show (a Tonight show copy) which I believe was taped in Chicago and I recall being impressed with his keyboarding and singing. He has a very distinctive touch on the keys. (Frank Zappa was a guest on the first show and I recall being impressed with some choice words regarding religion though I'm not big on Zappa's music.) I also recall a morals charge against Preston involving a minor male - but failed to find any mention on the web the other night - and must say it definitely turned me off him as did his more recent cocaine possession charge in which he entered a plea of "no contest" to "assault with a deadly weapon."

Gary Glitter was arrested for having child porn images on his hard drive (no pun intended) which were discovered when he brought it to a repair shop and the repairman reported it to police and someone told me recently that Bobby Goldsboro was accused of a crime involving a minor male and incarcerated though I also failed to find any mention of this on the www and so can't say if there is any truth to it. Of course, Hall of Famer Michael Jackson settled similar allegations against him with a payoff. I think if a member of The Band or one of the Beatles were charged with child molestation I'd have a damn difficult time enjoying their music again.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 04:46:48 CET 2000 from spider-ta021.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.51)

Bayou Sam

The Band songbook that was on eBay went for $76.99 - unreal. For that money I would expect Garth to come over and give me piano lessons.

I went and dug out my video of Ringo's All Starr Band in concert from 1989. It's terrific. Those of you who haven't seen this would not be dissappointed if you can hunt down a copy.

Our boys do The Weight, The Shape I'm In, and Up On Cripple Creek. Rick looks fantastic, and he's doing his happy dance through most of the show. Levon has a bushy beard and sounds great. Garth appears as a guest on several songs playing accordian. There are some nice camera shots of the three of them playing together.

During his song Iko Iko, dr. John does that little dance of his with the peacock headress on. At one point, all the instruments drop out except for the three drumsets (Ringo, Levon, and Jim Keltner). They are bopping out the beat - then Rick does some soloing on his bass for a few bars before everyone kicks back in. It's great.

Billy Preston does Will It Go Round In Circles and re-creates his Bangladesh bit by prancing across the stage. People are all over the stage throughout the show.

Another cool thing is that Levon plays harmonica during Joe Walsh's Rocky Mountain Way..... I noticed that Levon is playing a 60's vintage Ludwig oyster kit. It looks just like Ringo's Beatle kit. I've never seen this one before. He seemed to favor Yamaha around this period. It looks like he's having alot of fun with Ringo when they are both dumming.... I wish I could have had you all over to watch it but we had so much snow today, it was tough getting around :-)

Posted on Sun Dec 31 04:40:28 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

got to say, when i'm in my crown royal cup, "cool running", by boz scaggs, hits me. also kinda dig, charlie daniel's , " heard it in a love song". best crown royal song????? " rockin chair", natch.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 04:24:52 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp231.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.231)

Diamond Lil

Thanks to everyone who posted about the Garth/Crowmatix show last night. I can't believe I missed the long-overdue annihilation of that pesky fly. Way to go Garth! :-)

Would like to wish Dave Z a safe flight home tomorrow. Sorry I missed your call, but my daughter told me that Detroit let you out in time for the show. Glad you made it!

Still snowing very hard here. Any volunteers to come and shovel out my car at 6am tomorrow? I guess I shouldn't expect to be inundated with e-mail offers, hm? :-)

Can't preview btw...so sorry in advance for any typos. Have a good night everyone. Hi Maud! :-)

Posted on Sun Dec 31 03:20:54 CET 2000 from proxy-1321.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.148)

Ed Blayzor

another great performance by Garth and The Cromatix. A great mix of Cromatix originals and Band favs(my personal fav christmas must be tonight) Thanks to Garth for signing my Sip The Wine CD.To those of you who don't own the Cromatix CD you don't know what your missing. Thanks to Garth for finally doing that fly in. P.S. I look pretty darn good in my new Garth shirt.

Posted on Sun Dec 31 02:55:08 CET 2000 from spider-tm051.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.66)

Tommy

So far, I've learned The Band's version of 'Atlantic City' on my new mandolin...not bad considering I never touched the instrument before yesterday!!!Happy New Year, kids!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 31 00:17:56 CET 2000 from proxy-1361.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.180)

louise

my husband is related to Levon Helm and has always wanted to contact him - does anyone know how? or when he might be playing in florida?

Posted on Sat Dec 30 23:59:23 CET 2000 from (24.147.30.219)

Chuck

Thanks yo!

Posted on Sat Dec 30 23:27:59 CET 2000 from 209-130-150-146.nas1.mon.gblx.net (209.130.150.146)

Lars

I offer a solemn toast to The Fly (1976-2000), who died in Pawling, NY, Dec 29th, of internal injuries. Garth Hudson caught him out of mid-air with a quick right cross.

T. Fly left a family in California. He touched many and will not be forgotten.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 23:19:11 CET 2000 from du-tele3-167.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.167)

Peter Viney

BWNWIT: “fitted” is a regular past tense, “fit” is irregular. My Oxford dictionary gives fit / fitted / fitted as British, and “fit” as American. A similar case is “dove” which is “dived” in British English, or “snuck” which is “sneaked”. Both the American forms appear to be older than the current British ones which are used in older British texts. There are alternatives with “learn” and “burn” which can form the past as either “learned” / “burned” or “learnt” / “burnt.” As English becomes an increasingly international language there is a supposed tendency to make these verbs regular (with the –ed ending). It’s easier for learners. New verbs like “hoovered,” “e-mailed” and “faxed” are automatically regular. So you say fit, and I say fitted. Here endeth the lesson.

Anyway, why I said Preston wouldn’t have fitted so well is that his star turn is on the Hammond organ, rather than piano, though like Richard Bell he played both piano and organ with The Band. But The Band never needed another organist (apart from The Weight). I also feel the “happy clappy” songs Preston had hits with are not particularly suited to The Band. But I’d love to have seen him with them. I can believe they were great evenings. The Ringo Starr video testifies to the singing support. I can see Dr John fitting better. It’s good to hear from Butch that Levon is OK with Billy P. As to guilt, dunno. Look at the sonicnet site. It’s unclear about the 1991 and 1997 charges, but he got three years for the 98 one which included violation of probation, which implies he had been convicted previously. Whether that means guilt is another question.

P.S. my penance of listening to Hank Williams a lot seems to be working. I’m beginning to like some of it more (though not Kawa-whatever, or My bucket …).

Posted on Sat Dec 30 21:45:18 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109110.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.41)

Richard Patterson

HAPPY NEW YEAR! To all the great people I have met through this website... It has been a strange year for me, and you guestbook friends have pulled me through some less than great times...

A big THANK YOU to Jan the Man !

Here's hoping everybody's dreams come true in 2001... : )

Posted on Sat Dec 30 21:46:22 CET 2000 from 1cust183.tnt2.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.108.183)

Hi

Did or was Billy Preston found not guilty? In the mid nineties he performed with Little Richard at the Kennedy Center tribute to gospel singer Marion Williams with the Clintons hosting.It was broadcast on tv as was the more recent one where Dylan was honored.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 21:15:45 CET 2000 from parachute1-156-40-64-175.net.nih.gov (156.40.64.175)

Jonathan Katz

Thank you all for your interesting contributions and especially to Jan for giving us this site. To all of you my best wishes for the new year!

I don't post much, but I read regularly most of what's here, and have made some cyberfriends through this site. My best to all of you.

It's been a year since Rick Danko's passing and a new year is beginning - a time to look back [click on the site listed above], and to look forward to good times for all.

My best wishes to Rick Danko's family and friends.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 19:55:54 CET 2000 from ts2-25.aug.com (205.216.79.233)

Big Blue

Just found this superb site.Does anybody know if the last waltz is going to be released on dvd?

Posted on Sat Dec 30 19:31:47 CET 2000 from spider-tm053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.68)

Rick S.

Hey G-Man, how about some winter tips for us first-time blizzard people in the New York City metropolitan area. Caught the great "Pre-Blizzard" Cromatix concert also last night. Great ensemble playing by the Cromatix. Kudos to Mike D'Amico (best I've heard him) and what can you say about Garth and "Chest Fever". Highlights for me: Twilight, Marie's new blues song, This Wheel's on Fire and No Division/Heart and Soul. Lil, Roast Duckling and Burrito were excellent. A good audience.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 19:31:29 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tg014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.154)

BayouSam

me again - I just came from eBay, and I was watching a songbook from 1970 of Big Pink and The Band. I'm astounded - the bidding is up to FIFTY-TWO BUCKS. Holy cow. Which one of you cats wants that thing so bad. After it passed twenty, I said "the hell with it". It's got 8 hours to go. I can't weight to see what it goes for.

(BTW - I spelled weight that way on purpose)

Posted on Sat Dec 30 19:21:10 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tg014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.154)

Bayou Sam

Charlie = that sounds like a great CD coming. I picked up a video at a Beatlefest a couple of years ago of a Ringo All Starr show. Dr. John's dance is on it. Also, Garth joins in on accordian for some tunes.

It was an amazing concert to see. I saw two of the line-ups. I found that after you leave and get to thinking about the show, you realize you've not only seen Ringo - but you've seen

JoeWalsh do Life in the Fast Lane & Rocky Mountain Way

Burton Cummings do American woman

Levon and Rick do The Weight

Billy Preston do Will It Go Round in Circles

Dr. John being Dr. John

not to mention Todd Rundgren, Clarence Clemmens, Jim Keltner, and Nils Lofgren.

I'm sorry I didn't catch the line up with Jack Bruce and Gary Brooker. Next time. People who saw it absolutely RAVE about Jack Bruce.

It's a great show to catch. I also marveled at the fact that throughout Ringo's long career, he only sang one song per show, and now he's singing about seven or eight.... The best thing he ever did was quit drinking. It probably saved his life.

Y'know, we're right in the middle of getting pounded by a snowstorm as I type this. I think I'll break out that Ringo video and watch it today. (I'll shovel later)

Posted on Sat Dec 30 18:36:00 CET 2000 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Bayou Sam: thanks for reminding me of Dr. John's dance and that great 1989 tour with Ringo, Rick and Levon. Also thanks for reminding me that--as George Harrison put it--"I've forgotten Billy Preston" [was part of that group]. I've heard there is a boxed set of the best of the All-Starr Band tour in the works. That should be a good one. Digging out the official release for that tour, I now see that Nils Lofgren, Joe Walsh, Clarence Clemons and Jim Keltner were part of that band as well. Not a bad line-up, huh?

Posted on Sat Dec 30 18:14:21 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Lil: Too bad you missed the show last night. The Crowmatix were ON! They played an upbeat, fun, groovin' set. They played Twilight in honor of Rick. Other Band tunes were Chest Fever, Don't Wait, aninstrumental of This Wheels On Fire and Garth did a solo intro to Chest Fever that included French Girls off Jubilation--He also caught the Fly and smashed it good. Great time--And the pan seared catfish with shrimp etuffe was very tasty.

Oh yea! and the new Crowmatix cd is very solid. Looking forward to seeing them again.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 11:07:35 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp68.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.68)

Diamond Lil

Hoping everyone who made it to Pawling last night had a wonderful time. Sorry I wasn't there..but was dealing with some personal stuff here. I figure though, if everyone who said they'd have a drink for me..did..I must have one helluva hangover this morning :-)

A safe and happy New Year to all of you. Especially Jan. It's a comin, a brand new...year.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 10:17:44 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

it's been back to the research grind for me,but in my studies, came across a passage that i found astoundingly clarifying when discussing the white/red relations that come up on this board at times. """"the forces that drove the 2 cultures into inevitable and violent collision stemmed from this profound difference.. the naturalism of the indian society held it essentially stable in population and material power.the indian and nature operated as a regulatorwith negative ie; stabilizing, feedback.should the population increase, it's relative food supply necessarily diminishes,thereby curbing growth by malnutrition and reduced fertility. a significant degree of stability was thus automatic, and the society could flourish within such limits indefinitely,barring cataclysyms of nature.,,,, this is in striking contrast to the expansionist and agressive white society,which operates with unstabilizing,ie; positive feedback,as a visious cycle of growth that must bring ultimate disaster- as past history seems so clearly to demonstrate.success in the exploitation of nature force-feeds the explosion of both population and material power.these, in turn, fuel the demand for more territory and the more efficient exploitation of more natural resources. by it's fundamental nature it is automatically expansionist,both in numbers and power, and therfore agressive.,,, the arrival of the expansionist white civilization on the north american continent spelled doom for the stable indian civilization. white society could not comingle and coexist with with the incompatible red society.accordingly the white fought aggressively for the survival of his expansionist civilization.this forced the indian to fight defensively for his static civilization.the ultimate out come of a desperate push from an organized and powerful many against an unorganized and impotent few could not long remain in doubt.,,,,, the indian was never a primitive, ignorant,and shiftless exponent of white culture.he was an advanced,educated and responsible exponent of the indian culture. nothing can generate such tragic human consequences as to judge one culture by the arbitrary standards of another.yet this is probably the most wide spread and rarely surmounted of all human failings, it's name is cultural bigotry.,,,,,,, """ john s gray,,,centennial campaign,the sioux war of 1876"""" sorry to interrupt the musings on whatever dpredations some rock star might have committed, but when r.r. writes his songs on native and euro-americans i am always looking for the meaning or spirit of where his songs come from. this passage will help me in keeping a more open mind.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 09:01:46 CET 2000 from spider-we031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.31)

Bayou Sam

BWNWITenn = your post reminded me of when I saw Ringo's All Starrs with Rick, Levon, Billy Preston, and Dr. John - among others. Dr. John was one of the highlights when he did Iko Iko. At one point he comes out from behind the piano and does this slow, but funky saunter across the stage - all the time wearing this large headress that made him look like a peacock - then he went back to the piano and finished the tune. It was a blast, and one of the more memorable parts of the show.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 07:58:42 CET 2000 from host-209-214-116-123.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.123)

BWNWITennessee

Peter - you don't think Billy Preston FITTED well!?! Unless you mean he had inadequate tantrums...

I never saw BP (the person, not the house), but Dr. John's been known to do a bit of shuckin' and jivin' onstage, and I don't think most people would mind seeing him do some second-lining with The Band. Come to think of it, I'd love to see him filling in the second keyboard slot, I think he would have fit in great. Too much competition for Garth, maybe.

If Preston is in fact guilty of some of the charges against him, I don't really think it should be described as just "a hill of beans." I mean, if they discovered him keeping pornographic images of quadruple amputee midgets, that's one thing, but that other stuff is quite a bit more serious.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 07:15:12 CET 2000 from spider-tp033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.188)

Bayou Sam

Hey Hank.... you bet your ass we can groove on it in the GB.........Right on.....Rock On..... Happy New Year

Posted on Sat Dec 30 05:58:09 CET 2000 from spider-wj042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.37)

butch

just to clear up a little of this billy preston thang,,,,,

Billy also was with The Band @ the Lone Star ( nyc-uptown) shows,,,,,, those were GREAT shows,,,, & Billy was a big part of that,,, imo,

& to this day,, Levon smiles broadly & talks about how much he loved Billy & enjoyed being around him,,,,,,

from what I saw,,, Rick & Levon & Billy all had a deep friendship & respect for each other,,,, that "other" stuff,,,,, didnt amount to a hill of beans between real friends,,,& thats how Levon & Rick were are,,,

just my POV,,, for what its worth,,,,,,,

Happy 2001 butch

Posted on Sat Dec 30 05:05:44 CET 2000 from dialup-323.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.67)

Hank

I've been away for a few days...spending the holidays in Mallow, North Cork, with my family and my wifes family....with our four kids.......you know the way it goes.....and I have'nt played a gig since Christmas Eve.......VERY chilled out....relaxing........the drummer in my band gave me "Last Train to Memphis" by Peter Guralnick as a Christmas present...........without being anti-social, I spent the past three days reading it ..........What a Book!!!!!.....y'all probably know about it already, I know, but you gotta read it......I got a buzz outta reading how Elvis, Scotty and Bill used to play Helena, Arkansas....Levon was there.....it does'nt say that in the book but Levon mentions going to see 'em in a few things I've read and seen.......not to mention narrating the "Elvis '56" video......blows me away..........too bad Elvis and The Band NEVER got it together....it woulda been perfect...........Elvis was The Man........too bad The Colonel made him The King..........It's on to "Careless Love" next........

Billy Preston........ a man who played with The Beatles, The Stones and The Band......wow!!.......I read a few posts where people complained about his onstage behaviour with The Band....interesting.......Is there a protocol to behaviour on stage with The Band?......I mean.....didja ever look at Garth while he plays???.........lunatic.....genius...........Billys performance woulda given The Bands performance an edge if it had not been cut so short by his sad private life......for years I listened to the triple album but I never got to see "The Concert for Bangla Desh": Then I saw it at a friends place in NYC last year............Prestons performance on "That's the Way God Planned It" is exhilerating!!!!!........it was cool to see how George Harrison had to stylishly side-step Preston during that whacked-out dance he did......even cooler to see and hear the band onstage keep up with him as he stopped playing keyboards.....I mean, if he was dancing during "It Makes No Difference" or "Tears of Rage", I could understand folks being a bit miffed.....but, y'know......if he was rockin' and rollin' during "Stagefright" or "Cripple Creek" AND if Rick and Levon were amused.....well, I woulda been happy to report I saw that....The lesson we learn from Billy Preston (AND The Band AND The Beatles AND The Stones) is that hard drugs and the abuse of hard drugs can lead to death and serious personal trouble..........

Here's something.........The Dead, The Allmans and The Band at Watkins Glen 1973.......the Dead and The Allmans went on to lucrative live careers.....the Band made a movie and ended up, for the most part, broke......even tho' the Dead AND The Allmans were drugged out as much if not MORE than The Band......I respect RR's decision to quit.........but they REALLY shoulda TOTALLY replaced him IMMEDIATELY with a songwriting-guitarist and KEPT going on The Road and making new albums.......Ah well, it's tooooo late...what happened is what happened and we can't change it, I know......but hey!.... we can groove on it in The GB, can't we?.......can't we?........well, maybe not........ I saw The Band in '86 and '96........and d'y'know what?.......they were rockin' and rollin' better than anyone I ever saw................although I sure woulda like to have seen 'em in '66 and '76.......must say "g'night sleep tight" to you now...........I love the GB........

Posted on Sat Dec 30 04:23:29 CET 2000 from 1cust75.tnt1.topeka.ks.da.uu.net (63.39.63.75)

Dexy

"...three-year-old BROTHER..." sorry about that.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 04:21:07 CET 2000 from 1cust75.tnt1.topeka.ks.da.uu.net (63.39.63.75)

Dexy

Tonight, my wife was at a class, and my seven-year-old daughter and I re-enacted a performance we did time and time again in 1993 on West 73rd Street. This time, it was with her three-year-old daughter, and about 1500 miles to the West. The first side of JERICHO, with Atlantic City as the centerpiece. When my wife returned, after repeated plays, we ran it through Too Soon Gone and Country Boy, the song that really did "take my breath away" the first time I heard it. I know it was 1993, and withouth JRR or RM, but that is one damn good record, especially the first side. Thanks for many years of pleasure to Levon, Rick, Garth, Jim, Randy,Richard B. and John Simon.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 00:35:28 CET 2000 from spider-tp053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.198)

Tommy

I just bought a mandolin...Lets see how this works out.

Posted on Sat Dec 30 00:10:56 CET 2000 from (216.238.78.74)

The Shepard

Hello everyone!! Merry x-mas( I know I'm a little late). I can't believe it's almost 2001!! I think time is starting to pass me by faster and faster. Where has the time gone. I'll tell you one place it's gone, here, looking for my friends!! I was just saying before that I'd probably have better luck finding gold than my friends here. :-) H-E-L-L-O-O-O!!!!??? Where is everybody? I hope you are all safe and enjoying the end of the year. It's said that 2001 is really the beginning of the new millinnium so let's hold onto our hats and see where the wind takes us. Take care and I'll see you in the new year!!?

Posted on Fri Dec 29 23:21:40 CET 2000 from du-tele3-034.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.34)

Peter Viney

Not just a rumor … I did a websearch on Billy Preston and Sonicnet provided more info. As well as the rape charge, it seems there’s a major fraud arrest and a three year jail sentence for cocaine (both in 97/98). So there’s no place for knee-jerk reactions against Barney Hoskyns. However, on the better side it listed a concert in Austin in Spring 2001. Billypreston.com consists of one page with the address on. I don’t think Preston fitted well either, but it would also seem he’s not a pleasant character. I missread Pat who said “early 90s” not “1990” so maybe it was only a few weeks in 91.

David, I agree that "Times Like these" would be good for 2001, but my suspicion is that on radio and TV the theme will inevitably be "Also sprach Zarathustra"

Posted on Fri Dec 29 21:50:05 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Happy New Year everyone! I feel fortunate to have been able to see Levon & The Barn Burners perform three times this past year. Now that their touring schedule has expanded, I urge everyone to go see them if they have the opportunity. The great music is not just confined to the past, it's here in the present and future as well. The experience of hearing music performed live can't be beat.

My choice of a song to ring in the true beginning of the new millenium is Rick Danko's "Times Like These".

Posted on Fri Dec 29 21:17:01 CET 2000 from node4.sunet.se (192.36.125.18)

Johan F.

Regarding Billy Preston and Barney Hoskyns:

I have no idea what Preston's legal trouble was about, but please remember that Hoskyns' "biography" is a guesswork of smut and rumors and speculations. And of course he got it all wrong about when and why Preston joined our boys.

No wonder nobody from the group wanted to talk to Hoskyns when he did his "research" in Woodstock. And remember, this guy says himself that he moved to Woodstock and lived there for years because he is such a big fan of The Band. But still he never go to talk to any of them...

To quote Robbie: "I read about 20 pages and then gave up. This guy is just guessing!"

And Billy Preston never fit in, anyway. I have the Arrowhead Ranch tape and some other stuff with BP, and he sticks out like a sore thumb.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 21:05:26 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Thanks for response on Alvin Lee; Norm, Butch, Ruby, & D. Pugatch!!! Most original: DP-Alvin shovlin snow in Bflo. under name Jim Morrison!! Most Believeable: RUBY & NORM: Playin in Europe: Most Unbelieveable: BUTCH- "I saw him when I was in college". ALvin started playin young??? HEH, HEH!! Happy New Yr. to ALL the GB'ers, Ru's crew, Burners, and Jan!! Health and Goddness to all!! New Years resolution: Stop Rippin the ROBBER, I mean Robbster!!!!! Peace!!??!!

Posted on Fri Dec 29 21:04:03 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Someone in here mentioned Van the Man playing on the new Mark Knopfler cd. In his Rolling Stone review of the cd, Jan Wenner enthusiastically compared Mark's writing on this release to the writing of Robbie's during his Band days. That is all I need to know. I've got to get that cd.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 20:16:21 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-th051.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.41)

Ruby

On this day my friend and I will get together to have a toast one of the most beautiful spirits we have ever had the privelage to know Here is to you Rick Danko!!!

Posted on Fri Dec 29 19:52:05 CET 2000 from (209.250.142.186)

Stanley Landau

I attended a Band concert in the early 90s at the Ontario Place Forum in Toronto. Billy Preston was indeed on keyboards. Preston performed three or four of his own songs as well. I must say that for one who has always perceived the Band as "no nonsense" and "dignified" on stage (to use John Fogerty’s description), it was somewhat incongruous and a bit unsettling to see Preston dancing, jumping and gyrating around the stage, microphone in hand to the bemused looks of Levon and Rick.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 19:43:05 CET 2000 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Not 'sactly Band related, but I saw Billy Preston play as the Rolling Stones keyboardist way back in the dark ages ('75, I think) Great show, he did a bunch of his own songs as well. I was a fan, but didn't realize that he'd be playing with them so it was quite a treat.

A Safe and Happy new year to all! and a birthday wish/prayer for Rick and his family.

Don't know what I'm doing for new years, but there was a Garth Hudson t-shirt under my X-mas tree, so I know how I'll be dressed.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 19:28:48 CET 2000 from spider-we081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.56)

butch

To All our Friends here in the womb, jan has created,,,

HAPPY NEW YEAR ,,,,, & THANKS for your love, support & friendship throughout,,,,

Levon, The Barn Burners,Amy, me & george send wishes for a peaceful & HARMONY-filled year,,,

2001 ------------- Let's Go,,,,

PEACE ,,,,, butch

Posted on Fri Dec 29 19:19:40 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Re: Ragtime.....MIDI (musical instruments digital interface, spreek uit middie) is een electronische taal voor synthesizes etc. (wist het ook niet).....wat de VPRO betreft had je "helaas" gelijk (tuurlijk weer de rechten).....het gaat om een 18 min. durende opname van een live optreden in Pittsburg 1971.

brown eye girl: safe trip!

Posted on Fri Dec 29 19:17:30 CET 2000 from bethany.chartworksinc.com (209.125.212.140)

Brien Sz

Looking forward to hopefully meeting some GB'ers tonight! As soon as I can shed business for the day-I'm outta here-pick up my wife and onto the Town Crier! Big On the Road Day!

Also, the new Stevie Ray Vaughn Box Set is fabulous! All kinds of live stuff/early recodings/studio stuff-just a brilliant collection. And you would swear Jimi's spirit enter's into Stevies body on some of the covers. You want guitar-Cough up the bucks and buy this set!

Posted on Fri Dec 29 18:42:14 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

This week I saw a documentary on Ronnie Hawkins.....wow! I did not know that he invented the "camel walk" which later became Michael Jackson's "moon walk" twenty years later!! It was great to see Levon with the Hawk and Robbie was articulate as ever....

"One of the Band's defining strengths is the way they alternate lead vocalists, and the way these exchanges play up the idea of collaboration. Danko might be the b Band's most endearing singer; Helm has heart and then some (and not just in his voice); Manuel could be a sentimental weeper.....Danko plays the lanky kid brother who rises to a song's energy level if only to show that the Band can't leave him behind.... And in "When You Awake", he even saddles up to his grandfather's advice about the soul ("You will believe your only soul/You were born with to grow old and never know...") In moments like these, Danko becomes the Band's symbolic Ringo: the everyman the audience identifies with. (It Makes No Difference" shows another side of Danko: anxious, tormented, enraptured.)

"Do not follow

Where the path leads

Rather, go where there is no path

And leave a trail"

I am leaving the land of snow for the land of reggae.

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE STOOGES AND THE HEATHENS AND TO ALL THE BAND FANS

Posted on Fri Dec 29 17:42:55 CET 2000 from du-tele3-142.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.142)

Peter Viney

I remember reading that Billy Preston was joining The Band, and also later about the legal case. Probably in Q. The Guinness Encylopaedia confirms that Preston was arrested on a morals charge in 1991. I knew Billy Preston was a member of The Band in the summer of 1991, following the death of Stan Szelest. As a result, he performed some of his own material on Band gigs, including That’s The Way God Planned It, Will It All Go Round in Circles? Nothin’ From Nothin’ plus a version of Get Back. There’s a video circulating of Preston as part of The Band at Arrowhead Ranch on 4 August 91. Hoskyns says he made his debut at the Woodstock Youth Centre on 3rd August 91, and that “no sooner” had he made his debut than he was arrested. Pat mentions Chicago in 1990, so I guess that his sojurn must have been longer than Hoskyns suggests. He was also in Ringo Starr’s All-Star Band in 1989 with Danko and Helm and sang on ‘The Weight’. I glanced at a few rock reference books, and even large ones like “The Great Rock Discography” seem to leap from Presley to the Pretenders without mentioning him, which is odd as he had so many big hits.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 17:01:44 CET 2000 from dap-209-114-161-237.nfas.monroe-tnt-1.sns234.pa.stargate.net (209.114.161.237)

Mary (bear)

Just thinking about Rick on what would have been his 58th birthday. And Lil was right, what should have been... Well, you are very missed and loved by many. It has been a very sad world here without you. Thank God you live on in my heart through the gift of your music. Thank you Ricky.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 16:16:36 CET 2000 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Lil my dear... as long as WE can read YOUR posts, everything is fine, isn't it :-)?

Peter Nederlof: ik wil je best helpen, maar wat zijn midi files?

At the end of another year, I listen a lot to Richard and Rick too...

Posted on Fri Dec 29 15:27:39 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp155.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.155)

Lil Again

Just thinking of Rick on what would be (_should_ be) his birthday...

Posted on Fri Dec 29 15:21:25 CET 2000 from ipd54b5ea5.free.wxs.nl (213.75.94.165)

Peter L. Nederlof

Which Band fan can help me in my search for midi files of The Band? And a Very Happy New Year to Everyone.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 14:22:34 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp155.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.155)

Diamond Lil

Oh to be home again....

Since my last post seems to have gotten lost in the Bermuda Triangle of Jan-land (or I guess that should be Jan-lond)...I'm trying this again. Did a little fiddling with the settings on my old computer (ok ok.._I_ didn't...my son did) and access is mine once again. The high-tech master of the web had me semi-frazzled for awhile yesterday however. Aah..it's good to be back :-)

Ed B: Am going to try to make it to Pawling tonight for the Garth/Crowmatix show. The weather people are using the "B" word...so weather permitting, I'll be there.

Dave Z: Have a safe flight into New York today. Hope to see you tonight as well.

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan. Love you.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 10:49:06 CET 2000 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Merry Christmas everyone, God Jul Jan!

I had a double vinyl for xmas. Procol Harum's Whiter shade of pale/Salty dog. This is nice, a bunch of good songs. But apart from the obvious piano/organ combination - is there any Band-connection here?

Anyone with particular Lennon-interest should check out the Lovearth web pages.

Happy new year! jens

Posted on Fri Dec 29 10:07:38 CET 2000 from proxy-1371.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.188)

Ed Blayzor

If anyone here is seeing Garth & The Cromatix tonight at the Towne Crier e-mail me, looking foward to seeing some of you there.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 08:46:37 CET 2000 from host-209-214-119-96.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.96)

BWNWITennessee

Sam, Barney Hoskyn's book claims, accurate or not, that Billy Preston was charged with the assault and rape of a 16-year-old boy in California. It doesn't mention anything else, I'm sure if the charges were dropped Hoskyns wouldn't have deemed it worthy of inclusion.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 07:16:25 CET 2000 from user-33qt82n.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.87)

Pat Brennan

Billy Preston was in fact a memeber of The Band, I'm gonna guess during a summer tour in the early 90's. He played the Cubby Bear here in Chicago with them. The scandal occurred soon thereafter.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 07:08:17 CET 2000 from spider-tm044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.64)

Bayou Sam

I went surfing the internet about Billy Preston. Much to my surprise, I found nothing on any sex scandal involving him. So now I feel like a callossal horses ass for mentioning such a horrible thing. I'm sure I heard something along those lines, but maybe it was a false rumor (it grows and grows, where it started no-one knows)....... I did find out that his legal problems involved, cocaine possesion, probation violation, and insurance fraud. I have no idea what he's up to today....... Another interesting thing that I read, and never knew, was that Billy wrote "You Are So Beautiful"

It's funny - but when I did the AOL search for Billy Preston, the first thing that came up was a little peice on him from THIS Band website. He was on Clapton's "No Reason To Cry" album, which is his Band connection

I saw Ringo's All Starr Band a few years back and one of the highlights was Billy doing "Nothing From Nothing"

Posted on Fri Dec 29 05:37:25 CET 2000 from hvc-24-164-172-134.hvc.rr.com (24.164.172.134)

Dennis

Mr. Margollin was a featured, and much applauded, guest of the boss's back in the fall at Woodstock's Joyous Lake for one of the Barn Burner's sets. For fans, you might want to check out www.hob.com's concert archives...there's a recent streaming show of the gentleman and Pinetop Perkins for your listening pleasure...incredibly, we here in rural Saugerties have been upgraded on Time Warner digital cable (no more phone connection required) to ISDN wideband technology and get all streaming broadcasts perfectly.... peace 'n love to all.....

Posted on Fri Dec 29 04:50:25 CET 2000 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Van "the Man" Morrison pops up with a duet on one song from Mark Knopfler's fine new album, "Flying to Philadelphia." The track is no "4% Pantomime," but it's pretty damn good.

On Billy Preston: I saw him playing behind George Harrison back in '74 and met him briefly when we were both passing through the same hotel lobby in New Orleans about ten years ago. He seemed like a really nice guy and I've always thought he was very under-rated keyboardist. Bruce Hornsby sometimes plays Preston's "Will It Go 'Round in Cirles" and quotes Billy's keyboards from "Get Back" as part of medleys in his gigs. I have a vague recollection of Preston suffering some sex scandal publicity, but I'd rather listen to the music than that sort of VH-1 "Behind the Music" crap. There's enough of that on the news in America anymore. I guess that's why Bill Clinton has taped an anti-drunk-driving message that's running on TV stations in Washington, DC. Maybe it's a subtle little jab at the incoming president. If Billy Preston or Chuck Berry had done the things Dubya did in his youth, I guarantee that THEY would have served time in prison.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 03:36:28 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.176)

Bayou Sam

David Powell = I know Billy Preston was in trouble for some kind of sex thing involving young boys. I don't know what the outcome was, but I hated hearing about it and hoped that somehow it was a mistake. I'm going to see if I can find out what the outcome was now that you mention it. It's a heartbreaker to think about.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 01:58:00 CET 2000 from 209-23-50-156.ip.termserv.net (209.23.50.156)

Lil Again

PS: Can't see my last post either.

Posted on Fri Dec 29 01:55:37 CET 2000 from 209-23-50-156.ip.termserv.net (209.23.50.156)

Diamond Lil

Is anyone else having trouble accessing this site? I'm here now, but only temporarily. My computer won't access at all, and the computer I'm using now is also having problems. Can't read anything I type in the chatroom (and btw..the time is suddenly an hour off in there too). 2001..a space oddessy?? :-) Um..Jan..Help!

Posted on Thu Dec 28 23:43:33 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

I mentioned the other week that there was a Band connection with "My Sweet Lord". That connection was Billy Preston. The song originated out of a backstage jam involving Harrison and Preston. When the instrumental tracks for "My Sweet Lord" were later recorded, Preston was the principal musician, with Harrison in the control booth helping to engineer the recording. The initial court ruling that found Harrison "subconsciously" violated the copyright for "He's So Fine" mentioned Preston's participation in helping arrange "My Sweet Lord", and the judge inferred that Preston could have been the one who came up with the notes that duplicated the "motifs" of "He's So Fine". However, as Harrison revealed in the billboard interview, after over a dozen years of litigation, all's well that ends well.

Preston later almost became a member of the re-formed Band, but evidently legal proceedings of another matter got in the way. Does anyone know the exact details of that situation?

Posted on Thu Dec 28 22:36:14 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

JUST WONDERIN?????? WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO ALVIN LEE AND 10 YEARS AFTER???

Posted on Thu Dec 28 20:18:08 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Joe d........that's good enough for me.......accept .. € .. too?.......

Posted on Thu Dec 28 19:03:42 CET 2000 from man15-pool-40.fcgnetworks.net (206.106.135.56)

joe d

If you love The Band as much as I have over the last 32 years I suggest you try the cd by my band THH PARLOUR BAND. I have released two solo albums many years ago and have been a staff writer for MCA for many years. I have had my songs recorded by many various artists including Nona Hendryx,(Labelle) Bette Midler, Wet Willie, and more importantly the late great Paul Butterfield...I had the honor of writing three songs on Pauls final album "the LEGENDARY PAUL BUTTERFIELD RETURNS" If you have ever heard it I wrote"Heart Like A Locomotive" "Save Me" "The Night Aint Long Enough". I also sang on the album and through Pauls friendship was able to make contact with my musical heroes THE BAND. I was also fortunate enough to meet with Rick about two months before his passing and I was happy to be able to give him the roughs of part of this cd which he enjoyed..I have never been on a web site or written on one but Im proud of this cd, and although many of my musical followers are scratching their heads(Im a rock and roller ant this project is far from what their use to) I am excited because everyone who has heard it has referenced The Band..Its a little cajun, a bit of country, some Appalacian and Blues thrown in.... lots of accordian, mandolin, guitars and organ..THE BAND changed my life and helped me determine my future..I think anyone who hears this cd will see the honesty and basic grass roots that went into it. I am selling cds for $15 but if anyone wants one off this site it will be $10, and if you dont enjoy it I will guarantee your money back..I only hope it brings a familiar smile....For info email jpdltd@cyberportal.net or write to Log Cabin Records box 1434 Center Harbor N H 03226 or call 603 253 9000 Thanks Joe D

Posted on Thu Dec 28 14:16:47 CET 2000 from spider-tp052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.197)

BluesHabit

God Bless you Richard Manuel. I am so sorry, baby. You'll always be a part of me. I hope its Ray on the bandstand, and not a worry in the world.

Posted on Thu Dec 28 14:01:38 CET 2000 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

jh

Testing...the Band web site just moved to a new and much faster machine. Everything should work as before...I hope.

Posted on Thu Dec 28 06:48:51 CET 2000 from host-209-214-119-207.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.207)

BWNWITennessee

The bushy-haired guitar player was Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Muddy's guitar player. He still performs and records. Is it my imagination, or does he look kind of young and nervous amongst all the rock stars?

Posted on Thu Dec 28 05:03:23 CET 2000 from spider-wq014.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.139)

Mike

Playing GB catch-up after spending the holidays up on the Washington coast…Glad to be home to my own bed, my dogs, etc.

On George Harrison…A funny thing happened last week. I swung by the ex’s to pick up my youngest two boys and she handed me a video tape of all four of the boys from about ten years ago. (Weird. I haven’t changed a bit, but MAN have they grown!) Anyway, I took the tape home and reminisced with them for a while, then the screen went all squiggly. I wasn’t watching for a second, then I heard George Harrison’s voice. It was “The Concert For Bangla Desh.” I had taped it off of VH1 back in 1990 and had lost it over the years.

I took some videos with me to the coast -- The Last Waltz and the Beatles Anthology from 1995. Question? Who is the bushy-haired guitarist who was playing with Muddy in TLW? And, it irritated me this time through more than others that they cut the songs to be shorter. (Why it irritated me this time I don’t know.) I especially furrowed my brough at the part where they gave just a smidge of Genetic Method, then cut away. I’m just gonna have to break down and get TCLW…Also, I noticed at one point in the Anthology, George is talking about how unbearable it was recording the “Let It Be” sessions, when the group was beginning to unravel. He mentioned that he had just spent some time with Bob Dylan and the Band in Woodstock and that to go back to Twickenham Studios in the winter of their discontent was just about too much.

Happy Holidays everyone. Thanks to Jan for such a great place to hang out. I’ve been coming here since ’96 (?) and it’s quite a site. I feel like I know some of you personally. Thanks too, to all of you regulars. If you're ever out in the Portland, Oregon area, please look me up. It may get kind of tight once in a while, but it usually gets back on track soon enough. Peace and comfort to the Danko family. Thanks again, Rick.

Posted on Thu Dec 28 03:51:01 CET 2000 from spider-wj084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.59)

Bayou Sam

There's an interesting fact in that George Harrison interview that was pointed out to us by Dexy a week or so ago. In the interview, George says that he has been awarded ownership of the song "He's So Fine", and the money that was taken for "My Sweet Lord". I don't remember hearing that. Good for you George.

Posted on Wed Dec 27 23:11:47 CET 2000 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime PS

Oops... how could I forget... special greetings (note spelling) to our great great webmaster, out there in the Northern Light... keep up the good work in 2001 too, Jan!

Posted on Wed Dec 27 20:26:23 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

I love hearing stories like this one. George Harrison always envisioned Levon singing on "All Things Must Pass". I love that song and the first two records of that three record set.

Posted on Wed Dec 27 20:24:04 CET 2000 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Dear guestbook friends, haven't been posting for a while. Hope you enjoyed your Xmas days. "Christmas must be yesterday". Wishing you a happy new year in advance.

Diamond Lil: I'll have a coffe and vlaai with you soon.

Ilkka: read your post a few weeks ago. I'm a "loss"? I'm not dead yet, ya know.

Also special greatings to Peter V. and Sundog. See you in 2001.

Norbert en Denise: het geeft geen zin. Ik heb 't al een paar keer geprobeerd, maar die band is niet te krijgen. Ze geven 'm niet af of willen geen kopieën maken, ik weet niet wat 't is. Helaas...

Posted on Wed Dec 27 20:00:43 CET 2000 from spider-th054.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.69)

Bshful Bill

Blind Willie, thanks for providing that article. Yet another service provided through Jan's excellent website. My downstate buddy Rick S.(who occasionally posts in here) got all 4-count em-4!- reissues for Xmas. Lucky man he is, he also was one of the first to get Garth's shirt. It seems like the reissues sold pretty well, Capitol did a fine job of promoting them. Any downstaters, or upstaters or out-of-staters or any kind of staters thinking of going to that Guru's show at BB King's on 1/10 (or is it 1/9) ?

Posted on Wed Dec 27 19:57:31 CET 2000 from bethany.chartworksinc.com (209.125.212.140)

Brien Sz

Ah my fellow GB'ers-I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukah and day 2 of Kwanzaa.

I just wanted to take a moment and share with you some books that made the biggest impression on me this past year.
1.Killer Angels-a fictionalized account on the Battle of Gettysburg based on letters, diaries and facts surrounding this epic battle.
2. Rich Dad/Poor Dad-Inspiring! An absolute must if you want to liberate yourself and take control of your financial destiny. I think i read it in a weekend--For me that's quick-In a nut shell, it simply tells the reader why the richer will always get richer and the poor and the middle class will always stay that way
3. How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci- Compelling exercises into sharpening the mind and expanding your range of thinking.

For a simple weekend getaway book-"Link"- it was a fun adventure-Indiana Jones meets new age archeaology.

For a long weekend-"The Gold of Exodus"-What if Moses really went this way through the desert-John Sayles is currently making a movie out of this book

And last but not least, a book I recommend every year-"Finger Print of the Gods"--Terrific stuff! The suppositions suggested here could revolutionize our look at the ancient world--A science in its infancy!

Posted on Wed Dec 27 19:50:13 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Re:Denise....bovengetekende was "helaas" in Frankrijk destijds......maar een tip......probeer het eerst via de VPRO, vraag naar het "filmarchief"........lukt het daar niet, probeer dan Videotheek "Cult Video" aan de Amstel in A'dam .....succes! (ps als het lukt, houd ik me aanbevolen voor een kopie!)

Posted on Wed Dec 27 18:46:17 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

The home page link above goes to an article from today on canoe.ca that mentions Levon favourably.

Posted on Wed Dec 27 16:44:06 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Here's an end of the year music list with a twist -- This is my choice of a half-dozen CDs released in 2000 that sort of fell "under the radar". In other words, unlike many over-hyped, big label releases, these albums didn't necessarily receive the degree of attention that they justly deserved.

YOU CAN'T RELIVE THE PAST -- Eric Andersen (Appleseed Recordings)
STEPPIN' -- Christy Baron (Chesky Records)
WALK THAT WALK -- Terry Evans, featuring Ry Cooder & Jim Keltner (Telarc)
ROMANTICALLY HELPLESS -- Holly Cole (Alert Music - Canadian import)
COVENANT -- Greg Brown (Red House Records)
PERFECT DAY -- Chris Whitley, featuring Billy Martin & Chris Wood of Modeski, Martin & Wood (Valley Entertainment)

Posted on Wed Dec 27 16:35:26 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-Man

Happy birthday to #1 guitar man, and #1 bassman - Jim Weider and Maclom Gold!! SOLID!!

Posted on Wed Dec 27 12:40:26 CET 2000 from 4dyn156.com21.casema.net (212.64.95.156)

Denise de Graaf

To all you Dutch GBers: Op 25 aug.j.l. ontving ik mijn exemplaar van 'Times like these"van Rick Danko.Geweldig!Zo geweldig dat ik vergat het T.V.programma van die avond na te kijken.Net die avond zond de V.P.R.O.in 'Weerzien op 3'een live registratie van the Band uit 1971 uit.Gemist dus.Ooit gezien,maar dat was ver voor het video tijdperk.Na vier maanden van knarsentanden toch maar eens een poging gewaagd:Wie heeft het bewuste programma opgenomen en wil mij ,tegen vergoeding,een kopie sturen?Ik zou er erg blij mee zijn.Because the Band and especially Rick, are still my favourites.Groeten van Denise. P.S.Great site.

Posted on Wed Dec 27 02:38:39 CET 2000 from spider-wi051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.41)

butch

Just To clear up any confusion, here,,,

Levon Helm & Hubert Sumlin WILL be joining Jimmy Vivino & his band @ Chicago Blues on New Years Eve,,,2000

it is in NYC @ 8th ave between 13th & 14th sts,,,

see you there,,,, butch

this has been a public service message,,,,,

Posted on Tue Dec 26 20:15:13 CET 2000 from (206.15.160.247)

Long Distance Operator

Click the link above for a review of a Ryan Adams record that references The Band and Dylan.

Posted on Tue Dec 26 20:09:39 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

"Viney Awards"--scanning and listening to Chain Gang!! What song!!! One of Rick's best vocals; singing with Rando makes it something special.

Posted on Tue Dec 26 18:40:24 CET 2000 from proxy2.aporter.com (151.173.163.6)

Mitt Stampler

Haven't been by in a while, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten you all...A very happy holiday, and may we all realize our dreams in 2001.

Posted on Tue Dec 26 15:32:40 CET 2000 from (206.15.160.247)

Long Distance Operator

Little Brother ROCKS!

Posted on Tue Dec 26 13:18:48 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp208.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.208)

Diamond Lil

Decking the halls with heaters this morning, as we hit 0 degrees and my nose and toes are froze. The morning after Christmas, and the children are still nestled all snug in their beds (with visions of a week off from school in their heads). Hope everyone here had a great Christmas.

Loved Little Brother's poem! I e-mailed him too. Really made me smile on Christmas morning.

Have a good gift-return day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Tue Dec 26 06:58:41 CET 2000 from spider-wb051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.171)

Bayou Sam

I thought Little Brothers poem was great (I even e-mailed him), so scroll back and read it if you missed it.

Geez - everybody is wishing the Band families a Happy Holiday- except Robbie (the Bastard :-)) Happy Holidays RR

I'm actually not a Levonista, or a Robertsonian. I'm a Garthite.

Posted on Tue Dec 26 04:33:52 CET 2000 from 208-194-205-69.flash.net (208.194.205.69)

Johnny Bartee - A Texas Musician and Actor

Go Band Go...happy holidays! I have performed as an extra for the part of an Audience Member in the Feature Film from Castle Rock Entertainment, MISS CONGENIALITY starring Sandra Bullock, Candice Bergen, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Caine, and William Shatner. Releases December 22, 2000. Look for me right after the scene where all the girls are helping Sandra put on her make-up. The transition scene goes to Bass Concert Hall. I'm the guy in the blue dress coat and cowboy hat,center screen, pointing as I walk with two women towards the theatre steps.... I'm also visible in two other scenes. See if you can find me!

Posted on Tue Dec 26 03:12:34 CET 2000 from dhcp138.12.lvcm.com (24.234.12.138)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Wishing all of my friends here,,,yes, even you Serge,,a healthy and happy holiday season. My best to Jan for the years of hard work,,,and all the BS that he puts up with,,,tee hee! And last,, my warmest thoughts are for ~~The Danko Family~~

Posted on Mon Dec 25 17:23:11 CET 2000 from h0005021b0732.ne.mediaone.net (24.218.128.82)

Liz Kemp

Merry Christmas to all the wonderful souls Ive met through this incredible site, and THE BAND. Love peace health and safety to you all ! Play On !

Posted on Mon Dec 25 16:29:47 CET 2000 from spider-wi043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.38)

Ben Pike

I guess I couldn't let the day go by without weighing in about something.... but someone mentioned the Roches lovely Christmas album(a must for "Star Of Wonder" alone) and as a collector of holiday music, I thought I would make some suggestions Band fans might well enjoy: Leon Redbone's "Chirstmas Island", Bruce Cockburn's "Christmas" The Cheiftains "Bells Of Dublin"(lots of guest stars) Folkie label Hear music's "Snow Angels" (with Catie Curtis and Joan Osborn). Rhino's "Blue Yule" is best for a Blues Christmas. There are too many worthwhile R and B collections to mention, just look around, but Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding cuts lead you in the right direction. And then you have Phil Spector and the "Very Specail" Christmas albums, all of which are pretty good, vol. 2 being somewhat less so. Maybe my favorite Christmas CD has come to be "Chirstmas Time" , which I bought around 96 for 99 cents. It was put together by Chris Stamey, and has Alex Chilton, Syd Straw, The DB's, Peter Holsapple, and a lot of folks I have never heard of, all of whom do a great job. If you see it, snap it up, it's a gem.

Posted on Mon Dec 25 09:08:22 CET 2000 from 209-23-50-183.ip.termserv.net (209.23.50.183)

TSaxMan17

Hey Band Fans,

Seeing as I haven't posted in a while, and the fact that it's the holiday season, I figured I'd post and say Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, and all the others which I don't know off hand. I wanted to write something goofy like Mom, but I couldn't think of anything off hand. So to everyone who reads this, including the more powerful than mere mortal Webmaster Jan;

Ah Blahhh blahblahblahblahHAPPYHOLIDAYS! ;-)

TSM17

Posted on Mon Dec 25 09:02:12 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-td034.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.164)

Ben Pike

Happy Holidays to all! Can't wait for the comming reissues of the new year!

Posted on Mon Dec 25 07:57:13 CET 2000 from (207.16.153.230)

Little Brøther

Just past one, Christmas morning;
When the last bow was tied;
Time to sip a wee nightcap,
For I felt pretty fried.

I sat down at the laptop,
As my Yule punch I downed;
Till a knock at my window
Made me spin right around!

In the light of the Guestbook--
For I boasted no hearth;
Beamed the broad face of Santa!
(Though it might have been Garth.)

He was gone just that quick
I was too stunned to follow
But I swear I heard sleigh bells
Play "Jupiter Hollow"!

So good night to you all;
May your Yuletide be grand
And, awake or in dreams
Find the songs of the Band!

Posted on Mon Dec 25 05:37:19 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp210.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.210)

Diamond Lil

T'was the night before Christmas
And all through the house
The kids were on sugar highs
The mom was just soused
With tipsy fingers she typed
To her friends on Jan's site
Happy Christmas to all
And to all..a goodnight.

Posted on Mon Dec 25 05:26:03 CET 2000 from ajg548zvy587g.bc.hsia.telus.net (216.232.68.189)

a

a

Posted on Mon Dec 25 02:55:08 CET 2000 from dialup-089.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.89)

Hank

It's great to have met you all thru Jans wonderful Band Web-Site GB......I wish you all a peaceful, happy holiday!!!!!!!

.

Posted on Mon Dec 25 02:46:27 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

a prayer for all without. in your darkness, hold on, the only constant in the blessed circle is change. for the most unfortunate, wracked with illness, may an unshakeable faith be yours. we shall all be released.

Posted on Mon Dec 25 02:26:59 CET 2000 from mat-4-7.enter.net (207.16.155.155)

Little Brøther

Christmas comes but once a year / And when it does, it brings good cheer!

Thanks for that gift from Santa, Jan-- it gave me something to listen to besides the Roches' superlative "We Three Kings", ELP's wonderful Christmas EP (CD version), and the Narada Nutcracker. And the original version of "Christmas Must Be Tonight", of course.

Happy Holidays to all and sundry, peace to folk of good will! And the humbugs, too.

Posted on Sun Dec 24 21:57:36 CET 2000 from ts1-38.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.38)

Cupid

Happy Holidays to all in the GB. May the New year bring you joy.May your hearts be as full as your belly's Tomorrow....Ikka, My dog Newman says have an arrfy Christmas!...thanx for all you do Jan, Peace brother J, from all the Heathens....peace Cupid

Posted on Sun Dec 24 20:59:46 CET 2000 from cg960166-a.adubn1.nj.home.com (65.1.172.67)

Chris D.

Merry Christmas to all of you here at this great web site!!!!!! I hardly miss a day of logging on to your stories, facts, questions and opinions. All of which I enjoy very much and am admittedly addicted to. Have a very Merry Christmas and maybe I'll see some of you at The Barn Burners Show in Philly! Can't wait!!!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 24 18:47:31 CET 2000 from spider-ti021.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.181)

bob wigo

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with peace and joy.

I'm anxiously awaiting the look on my fourteen year old son's face when he sees his first drum kit.

Jan, I could never thank you enough for providing this very special place for so many wonderful to meet.Bless you.

Peace and good health to all.

Christmas must be tonight.

Posted on Sun Dec 24 17:31:29 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

"May you always have a tune

to warm your heart and a

beat that moves your soul!"

MERRY MERRY MERRY !

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!

Posted on Sun Dec 24 17:16:39 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Merry Christmas Everyone! Enjoy, be Merry, be Safe!

Posted on Sun Dec 24 17:11:39 CET 2000 from scar.iinet.net.au (203.59.210.8)

Nancy

I'm first in, best dressed, to say Happy Christmas to everyone here on the GB!! Funny feeling to be communing with a computer at 00.05 or thereabouts, knowing that somewhere a madman in a red suit is flying around the heavens looking for good children to reward with silly gifts.

Seriously, hope it is a good one for everyone here, especially for the few email buddies I have made during the past months !!!!!!!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 24 16:27:53 CET 2000 from spider-wb051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.171)

Jungle Bush Beaters

The Jungle Bush Beaters and I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for supporting "real live music" and our new release, "Distant Drums' - Be safe everyone! Loren Bailey Terry Cagle Larry Hight Lee Hight Tommy Payton

Posted on Sun Dec 24 15:32:38 CET 2000 from (216.53.226.72)

Gary

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE JONES BROTHERS BAND FALLSTON, NORTH CAROLINA.

Posted on Sun Dec 24 15:13:42 CET 2000 from sydnc03.bigpond.com (139.134.23.68)

John Hospodaryk

I do a version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' with a mate of mine - he plays banjo and I play guitar, and we both sing, me trying to impersonate Levon's Southern accent. Hard to do when you're Australian. Anyway, when I first proposed that we do this number in our gigs, my friend confessed that he had only ever heard Joan Baez' version. I played him The Band's original. He was surprised to learn that it wasn't just 'so much' cavalry that came, but it was 'Stoneman's', and that Virgil wasn't a 'working man', but a farmer who had 'worked the land'. After we had performed the song for a couple of gigs, he decided that Robbie was a remarkable genius in creating what amounted to a novel in three verses. The 'working man' image, he decided, was all wrong, giving Virgil a kind of urban quality, an inhabitant of a 'dirty old town' rather than the rural South of the 1860s. That Virgil should 'work the land' was a most fitting image for someone trying to scratch a living on a 19th Century Southern farm. Such was my friend's conclusion. He wondered, as I do, how Joan could get it so wrong. Merry Xmas to everyone exploring this site.

Posted on Sun Dec 24 14:59:00 CET 2000 from c5300-3-ip246.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.226.246)

Happy Holidays from Woodstock Records ! ! !

Happy Holidays!

The staff of Woodstock Records would like to extend the warmest holiday greetings to you all.

Thanks to those that have shown spirit and good will this year.

Holiday Cheers to: Elizabeth and Justin Danko,Garth & Maud Hudson,Quentin and The Breeze Hill Staff, Professor Louie, Miss Marie, Mike Dunn,Gary Burke,Mike DeMicco,Larry Packer,Tom Malone, Danny Sheehan, Carol Caffin, Jan, Lee Gabites and everyone else who's came to or/ played gigs, recorded, jammed,drove,sang,wrote,played the cd's,moved gear etc.

Peace,Love & Light To Everyone,

Merry Christmas,

Tom & The Staff of Woodstock Records

Posted on Sun Dec 24 14:49:24 CET 2000 from du-tele3-027.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.27)

Peter Viney

Rock stars quiver in their mansions in anticipation of the Viney 2000 Awards (or not as the case may be). So time to open the champagne or weep tears of bitter frustration. I’ll add mine in what has been a very poor year indeed. Few of these number ones would have made my top ten in some recent years!

Best Album: this highly coveted title goes to YOU’RE THE ONE by Paul Simon. Melodically a little samey, but the backing is extraordinary. And both HEARTS & BONES and GRACELAND are previous winners.

Best song: CHAIN GANG by Rick Danko

Best Reissue: MUSIC FROM BIG PINK. A worthy winner of the best reissue 1968-2000 Special Award too. Best album of the year by a mile, but I think only new releases should count.

Best group album: A tie between NIXON by Lambchop and TWO AGAINST NATURE by Steely Dan

Best Band –related album: TIMES LIKE THESE by Rick Danko

Best live album: SHOUTING IN KEY by Taj Mahal

Best blues album: THE REAL THING by Taj Mahal (REISSUE)

Best soundtrack / compilation: O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU OST

Most disappointing album by a major artist: YOU WIN AGAIN by Van Morrison

Best male vocal album: INSIDE JOB by Don Henley

Best female vocal album: ANGELS & CIGARETTES by Eliza McCarthy

Best sleeve design: DAISIES OF THE GALAXY by Eels. Such a good sleeve I nearly bought it.

Best Box Set: Anthology of American Folk Music Vol 4. A pretentious choice but fair.

Best live show: Paul Simon, London

Best personal song rediscovery: “Is that all there Is” by Peggy Lee. I’d never heard it until this year.

Best movie: O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU – released in the UK last summer, you’re just about to get it in the USA and I expect it will be discussed on this site. My question from August still stands. Which Band songs could they have used instead of T-Bone Burnette’s traditional selections?

Best actor: GEORGE CLOONEY for O Brother Where art Thou

Best comedian: Ali G

Best rock video: MUSIC by Madonna with Ali G.

Best TV show: THE ROYLE FAMILY Series 3 (BBC)

Dumbest Guestbook comment of the year: “Hank Williams is over-rated” (Peter Viney)

So, looking through reviews of the year, I see Lambchop cited as “New Americana,” “Nouvelle Americana” and “Nouveau Americana” – any French experts out there to say which is correct? Does the “a” ending make “Americana” sound feminine? Uncle Sam (unlike Brittania) is a male personification of a nation. And why use French at all?

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

Posted on Sun Dec 24 14:10:14 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp164.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.164)

Diamond Lil

To my Mom and Dad in Florida..my 2 very favorite computer illiterates :-) ... who for the very first time today... are going online (with the help of my cousin) just to see this message...I love you both and I wish you were here. Merry Christmas and hugs from me and the 3 stooges :-)

Posted on Sun Dec 24 13:19:26 CET 2000 from spider-fra-ab023.proxy.aol.com (195.93.1.137)

Karl-Heinz

Merry Christmas to everybody

Posted on Sun Dec 24 11:18:23 CET 2000 from (209.90.235.174)

Richard J. Green II

Thank's Rick and the rest of the band for making such awsome music for me and the rest of the people to listen to.In my mind you will remain the greatest band on earth to me Rick will be very missed in my mind but as long as I got my CD player and mind he will always be around.

Posted on Sun Dec 24 06:41:46 CET 2000 from 1cust181.tnt2.greensboro.nc.da.uu.net (63.10.84.181)

Brent and Adam

On behalf of the entire staff of The Rumor, we wish you all a joyous and safe holiday season.

It's been a great year for us, for the Band (reissues, Times Like Thee, etc.), and hopefully for all of you.

Here's to next year being even better!!!

Posted on Sat Dec 23 23:13:49 CET 2000 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Amanda

The Go-Betweens are from Brisbane, Australia...but I don't know much else about them...

Happy, safe holidays to all GB-ers & Band fans! I've enjoyed the pleasure of your company through the year. And many thanks to our gacious host, Jan, for providing this venue.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 18:35:25 CET 2000 from spider-tp074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.209)

Bayou Sam

rollie = you're a lucky man to have been in the right place at the right time. Watching Clapton rehearse. woa.

I was plowing through a pile of old records of mine, and I found one I rescued from a basement flood(too bad I didn't get it "before the flood"). It seems to be a bootleg called Watkins Glen live!. It has 7 songs on it. Two Dead, 2 Allmans, and 3 Band. Dixie, and Raining in My Heart are two, the third is listed as Instrumental. It seems to be the Band just jamming on a chord progression. Robbie is doing alot of leads. I don't have the Watkins Glen CD yet - is this little jam on it? The song is actually four minutes long. Unfortunately, the sound quality is not good. It was obviously recorded from the audience. It is interesting though.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 17:11:11 CET 2000 from spider-tq062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.72)

butch

FYI !!!!!!!! Levon Helm & Hubert Sumlin ( of Howlin Wolf fame ) will be joining JIMMY VIVINO & HIS band on NEW YEARS EVE,,, in New York City, as SPECIAL GUESTS !!!! Al Kooper had to bow out so,,,, the "family came to jimmy v's rescue,,, DON'T MISS THIS, IF YOU CAN !!!!! HOT,HOT,HOT !!!!! happy holidays,,,, bd

Posted on Sat Dec 23 16:45:40 CET 2000 from spider-th033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.58)

Bashful Bill

Richard Patterson-that was a great mini-review of Two Against Nature. To everyone:Happy Holidays to all, including the folks who celebrate the Jewish holidays, we are right in the middle of those. I've been real real busy with real real life, not on the computer much,lately by the time I catch up on Jan's excellent GB the good threads are played or are playing themselves out. For what it's worth-I just wrapped the new Band's Greatest Hits for a friend who has been there for me, with a note to not open till Xmas. Did someone around here say there is a coupon in there for the reissues? I have all 4 so far, at least 4 more to go. Beach Boys fans(I know there are a few ariund here) got treated to some pretty good reissues this year too, but no extras and definitely not the quality of the Band reissues. I'm rambling though. I just want to say, when there is a minimum of conflict going on, this GB is a great place to check in to when possible. once again happy holidays to all.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 16:09:02 CET 2000 from ti09a63-0195.dialup.online.no (130.67.54.195)

Gillá

Lire Ballklubb fortjener å vinne konkurransen som årets hjemmeside på Halden.net, ikke denne. Hva har The Band med Halden å gjøre? Dette er for meg helt ubegripelig. Ikke et vondt ord om The band, men jeg synes det er merkelig at denne websiden kan være med i en lokal konkurranse, bare fordi mannen bak denne hjemmesiden tilfeldigvis holder til på høgskolen i Halden. Lire i våre hjerter!!!

Posted on Sat Dec 23 11:28:48 CET 2000 from (62.98.88.231)

too wet to work

" IT BEGAN TO RAIN LIKE A COW PISSING ON A FLAT ROCK."

Posted on Sat Dec 23 11:26:26 CET 2000 from (62.98.88.231)

Emanuele Marchiori and THE BEARDS

MERRY XMAS TO :

ALL THE BAND FANS

JAN

AND THE BAND WEB PAGES STAFF

AND THE BAND MEMBERS !

FROM THE ITALIAN THE BAND FANSCLUB AND THE BEARDS.

thank you !

Posted on Sat Dec 23 09:41:05 CET 2000 from spider-wn082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.187)

Tommy

Last night was a good night...

We had our annual Xmas party, food, friends and booze..what a way to celebrate this time of year?(Jack D. was there and helping us have a great time).

My brother and I got some stuff worth mentioning here...Levon and Rick SOLO CDs!!! Nice!!! I've been searching, and my friend Chris came through!!! I listened to 'Levon Helm and the RCO Allstars"...GREAT! Nice, solid R&B.I also gave a listen to Rick's 'Times Like These', for some reason, it was sad...but it also made me feel good to hear it.The recording is crisp and Rick's voice sounds better than it ever did! Anyone else have these albums?(we also got Levon's 'American Son' and Rick's self-titled 1st solo album, both which I have yet to listen to...)...I'll let you guys know if I get any other albums I can recommend.Ya'll do the same!!!

Oh yeah...I ALSO got the Jimmy Page/Black Crowes cd.It's really good...I've never liked Zepplin due to Plant's voice, so this album is a real treat for me...Zepplin songs without Robert Plant singing!Nice!......talk later.....

Posted on Sat Dec 23 09:24:15 CET 2000 from 1cust120.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.28.242.120)

rollie

Sitting in the lobby of the Miyako Hotel,on a couch with my sister when the "Gods" stroll through the front door and take a seat on the couch adjacent to us.Rumor had it the "Mud" was gonna make it, and now he and Pinetop Perkins are "sitting on a couch!" right next to us,relaxing after having just flown in from Lord only knows where. I didn't know blues legends mingled with the riff-raff! Fortunately, they don't notice the slack -jawed white boy,gawking at them as if they've just parted the seas,or else they might have called an ambulance...... ......Not much going on,all the players are down at the Winterland rehearsing."Go ahead and catch the bus out front",I'm told,"Billys son is shuttling people to and from the Winterland in the RV.You can check out the rehearsals". Waiting for Bill Grahams son,who I figure is probably my age or better(18), a commotion arises across the street, and a young black man in a tuxedo goes hurtling through the air, lands on the hood of a limousine, and bounces into the street.One nonstop motion has him up on his feet and bookin as a small mob proceeds to chase him, to what end I never found out.Still mortified, the van pulls up, doors swing open, and I'm greeted by a youth who could be no more than14?15? Too young to be haulin this crate around San Fran I think to myself! So far, an interesting town to be sure. The Winterland is empty,save for a host of film and sound people, with Scorcese and Graham center stage on the floor, intensely debating some point. NO one else comes within 50 yrds of this duo. And why bother.Joni Mitchell is in the middle of rehearsing, and I begin to experience serious lust....... Clapton is next and rips through some blues that have obviously put The Band in a good mood..... and so it goes..... Well I'm lit, as you might have guessed. Good Christmas cheer though.! Glad to be a part of it all still.Happy Holidays to "The Band" family here.Maybe we'll see something unexpected yet!Here in the U.S., we're gonna need a few miracles to make it through this next cycle of madness.Until then , Merry Christmas, Happy New year,... and so forth!

Posted on Sat Dec 23 09:03:25 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I can't believe with all the posts that I have made about Lou Reed that I forgot to mention his latest recording "Ectasy". As always, Lou makes records for adults...... Now that he is nearing 60 he is once again very reflective and introspective. He seems to have some regrets but as he said in the documentary "Rock and Roll Heart", he will continue to play and write music because he has to..... For when he was asked how much longer does he think he will be playing rock and roll, he basically answered, "would you ask a blues or jazz musician that question?"

Lou pushes the envelope as always in relation to the title "Ecstasy". He makes you wonder, is it referring to the drug or to sex? Even Rickie Lee Jones on her last recording referred to the use of ecstasy. (this was the only song that I liked on her recording)

The songs I especially like on "Ecstasy" are "Mad"

"Modern Dance" - ("It's not a life being a wife".)

"Tatters" singing about more regret.

"Turning Time Around"

"Baton Rouge" could be about Sylvia or is it about Laurie?

"Possum" is the screeeeeeeching song. When I made a Lou Reed mixed tape for a friend I cut off half of the song because we get the point.....

"Rouge" is simply beautiful but too short.

Lou's latest recording feeds your head big time. You have to be ready to think and reflect in order to really appreciate the brillance here.

From "Performing Songwriter" Lou was asked, "When you had the idea of combining rock with great literature, where did that thought come from?"

"Well, I was studying with Delmore Schwartz (thanks Lou for introducing this writer to me when I first heard your music)..... I think in "Dreams Begin Responsibilities" (in the article the book is referred to "In Dreams We Take Responsibility" (but I have the book and it is not the title), is one of the greatest short stories ever written (I would totally agree, especially if your family comes from another country and you're living in another country with different values and you're trying to make sense of the world around you). Simple language, five pages, the most astonishing thing I have ever read to this day..... Now imagine putting it into a song. It's so simple, it's ridiculous.... It's so obvious.....

Did you ever think of being a poet or an author?

No. Because I'm a guitar player. I mean, I like to think I'm a guitar player, and that I have some musical ability.... I mean I have a vision. I have a vision, an ambition. And it's words and sounds and rhythm and tone. On an on and on. Just 'cause I get off on that."

I could talk about Louuuuuu forever. Some people you are just drawn to and that's that......

Posted on Sat Dec 23 07:49:47 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109131.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.62)

Richard Patterson

HEY FUNK: What's "contretempts" ?

Well, I would like to follow BROWN EYED GIRL's lead and make a list of the best new CD's I have purchased this year... In no particular order...

The Go Betweens: 'The Friends of Rachel Worth'. A beautiful, poetic, album from the re-formed Go Betweens. The very strange (on paper) inclusion of the group Sleater Kinney as the backing musicians on this CD works perfectly. This band (originally from Australia or New Zealand - maybe AMANDA or NANCY could clarify this) have never made a bad record...

Sonic Youth: 'NYC Ghosts and Flowers'. Basically beat poetry set to moody, atmospheric music. A tip of the hat to William S Burroughs, whose artwork is on the cover. Sonic Youth have had to re-invent their sound after having all of their rather uniquely modified equipment ripped off last year. Well they did it! This is a bunch of inspired jams w/ no songform to speak of. Very cool.

Elastica: 'The Menace'. Another group returning after a long hiatus... Five years after their debut, they have finally made their second record. It sounds to me like a cross between a couple of old "New Wave" bands, The Fall (Mark E. Smith guests on one song) and Wire. This CD is lots of fun. Tons of variety here. Fast, hi-tech, and it ROCKS!

Fela Kuti: 'The Best Best of Fela Kuti' (that's not a typo). MCA have re-issued almost the entire Fela Kuti catalogue this year, but this 2 CD set is the cream of the crop. Nice long edits (almost all of Fela's songs are an album side long) of funky jams by Nigeria's James Brown. Fela came into contact with the philosophy and writings of Malcom X, Eldrige Cleaver and other black activists on a trip to L. A. in 1969. In 1974 he acually built a fence around his home in Nigeria and declared it an independent state. Most of Fela's highly politicized lyrics are sung in Pidgin English, so as to be understood by the largest number of Africans possible. He also plays saxaphone and piano. In 1984 Fela served 20 months of a five year sentence on trumped up charges. A real rebel and a great bandleader. Fela died in 1997.

Billy Bragg/Wilco: 'Mermaid Ave Vol. 2'. The second in a projected series of old Woody Guthrie writings set to new music. Both Bragg and Wilco are kind of average performers doing there own songs, but the magical spirit of Woody Guthrie seems to have transformed them into brilliant artists here. This one is looser and rockier than Vol. 1, at times approximating the hard jams of the Stones on 'Exile on Main Street'. "You Facists Are Bound to Lose". Hi LIZ !

Lou Reed: 'Ecstacy'. Well, there's been quite a lot of mention of Lou Reed in the GB lately. I'd just like to say that this is one of my absolute favorite Lou albums... I saw Lou in Toronto this summer and it was a great show. He played this record almost in it's entirety. Very DARK stuff from a guy who is once again wallowing in his own misery and happy to be there. Danger! High Voltage! Some of the guitar sounds will pierce your skull.

Steely Dan: 'Two Against Nature'. hmmm... I guess you could say this is the second Burroughs related CD on this list... This one kind of takes the real jazzy sound of late period Steely Dan (and Fagan's 'Nightfly') and mixes it with the quality of their very earliest lyrics. What the hell the lyrics all mean I don't know, but hey, they're fun to ponder. Amy Helm gets a credit on one track as "whistler"...

Re-issues of the Year: ...Duh!... Oh yeah, and Harry Smith's 'Anthology of American Folk Vol. 4'. The continuing search for the Holy Grail.

Merry Christmas everybody... : )

Posted on Sat Dec 23 05:27:11 CET 2000 from spider-wj032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.32)

Bayou Sam

Dexy = thanks a million for pointing out that George Harrison interview with Billbord. He sounds like he's doing great and feeling good. I've wondered how he was after throat cancer, and being stabbed. I guess he can sing if he's recording an album (the first of more to come, as he says). It's amazing that you found that interview just as he becomes the topic in here - and he mentions the Band and Levon, as you pointed out. I'm so glad that there's alot of George coming - and that he's well. Thanks again.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 03:21:53 CET 2000 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Jan, I am everlastingly grateful for the gift of Rick & "Christmas Must Be Tonight!"

Merry Christmas to all and may you have a wonderful Spaced Odd-essy 2001 & Shine On!

Posted on Sat Dec 23 02:14:21 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

people forget, it's an eminence front, it's a put-on.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 02:02:30 CET 2000 from spider-we074.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.54)

Bayou Sam

I thought maybe contretempts was something you served over rice, and with Strawberry Wine.

Posted on Sat Dec 23 01:01:19 CET 2000 from proxy-1481.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.75)

Bill W.

Many thanks to Jan for providing this unsurpassed forum for some of the most entertaining and thought provoking people I have had the good fortune to meet on the net.

At the risk of making a fool of myself, I shall embark upon a French translation project for the group. Bear in mind I flunked French when I took it in the early 60s...Contre means against; temps means times; therefore, it means going against the grain...locking horns....stirring the shit...etc. Basically, when one of us offers up an item that pisses most of the group off,we get hammered pretty good. This causes the contretemps.

On the subject of the live albums, how about Fleetwood Mac live at the BBC?

All the best to all participants!!!

Posted on Sat Dec 23 00:35:35 CET 2000 from spider-wo041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.36)

Donna

Happy Holiday's to Jan! Much thanks to all your hard work with this great website.

Wishing, Calm, bear, Ed Blayzor, Diamond Lil, Shepherd, Molly, Brown Eyed Girl, G-Man, Laura Holt, Cupid, WS, Bob Wigo, rollie, Liz, Pat Brennan, Peter Viney, Hank, Bayou Sam, Nancy, (where have you been lately?), Bashful Bill, Mattk, Pehr, John Donabie, Crabgrass, and everyone I have missed, a very Joyous Holiday Season, to you all!

I would like to extend a very special holiday wish to:

Levon, Amy, Frankie, Chris, and Pat. Also to the Gurus, Garth and Maud. I am saving a special place in my heart for Rick, Richard, and to Pop Staples. May your gift of music live on forever!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 23:55:25 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Do you really use the word "contretemps" when referring to an embarrassing or awkward occurrence?

Some new music that I bought this year:

Macy Gray

B.B.King "Makin' Love Is Good For You"

The Wallflowers "Breach"

Everclear "Songs From An American Movie

Peter Tosh "Live at the One Love Peace Concert"

Rick Danko Band "Live On Breeze Hill" and Rick Danko "Times Like These"

Some more music videos that I can't get enough of:

Emmylou Harris "Spyboy" especially Daniel Lanois' "The Maker"

The Isle Of Wight Festival especially "All Right Now" by Free

Stevie Nicks "I Can't Wait" especially "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" with Tom Petty

Peter Tosh "Stepping Razor Red X"

Bob Marley and the Wailers "The Bob Marley Story"

Bob Marley and the Wailers "Live!" especially "Get Up Stand Up"

MAKE MUSIC NOT TROUBLE!

Many thanks to those of you who have either introduced musical artists to me or musicians that I needed to give a second chance........

Posted on Fri Dec 22 23:30:32 CET 2000 from pm457-46.dialip.mich.net (198.110.21.152)

twilight

Thank you Dexy for the Harrison info. I went to the page and was suprised to read that Eric Clapton plays the lead guitar on "I'd Have You Anytime". It being the first take on the album, I thought for sure it was George establishing his independance. It sure sounds like George to me. Anyway, I'm hoping this will be a busy year for the quiet one. I've said that I would never do an indoor stadium show again, but I'd make an exception for Harrison. I hope you all have a great holiday and let's look toward a peaceful new year. Take care.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 23:05:17 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Sam: a wild guess here......think contretemps is french and means inconvenience......

Posted on Fri Dec 22 22:39:28 CET 2000 from spider-we084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.59)

Bayou Sam

...........what does "contretemps" mean ?. Ya think it's a word the guys in The Band use(ed) alot?.. just curious.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 22:22:27 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

nOrbert

Benteen, I often disagree with you........but you sure can write man!... thanx for the laugh! (it's killin' here something)..........cheers....hik.....

Posted on Fri Dec 22 21:35:25 CET 2000 from proxy.atl.netsetter.com (38.144.151.137)

Betty

Love the web site. Hope everyone has a fantastic 2001. I am searching for an email addy for Robbie Robertson and/or the Red Road Ensemble ... anybody out there that may know ... send me an email. Heard he is here in the Westcoast...

Posted on Fri Dec 22 21:07:15 CET 2000 from spider-wj063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.48)

Dave Z

Re: Good live albums... I thought that Fleetwood Mac show "The Dance" which was both video and CD was a pretty good show... Even though we have all heard the songs before... there was so much emotion in that show... and I know a lot of people who caught their tour as it passed through Mpls too... Same thing said... I think there's a couple of other groups that could pull this off too...

And yes, brrrrrrr.... it's col....d...

Posted on Fri Dec 22 20:18:17 CET 2000 from wc1-int1.nbnet.nb.ca (198.164.200.214)

WS Walcott

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for the new year. It is actually snowing as I type this. It was my fathers 85 th birthday yesterday (Dec. 21). He had to have a biopsy done on his throat. Some birthday present! He smoked for years and still does. Eerie or what, sounds like someone else we both know and love. Hope everything comes back negative. See you all after the holidays.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 20:12:25 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

no christmas trees in government buildings? right on! here's wishing good health, peace and happiness to all, all year long. i believe that all whites, blacks, native americans, chinese, east indians could learn to come together, form a co-alition and then attack those nefarious hawaiins who really are the bain of all civilised peoples. they think they are fooling everybody over there in maui, but i'm hip to their plot for world domination.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 18:51:48 CET 2000 from bethany.chartworksinc.com (209.125.212.140)

Brien Sz

Bashful Bill: I did see the Carnegie Hall shows--I always hoped they would have put out a live cd from those performances--- Only problem(maybe for record exec's-not me) was that some of the show was really like listening to Rock of Ages. It was the HOTH tour and they really kicked the hell out of some of the songs off that release--Horns and all-it was smokin!. I also remember them doing a very groovy version of Caldonia.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 18:32:24 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Happy Holidays to Jan and all the guestbook visitors. At the end of the year it's time to reflect back on the past year's musical offerings. We were rewarded with the reissues of the first four Band albums with bonus tracks, along with a Greatist Hits CD, all beautifully remastered at last, and Rick Danko's wonderful "Times Like These" (I was glad to see that the local Borders megastore had Rick's album on sale). This past year also saw the continued resurgence of vinyl LPs. Here is a list of some of my favorite NEW LPs that I've been spinning on my turntable:

B.B. King & Eric Clapton- RIDING WITH THE KING (Reprise*)
R.L. Burnside- WISH I WAS IN HEAVEN SITTING DOWN (Fat Possum/Epitaph)
Johnny Cash- SOLITARY MAN (American)
Neil Young- SILVER AND GOLD (Reprise*)
Steely Dan- TWO AGAINST NATURE (Giant/Reprise*)
The Beatles- 1 (EMI/Capitol*)
U2- ALL THAT YOU CAN'T LEAVE BEHIND (Island/Universal*)
P.J. Harvey- STORIES FROM THE CITY, STORIES FROM THE SEA (Island/Universal*)
High Llamas- BUZZLE BEE (Drag City)
Southern Culture On The Skids- LIQUORED UP & LACQUERED DOWN (Telstar)
Rage Against The Machine- RENEGADES (Epic/Sony)
Gram Parsons- ANOTHER SIDE OF THIS LIFE--THE LOST RECORDINGS 1965-'66 (Sundazed)

*denotes import LPs

Posted on Fri Dec 22 17:59:06 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

To Jan and all: Merry Christmas! (and thank you)

I agree about Levon's drumming on Before The Flood. "Highway 61 Revisited" is paticularly awesome.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 17:35:59 CET 2000 from ares.tdsb.on.ca (207.35.188.13)

brown eyed girl

"To be, to love, to care

To touch, to reach, to dare

To give, to trust, to smile

To DANCE, to PLAY, to SING!"

MAKE ART, NOT TROUBLE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 17:14:40 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Jeff.....TLW is NOT available on DVD.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 17:05:57 CET 2000 from dialup-209.245.113.252.weehawken1.level3.net (209.245.113.252)

Jeff

Does anyone know if the Last Waltz is on DVD? If it is where can I get it...Thank you.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 17:03:42 CET 2000 from 1cust5.tnt1.topeka.ks.da.uu.net (63.39.63.5)

Dexy

OK. Here's a link to a brand new George interview about the ATMP reissue ... and a new album he says will come out in November '01. (see Butch, I'm not livin' in the past): http://www.billboard.com/musictomyears/ AND, here's a quote from the interview to link it all together -- "Q: Where did the phrase "All Things Must Pass" come from? GH: I think I got it from Richard Alpert/Baba Ram Dass, but I'm not sure. When you read of philosophy or spiritual things, it's a pretty widely used phrase. I wrote it after [the Band's 1968] "Music From Big Pink" album; when I heard that song in my head I always heard Levon Helm singing it!"

Posted on Fri Dec 22 16:32:22 CET 2000 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

Ahh, Christmas...the only holiday that can possibly send everyone scrambling to play their copy of "Islands"... ;)

Peace and good wishes to all!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 16:37:19 CET 2000 from (134.221.33.2)

Eric R.

Great to find this site!!

Do go on, I'm pretty sure I'll check back regularly!

Cheers, Eric

Posted on Fri Dec 22 16:08:17 CET 2000 from dhcp21528.sunyocc.edu (198.242.215.28)

FREDDIE the FUNK

Johnny Flippo: Well son I always appreciate honest feedback. You impress me as one astute cookie. Humor it was my friend. I don't really git offf on asserting my subjective opinions on others. Rather a unique breath of fresh air for this site wouldn't you agree. I'm quite sure old Pop Staples was one hell of an entertainer and to top it all He really likes his work from the sound of things.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 16:08:26 CET 2000 from (12.40.226.89)

Johnny Flippo

This has to be the ONLY rock music guestbook that has a readership intelligent enough to employ the word "contretemps".

Thanks for everything, Jan, and to the rest of you, VERY happy holidays.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 15:25:24 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN & D

To Jan, the Barnburner crew, Jim Weider and the Gurus, and "ALL" the GBers have a happy & healthy holiday season. Philly or bust(ed)!!!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 13:31:16 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Some of my favourite live videos that I like to watch over and over again:

"Shake Otis At Monterey"

"Monterey" especially Hendrix "Wild Thing"

"Jimi Plays Monterey" especially "Purple Haze"

Gil Scott-Heron "Black Wax"

"Viva Santana" especially "Europa"

Iron Butterfly just their song "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"

Marianne Faithfull "Blazing Away" especially "Why D'ya Do It" with Garth Hudson, Marc Ribout, Dr.John, Fernando Saunders(Lou Reed's bassist) and the incredible Lew Soloff playing trumpet and flugel horn from BST

Lou Reed "Rock and Roll Heart" especially "Kicks" and "Sweet Jane"

The Clash "Rude Boy" especially Mick Jones singing alone on "Stay Free" and "I'm So Bored With The U.S.A."

Posted on Fri Dec 22 11:36:33 CET 2000 from 112.mercerville-28-29rs.nj.dial-access.att.net (12.78.151.112)

carmen

My 5 year old daughter knows all the words to Christmas Must Be Tonight. What a great feeling to see her sing along when I play it.

Peace, Merry Christmas and Best Regards to the GB'ers!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 10:07:23 CET 2000 from (194.211.242.152)

Kristian Hirn

One of my favourite Bands from the 60ies till today. Thank you for visiting Finland a few years ago (1997?). My best wishes to all of you and hopefully you can go on playing without Rick Danko and find a good replacement for him. Pls send me some kind of personal msg about The Band.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 09:08:49 CET 2000 from ts1-11.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.11)

Cupid

Two more fave live CD's. Steve Earle " Shut up and die like an aviator" and John Hiatt "Comes alive at Budokan" Have a great Christmas Band fans! Have a peaceful New Year....Peace cupid

Posted on Fri Dec 22 07:28:34 CET 2000 from pool-63.52.230.84.ipls.grid.net (63.52.230.84)

Bobby Jones

Jan - Thanks for the Christmas Spirtual boost....That is truely a timeless song.

Bashful Bill - The Cates "Live" is worth the money. If you saw the Cates with the band, you'll know about half the songs.

My favorite live album is R.O.A. although B.T.F. is not a to be overlooked. On B.T.F. the boys are so tight and energized the music seems to bring Dylan to a NEW LEVEL. I love to listen to Levons drumming, it's remarkable.

There is also another category that makes some live albums appealing and thats social conscious or historical value. {Woodstock is a great example, Jimi with Star Spangled Banner, Wavy Gravy spreading love, You can feel the atmosphere.}

Well my 18 month old son is summoning Da Da, so I gotta go.

My hope is that every one here can have a safe and wonderful Holiday.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 06:34:42 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

best live video capture? soul sacrifice, woodstock, natch.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 05:40:55 CET 2000 from spider-wl032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.32)

Bayou Sam

I just wanted to wish all of you folks a great holiday (which ever you celebrate), and a Happy New Year - especially Jan, without whom.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 05:30:15 CET 2000 from spider-wl032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.32)

Bayou Sam

If you had to pick THE greatest live album - how about the Woodstock soundtrack.

How about a single great live performance? I always thought that Janis Joplin doing "Ball and Chain" at the Montery Pop festival was one the greatest live performances I've seen. The pure feeling and emotuion that she pours out of her body is amazing. There's a great shot of Mama Cass at the end of the song, looking up at the stage, and mouthing the word "wow".

I saw Clapton a few times (the first in 1977) and I'm glad I missed him being drunk. I saw him in '83 and he was great. I got to see him do "Have You Ever Loved a Woman", and do some great leads when he was still playing "blackie" before he had to retire it because the neck wouldn't take anymore frets.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 03:57:37 CET 2000 from user___3.nf.sympatico.ca (209.128.34.3)

JOE

Best live albums (non-Band/Dylan): Live in Europe; Live aT Leeds; Rust Never Sleeps (part).

Just got turntable for first time in years. good to listen to some old LPs that I haven't heard in awhile. 'Tattoo You' seems to have been the last record I ever bought. Still have all the boys' records except 'Brown' and 'Last Waltz'(don't think I ever had that one on record). 'Big Pink' sounds just great on record. So does 'Basement Tapes'. Don't mean to be heretical but isn't that one of Robert's better vocals on 'Tears of Rage'.

30 below and keeps on tickin'.

Love it when he sings "...saw it with my own eyes"

Season's Best.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 03:24:44 CET 2000 from spider-tr044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.194)

Bashful Bill

Still playing GB catchup here. After posting earlier about Clapton's 74 shows, I ran into the concert album thread. EC Was Here was culled from Clapton's 74 tour and is, for the most part, excellent(I thought Clapton got real spotty after 81 or so). An underated live album is Live 2x5 by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I agree with whoever said Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison is a great live album, but IMO San Quentin is far, far superior. It was rereleased recently as the complete concert. I love the live cuts from The Byrd's Untitled, haven't heard that Fillmore show which was released last year, haven't been able to find it around here. A great Jerry Garcia live one was released a couple years after his demise, titled How Sweet It Is. If you are into the Dead and their various solo stuff, every song is a winner. This is in contrast to the double JGB live one from 91 which was real disappointing. I still wish there was an official 90's Band live album, The Band at Carnegie Hall has a good ring to it. I didn't catch any of those shows, unfortunately. Are they in circulation? And, has anyone heard The Cate Brother's live album, available through their website?

Posted on Fri Dec 22 03:07:37 CET 2000 from hvc-24-164-172-134.hvc.rr.com (24.164.172.134)

Dennis 'n his two cents worth....

As for fave live albums, me 'n my pals Ken Fisher and Steven Haupt got a mention on Mr. Hendrix's Band of Gypsies ("...just got back from Laffayette College, just got back in town: They Don't Know!" ...the band had tasted Hauptie's Arizona peyote tea out in Easton, Pa. days before and rewarded us all with second row seats for that Fillmore show. But please, let's not leave out James Brown Live at the Apollo Theatre and Mr Redding's Live at the Whiskey Au Go-Go. Hey, another show, hot at the time, was that show from Poco back in the early '70's...Peace 'n Love to all!

Posted on Fri Dec 22 02:10:50 CET 2000 from wc1-int1.nbnet.nb.ca (198.164.200.214)

WS Walcott

Best live albums. Well I guess Rock of Ages, Before the Flood and The Last Waltz are all givens.

How about:

Nighthawks at the Diner-Tom Waits

Live at Leeds-The Who

Get Yer Ya Yas Out-Stones

Waiting For Columbus-Little Feet

Leon Live

Grateful Dead- 2 LP set, circa 1970, with Bertha on the cover

How about worst live albums? I'll start it off with a couple duds

Grand Funk Live

Humble Pie Live

Deep Purple-Made in Japan

Hollies-Live Hits

I'm sure there are 100s I left out.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 01:47:18 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp240.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.240)

Diamond Lil

Just want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend. Hope Santa is good to all of you!

Thanks Jan, for the nice way of saying "Merry Christmas" to all of us here. I love the Santa icon :-) God jul Jan. Klem.

Posted on Fri Dec 22 00:01:47 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Wonderful brothers and sisters, fans of "this little Band and the fellas", living all over this God almighty world.......

Merry Christmas.......Joyeux Noël.......Vivi auquri per Natal.......Frohe Weihnachten.......Prettige Kerstdagen.......tusen takk.......Feliz Navidad y uno prospero Ano Nuevo (de nada).

.........as the sun don't shine anymore and the rains fall on your door.............may The Band warm your soul.........cheers to you all!........

Posted on Thu Dec 21 22:44:51 CET 2000 from (216.73.7.44)

Dave Hopkins

Regarding live albums: I read an interview with Neil Young once in which he mentioned that he and Crazy Horse overdubbed some of their vocals on their live albums. I think Neil's great, but he's obviously not exactly a perfectionist, to say the least...if he's overdubbing, it's probably a quite prevalent practice.

P. S. So sorry to hear about Rob Buck too...what a horrible week it's been.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 21:33:28 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

saw the flood tour live at the montreal forum, after this show, i never ever felt the need to attend another concert by anyone. it was like i knew in my heart that i would only be disappointed by other shows as this concert was a truly transcendant experience. mescaline was the drug, robin klein was my good buddy in attendance with me and all elements of positivity were in sync. couldn't wait to buy the album on it's release but was disappointed , maybe because the actual attendance at the concert overshadowed any possible recording. i still think roa is by far the best live album i've ever heard.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 21:25:38 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

i mention how great roa is as a live album, someone mocks my choice by stating that it really isn't a live album, then a bunch of people say it is one of the best live albums and i wind up with a massive migraine.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:51:49 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Sad to hear about Milt Hinton - one of the great bass players in jazz history. Milt was also an accomplished photographer. His shots of jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Mingus, Coltrane, Miles, Fats Navarro, etc rank as some of the most important documentation of jazz's golden age in the 1940s and 1950s. Rather than staged, Milt's photos depicted jazzers at work and at play in clubs, in the studio and on the road. They give us some of the best ambiance of a great period in musical history on par with 18th Century Vienna and 19th Century Paris as critical periods in the development in western culture, much less Western music.

Milt's photos are displayed in art and music museums worldwide and are available in book form. I highly recommend picking any of these beautiful and powerful photos up when you find them.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:42:09 CET 2000 from akcf3.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.201)

Rod

TLW and ROA are both excellent albums and I guess in the end it doesn't matter about the overdubs and sound checks. However a long time Band fan it was always nice to think these guys were professional musicians who could rise to the occasion and turn in a big performance when it mattered. Overdubs due to background hisses etc are understandable ,there will always be the odd mistake and there will always be pressure to deliver a professional product od a near studio standard. The dishonest part is when overdubs are necessary due to poor performances.

Watkin's Glenn is obviously not the real thing. The historian in me would love to know where these performances came from. Interestingly the compilation To Kingdom Come, which had the tracks in chonogical order, had Memphis and Loving You along side the BP and Band songs.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:34:37 CET 2000 from spider-wg084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.59)

Bashful Bill

Playing GB catchup again here-Kevin mentioned the 7/6/74 Clapton/Band Buffalo show. The Band was good, Clapton did another of his too drunk to perform shows and was literally physically helped offstage. I saw 2 wonderful Clapton shows in 74 and 75, but this one sucked big time. Did anyone around here see Clapton's Cow Palace shows in 74? Not sure of the date, late Spring I think, he played an afternoon and an evening show hot off the 461 Ocean Blvd. album. I only saw the early show. Superb! Anyone who could find a boot of that show would be my hero forever.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:26:11 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Thanks Richard, I can never keep those two documentaries straight. I know they were produced around the same time (I think the PBS/Palmer one is more recent, the other appears to be circa 1982 with lots of Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Pepper references). The latter documentary was featured on VH1 for much of 1999.

I like the material in the PBS/Palmer documentary better. However, Levon is featured instead of Robbie in the one that was on VH1 for a time. The best aspect of that series, I thought, was some brilliant Pete Townshend commentary. There are two comments in the pentultimate episode on the 1960s, one from Levon the other from Pete.

Levon makes his oft stated case that "the suits" ruined everything (which I agree with wholeheartedly, my feelings about "the feud" notwithstanding). Levon states that bands are like families and the labels do everything they can to divide the family against itself. Won't get into who's being divisive and who isn't in our universe. That's overtrodden ground.

I particularly like Pete's statements about the 1960s. He talks about all the deaths that occured amongst the musicians of the late 1960s--a point that I think resonates with many folks here in regard to Richard and Rick:

Pete says something to the effect that "I don't care about legacy. F*** art - these people you call icons were my f***ing friends. To me, that's all this about. Burying people you love much too soon." (admitted paraphrasing on my part).

In that whole series, these words by Pete ring the strongest every time I've seen it. Marketing and feuds aside. We're talking about people with families and friends who miss them terribly and who would gladly trade all their musical genius for one more day in their company.

matt

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:08:23 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

John Donabie: Thanks for the Staples info. I own the cd Freedom Highway because I wanted a Gospel Staples cd to go with my Stax Best of cd. Although I like it a lot, you have really excited me about the original LP. I am going to try and hunt it down.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 20:03:25 CET 2000 from (129.237.77.56)

RPence

The "Christmas Card" from solo Rick Danko in Washington DC, 1987, is a great touch--thank you, Jan. This song is an example of a very rare type, the Christmas song that works any time of the year. Once again, Robbie and Rick show their knack for taking an old story that's been told a thousand different ways and finding a new angle on it.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 19:49:49 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109076.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.7)

Richard Patterson

MATTK: The PBS/BBC (mustn't forget the BBC: ) series 'Rock and Roll' IS the Robert Palmer one... with the clip of Dylan and the Band playing "I Don't Believe You" in '66 right? Fairly recent Allen Ginsberg, Robertson, and McGuinn interviews... The book that Palmer wrote to accompany the series ('Rock and Roll: An Unruly History') is the best rock writing that I have ever read, and is also highly recommended. Just look for the burning red strat... that's the logo for the book and the TV series...

Sonny Bono: "Dylan had 'babe' all over the airwaves... I thought, there's gotta be something to use with that 'babe'".

Posted on Thu Dec 21 19:35:55 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

It has been a sad week in the world of music. One of the greatist bassists ever, Milt Hinton, passed away Tuesday at the age of 90. A veteran of over a thousand recording sessions, Mr. Hinton literally played with almost everyone in popular music, from all of the jazz greats, singers such as Sinatra, Streisand, Bing Crosby and Billie Holliday, pioneering r&b groups such as the Coasters and the Drifters, and even Sir Paul McCartney. Mr. Hinton, known to his fellow musicians as the "Judge", was also a talented photographer and teacher of music technique. When he began playing the string bass in the late '20s, the instrument was just being introduced to jazz as a replacement for the tuba on the base lines. Having previously studied the violin, he also had the ability to play melody lines with dexterity on the bass.

Mr. Hinton once gave one of the best descriptions, that I've ever read, of just how the string bass fits into the scheme of music. This is what he said: "The base is a service instrument. The word 'base' means support, foundation. If you put up a building, the foundation must be steady and strong. I [as a bassist] must identigy the chord for everyone, and only after that can I play the other notes. you have to learn a lot of humility. You must be content in the background, knowing you're holding the whole thing together."

Posted on Thu Dec 21 19:34:45 CET 2000 from spider-wj083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.58)

Tommy

Thanks for the song, Jan! It was really cool...

Posted on Thu Dec 21 18:35:33 CET 2000 from webcache2.netdoor.com (208.137.128.32)

Deb

Jan, "Christmas Must Be Tonight" just salvaged what has been a most un-Christmaslike day. Thanks for that and all that you do. Happy Holidays to you and everyone here.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 18:23:43 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Freedom Highway is a fine Staple Singers CD; BUT IT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL "FREEDOM HIGHWAY RELEASED ON EPIC RECORDS!" I really get upset with record companies who try to re-write history.

The original "Freedom Highway" was recorded live at a church in Chicago on Epic Records. It was the best and in my mind is the best "live" gospel album I have ever heard. Legacy put out this CD with the same title as the original and only put on a couple of tracks from it.

Come on Legacy! You're great at what you do. Please, Please, Please release the original Freedom Highway!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 17:21:34 CET 2000 from user-33qtanp.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.170.249)

Pat Brennan

I don't know if this counts, but it is available on video. The most important live rock recording is Dylan at Newport '65. Live Derek & The Dominoes is a bit long-winded but quite good, and the sound is the best for its era.

I don't know that any of this discussion about "Is it live?" is meant to quash anyone's good feelings. As I said, RoA captures a wonderful performance--onstage no less--but with Capitol claiming it as a NYE recording, it really is just a matter of the listener being well informed. As for TLW, we all know, movies create images. Luckily we have the Complete Last Waltz for all those interested in the actual event. And we're all lucky to have the movie as a reminder of what a great band they once were.

Now, why is it that the Band albums with the least number of overdubs seem to be the ones we like the most?

Posted on Thu Dec 21 17:16:25 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-ta082.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.57)

Bayou Sam

I always thought that The Band's peformance on Before The Flood was simply great. I made myself a tape of just The Bands stuff from that CD. It seemes to me that they were really just "on" during that recording. Listen to the beginning of Cripple Creek. Robbies guitar has a real edge, and Levon's singing shows that he's feeling good - "aaaaaaa little Bessie girl I once knew". So if the fact that ROA is a soundcheck has destroyed your life, then go listen to BTF and everything'll be allright.

Another good live album is Beatles live at the Star Club in Hamburg Germany 1962. The sound quality sucks, but it captures them as unknown, wild kids paying their dues. It was during these trips that they cut their teeth and became pro's. Listen to George doing Roll Over Beethoven at the tender age of 19. It was also recorded - amazingly - on a night when Ringo filled in for a sick Pete Best.

There's a thread for you. Has anyone in R&R had a worse break than Pete Best?

Posted on Thu Dec 21 17:09:18 CET 2000 from ppp-74.halden.net (195.70.189.74)

Gribben fra Rio

Lire Ballklubb fortjener å vinne konkurransen som årets hjemmeside på Halden.net, ikke denne. Lire i våre hjerter!!!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 16:21:09 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-te072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.182)

bob wigo

Another sad farewell.

Rob Buck, guitarist and songwriter of 10,000 Maniacs, has passed on at age 42.

Too soon gone.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 16:12:11 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

As usual, Pat Brennan makes some excellent points regarding overdubbing and it's implications, especially in regard to the Band. While my flippant remark regarding ROA is in part responsible for the latest contretemps, I will reiterate my belief that dubbing is much ado about nothing.

Overdubbing, in the era of more primitive sound systems and live recording technologies was, in someways a necessary evil. Some seem to feel that the revelation regarding dubs on TLW seems like a betrayal of some kind. But as noted, given technical glitches, tradeoffs made due to the filming process, and the fact that the boys were not necessarily completely on their game (understandable, given the extraordinary amount of new material and "guest" front men they needed to accomodate, and the relatively compressed time frame it was thrown together).

I'm at a loss, though, to understand why TLW or ROA, whether dubbed or compiled from rehersals (in the case of ROA, possibly) is a real issue, unless you are making over-the-top, hyperbolic statements like "the best live recording ever." Such statements are pretty useless. Music, as with all art, is subjective, and it's rare that you can make statements regarding 'the greatest' in relation to anything outside of what pleases the perceiver (in this case, listener).

I love TLW and ROA as music, and both do manage to capture the immediacy of the events in question, even if everything is not cut directly from the nights' events. Is RR's guitar solo on "further on" any better or worse if it's live or memorex? The TLW film does not explicitly tell us that "the weight" or "evangeline" are from a soundstage (though it seems obvious to most of us - though I suspect many casual viewers may assume otherwise when watching the film).

Are either of these performances lacking in power or eloquence because of their "staged" origins? Personally, I don't think so.

I will make one exception to the "who cares?" worldview state here. I do agree that Watkins Glen, as much as I love most of it, is disappointing in its dishonesty regarding the source. Unlike TLW or ROA, it appears some of the tracks do not even come from the PERIOD of Watkins Glen. In so far as it purports itself as a record of an historic event, it does diminish the nature of the recording somewhat to know that some of the performances may come from completely different YEARS much less overdubs or rehersals.

Dubbing for TLW was done FOR TLW; ROA may have come for rehersals FOR ROA--they have relevance, regardless. Watkins Glen is something completly different. Even if the music is great (which much of it is), it's also clear that it should be titled something completely different, and calling it Watkins Glen is a kind of dishonest marketing on the part of Capitol.

BTW, local PBS station is running the "Rock and Roll" (PBS/WGBH production) multiparter. Last night they broadcast the episode covering the influence of Dylan and the Beatles from 1960 to 1967.

It's an interesting episode that compares favorably to the "History of Rock and Roll" episode on Dylan (this is the Robert Palmer version, no?). The Palmer version focuses mostly on the folk years and really does little with the Hawks tour (inexplicably showing Petty and Dylan doing "rolling stone" during the "plugging in" segment).

The PBS documentary spends a lot more time setting up Dylan's move to electric - showing how the Byrds, Simon and Garfunkel, even Sonny and Cher, were capitalizing on a more electric approach to Dylan material, or Dylan-inspired material (it was interesting to here Sonny Bono talk about how "I got you babe" was inspired, in part, by "it ain't me babe").

The PBS show spends a good deal of time on the Byrds' recording of "Tambourine Man," and included some excellent cuts of fans in 1965/66 lambasting Dylan out of an hysterical sense of "betrayal." Some good cuts from 'eat the document' along with nice oral histories via interviews with Robbie and Alan Ginsburg (along with David Crosby, and a great interview with Al Kooper).

I've seen much of this series before, and particularly enjoyed the episode on funk. The Palmer series is good as well, but seems more intent on putting things in a modern perspective (hindsight, blah blah blah), whereas the PBS documentary spends more time trying to put you in the place and time that the events occured. Good companion peices if you can see both documentaries.

Matt

Posted on Thu Dec 21 16:00:08 CET 2000 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Favorite live albums: Rolling Stones "get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" // Hendrix "Band of Gypsys" // Paul Mccartney "Tripping the Live Fantastic" // Harrison's "Concert for Bangla Desh" // Bob Marley & the Wailers "Live!" // James Brown "Live at the Apollo" // Otis Redding "Live in Europe".....and dont forget Rick Danko "Live on Breeze Hill"

Posted on Thu Dec 21 15:57:29 CET 2000 from (12.34.17.194)

Johnny Flippo

About three years ago I saw the Staples perform outdoors in front of a pathetic crowd of about 300. In spite of the crowd and the inclement weather, they kicked ass. But the best was yet to come. For the second encore, Pops came out and did 40 minutes ___by himself____!!! It was blissful. Funny how someone can live 85 years and their passing can still seem premature.

Freddie the Funk, I'll take your post as a poor attempt at humor and leave it at that.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 14:01:07 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Two more live recordings in my music collection that I previously forgot to mention:

Cowboy Junkies "200 More Miles Live Performances 1985-1994 (best "Sweet Jane" version of theirs because of the longer sweet guitar lick)

Joe Cocker "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" (my first exposure to Leon Russell, Bobby Keys and Rita Coolidge)

Some of my all time favourite live songs that I have not mentioned in previous posts are "I Don't Need No Doctor" by Humble Pie, "Don't Do It" by The Band and "I Am A Woman"(KoKo's response to Muddy Waters) and "Wang Dang Doodle" by KoKo Taylor and "Let Me Dream If I Want To"(Amphetamine Blues -Live at CBGB'S) by Willy deVille

Posted on Thu Dec 21 12:44:58 CET 2000 from (194.248.229.230)

Ingve Aalbu

There's no doubt in my mind what's the best live album of all time - Bob Dylan's "Live 1966". Honourable mentions: "Rock of ages", "Hard rain", "Dream letter" (Tim Buckley) and "Big time". Merry christmas everybody!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 12:11:43 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp218.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.218)

Jessica and Justin

To Jan and Maud and Garth. We wish you a merry christmas We wish you a merry christmas We wish you a merry christmas And a happy new year!!!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 09:09:55 CET 2000 from proxy3-external.vista1.sdca.home.com (24.4.254.73)

Samantha

I first heard Music from Big Pink while hitchhiking across the United States in the summer of '68. I had just graduated from high school, and was recovering (as was the whole nation) from the terrible events earlier that spring. Feeling as though I had had the stuffing kicked out of me, the last thing I wanted to deal with anything political.

The songs on Big Pink were wonderfully human. The creativity on the album so astonished me, I still can't get enough of it. It's probably in the top five albums in all of rock'n'roll--one I couldn't do without on a deserted island.

To all surviving members, all I can say is, Long Live The Band!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 09:05:13 CET 2000 from proxy-1391.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.204)

ws

favorite live recordings rock of ages,before the flood nothing else compares.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 08:56:49 CET 2000 from ts1-22.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.22)

Cupid

Fave Live albums: The Pleasure Barons Live in Las Vegas[Country Dick Montana at his finest, "Turn it up! LOUDER DOG DICK!!!"]: Nighthawks at the Diner and Big Time, Tom Waits["Don't plant your bad days, they grow into weeks"].Keith Richards and the Xpensive Wino's [" This is a stage I've been thrown off many times"]and Lou Reed's Take no Prisoners ["Let's clerk...I give good clerk...]...peace Cupid

Posted on Thu Dec 21 08:53:23 CET 2000 from proxy-1391.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.204)

ws

happy holidays Band fans

Posted on Thu Dec 21 08:52:24 CET 2000 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Favourite live albums?

Rock of ages, Van Morrison and his band, Blood Sweat & tears feat. Clayton-Thomas, TLW.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 08:40:36 CET 2000 from ts1-22.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.22)

Cupid

Kristy MacColl, the Wife of Producer Steve Lillywhite and the female lead on The Pogues "Fairytale of New York" Died in a boating accident in Mexico yesterday[Wednesday].Spare a thought for her family this Christmas.Hug your kids for me...Peace Cupid

Posted on Thu Dec 21 07:50:50 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Some favourite live recordings:

Bob Marley and The Wailers Live!

Peter Tosh Live at the One Love Peace Concert

Lou Reed Rock and Roll Animal and Lou Reed Take No Prisoners and Lou Reed Perfect Night Live At London and Velvet Underground Live 1969

Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise Live

Graham Parker Live Alone Discovering Japan

Neil Young Unplugged

Bob Dylan Hard Rain

Tom Waits Nighthawks At The Diner

Whenever the Rolling Stones are mentioned I always remember Mick Taylor's radio interview where he stated that one reason he left the Rolling Stones was because they weren't real musicians.......

Marianne Faithfull:"One of Andrew's (Stones Manager) principal functions was to act as a buffer, a medium between Mick and Keith. As long as Andrew was there, Mick and Keith could go to him and whisper in his ear. I have always maintained that THIS is why the Stones need two guitarists. Not for the SOUND so much as the need to have a go-between. Ron Wood is perfect for this, Mick Taylor was less useful, and it's a role no one should ever have entrusted to Brian Jones." (well Marianne, at least he was a very talented musician who could learn how to play any instrument including the sitar...)

Posted on Thu Dec 21 07:17:43 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-ta072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.52)

Dave Z

I like the Bangladesh too... especially hey miser tamborine man sing a song for me (definitive for me)... or was that Bojangles?... as far as live TLW or ROA... who really cares... it sounds pretty live enough to me... reminds me of that live album Dave Mason put out claiming there was no overdubs... again who cares... chances are that the TLW or ROA "studio" albums I was listening to from my tree fort while looking at a horse named Boots in the field eating the corn that we spiked with green peppers althewhile as the hot MD wind blows sounded definitely different from whatever you were hearing... but in the end the music is still quality... I actually think there's more of a sadness to ROA that I connect with... and It's still my favorite... but I'm just a youngin... and I still always listen to that speil about the best horn men in NY... some kind of anticipation....

P.S. - Never post after attending a good Xmas party... the urge to slur... is for sure... On the way home I was listening to Strange Weather... and that song where Levon drums... he's no black blues drummer... or no folk bayou drummer... he's a archetype drummer... Yeah, I never should have posted tonight... I'm on my way... do do do do do do do da...

Posted on Thu Dec 21 07:05:23 CET 2000 from host-209-214-119-150.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.150)

BWNWITennessee

One of my favorite live albums is "Live At Liberty Lunch," by Joe Ely, with a great band featuring the excellent David Grissom on guitar.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 06:30:11 CET 2000 from spider-wa041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.36)

Tommy

Ok, as the most important live event in rock&roll history, I'd have to choose The Beatles 'Concert On The Roof'("Let It Be")...not because the playing is the best or the set list is great, just because it was a glimpse at a GREAT band and their end.You could see the meloncholy...the happiness AND the sadness about the whole thing.Kinda like 'The Last Waltz', but a bit sadder...It was an "end of an era", so to speak...

BUT, my favorite live ALBUMS are...

Johnny Cash;Live at Folsom Prison Great sound and feel...

Allman Bros;At The Fillmore .No explaination needed...

The Band;Rock of Ages " " "

WINGS;Over America ...good stuff...

Tom Waits; Big Time .Really good songs...

Well, I'm sure there's others that I dont remember right now...Later folks!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 06:28:06 CET 2000 from proxy-1481.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.75)

Bill W.

Having seen the Stones live at the El Mo, I still can't understand the hype. Its obviously a subjective matter, but Jagger's spastic 3rd rate drag impersonation of Tina Turner didn't strike me as compelling rock. Check out Keith with his Winos if you want to see the true force behind that band!

Posted on Thu Dec 21 06:02:14 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

Just put on 'The Best Of The Staple Singers" cd on Stax, next cd to the right was Rick's 'Raining In My Heart' from Ringo's All Starr Band.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 05:51:26 CET 2000 from spider-tm084.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.84)

Bayou Sam

I was going to also mention The Allmans live, Bangladesh, Georges Live CD with EC,and Live At Leeds. The Leeds CD was re-released not long ago with more songs from the show added.

On the subject of the Stones live - I was thrilled when they finally released the long bootlegged Rock N Roll Circus show from '68. I had always heard that Jagger and the boys felt that they were upstaged by The Who with their incredible Quick One. The Who were great, but if you see the video, the Stones had nothing to worry about. They rock with the best of them at the end of that show. Once you get past the phoney tattoos all over Micks upper torso - they stand right up there with The Who's performance.... BTW, there's also a great tune on that show with a wild one-shot band. It's The Dirty Macs doing Yer Blues from the White Album - and that was the year that the White Album came out. The band is Clapton-guitar, Lennon-guitar/vocal, Keef-bass, Mitch Mitchell-drums. You've probably all heard this, but if you haven't, check it out... There's also a very young Jethro Tull band on the show.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 05:02:45 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp112562.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.191)

Richard Patterson

Regarding live Stones:

Unless you have access to some resonably good sounding boots, it's easy to overlook just how great the Stones could be as a live band... They have preserved very little evidence on official albums... I agree with LDO... I remember having a bootleg of the Stones '73 European tour that just smoked... Keith definitely had the adrenaline pumping... the guitars where the heaviest, dirtiest sounds that I have ever heard... and LOUD... I remember hearing it at the time and thinking that this couldn't really be the Stones... the songs where so much more energized than their original versions... serious overdrive...

Unfortunately, for some perverse reason, the Stones never seemed to want to release their prime live performances officially... Even their best concert film (Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones), has been unavailable for some time... I don't know, maybe it keeps people coming back, on the odd chance they might catch a night when the show is magic.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 04:36:01 CET 2000 from user-33qt8ae.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.78)

Pat Brennan

Although some of us seem reluctant to discuss the topic, I think the question of overdubbing on live albums/movies.etc is germane. Since The Complete Last Waltz is now readily available, it's pretty easy to compare the soundtrack to the actual performances. On first glance, it's easy to see that Levon and Robbie's performances appear to be the least overdubbed of the tracks. I know I've read that Levon's drumming was basically untouched, and Robbie's sounds the same, especially the soloing. Garth had to overdub his entire performance, due to a ground loop that inserted a 60 cycle hum through his rig. It was a long, tedious process, and I doubt he changed a note. I'll leave it to those interested to compare the rest of the playing. Personally, I find the September Palladium show--as I call it, the real last waltz--to be far superior to the CLW. Better songlist, great horn section, radio broadcast so no overdubs (and some obvious clams to prove it) and simply an incredible performance by the group. And, since RR chose to announce his intentions after that show, they were still, in fact, a group. You can hear it.

The only overdubbing on RoA might be the audience noise. The playing, as is evident on Academy of Outtakes, was of a high caliber. Those 1971 shows were almost uniformly excellent, and RoA/AoO is no exception. I don't think it matters that the show is supposedly the soundcheck, although the NYE reference on the album is unfortunate. It's the five of them onstage playing by themselves and with the section, and it burns. Even before AoO came out, other tunes from the show were in circulation--Smoke Signal (from CTGD) being a highlight for me. I know Rocking Chair is superb, both on AoO and the comp of the remasters. Hopefully the remastered release will shed some light on which performance we're listening to.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 03:19:09 CET 2000 from (129.237.77.56)

RPence

I will miss Pops Staples, a voice and talent of enormous dignity and soul, responsible for "Peace to the Neighborhood," one of the 90s best albums. As for this latest overdubbing controversy, the "revelation" that ROA is basically one big soundcheck is as ridiculous as the "revelation" in Levon's book that everything by Robbie (and many others) at the Last Waltz was overdubbed. That garbage does nothing more than insult peoples' intelligence and spoil enjoyment of great music and times. It's the kind of thing I would expect to find in the "National Enquirer," if I read it.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 02:27:37 CET 2000 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

With all the George Harrison talk here lately, I just want to say count me in as another big George fan. I only saw him in concert once (in 1974), but recently managed to get a soundboard CD-R of that show and a good collection of Harrison outtakes. I look forward to the "All Things Must Pass" deluxe reissue next month.

Speaking of live albums: Harrison's now apparently out-of-print, double-disc "Live in Japan" (which George recorded while on tour with an amazing band that included Eric Clapton) is worth finding. It's one of the most under-rated live albums ever. As far as the question about great live albums, I'd rate Harrison's all-star "Concert for Bangla Desh," the Allman Brothers "Fillmore East," The Grateful Dead's "Europe '72," the Who's "Live at Leeds" and the entire Frank Zappa "You Can't Do That Onstage Anymore" series among my top ten, but what was finally released as "Live 66" by Dylan with most of The Band would have to be numero uno in my book.

Posted on Thu Dec 21 01:29:05 CET 2000 from proxy-1331.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.156)

Bill W.

The Rolling Stones as the best live rock and roll band ever? Surely you jest! The World's Oldest Cover Band probably had the best management in the business but that's it.To quote Chuckie D. from Public Enemy...Don't believe the hype... As for the best and most important live rock concert ever recorded, my humble vote goes to The Jimi Hendrix Experience at Monterey. How about your choices roomies?

Posted on Wed Dec 20 21:50:44 CET 2000 from webcachew07b.cache.pol.co.uk (195.92.198.77)

bloozcat

Hi just surfed in, I came across you while researching john hammond....I've saved you so i can return when i've got more time....I am a video archivist of acoustic blues,folk world traditional,classical music,and poetry...my website has hundreds of photos from my unique collection....links..and a message board..please do pay me a vist..and leave me a message....

Posted on Wed Dec 20 21:24:38 CET 2000 from (206.15.160.247)

Long Distance Operator

My favorite "borrowed tune" is Borrowed Tune, by the great Neil Young.

And speaking of the Rolling Stones, I must submit either Get Yer Ya Ya's Out or their heavily bootlegged "Bedspring Symphony" show (recorded for a German radio broadcast in 1973) as examples of their finest live work. A more kick-ass live rock and roll band has never existed.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 21:14:09 CET 2000 from dhcp21528.sunyocc.edu (198.242.215.28)

Freddie the FUNK god dang it!!!

POP STAPLES?? Isn't he the fella that started the business produt store? Ive heard of junior samples and even paul sieble, but this satples fella musta just got by me. Its a wonder too cause I spend lots and lots a time out in my boat fishin for walleyes and ya know theres nothin really to much to do cept listen to the durn radio. Ya think I would heard somethin by this fella. Go figure! Well i best be gettin on down to the shore. Think the coons might be gittin into the bait box again.. We'll chat agin though real soon.. Staples ugh?

Posted on Wed Dec 20 19:06:32 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-td071.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.181)

bob wigo

This world needs more souls like Pop Staples. Gentle, generous, humble and kind, he was a shining example for all of us.Godspeed.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 19:00:11 CET 2000 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

What a huge loss to the world that Pops Staples is gone. Thankfully, he was able to live a pretty long and presumably full, rewarding life. That silky voice of his will sure be missed! (hopefully he'll be looking up Richard and Rick and mixing it up with them from time to time now.)

As far as "rip-offs" are concerned, my favorite story there is when Fantasy records tried to sue John Fogerty, claiming 'The old man down the road' plagiarized his own song 'Run through the jungle". (for anyone who doesn't know, JF lost ownership of the Creedence catalog to his record label) He actually brought his guitar to court and played the songs on the witness stand. Fortunately, the judge realized the difference between a 'writing style' and plagiarism, and Fogerty won the suit.

Have a great holiday, all, and send up a prayer for the Staples family.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 18:27:10 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

We shall surely miss a true innovator in the world of music, but what's more, a true gentle soul. Roebuck "Pop" Staples showed us how you could take a groove and soulfully arranged vocals to a level of spirituality in a world filled with strife. He brought the blue notes from the Delta into the church and then took the church's message of the brotherhood of man to the popular music airwaves & concert stages. He showed us how the world can be a better place if we respect one another. His music, like his soul, will live on, and he brought a beautiful family into the world to carry on the tradition.

Amidst the recent guestbook discussion about "borrowed" songs -- I'm reminded that, years ago, the Rolling Stones once took one of Pop Staples' songs, called "This May Be The Last Time", secularized it a bit and turned it into "The Last Time".

Posted on Wed Dec 20 18:15:57 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

GOD BLESS POPS! He was one of the nicest artists you would ever want to meet. Humble and funny in every way. I had my picture taken with him at the Hall of Fame when they were inducted. I loved the way his children doted over him and took care of him. I'm going to find that photo and frame it. What a great man.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 15:26:20 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Deepest sorrow for the Staples family. Pop was a trooper. (Just lost some family over the w/e, myself.) Bet Richard, Rick, and Pop could be doin a funky version of "The Weight". Peace, Health, and Happiness to All. Continued success to the Barn Burners, Gurus, and Crowmatix in the New Year!!!

Posted on Wed Dec 20 13:45:48 CET 2000 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Hey Band & Beatles fans-- if you are looking for a great holiday cd to blast at your parties this year, pick up Ringo Starrs "I Wanna be Santa Claus" on Mercury Records-- a great batch of x-mas favorites plus some brand new ones --also a great re-working of the Beatles "Christmas Time is Here Again" from their fan club album, complete with bagpipes, strings, etc-- atruly wonderful Holiday collection-- so, put Ringo under someones christmas tree this year and give 'em a thrill

Posted on Wed Dec 20 09:38:48 CET 2000 from 1cust207.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.207)

Crabgrass

"The Great Pretender" by the Platters OR the fabulous Band rendition???

Posted on Wed Dec 20 09:11:51 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

best song since "rocking chair"? "downtown train", by tom, not rod[ugh] stewart. i dare anyone here to come up with a better composition than that in the last 30 years.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 08:57:39 CET 2000 from spider-wa053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.43)

Tommy

Re; the recent Beatles talk... I think 'Give My Regards to Broadstreet' ia a BAD movie that has some really good music.Whenever I watch it, I fastforward the "movie" bits.The music's good though...

Hank's talk of The Beatles "trying to be The Band" on 'Let It Be' seems quite silly to me.I dont think they sound, or TRY to sound like The Band and I dont see any similarities...beards maybe...I dont think a band trying to excite themselves about(continuing)playing together with a "live" album deserves/warrants accusations that they are trying to sound like another band(The Band)... especially one already respected and admired such as The Beatles.They "made their bones" at that point in their career, Hank...Maybe if 'Abbey Road' sounded like The Band your "observation" might've gained some merit...

'The Long And Winding Road', in my opinion, sounds ALOT better without the cheesy strings and choir vocals.The version on the 'Anthology 3' is much more sincere and "feels" better. Spector did a good job on 'I Me Mine', though...

Posted on Wed Dec 20 08:00:08 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip149.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.149)

miwa

My condolences to the Staples family and friends.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 06:50:02 CET 2000 from spider-te031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.186)

Bayou Sam

I think we're stretching our imaginations a bit with some of the song "rip offs" we're proposing.

DJMitchison = I always liked Party Seacombe from Wonderwall- And Give My Regards to Broadstreet had a few good moments I thought. I like Not Such A Bad Boy, and Paul finally did a nice re-working of The Long and Winding Road, with a nice sax added. I liked it better than the overproduced Spector version - (Hi Hank)- I don't think The Beatles were trying to be the Band on Let It Be. George was probably feeling Band-ish and Dylan-ish. For You Blue would seem to be along those lines, but not I Me Mine.

I thought that legal finding that George "had access to He's So Fine" was amusing. Access to it? He was a fan of the music and HEARD it.

David Powell = it was cool to see you quote Sue Me Sue You Blues by GH. I always liked that song. Great drumming by Jim Keltner. George is actually singing about his legal battles with his former band mates. Another line in the song is =

"It's afidavit swearing time, sign it on the dotted line,"

"Hold your Bible in your hand, now all that's left is to find yourself a new band...."

I'd like to add my sorrow on hearing about Pop Staples. I must admit that I'd never heard of them until I saw TLW. But I always loved The Weight with them added. I can't help smiling when I think of Pop at The Staples induction into the Rock and Rol Hall of Fame. He was like a giddy kid when he spoke. He was so proud to be recognised that way. How wonderful that he got to enjoy that at the end of his life.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 06:38:15 CET 2000 from spider-wd012.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.152)

Kevin

The Band performed at the same show as Clapton at the soon-to-be-history Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 1974. I can't remember whether Robbie was onstage when Clapton sang Happy Birthday. On a related note, the tape listed in the archive for the following day in Buffalo reportedly has Clapton playing on Stage Fright.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 05:31:03 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

A couple of things. I just got back from New Orleans. I looked inside the dirty windows of what was once Levon's club. There are still signs inside the club. It's all locked up and the building has still not been sold. Just two years ago The Band were tearing it up.

Today is a sad day in the music world. The death of Pop Staples. The word legend is thrown around much too often; but Pops was truly a "Legend." I still wish that Columbia would release the "true version" on CD of "Freedom Highway." The CD they released with that same title was not the same piece of vinyl that was recorded live at a Chicago Church. To my mind the best live Gospel Album I have ever heard. God Bless the Staples family during this time.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 05:01:55 CET 2000 from user-33qt9b1.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.97)

Pat Brennan

Sorry, I can think of hundreds of live recordings better than anything the Rolling Stones ever did. I do however respect your right to think that.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 04:53:34 CET 2000 from user-33qt9b1.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.97)

Pat Brennan

First of all, a sad farewell to Pops.

Second, anyone who was lucky enough to get Academy of Outtakes knows there were plenty of good takes sprinkled through the other nights. And I don't recall anyone accusing the boys of overdubbing on RoA. Now, Phil Ramone. I was at a music industry function once and he was a guest speaker. I was curious about Woodstock since he was the soundman there. There's an old observation that the Band was the best sounding group there, so I asked him about the Band's performance there, whether they really did blow everyone else off the stage. He became indignant and said that other people knew how to connect with an audience (I think he mentioned Janis), implying I suppose that the Band was not show-buissy enough for him, perhaps a bit too withdrawn. I tried to massage his pique (hmmm, that sounds weird) but he remained oddly angry at my question. I told him I really liked a lot of his productions and he turned and walked away.

Since I could really care less what he has to say--most likely because he came off as a self-important putz--I only relate this story because I assume something happened between him and the group. I can't think of another reason he would act that way, even if he did feel that way. Whatever, take anything he says about the Band with a grain of salt. AoO certainly proves him wrong on the RoA charge.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 04:36:52 CET 2000 from dialup-331.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.75)

Hank

Anyone here think That The Beatles tried tooooooo hard to sound like The Band on "Let It Be"? I think it's GREAT they got Phil Spector in to overproduce it....Really.........I can't STAND the official McCartney-international multi-media line of how the unadorned "The Long and Winding Road" is BETTER than what Spector did to it..........it was PERFECT for that song and everyone KNOWS this........it was a radio hit EXACTLY because of what Mad Phil did to it .....on it....whatever........Ya hear?................what became"Let it Be" was completely UNDER-Produced....Remedy?.....get PHIL SPECTOR to OVER-Produce it.........GENIUS move, folks..........that album is a BLAST to listen to........On Abbey Road......they figured it was easier to LOOK like The Band as opposed to try and SOUND like 'em.....a GOOD move....(The Beatles were natural masters of dressing up.....always LOOKED DEAD cool.....God Bless 'em).....They were The Beatles on "Abbey Road"...........at the same time, IF The Beatles HAD gotten a live show together in 1969 and did a few gigs.....it probably woulda been DYNAMITE.........I've listening to The Roof-top gig.......ropey....but very on the edge........of the roof, that is!!!!!........seriously.......kinda sad that The Band and The Beatles were HOUNDED off the road but their fame, ain't it?..........too much of EVERYTHING can make a BAND GO................Say Hello to Valerie........

The Best Live Recording of a Rock'n'Roll Band is Side 3 of "Love You Live" by The British Rthym'n Blues band, The Rollin' Stones........sorry, I can't hear any overdubs here and folks, it happened in Canada, too........I wonder if Ronnie Wood got 'em to do "Mannish Boy"......'cos TLW was in Nov. '76 and The Stones at El Mocambo was early '77........but then, yes, I'm the kinda guy who probably thinks TOOOO much about this stuff ..........The rest of "Love You Live" is kinda flabby if you don't like The Stones.....but, sorry.......I forgot about George Harrison there......"My Sweet Lord" and "Blowin' in The Wind" were the first two songs I ever learned to play on the guitar......."My Sweet Lord" is a BEAUTIFUL song.....heartfelt, well played, well produced and great SOUNDS.........folks will groove to that song without ever knowing about the sad bickering over money it provoked...........

What EXACTLY did Ronnie Hawkins call his band when Levon and The Hawks started up? Did he go off the road or what....did he call his new recruits "The Hawks" as well????.......and if so, how did THAT work?......in many a computer hour, I've been thinkin' 'bout this..............

Posted on Wed Dec 20 04:36:53 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

you bastards. {S}* i was always under the impression that rock of ages was recorded from the 2 n.y. concerts on the eve of the millenium. jump on that eggheads. anyways, just to display how one can keep his inner strength of convictions intact, my intention is to now completely forget that i ever was notified of this dubbing S#$% and go on from here with the belief that rock of ages was a totally live recording.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 04:01:24 CET 2000 from ip59.portland.me.pub-ip.psi.net (38.11.101.59)

mattk

"It's a slow, slow train,
but it's movin' on

I've got my ticket
Don't pass me by
If I don't get on
I'll lay right down and cry

We only got one life
to live on this earth
Get me there won't you,
please, conductor sir

It's a slow, slow train,
but it's movin' on

Everybody gets a ticket,
you and me
It's up to you to catch a ride
That's how it's gotta be

Everyone's that on it
has to prove that he's a man
Take it easy on yourself
'Cause there's no helpin' hand

It's a slow, slow train,
but it's movin' on"

"Slow Train" (Cropper-Bell)
The Staples Singers
Soul Folk In Action

Thank you Pops. You're a beautiful man. Rest in peace.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 02:30:10 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

One of the first records I bought was a Staple Singers vinyl. I feel blessed that I was able to experience this soulful family by the water on a hot summers night where they simply blew my mind and touched my soul. Some of my favourite songs that will continue to live on:

"Respect Yourself"

"I'll Take You There"

"You've Got To Earn It"

"If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)

"Oh La De Da"

"You're Gonna Make Me Cry"

"Touch A Hand, Make A Friend"

"Be What You Are"

"Heavy Makes You Happy(Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)

"Mavis, Yvonne, Cleo and Pop Staples never, ever seem to perform anything but the best. It's no wonder why their appeal is universal, crossing any and all barriers of language, color, religion, politics, age or sex.

Recently (1973) recording an obviously nervous newspaper reporter interviewing the Staples asked if they were originally from Chicago.

"Well", Pop advised, Cleo is originally from Mississippi but I'm from Maine." The reporter seemed to accept it at first, but abruptly a puzzled look crossed his face. "You didn't know that did you", Pop added. "No I didn't", replied the flustered reporter. "Yep, I'm from Maine. The main part of Mississippi", upon which Pop burst into laughter.

Pop wasn't jiving all the way though, because he and his three beautiful daughters have come a long way from the main part of Mississippi into the mainstream of American music."

Oh-La-De-Da

Also on the back cover of this recording is an excerpt from "Plato's Republic":

................

"Didn't we agree that justice is virtue of soul, and injustice, vice? We did so agree. Then the just soul and the just man (person) will have a good life, and the unjust person a bad one? It looks like it, he said, according to your argument. And the person who lives well is blessed and happy, and the person who does not is the opposite. Of course. Then the just person is happy and the unjust person wretched. Let it be so, he said."

Posted on Wed Dec 20 02:15:11 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Another music lawsuit that got attention back in the eighties and I believe was settled out of court was Huey Lewis and the News vs. Ray Parker Jr.(? I belive that's his name). Remember "I Want A New Drug", well Junior ripped off an almost identical bass riff for the Ghostbusters theme. I know your trying to hum it too yourself--it's nearly the same thing--Huey walked away with a truck load of cash!

Posted on Wed Dec 20 01:33:22 CET 2000 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Amanda

I know this isn't the Kirsty MacColl GB but I'm sad to hear about her death.

I really liked her voice and her sense of humour. Fairy Tale of New York is one of the few Christmas songs I can stand.

My thoughts go out to her family, friends and fans.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 01:30:45 CET 2000 from host-216-76-148-156.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.148.156)

BWNWITennessee

From Pollstar.com -

Pops Staples Dead At 84 Updated 15:03 PST Tue, Dec 19 2000

Roebuck "Pops" Staples, patriarch of the gospel and rhythm-and-blues group the Staple Singers, died December 19. He was approaching his 85th birthday. Staples had suffered a concussion recently in a fall near his home in suburban Dalton, Ill. He and his group gained fame in the 1960s by singing music that urged social and religious change. He was known for both his songwriting and his guitar playing, in which he fused gospel with the blues. Born to a poor Winona, Miss., family on December 28, 1915, Staples dropped out of school after the eighth grade to pick cotton. Staples sang with a gospel group, the Golden Trumpets, before moving with his wife, Oceala, to Chicago in 1936, where he performed with the Trumpet Jubilees. Staples said his earliest exposure to music came in the church. It wasn't until he was in his teens that he heard the blues. The Staple Singers made their mark with soulful voices, social activism, religious conviction and danceable "message music." Their hits songs include "Uncloudy Day" and "I'll Take You There." Pops Staples led the group with his songwriting and distinctive guitar sound. His children - Mavis, Cleotha, Yvonne and Pervis - and his wife all sang with the group at some point. In 1994, Pops Staples' Father Father won a Grammy for the Best Contemporary Blues Album. The Staples Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 01:16:27 CET 2000 from modem-10.walden.fcc.net (63.250.40.10)

Dave B

It's been a long time since I've visited this site and read the guestbook. There was a time when the postings got a little too vicious for me. I hope it has changed for the better. Things have certainly changed throughout the site. More tape traders out there and so on. Does anyone one have a copy of the "complete" Last Waltz including Acadian Driftwood. If so maybe we can arrange a trade for something else. I have many Dead shows that have some extremely good sound quality to them. I know that Dead shows are fairly easy to get but it's all I have to offer. Let me know.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:53:26 CET 2000 from cg960166-a.adubn1.nj.home.com (65.1.172.67)

Chris D.

I just heard that Roebuck "Pop" Staples died on Monday. A great loss considering all the influence he's had on modern music as we know it. I always looked forward to seeing The Staple Singers in The Last Waltz more than any other part. My sympathy and best wishes go out to his family. Heavens Choir just got a whole lot better. Thanks.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:50:58 CET 2000 from proxy-1351.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.172)

Bill W.

Mr. Benteen: I am not quite sure how you personally define a LIVE album. The Rock of Ages disc was, with the exception of Garth's intro to Chest Fever, entirely taken from the sound check of the first evening. Mr Ramone is on record as saying that there were too many mistakes from the actual live performances to be useable. As to the comparison with the Beatles, I preferred the Beatles live over the Band live (no extra musicians). To further confuse the issue, I preferred Rompin' Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks live over both of the above! As for a great LIVE rock album, check out The Guess Who Live at the Paramount. 1 take; no extras and no overdubbing.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:46:02 CET 2000 from du-tele3-148.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.148)

Peter Viney

More sad sad December news - Kirsty Maccoll, rest in peace.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:42:57 CET 2000 from (216.53.226.205)

Gary

Woodstock Records The shirts look great. Thanks for the fast shipping and gift. Keep us informed about Garth's CD.

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:35:52 CET 2000 from spider-wj031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.31)

Tommy

Here's my list;

Ringo: Ringo!, Beacoups Of Blues

George Harrison; All Things Must Pass, George Harrison

Paul; Ram, McCartney, Band on the Run,Flaming Pie (I also wanna mention 'McCartney II' an odd album, but really cool!)

John; Plastic Ono Band (the best!!!), Walls and Bridges ('Imagine' has some great songs that carry the lackluster ones...)

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:34:17 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Rock of Ages is a "live" album? Shouldn't the question be, which group's overdubbed rehersal recording...

Posted on Wed Dec 20 00:11:37 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

yeah, like the beatles could ever have made a live album to come even close to the quality of "rock of ages". even with george martin. come to think of it, what group's live album even comes close to "rock of ages"?

Posted on Tue Dec 19 22:35:04 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Postscript:

Before anyone accuses me of turning this into a Beatles forum -- I'd like to point out that there is a connection between George Harrison's process of composing "My Sweet Lord" and The Band. Who knows what that is?

Posted on Tue Dec 19 22:34:11 CET 2000 from st_069.athctr.depaul.edu (140.192.144.69)

Peter Shaw

Anyone looking for some music regarding problems with the recording industry would be good to check out the Kinks' "Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part 1"

Posted on Tue Dec 19 22:28:21 CET 2000 from dialup-097.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.97)

Hanky Krishna

"Doo-lang doo-lang doo-lang".............

Posted on Tue Dec 19 22:22:39 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Part 2 of George Harrison & the legal system:

Five years after the suit was brought, the judge ruled Harrison was liable for copyright infringement. Before the penalty phase trial to assess damages, Allen Klein, through his company ABKCO, purchased the copyright for "He's So Fine" from Bright Tunes for the sum of $587,000, along with the rights in the litigation against Harrison. The judge had previously determined that $1,599,987 of "My Sweet Lord's" earnings were attributable for consideration. Harrison was in the middle of settlement negotiations with Bright Tunes and had offered to settle for $148,000, but Klein's intervention sabotaged the possibility of a settlement.

Klein had previously managed the business affairs of the Beatles, including those of Harrison. When the plagarism suit was initially brought, ABKCO's general counsel had even represented Harrison. Through this arrangement, Klein had intimate knowledge of Harrison's financial affairs, including that of the true potential value of the song "My Sweet Lord". To make matters worse, Klein's management contract with the Beatles had expired in 1973, resulting in lengthly litigation between the Fab Four and ABKCO (a dispute that finally ended in 1977 when the Beatles paid ABKCO $4.2 million in settlement).

This situation angered the judge, who found that ABKCO had breached its fiduciary duty to its former client Harrison and therefore shouldn't profit from its misuse of "insider" information. He ruled that ABKCO was to hold the "fruits of its acquisiton" from Bright Tunes in trust for Harrison's interests, to be transferred to Harrison upon payment of $587,000 plus interest (the amount Klein had paid to obtain the rights to "He's So Fine").

In round three of the legal battle, ABKCO then appealed the district court judge's decision, arguing that it didn't breach its fiduciary duty to Harrison, and that the award of damages was improper becuase the scope of the constructive trust imposed by the judge was too broad in that it covered "foreign" rights. Harrison also filed what is known as a "cross appeal", arguing that copyright infringement could not be "subconscious".

The appellate court ruled against Harrison on his cross appeal, finding that "innocent intent" does not constitute a defense and that subconscious copying is an infringement. On the two issues of ABKCO's appeal, the court upheld the breach of fiduciary duty finding but overturned the lower court as to the award of damages.

It's no wonder that Harrison was inspired to write the following lyrics:

"Hold the block on money flow,
Now move into joint escrow.
Court receiver, laughs and thrills,
But in the end we just pay those lawyers their bills.

When you serve me and I serve you,
Swing your partners, all get screwed.
Bring your lawyer and I'll bring mine,
Get together and we could have a bad time.

We're gonna play the sue me, sue you blues.
Sue me, sue you blues, alright."

Posted on Tue Dec 19 20:19:28 CET 2000 from akcf3.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.201)

Rod

Rod Stewart's Forever Young is the rip off that most annoys me. The music may be different but the lyrics cover the same subject matter in much the same manner. I don't know if he wrote it or not but if you're going to steal someone else's idea you have to at least improve on it.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 20:09:13 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

"You get justice in the next world, in this world you have the law." -- William Gaddis (from his novel "A Frolic Of His Own")

George Harrison is definitely not a stranger to the system of law. In addition to his plagarism suit, the Beatles, as individuals and as an entity, spent years in litigation. In fact, although not well known outside the legal system, the "My Sweet Lord" copyright infringement battle resulted in not just one, but a series of related court actions.

Bright Tunes Music Corp. owned the copyright for the song "He's So Fine", composed by Ronald Mack and a No. 1 hit for the group the Chiffons in 1963. In 1976, Bright Tunes prevailed in a copyright infringement action brought against Harrison and his publishing company, Harrisongs Music, LTD., involving Harrison's song "My Sweet Lord". The judge in that action found that, in terms of musical compostion, "the two songs are virtually indentical except for one phrase". He also ruled that "it is clear that My Sweet Lord is the very same song as He's So Fine with different words...and Harrison had access to He's So Fine". He further found that he did not believe Harrison deliberately used the music to "He's So Fine", but that, under the law of copyright infringement, subconscious or "innocent copying" neverless constitutes an infringement.

Before the judge determined damages in the second phase of litigation, Allen Klein, through his company ABKCO, entered the picture

Posted on Tue Dec 19 19:47:06 CET 2000 from proxy-1331.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.156)

Bill W

Continuing with the ripoff theme, the only one that I love to hear is Dire Straits' Money for Nothin' theft of the opening riff from Jumpin' Jack Flash. So good to know that what goes around DOES come around!

Posted on Tue Dec 19 19:38:17 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I was reading a Rolling Stone review of the box set from Little Feat, and they called the group a cross between The Band and The Meters with a little Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan thrown in. I love that description! It makes you want to go out and buy Little Feat albums.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 19:17:04 CET 2000 from (158.72.91.193)

Steve H

Read the new item about the Clapton bootleg "It's Robbie's Birthday. I am sad to report I saw Clapton once, Dec. 74, in Paris and he was drunk and embarassed himself by playing poorly. Towards the end of the show he finally got it together and played an impassioned Little Wing, but the crowd had been turned off by then.

On a lighter and probably apocryphal note, a friend said a friend had been hitchhiking in England and got picked up by a florist's van. They drove up to a big mansion and the driver took some flowers in. When he came out he told the hithcher it was Eric Clapton's house and Dylan was visiting and jamming with Clapton inside.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 15:40:56 CET 2000 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

I've been making my way through a backlog of music (and work), and finally treated myself to the first reissue (Big Pink) and listened to it last night. Everything sounded quite nice throughout the first few tracks...and then true goosebumps as The Weight kicked in. Those harmonies on the chorus, clearer & crisper than ever, just took my breath away. And then We Can Talk and the overlapping vocals there, "echoing" better than ever...what can I say? Bliss.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 15:23:41 CET 2000 from dm2c82.bell.ca (198.235.69.172)

Richard Patterson

A good alternative to the Lennon Anthology Box is the single disc 'Wonsaponatime', which is made up of excerpts from the box. Cheap Trick backing John on "I'm Losing You" is a blast!

Posted on Tue Dec 19 14:41:46 CET 2000 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

Bayou Sam - to add to your great solo Beatle albums list:

Ringo - All-Starr Band vol. 1

George - Wonderwall Music, one of the most fascinating, creative, and downright psychedelic of all solo Beatle albums

Paul - Flowers In The Dirt, Unplugged, Flaming Pie

John - at least two discs (#1 and #3) of the Anthology box set... BTW, don't give up on Live Peace In Toronto at the end of side one. Don't Worry Kyoko rocks...

But as far as dubious activities by Paul McCartney go, The Girl Is Mine doesn't even come close. Think of Give My Regards To Broad Street.

One day I'll get round to posting things about the Band again, but for the time being, this is too distracting...

Posted on Tue Dec 19 10:26:16 CET 2000 from gateway.tono.no (212.71.68.22)

Jens Magnus

Hello, regarding the soundalikes in r&r there are lots. I have always thought that Michael Jackson is a capital burglar. How about Billie Jean/Riders on the storm, or Earth song/Daydream Believer?

But in popular music there's a big space for similarities as the musical language contains only small differences. The formula is hardly changing. (With a few exceptions, Beatles and Band being two).

Posted on Tue Dec 19 08:03:07 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip7.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.7)

miwa

PETER V- If you didn't get an answer yet to your question about what a sax is called that's bigger than a bari........It's a bass saxophone.

SHAUN- Hope you had a fantabulous concert. Wish we could've been there. We're proud of you.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 07:07:24 CET 2000 from 209-239-204-160.oak.jps.net (209.239.204.160)

Phil

"We (The Beatles) were plagerists' extraordinare" Paul McCartney.

James Taylor had a song on his first album which was an Apple release called 'Something In The Way She Moves'. It came out before Abbey Road. Maybe GH had a problem? I like him anyway.

Woops, I thought this was a Beatles site! Sorry.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 06:46:00 CET 2000 from 1cust58.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.58)

Crabgrass

Glad to see folks are now pointing out errors which I have NOT made rather than ones I have!! I referred to "Ringo's STINT as Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station" neither "role" nor "roll." However, I WAS eating a roll while typing up that post so perhaps the person who thought I said "roll" has clairvoyant powers of which they have been hitherto unaware!

I hope Johnny Johnston is also suing the Beach Boys for ripping off "Sweet Little Sixteen" with their hit "Surfin' USA."

And yes, when the hell is The Band gonna tour Germany??

Posted on Tue Dec 19 06:00:16 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

My favourite song writers:

Bob Marley

Bob Dylan

Lou Reed

Van Morrison

Robbie Robertson

Joni Mitchell

Patti Smith

Maria McKee

Holly McNarland

Ani DiFranco

My favourite music publication covers and articles this year:

Schwann Spectrum "Lou Reed Experiences Ectasy The Hard Way"

Performing Songwriter "Lou Reed"

Rolling Stone "Jakob Dylan - Ancient Footsteps and New Wallflowers"

Goldmine "Cat Stevens(A.K.A Yusuf Islam) - Return of the Peace Train"

Mojo "Dylan and The Band"

In relation to "I Second That Emotion" and "My Way" my intention was to illustrate more than one version of a song and that although in some cases the original version of a song is the definitive version, I still appreciated other bands(such as reggae, punk and new wave) who showed respect to a particular artist by attempting to cover their song. Personally, I always liked Sid Vicious' take on "My Way" (he even dressed up in a double breasted blazer with his black leather pants in the video to show respect to the Chairman Of the Board, didn't he?). As far as The Sex Pistols are concerned I liked their energy at the time but they were basically a band that espoused anarchy(rebels without alternatives -"we are the future no future", whereas The Clash were very influenced by rebel music and left wing politics(rebels with a cause and alternative ideology) plus they were a band who tried to experiment with reggae and gospel and other vibes in some of their recordings.

In the new year I will be putting up calendars of Bob Marley, Che Guevara and Jim Dine's versions of hearts.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 05:41:43 CET 2000 from host-209-214-116-145.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.145)

BWNWITennessee

Breeze Hill apologized for billing me twice and said they'd send a refund. So all's well that ends well, I guess. Or at least, it will be once they design a Richard Manuel shirt and give me a free one.

I'm gonna be in an executive guild! Gowly.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 04:59:56 CET 2000 from mat-2-38.enter.net (207.16.155.94)

Little Brøther

The judge who nailed George Harrison had an ear not only for comparative melody but for the jingling of coin in George's deep, deep pockets. There's an undeniable similarity to the hooks in "She's So Fine" and "My Sweet Lord", but the conclusion that the celebrated Mr. H. literally "owed" something to the earlier song's writers is purely subjective.

Of course, I'm an unabashedly biased Beatle fan. So it doesn't make much sense to me that George would knowingly, intentionally, and deliberately pirate someone else's song just to pad out his repertoire and earn a few more quid. I can think of reasons why a struggling, desperate musician or a hard-bitten cynic might try to pull that off, but Georgie boy lacked motive. Without evidence of conscious intent to plagiarize, the assessment that the artist was still liable for "unconsciously" appropriating another's work is merely an opinion of the beholder. Ah, judicial activism!

One might just as well argue that "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a transparent reworking of "House of the Rising Sun". Or that "Like A Rolling Stone" is "La Bamba" by another name, as some critic observed-- I forget who now. Maybe it was Dylan himself!

Speaking of which, there's a John Prine song called "The Great Compromise" that is virtually a clone of "Desolation Row". Every time I listen to it I wonder how it slipped by. I'll bet GBers could come up with several Top Ten lists of "Separated at Birth" tunes that might be actionable...

Posted on Tue Dec 19 04:42:26 CET 2000 from spider-wm021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.156)

Bayou Sam

Oh yeah - someone asked about fav Beatle solo albums. Tough to choose.

RINGO = Ringo, Goodnight Vienna, Ringo The 4th, Stop and Smell The Roses

GEORGE = All Things Must Pass, Bangladesh, George Harrison, Thirty Three and 1/3, Somewhere In England, Living in the Material World, Cloud Nine, Live in Japan

PAUL = McCartney, Ram, Band on the Run, Tug of War, Back to the Egg, Venus and Mars, Wings Over America

JOHN = Live Peace in Toronto (side 1), Plastic Ono Band, Imagine, Walls and Bridges, Mind Games.

The worst moment in solo Beatle history is when McCartney recorded "The Girl is Mine" with Michael Jackson. What was he thinking?

Posted on Tue Dec 19 04:39:14 CET 2000 from gdh2-422.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.34)

Dr. Pepper

I know a guy named Furn who goes by Bill. Tighter than the bark on a tree.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 04:30:21 CET 2000 from spider-wm021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.156)

Bayou Sam - OHNONOTHIMAGEN

I'm sure that if we all try, we could come up with many similarities among songs. I don't think for a second that George knowingly swiped anyones tune. Someone saw the opportunity to sue a rich Beatle and did. Afterwords, when George gave it some thought, he said that it (My Sweet Lord) sounded more like Oh Happy Day than she's so fine. In a display of his sense of humor, George wrote a great tune in '76 to answer to his accusers.

THIS SONG

This song, has nothing tricky about it

This song, ain't black or white and as far as I know - don't infringe on anyones copyright so - this song we'll let be, this song is in E, this song is for you and..

This tune, has nothing bright about it

This tune, ain't bad or good and come ever what may, my expert tells me it's OK

As this song came to me, quite unknowingly, this song could be for you could be..(spoken,"could be Sugar Pie Honey Bunch,No! sounds more like Rescue Me..)

This riff, ain't tryin' to win gold medals

This riff, ain't hip or square, well done or rare

may end up one more weight to bear

But this song could well be, a reason to see that, without you there's no point to this song.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bright Tunes was the name of the company that sued George which is why he used the phrase in the lyrics. He did a video to this which took place in a courtroom.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 02:54:29 CET 2000 from xxx.ahml.lib.il.us (38.231.168.124)

Jawbone

I'm a thief and I dig it.

Posted on Tue Dec 19 00:15:49 CET 2000 from (216.53.226.226)

Gary

Hello Everyone and Merry Christmas. I am looking for a copy of The Band at Club Quatro in Toyko, Japan 5-4-94. I have a few to trade. Gary

Posted on Mon Dec 18 22:28:15 CET 2000 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Bob R: There was a short note in the paper last week about Johnnie Johnson, Chuck Berry's piano-playing partner on all his '50s classics, suing Chuck over songwriting credits - or lack thereof. I wonder how much of the money actually found its way to Chuck?

Posted on Mon Dec 18 21:56:57 CET 2000 from dhcp21559.sunyocc.edu (198.242.215.59)

Freddie Funk

BILL (thats right, you know who you are) Remember, A BILL BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL A BILL.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 21:22:44 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-td053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.173)

bob wigo

Little Brother --- "I Second That Emotion". A GREAT song performed by an enormously talented vocalist and a marvelous collection of polished session men. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments and would also like to know more about the musicians who created this magic.

I could not risk a guess at how many times I have heard that song and it has never failed to lift me up.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 20:59:35 CET 2000 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

I asked on the Breeze Hill forum about Garth's album. Here's the response I got from Breeze Hill:

"Garth's album will be released in early spring; the cover art is being worked on now. I can also tell you that Aaron and Garth are working on it every day."

Posted on Mon Dec 18 20:46:09 CET 2000 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Bob Wigo: Funny thing about song similarities in 1970. Yesterday I had the misfortune of hearing "The Rapper" by the Jaggerz for the first time in something like 30 years. (I hated it then, too.) I thought I detected the distinctive rhythm from "The Shape I'm In" part way along.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 20:44:31 CET 2000 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Been reading the various posts regarding song plagerism's-- Yeah, it looks like George Harrison got nailed for 'My Sweet Lord" ( but the judge said it was not a blatant rip-off, just subconcious...), but dont forget other ones: John Lennon getting sued by Morris Levy ( who owned the rights to Chuck Berry's "You Cant Catch Me")over "Come Together", which in effect forced Lennon to record a number of Levy-owned songs (which resulted in Lennons Rock n' Roll album), most recently Mick & Keith had to include kd lang and her songwriting partner as co-writers for "Has Anybody Seen my Baby" from Bridges to Babylon because they were told it sounded too much like lang's "Constant Craving"--Hell, even John Fogarty got sued for writing a song (Old Man Down the Road) which sounded a lot like a song he wrote ten years earlier (Run Through the Jungle)---It happens all the time! Didnt Bo Diddley sue the Allman Bros for "Nobody Left to Run With Anymore" because it had that Bo Ddiddley-thing going at the end?? I mean hasnt almost every blues based band used that sound at one time or another??

Posted on Mon Dec 18 20:35:13 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc013.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.153)

Tommy

Yes Sam, Levon would've been great on that album('Beacoup Of Blues')...And HarrisonSHOULD NOT be underated.He's a fantastic songwriter. I love John, but not everything he did was "Imagine", some stuff was kinda crappy, just like some of Paul's stuff was...AND George's stuff.They all have their moments after The Beatles and they all have their disapointments.I think Paul's stuff after they broke up is the more diverse and musically interesting...But than again, hes also got alot more solo stuff than the others to judge by. Let's all list our top John, Paul, George and Ringo solo albums....

Posted on Mon Dec 18 20:21:40 CET 2000 from akcf3.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.201)

Rod

Crabgrass, you forgot to mention Ringo's role (not roll) in Thomas The Tank Engine.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 19:54:10 CET 2000 from proxy-1481.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.75)

Ed Blayzor

Carmen its hard to narrow it down to just 3 but here a few of mine, Dylan, Lennon/McCartney, John Hiatt, John Prine, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, Neil Young, Carole King and Natalie Merchant.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 19:35:24 CET 2000 from p3ee2dc5f.dip.t-dialin.net (62.226.220.95)

Wolle

Hi Route manager, why you do not make appearances in Germany clearly for The Band ??????? Wolfgang

Posted on Mon Dec 18 19:18:19 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Stephen Novik: Thanks for the recent Robbie info! Maybe it will tell us what he has doing lately. I know he has been working behind the scenes for Dreamworks, but I wish I knew on what projects? Did anybody hear or see music/film of Sunset Strip? It never came to my neck of the woods, but I read Robbie's music was the best part of the movie.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 18:48:18 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-te013.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.153)

bob wigo

While we are on the subject of song origins I would like to pose a question. Does anyone else notice the strong resemblance shared by "Time To Kill" (particularly the intro) and Carole King's "Sweet Seasons" ?

The former , as most of you know, was released in 1970 and the latter first appeared on King's "Music" album released in 1971.

Now either Carole got one over on Robbie or our esteemed songsmith was hunkered down in a stairwell along Tin Pan Alley a few years earlier.

Just curious.Any thoughts?

Posted on Mon Dec 18 18:36:29 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

With the quote from Frank Cross (Bill Murray upon meeting the ghost from Christmas past), the answer for the Miles Davis/Robbie Robertson connection was indeed "Scrooged". Another answer, albeit not as obscure as Peter Viney's, would be Gil Evans. Both Miles and Robertson collaborated with Mr. Evans (Gil not Bill).

These are strange times we're living in. Hundreds of protesters marched on the White House last Friday. Who were these agitators who were demonstrating? Why they were former & current FBI agents & employees, about 500 strong, who were seeking to send a message to President Clinton, urging him to deny clemency to Leonard Peltier. It wasn't that long ago that some of these current demonstrators investigated & otherwise harassed others who chose to similarly demonstrate or publicly protest over certain political issues. The times they are indeed a-changin'.

"We live in a political world,
Love don't have any place.
We're living in times where men commit crimes
And crime don't have a face."

Posted on Mon Dec 18 18:32:17 CET 2000 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

BEG, it wasn't me who asked if the Cowboy Junkies are still around, it was Bashfull Bill. We're different people.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 18:03:03 CET 2000 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

I too find it dangerously easy to subconsciously appropriate music from various sources stashed away in the back of my mind. Lyrics, too - there are many times I come up with a great lyric, and then worry for ages about whether I came up with it or whether I just remembered it from something else, finally scrapping it regardless of merit because it's so embarrassing when you discover (through your own realisation or through it being pointed out) that your work was not completely your own.

Something was definitely afoot in the My Sweet Lord case, though. Didn't Spector produce both tracks? He must have realised the similarity. Or perhaps, realising he had an obvious hit in his hands with My Sweet Lord, he just kept his mouth shut. Isn't it a pity (as the man sang), since the legal shenanigans that followed pretty much began Harrison's withdrawal from the limelight.

...incidentally, I always thought there were more than a couple of similarities between Harrison's follow-up hit, Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth), and Dylan's I Want You (listen to them back to back). Meaning that either it really is stunningly easy to unwittingly plagiarise (as I would argue) or that Harrison was nothing but a blatant thief (as many a cynic would take great delight in arguing).

Posted on Mon Dec 18 17:32:33 CET 2000 from host161-123-26-209.utelfla.com (209.26.123.161)

carmen

With all of this talk about songwriters, I would like to get everyone's opinion on "your choice" for the 3 best ever.

My votes go to Dylan, Robertson & Bruce. Runner up goes to Roger Waters.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 17:18:14 CET 2000 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

Pehr

Crabgrass has got me laughin again! I never heard ol' Dubya was a dart snorter too!

Above my computer is a bulletin board on the wall. Along with the perfunctory phone #'s and appts, etc., I keep a picture I got from Steve Simenowitz of Rick with Steve and Roy Buchanan, a pic of Roy B outside his apartment holding a tele, A picture of Doug Sahm playing with a local band, The Gourds, a picture of Richard playing drums, another blowing the candles out on his B'day cake. I have a picture of Muddy up there of course, and a picture of Bruce Lee with nunchakas. Writing it down it looks morbid to see dead people I guess, but I never thought of it till now. These people live on thru my life through the inspiration they provide me, for which I am very grateful.

have a great Christmas Holiday everyone. I'm going on break and dont plan to visit the computer any time soon. I'll check in next year some time.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 16:52:34 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Crab, not sure if you were being facetious, however I agree in substance with the statement (made tongue in cheek or not) that George should have greater recognition along with John and Paul. As pure "songs" go, George remains my favorite Beatle songwriter.

Given the Ringo comment, I'm not sure if you're serious about that. Ringo was the right guy for that job, but I don't think you can put Ringo in anything resembling a "genius" category.

"My Sweet Lord," obviously is a problem for George as he "unwittingly" stole the song from "He's So Fine." As we know, George was found in violation of copyright, and admitted that the song was probably "unwittingly" copied from the Supremes' hit.

As a crappy songwriter myself, I have to admit finding myself in the uncomfortable position of writing a song only to have someone point out that it sounds an awful lot like another song. I think it's easier to end up in that position (followed by a forehead slap) then some may realize. Musicians are exposed to an awful lot of music that registers consciously and subconsciously, and makes it's way out in one's own creative process. \pAm I alone in this, or would folks here argue a more cynical line that George was flat out knowingly stealing and simply got caught? \pmatt

Posted on Mon Dec 18 16:42:55 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Richard Patterson:

Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu: - Nevilles (I give a hearty nod to Cleo Laine's variation from her "I Can't Complain" album as a newer version that totally rocks)
I Hear You Knockin: Fats Domino
Feel A Whole Lot Better: Petty
Kansas City: James Brown (man those horns are cool)
Blue Moon of Kentucky: Bill Monroe
Promised Land: Chuck Berry

Posted on Mon Dec 18 16:04:09 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Mr. Lee if you are out there, please, contact me re. the book. I need some copies. We met a Levon show at the Tralf. Great job!!!

Posted on Mon Dec 18 13:31:18 CET 2000 from c5300-4-ip246.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.227.246)

Tom/Woodstock Records

Hello All

I'm sorry to report that the benefit scheduled featuring Rory Block, John Sebastian, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix was cancelled yesterday due to extreme weather/flooding.

My sincere apologies for all those who tried to attend. Better safe than sorry! I would like to extend thanks to all that were in route, packing their RV's or made specific arrangements.

It will be rescheduled shortly. Stay tooned!

Peace, Tom/Woodstock Records

Posted on Mon Dec 18 07:20:57 CET 2000 from proxy2-external.lndn1.on.home.com (24.112.158.229)

kevin

hi there i'm a 20 year old male from ontario canada and thought i'd compliment u on your name, whats your middle name? mine is patrick, n e ways c ya

Posted on Mon Dec 18 07:14:39 CET 2000 from spider-to062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.72)

Bayou Sam

Crabgrass - even though it was a little harsh, your Sid Vicious comment had me howling with laughter.

I was never into punk rock, and I suppose the Sex Pistols had a high place in the whole scence, but his "My Way" was a joke. It seemed like Johnny Lydon may have had something to say worth listening to - but Sid?

Mike = (How's the drumming coming?) I don't really think George and Ringo were under-rated. George's singing and songwriting wasn't at quite the same level as J & P's were, until near the end, when George had certainly arrived. Here Comes The Sun is as good as anything on Abbey Road. He also had to grow under the spotlight of two of the best songwriters that ever lived. Brian Jones had the same problem, but unfortunately went in a different direction than George. Ringo was, and is a great drummer who knew his limits when it came to singing and writing. I think he was quite happy with his place..... It's funny about Paul. I don't think he's over-rated. I think Lennon's been put on a pedistal by alot of people because he died. John himself would have hated that. I think McCartney's musical brilliance will be realized by the masses later on too. How many people can write songs as great, and diverse as Yesterday, Why Don't We Do It In The Road?, Here There and Everywhere, and Hi Hi Hi - just to name a few. And his bass playing - great.

I said this in here once before. I think that a common characteristic of The Beatles and The Band is that it was a magical chemistry of people in each band - and however big or small a role any member played, it would'nt have been as good without them.

Tommy = Levon could have done a great job on Beacoups Of Blues - don't you think?

Why the Beatles broke up = I think you got it on the last one.

Above my computer are a bunch of drawings that my daughters did.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 05:42:35 CET 2000 from ts1-35.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.35)

Cupid

Hi Y'all. d lil to answer your question.Above my computer I have a pic of The Band another of Kieth Richards and one of Tom Waits. Beneath that is a photo of my band and another of my dog as well as autographed hockey cards of Guy Lafleur and Frank "The Big M" Mahovlich. Tucked between them and ticket stubs from Tom Waits and Chieftains concerts is one of my tin whistles and a lump of Pheemo playing what appears to be a guitar that my Niece made me when she was 8.Lastly as an homage to my songwriting and love of music there is a really big pencil and a Benny Goodman 45.To my left is a navigational chart for the river outside my back door and a picture of the Titanic.All around me are poetry books,history books, CD's, guitars ,a mandolin and my Wifes collection of mini booze bottles[full ones at that]...oh and one sleeping dog who shall be allowed to ly.I'm happy here amongst my stuff..peace Cupid

Posted on Mon Dec 18 03:49:05 CET 2000 from ppp7642.on.bellglobal.com (206.172.191.130)

Why the Beatles Broke Up

The Beatles broke up because they were idealistic enough to be convinced of their historical mission and realistic enough to know they were no longer capable of carrying it forward. The Beatles broke up because they didn't see or care that the corporate life of a rock group could endure long after its collective life was kaput. The Beatles broke up because the couple ia a more stable structure than the four-way. The Beatles broke up because three of them believed they were geniuses and only one of them was. The Beatles broke up because they thought they were immortal. The Beatles broke up because they couldn't stand each other anymore.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 02:35:30 CET 2000 from 2cust76.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.137.76)

Crabgrass

Anyone with a shred of intelligence realizes that the real creative force behind the Beatles were George and Ringo and that Lennon and McCartney were just cardboard cut-out front men who hogged all the publicity with their big egos and big mouths. Soon after the Beatles' demise George proved this by spearheading the Hare Krishna Rock movement producing the hit single "Govinda" by the Rahda Krishna Temple as well as recording "My Sweet Lord" - and Ringo's All-Star tours plus his stint as Mr. Conductor on Shining Time Station mark him indelibly as a top notch artistic genius.

BTW thanks to the poster who mentioned my upcoming birthday next Monday the 25th! Please, don't send any gifts - I'm already rich beyond my wildest dreams!!

I have a photograph of George W. Bush above my computer - with a dart sticking into his nose.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 01:23:52 CET 2000 from (130.195.196.201)

Amanda

Dearie, dearie me…poor old Sid Vicious…to think I was just worrying about the fact that its only SIX MORE SHOPPING DAYS to our dear chum Crabbies birthday too…

I think it was Billy Connolly who said that of everybody who ever performed "I did it my Way" Sid Vicious is the only one who really did. I like the Sex Pistols. I find them energetic and fun to listen to when I'm in the right mood. Plus, for me, theres the nostalgia factor. I guess its kind of odd to feel nostalgic about drunken parties of my youth where everybody was violently jumping up and down and singing along with 'friggin' in the riggin' cos there's f*** all else to do" but, somehow, I do.

I have a Che Guevera poster above my monitor in my office (its ironic) and a Tin Tin poster, a rubber Felix the Cat and a geranium and a demented spider plant above my monitor at home. Nothing music or Band related at all, I'm afraid. I guess I'm just not a true fan.

Posted on Mon Dec 18 00:34:02 CET 2000 from spider-ta016.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.17)

Tommy

Hey, since talk has been about solo Beatles'albums...Im gonna make a suggestion.We talked about the RINGO! album and its guests and hits...I wanna tell anyone who doesn't know to check out Ringo's first solo album, BEACOUP OF BLUES. It's an album done in 1970 in Nashville, featuring all Nashville C&W musicians...Some you might know! It's a collection of songs written by these musicians in a C&W vein (Which Ringo is quite fond of).Alot of boogies and R&B-type stuff.Ringo's voice fits the songs quite nicely.I recommend for you guys to check it out...from what you guys seem to like, you'll enjoy this record. ("Wine, Women and Loud Happy Songs" is one of my favorites...) Youre pal and mine.........................Tommy

Posted on Sun Dec 17 23:30:10 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

this......€.......is a EURO.... (today ~ $0.8984, so Times Like These ~ €13.35)... just testing my new keyboard here

Posted on Sun Dec 17 23:11:05 CET 2000 from spider-tl082.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.212)

Buffalo Rhythm and Blues Project

Seasons Greetings to all

I asked Jan for permission to post this

We have just released a new book called:

DON’T BOTHER KNOCKIN’...this town’s a rockin’

A history of traditional rhythm and blues and early rock ‘n’ roll in Buffalo New York

by Patti Meyer Lee and Gary Lee

Of interest to regular readers of the guest book would be the sections on Stan Szelest and Sandy Konikoff, Both of whom were at one time members of the Hawks, with Stan going on to being a member of the reunited Band in the early nineties.

Buffalo has had a great history of R&B and R&R with many musicians going on to make there mark on the national music scene.

This book chronicles the importance of Buffalo’s players on a national and local level and the development of the tight and gritty Buffalo shuffle style of playing. Besides Stan and the Raven’s Buffalo has unleashed on the world: drummers extra ordinaire Gary Mallaber,(Raven, Steve Miller Band, Van Morrison, Jackson Brown, etc.)Sandy Konikoff,(Hawks, Taj Mahal, Dylan, Joe Cocker). There are many other players but these are the closest with connections to the Band

The book also documents events from the African American community here and the many contributions they have made to the music, including Dyke and the Blazers(the original Funky Broadway) and Donnie Elbert.

If anyone is interest in obtaining a copy, e-mail either myself at ka2pmi@aol.com or Patti at buffalosounds@aol.com

Thanks Jan for allowing me to post this here. Sorry about the commercial...and now back to our regular programming.....

Gary Lee

Buffalo Rhythm and Blues Project

Posted on Sun Dec 17 23:11:01 CET 2000 from spider-wl081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.56)

Stephen Novik

Hello everybody! Just passing on an interesting note I've found out -- the CBC's series "Life & Times" (Canada's version of A&E's Biography) is scheduling ROBBIE ROBERTSON's episode for January 9th. Wow! What with the reissues and all, 2001's not gonna be a bad year! Also, The Edmonton Space & Science Centre is running the IMAX film "Wolves" narrorated by R. R. Post a 'review' later. Til then, Rock On!!!

Posted on Sun Dec 17 20:20:19 CET 2000 from spider-te032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.187)

Jungle Bush Beaters' New CD "Distant Drums" Comments

Just picked up a copy of the Jungle Bush Beaters' new CD entitled "Distant Drums" - Terry Cagle produced the CD and performs a great version of Levon's "Rain Down Tears" - In addition the band showed same real versility in the 9 track CD - I for one am glad to see Terry Cagle back on the stage - John, Little Rock

Posted on Sun Dec 17 19:12:24 CET 2000 from spider-tj033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.188)

Mike

Catching up on recent posts...Regarding George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass," I have great memories of driving from San Diego to San Francisco listening to that 8-track. The other tape that also played over and over on that trip was Santana's 2nd album, Abraxas. (They came out around the same time.) I've always felt George and Ringo were the most under-rated Beatles, Paul the most over-rated. ATMP is a great album and I'm looking forward to the reissue. I hope it's mixed better this time 'round. It has always seemed a little muddy to me.

Mavis Staples does a GREAT version of Dylan's "Gonna Serve Somebody" on the House of Blues Dylan Tribute CD. Enjoy your day everyone.

Posted on Sun Dec 17 18:37:43 CET 2000 from 1cust113.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.113)

Crabgrass

Sid Vicious made his greatest contribution to the world of music by killing himself.

Posted on Sun Dec 17 17:42:49 CET 2000 from spider-wl024.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.29)

Bayou Sam

Crabgrass = that was an interesting Lennon/Cuba article you posted. I'm just picturing Cuban teenagers watching A Hard Days Night and wondering if these guys have any other albums, and if there planning to tour.

Rockin' Pneumonia...... Johnny Rivers

Blue Moon of Kentucky - I've recently picked up a Ronnie Hawkins album (on vinyl) from '79 called The Hawk. He does a nice version of this song on there. Notable guests on the album include Garth, Stan Szelest, and Terry Danko.

I saw Sid (or Syd?) Vicious mentioned. When I think of him it makes me sad to think that he attained some sort of fame and there are talented musicians out there who can't catch a break. You nice folks helped me look at Elvis Costello in a different light - but you can't possibly tell me anything that Siyd Vicious did that was worthwhile musically - can you?

Posted on Sun Dec 17 16:12:31 CET 2000 from (216.238.78.45)

The Shepard

What's a guy gotta do around here to find his friends? Where is everyone? I guess all I can do is keeping popping in and looking about. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday. " To a new year and the Real beginning of the New Millinnium!" Catch ya later folks!

Posted on Sun Dec 17 16:04:18 CET 2000 from spider-tn073.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.78)

Bashful Bill

Browneyed Girl,as a Bryan Ferry fan you are probably aware of this-10,000 Maniacs made an album a couple years ago, after Natalie Merchant moved on. She was replaced by a folk duo called John and Mary, she does the singing, he is a multi-instrumentalist and I believe was an original Maniac back in their formative days. Their first release from the album(I don't recall the album's title) was a pretty version of Roxy Music's More Than This.I don't think the album sold too well but this song got a lot of airplay and still shows up on the radio occasionally.

Posted on Sun Dec 17 15:03:51 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I see a bulletin board above my computer. On the board are concert tickets for the year - CSNY, The Boss, Celebration Of Rick Danko, Eric Andersen, Concert For A Landmine Free World and an upcoming concert ticket for B.B. King in January. I also have pictures of my favourite musicians since high school or university such as Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Robbie Robertson, Joe Strummer and Bob Marley. I just need a photo of the Belfast Cowboy. There is even a computer picture of the Toronto Raptor Vince Carter doing the tomahawk dunk. On top of the board are two small paintings that I bought from two cuban artists. One was painted by a street artist and the other painting was purchased from an art gallery in Cuba. I hope to go back to Cuba - one of my best travelling experiences ever!!! The people in Cuba love Bob Marley too!!! I will be going back to Jamaica in two weeks as well - life is good these days......

"Let's Stick Together" by Bob Dylan or Bryan Ferry?

"I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher or UB40 with Crissie Hynde?

"Legalize It" by Peter Tosh or UB40?

"I Fought the Law" by Lou Reed or The Clash?

"White Light/White Heat" by Lou Reed or David Bowie?

"Wild World" by Cat Stevens or Maxi Priest?

"Heroes" by David Bowie or The Wallflowers?

"It's My Party" by Leslie Gore or Bryan Ferry?

"Funny How Time Slips Away" by Al Green and Lyle Lovett or Bryan Ferry?

"Walk A Mile In My Shoes" by Joe South or Bryan Ferry (can you tell that I am a big fan of his as well as Roxy Music too?)

"Me and the Devil" by Robert Johnson or Cowboy Junkies?

"My Way" by Paul Anka or Frank Sinatra or Syd Vicious?

Posted on Sun Dec 17 13:48:27 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp73.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.73)

Diamond Lil

In the middle of a winter thunderstorm here (one would wonder what I'm doing on the computer, wouldn't one?) and although it's been raining for days, it's nice to know that at least I don't have to shovel it.

Looking very forward to Garth and the Crowmatix on the 29th down in Pawling. Sounds like alot of nice folks will be there..hoping to say hello to some of you.

This is just a curiosity question, but as I'm sitting here in front of the computer looking at what's on _top_ on my monitor..I was wondering what other folks have on top of theirs? A weird question..I know..but it may be interesting to find out what what some of you look at when your eyes move up from the screen. I look at a photo of myself and a close friend, a photo of Rick, and several packs of cigarettes :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Sun Dec 17 09:36:37 CET 2000 from du137-221.ppp.gu-anst.tninet.se (195.100.221.137)

Markku (yes, a Finn)

Glad to see Maria McKee is appreciated here. She and Robbie co-wrote a song called Nobody's Child which is on her solo debut. According to her, she had been struggling with the lyrics on that song for a some time, and she realized she needed some help: "... finally I said, 'who's the best lyric writer I know?' And I called Robbie Robertson... ".

The video "Somewhere Down", she was appraised for her "acting skills" in an interview, to which she replied laughing "... what did I do, I was just being licked by Robbie?"
I have to confess there have been occasions I've envied Robbie badly, for example listening to the solo at the end of King Harvest makes me feel that way, or when he takes over Clapton's solo on TLW. But never so much as when watching that video :)

Posted on Sun Dec 17 05:56:26 CET 2000 from user-33qtaa8.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.169.72)

Pat Brennan

In a never-ending struggle to keep everyone here up to date, ebay presently has Royal Albert Hall (1971), Tears of Rage and Forbidden Fruit (both 1976). Tears of Rage is from the Greek Theater and has a horn section-- but like the others, an audience tape.

Posted on Sun Dec 17 01:11:21 CET 2000 from spider-wk043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.168)

Dave Z

They say only idiots travel during the holidays... Oh well, I got tired of reading all the great reviews... so I'm getting on a plane and weather permitting will also be there for the Crowmatix show on the 29th... Take care...

Posted on Sat Dec 16 23:48:59 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

My wife and I were driving to some friends house to spend the afternoon and we caught Professor Louie and the Crowmatix on FDU, 89.1. They talked about gigs, the new cd and of course Rick. They also mentioned Levon and the BarnBurners. They played a few tunes in the studio and some cuts from the cd. Looking forward to seeing them on the 29th!

Posted on Sat Dec 16 23:29:06 CET 2000 from (64.132.19.218)

Just Wonderin'

Brown Eyed Girl: Johnny Rivers is still travelling the circuit. He played San Antonio around the end of October or early part of November this year.

Everyone else on this forum safe and happy holidays! I'm heading up to San Francisco for the next 2 weeks.

To our fearless leader thanks so much for this fabulous site. All the best of the season and a prosperous New Year!

Posted on Sat Dec 16 21:00:53 CET 2000 from 229hpl69.hpl.lib.tx.us (204.235.229.69)

Adela V. Calbillo

It's been a long time since I've posted, but yes, I still am a rabid and loyal Band fan... so much so that in recent times, I've 1. Dedicated a Day of the Dead alter to Rick Danko just this past November. It was so much fun to create and display! and 2. Just got back yesterday from re-creating Levon's trip on Highway 61 (see his video, "Great Drives" for history and more info.) Has anyone ever done this drive? It was incredible... drove from Houston to Baton Rouge up to Highway 61 (Lee actually drove south) and stopped in Natchez, Vicksburg, Clarksdale, and saw all the stuff Levon saw and showed on the video... Robert Johnson's grave (actually 2 of 'em!), the dinosaurs near Rolling Fork, the Riverside Hotel in Clarksdale, and then, of course, Memphis. Wow! Thanks, Levon, for your inspiration!!!

Posted on Sat Dec 16 20:00:52 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Here are my choices: "Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" by Johnny Rivers

What ever happened to Rivers as well as Jay and The Americans?

"I Hear You Knockin" by Dave Edmunds

"Feel A Whole Lot Better" by The Byrds

I can't make up my mind so easily with your other choices.

I also believe that Willy deVille (one choice for "Stand By Me") is such an underrated singer and songwriter! He is such a street smart romantic crooner.... "Spanish Stroll" and "Cadillac Walk" are classic songs of his. I guess Europeans and Canadians who have an european background and sensibility can only appreciate him immensely!!! I saw Willy of Mink deVille in Toronto clubs and at Massey Hall on the same bill as Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello.

"You've Really Got A Hold On Me" by the Beatles or Eddie Money?

"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen or Jeff Buckley?

"Country Roads" by John Denver or Toots and the Maytals?

Posted on Sat Dec 16 19:55:17 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

bay/sam, of course, youngblood it is. the mind is going on me. duhhh, youre the one.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 19:08:39 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp112479.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.108)

Richard Patterson

ok, here's a few to try...

Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu: Huey Smith, Flamin' Groovies or Johnny Rivers?
I Hear You Knockin: Fats Domino or Dave Edmunds?
Feel A Whole Lot Better: The Byrds, Flamin' Groovies or Tom Petty?
Kansas City: Little Richard or The Beatles?
Blue Moon of Kentucky: Bill Monroe, Elvis Presley or Levon?
Promised Land: Chuck Berry, The Band or Elvis Presley?

Posted on Sat Dec 16 18:56:20 CET 2000 from 1cust126.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.126)

Crabgrass

HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) -- Communist-run Cuba came full circle Friday to fete John Lennon whose music was once frowned on as a decadent Western influence, as a "revolutionary" hero. Official honors for the Beatles star on the 20th anniversary of his death included a documentary by President Fidel Castro's personal cameraman, the unveiling of a bronze statue of Lennon in a Havana park and an open-air concert planned for Friday evening. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Beatles songs were considered "ideological diversionism" by Cuban authorities. Local music lovers recount that the Fab Four were barely heard on the island with the exception of clandestine parties where smuggled tapes might be listened to with the lights off. In the still tightly-controlled but culturally more liberal Cuba of today, Lennon is now cast as a man who was a born rebel and a constant victim of U.S harassment. Friday's honors were intended to "integrate Lennon into the patrimony of the cultural values that our people admire and respect," an official statement said. "Declassified FBI documents have made public the aggression he suffered for his radical position against the Vietnam War during Richard Nixon's administration," he added. While the majority of Cubans love the Beatles, and now listen to them openly, some were left scratching their heads at Friday's celebration of the cultural volte-face.

"What? Now they're going to honor Lennon? I can't believe it!" mused one self-styled former Cuban "hippy" as he stopped his bike opposite the arena where preparations were under way for the Lennon homage concert Friday night. "You see this bump on my head? I got this when I was a kid for listening to the Beatles and playing their music!" he added with a laugh showing a lump where he said his idealogically strict father had once smashed his guitar over his head.

Communist Party daily Granma last year included the Beatles on a list of the most relevant figures of the 20th Century, below Castro, Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, and Argentine-born guerrilla Ernesto "Che" Guevera.

For photos accompanying this story check cnn.com and search "Lennon."

Posted on Sat Dec 16 18:50:02 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp112479.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.108)

Richard Patterson

Michelle: The Beatles (I thought this already _was_ muzak?)

No Woman No Cry: Bob Marley (Live!)
Gloria: Patti Smith
Love Hurts: Gram Parsons
Don't Think Twice It's Alright: Bob Dylan (Freewheelin')
Young Lovers Do: Van Morrison
Sweet Jane: Velvet Underground (1969 Live - w/ the "Heavenly wine and roses..." bridge.)
Brown Eyed Girl: Van Morrison

Shipbuilding: Robert Wyatt

Come Together: The Beatles

Wonderful World: Sam Cooke
Tracks Of My Tears: Smokey Robinson
I Second That Emotion: Smokey Robinson
Stand By Me: John Lennon
Georgia On My Mind: Willie Nelson (this is my toughest choice in the bunch)
I Wish It Would Rain: Gladys Knight

Posted on Sat Dec 16 18:27:07 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp155.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.155)

Diamond Lil

My my...hanging chads and chaps...is there _anything_ this website hasn't touched on yet? :-)

Posting today to say a very special "hello" to "Elf M" and "Elf K". Hope you're enjoying your visit!

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 18:05:21 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I am a huge Maria Mckee fan. I was first exposed to her when she was in Lone Justice singing mighty fine in "Shelter". Since some of you also really appreciate her song writing and singing here's what she had to say about Dylan.

"Carole Childs... was the woman who originally signed me to Geffen Records. She's very close to Dylan - very, very close - and she brought him to a gig or something... She said, "Why don't you write Maria a song?" He said, "O.K."... He came down to the studio when we were recording our first album and taught us the song. And he stayed around. He brought Ron Wood with him and they played on it... We ended up working on it a very long time because he didn't like the way I sang it... until I sang it like him! It got to the point where finally I just did my best Bob Dylan imitation - and he said, "Ah, now you're doin' some REAL SINGING!"

Maria Mckee is on the video with Robbie Robertson as he is singing "Somewhere Down The Crazy River." He said in an interview that he wanted someone who could pull off a "white trash" look...... I don't agree with Robbie's choice but I guess she enjoyed being with Robbie.......

Posted on Sat Dec 16 16:01:08 CET 2000 from ool-18be092d.dyn.optonline.net (24.190.9.45)

bob

i have not checked the page in a month or so.happy holidays everyone.i visited woodstock this fall and levon was still playing ay joyous lake on wednesdays.i heard they were closing.i'll be visiting again this week, and was wondering if anyone could help me?is joyous lake still open?and does levon still play there or somewhere in town on wednesdays?would sure love to see him.thanks

Posted on Sat Dec 16 08:37:16 CET 2000 from 1cust189.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.189)

Crabgrass

The definitive versions of "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "Blowin' In The Wind" were recorded by Peter, Paul, and Mary on their third album titled IN THE WIND which propelled Bob Dylan into the spotlight as a songwriter of worth. PP&M were managed by Albert Grossman who got involved with Dylan, and later on with The Band. I believe that Dylan also wrote the liner notes to IN THE WIND.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 07:37:17 CET 2000 from spider-wj023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.28)

Tommy

I have a book called "Get Back;The Unauthorized Chronicle Of 'The Beatles' Let It Be Disaster" (...whew...) It is a detailed run down and description of ALL the songs and conversations recorded during the making of the 'Let It Be' movie. There is ample mention of the fellas talking about 'The Band' during the recordings and even mention of them playing/jamming on some songs (like 'The Weight', 'To Kingdome Come', 'I Shall Be Released', and I few others that escape me.). It is a good book, but probably only for die hard Beatles' fans...check it out! How come none of THAT was on the Anthology??? Later, people...

Posted on Sat Dec 16 04:44:15 CET 2000 from d186.as1.nwbl0.wi.voyager.net (169.207.130.252)

John

All this talk about the Beatles has renewed my interest in obtaining some of bootlegs where they covered several Band tunes. Does anyone know where one can obtain a copy? Also, besides To Kingdom Come, what other Band songs did they record? Unfortunately my sound card is giving me nightmares so I can't even listen to the clip that is on this site. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 04:19:38 CET 2000 from spider-ti041.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.191)

ghost rider

Don't Think Twice, It's All Right: Eric Clapton at the Dylan Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden

Posted on Sat Dec 16 02:50:46 CET 2000 from hunt175-185.optonline.net (167.206.175.185)

Bayou Sam

Twilight = reading your last post reminded me of some boot recordings I have of The Beatles working on the song All Things Must Pass. They are heard working on the layered, ascending harmonies on the chorus. I never thought of it before, but there is a definate touch of The Weight in there - cool.

Brien Sz = I saw a Stevie Ray Vaugn concert on TV one night where he did Vodoo Child. I have always been of the thinking that Jimi's sound and feeling could never be duplicated - but SRV seemed to find that zone in this instance. I was stunned. It was soooooo good.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 02:14:33 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Stevie Ray Vaughn's, Mary Had A Little Lamb, beats anyone I've known to sing it or play it. I'm also partial to his Vodoo Child. And I know this is heresy to some but YES does a kickin' version of Simon and Garfunkels 'America'. And Lenny Kravitz rips it on his American Woman-hands down!

Posted on Sat Dec 16 01:46:28 CET 2000 from (129.237.77.56)

RPence

...to get more political, Preselect Bush is on the record as liking Van Morrison...I've no idea of his thoughts on the Band, but I know Gore is a fan and my opinion of him went up when I learned about that...who smoked more grass while listening to "4%pantomime" (all hail that classic), Gore or Bush?...speaking of "4%pantomime" it's really the only song on Cahoots where Richard sounds happy...on "last of the blacksmiths" is also great, even greater because of the song's problems, but it's a strong candidate for least fun rock and roll song of all time, just as "cripple creek," "don't do it," and "carnival" are contenders for most fun rock and roll songs of all time...a few nights ago I walked through the snow in Kansas, with "Forever Young" from the Complete Last Waltz coming loud through my walkman headphones...pretty sublime accompaniment, especially with Robbie clawing at his guitar strings like a trapped cat...I don't know if anyone will agree but I think Levon's performance dominates the Last Waltz in all its versions, ironic considering his expressed opinions...it may be true that Robbie coasted on some songs because he had overdubbing in mind, but he is blazing on others, and he sure isn't the only one who's overdubbed...I would like to read some first-hand memories of the Last Waltz; is there anywhere in the Guestbook archives where such a discussion has happened? Thanks for listening...

Posted on Sat Dec 16 01:26:45 CET 2000 from pm453-41.dialip.mich.net (198.110.20.195)

twilight

going back a few days, someone mentioned the similarities between the beatles "don't let me down" & "the weight". I like the connection - I love both of the songs. I think the former is one of John Lennon's finest moments, and the latter is in a class by itself. Since I'm into Harrsion these days, check out the song "All Things Must Pass". There is an early take of this with George by himself that landed on the third anthology disc. He was working on it around the time he went to Woodstock, and he's said it was heavily band influenced. Anyway, towards the end of the song there is pause and a nice tip of the hat to the Band. And - the guitar chords are very closely related to "I Shall Be Released" . I thank whomever for the reissue date for ALMP. I'll be saving for it.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 01:04:14 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc042.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.167)

Bayou Sam

Another cover that I always liked better than the original is The Rolling Stones doing "Ain't Too Proud To Beg".

I bet The Band could have covered that one nicely as well.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 00:59:30 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc042.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.167)

Bayou Sam

Leon did YoungBLOOD at Bangladesh in a meledy with Jumpin' Jack Flash. It' one of my favorite parts.

I'm sure I have a book somewhere with a photo or two of George sitting in Dylans house. He's sitting with an acoustic guitar and Bob is there sitting on a chair or something. I'll have to look for it. I'm pretty sure I have boot recordings of some of the playing from that visit too.

I don't think I've ever heard Michael Jacksons version of Come Together - thank God. Aerosmith did a nice cover of that song.

Lennon did a nice cover of Stand By Me back in '75.

With all this solo Beatle talk lately - Paul hasn't come up much. He put out a really nice CD that seemed to go un-noticed not too long ago, calledRun Devil Run. It was mostly cover tunes from the 50's, with a few originals. It shows Paul's voice to be in really good shape. He also has David Gilmour on guitar and Ian Paice (Deep Purple) on drums. It's a real rockin' collection.

I wore my Garth shirt to work the other day and waited for someone to ask who Garth Hudson is so I could tell them - nobody asked. Bastards.

Posted on Sat Dec 16 00:40:49 CET 2000 from 1cust170.tnt1.topeka.ks.da.uu.net (63.39.63.170)

Dexy

Bashful Bill mentiond Linda Rondstadt's great cover of "Allison." If I'm not mistaken, it appears on her masterpiece album "Don't Cry Now," along with "Willin'", "Sail Away" and "Colorado," the Rick Roberts tune. If I'm right that all of those are on the same album, that might make it the best cover album ever (or so I say). Band connection: Rondstadt to Roberts to Hillman to Byrds to Dylan to The Band!

Posted on Sat Dec 16 00:37:44 CET 2000 from atmax-9-12.enter.net (207.16.154.160)

Little Brøther

-- I'll bite my stubby fingers and refrain from a pyroclastic eruption of political commentary, except to note that the verse "Pepote Rouge, come down from the mountain..." is more apropos than ever.

"Now disbelief / And mass confusion
Spreading wild / All across the land..."

OK, and I can't resist a non-partisan quote from an article in Salon.com: "Television is never more nauseating than when it slips imperceptibly into its role as quasi-official national nanny, instructing the unruly masses in correct civic comportment."

-- Be all that as it may, I have to reply to Brown Eyed Girl that even though I don't know the alternate covers she listed, I can't imagine anyone IMPROVING on Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "I Second That Emotion". One of the nice things about acquiring CD collections of Top-40 Hits (which I chide myself is a "guilty pleasure", but it really isn't) is that one can usually hear so much more detail, and it can be a real joy. Especially with songs you think you "know" from hearing them a million times in passing on (AM) radio, or even in social settings like parties, mixers, whatever.

Anyway, I had that experience a while back with "Emotion". I KNEW I liked it, I sort of knew it had tight, distinctive lyrics, arrangement, and beat, and top-notch performances, but the stereo mix through headphones really brought it home!

So my question to the musicologists among us is: WHO is playing those great guitar licks and fills? I don't think it's a Tele, but it has a crisp, tasty ring throughout. If I ever met Robbie-- provided he was in the mood to converse-- I'd ask him his opinion. To me, the guitar part is truly sublime. Understated (ergo my relating it to Robbie) but all the richer for it. Not "rhythm" guitar in the strumming or chord chopping sense, but very much part of the motion; yet not exactly "lead" in an out-front soloing way.

Mmmmm... must stop clacking keys now... must go listen...

Posted on Sat Dec 16 00:04:49 CET 2000 from spider-wq022.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.146)

Bashful Bill

Thanks Browneyed Girl, I might have known you would have known the status of Cowboy Junkies. I got turned on to them the same way-through their cover of Sweet Jane. I saw their video on VH1, bought their 1st 3 albums and a tasty boot then lost track of them.(BTW, BEG, my last name isn't Munson) On the covers thread, I love the Linda Rondstadt version of Alison(Elvis Costello). David Sanborn blows a nice little solo on that one(I know he has a few detractors around here, but I like him). In fact, Linda wouldn't have a career without covers. Warren Zevon and Buddy Holly's estate have made a lot of $ from her 70's albums. A few years ago we purchased an album of Linda's titled Dedicated To The One I Love. The title song as well as In My Room, Be My Baby, Baby I Love You,and believe it or not Queen's We Will Rock You are sung as lullaby's as well as a few more traditional lullaby's. Backed on a few tunes by Symphonies, on others by only piano, harp, or various glass instruments, it was for a long time my son's frequent first choice of bedtime CD. Now 6 1/2, he is already moving into N Sync and Backstreet Boys. Recently he has been disdainful of The Beatles revival, but I'm working on him. At least he likes the Beach Boys.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 23:42:05 CET 2000 from spider-wa084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.59)

Beth R

BTW, I was trying to suggest to give the Waymore's Blues Pt. II cd a listen, but it didn't quite come out that way......

Posted on Fri Dec 15 23:34:12 CET 2000 from spider-wa084.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.59)

Beth R

Just catching up on all of the latest posts and noticed Waylon's name coming up. Mattk, you said that you don't like him after '70, but his cd "Waymore's Blues Pt. II" was produced by Don Was who really woke Waylon up. The cd is fresh and alive; much more than any other of his more recent cds (and sadly that includes the one after this little jolt of creativity).

Plus, for someone who doesn't like Elvis at all, do you notice how much you talk about him? Buying Dread Zeppelin cds? That's an active fascination with the man if you're watching parodies. Why do you put so much effort into someone you don't like? We all know the opposite of love is indifference, not hate. So you must like the King just a little bit? HM??! :) --Beth

Posted on Fri Dec 15 23:29:11 CET 2000 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Amanda

re. covers...Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix or Boris and his Bolshi Balalakai?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 22:48:58 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

howq about leon russell's cover of young girl at the concert for bangladesh. hey it even ties in the harrison thread. i'm so economical with my posts, i could just plutz!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 22:28:28 CET 2000 from (202.86.131.71)

supratik

Hi Ches !

Great to see ya here.

peace to all

supratik

Posted on Fri Dec 15 22:08:14 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

As much as I love the Junkie's version of Powderfinger, and I do agree that it's better than Neil's original, Neil did the seminal version of this song, IMHO on the "Weld" half of his Arc/Weld live compilation.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 21:57:56 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

PLEASE PLEASE NO POLITICS!! It's ugly enough around here with this whole Levon Hates Robbie theme.

Jan: What was the prize??

Posted on Fri Dec 15 20:38:04 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tb021.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.26)

franko

Was I the only one who thought of Garth ("fixin' a screen door") when, during Gore's "it's time for me to go now" speech he spoke of "mendin' fences" in Tennessee? I was scroungin' around a local guitar shop last week, midlife crisis still in full swing, looking for do-dads to go along with my recently purchased telecaster, and happily stumbled upon the sheet music to "Dixie." I've been fiddling around with my tele and Dixie (that sounds weird!) most nights after the house is tucked in (the guitar is a surprise present to me from my wife - so the kids can't know that I know that it exists) and have been resisting the urge to parody again - "back with no job in Tennessee, when Tipper she calls to me, Albert quick...." the possiblities are as endless as the chads and dimples on a Florida punch card ballot. Matt, "don't blame me I voted for Nader" was the best line I've read in here in a while.

For the guitarists out there I hear there's an article on Jim Weider in this month's Vintage Guitar magazine. I haven't seen it yet. I've been addicted to Robbies work on ROA for the past several weeks and am pretty sure that in thirty years or so I'll be able to play about half of what he did.

I could use some help naming my guitar. What do you all think of Patricia?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 20:21:33 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Peter Viney: I did not include Jim Weider's version of "Many Rivers To Cross" because I do not have this song in my music collection as well as "Love Hurts" by Nazareth. Otherwise, all of my posts concerning various song versions included songs that I have in my own collection only.

As far as "Sweet Jane" is concerned I would disagree with you in that I love all of the versions by Lou Reed which includes the original (1970) with the Velvet Underground from "Loaded" - 3:55 playing time, "Rock and Roll Animal" - 10:17 ( I met the drummer Pentii Glan at a Danko and Helm show at the Pearcy House in Toronto), "Take No Prisoners" - someone from the audience yells out, "Radio Ethiopia", referring to Patti Smith's recording, Lou yells back, "fuck "Radio Ethiopia", this is radio Brooklyn, I ain't no snob man"....

Bill Munson:Yes the Cowboy Junkies are still around. They come from Montreal Canada. I used to see them all the time in Toronto clubs. It was their version of "Sweet Jane" that caught my attention. I bought their tape when Lou Reed said that it was the best version of "Sweet Jane" that he was aware of. They also do a great version of Hank Williams, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" on the same recording. This recording was recorded live at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 19:09:56 CET 2000 from (195.124.124.254)

Elmar

Hi out there, has anyone heard something about a DVD-release of "The Last Waltz"?! I hope they will do it soon ... cu, Elmar

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:57:36 CET 2000 from du-tele3-007.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.7)

Peter Viney

David Powell: I'd guessed it was this! The major Rolling Stone Robertson interviews appeared in December 1969 and November 1991. In both magazines the other major music article is about Miles Davis. When Musician interviewed Robbie in 1991 the lead article was about - you’ve guessed it - Miles Davis.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:53:33 CET 2000 from du-tele3-007.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.7)

Peter Viney

Sweet Jane: definitely the Rock & roll Animal Tour – but I’d say live at Southampton Guildhall beats even the released live version. No, you haven’t heard it and as far as I know there’s no bootleg, so neither have I in 28 years, but I was there. So you’ll just have to believe my memory :-) But definitely not the “full version” on the “Fully Loaded Edition” of “Loaded.”

No Woman No cry: The Lyceum version is the best known (from Live!) and also my all-time favourite live recording of anyone. You need the early CD, as the remaster tones down the mic feedback just before “… along the way …” and the scream of feedback is an essential part of the feel.

Stir It Up: Johnny Nash’s version first gave Marley a hit, but it’s not a contender. Has to be the “Catch A Fire” take. Bought it on the day of release and played it like the brown album on release. These three tracks are ones I defy you not to dance to.

Powderfinger: Cowboy Junkies over the Neil Young original for me.

Cryin’: yes, the k.d.lang / Roy Orbison duet, but then I saw her do it solo, and that was sublime, a show-stopper. I’d have to say k.d.lang on her own.

Brown Eyed-Girl: possibly Van last Saturday night.

Many Rivers to Cross: B.E.G. forgot the Jim Weider version, which also appears on live Band tapes.

Politics. Yesterday’s Guardian had George Bush’s Guide to Foreign Policy. Seems he’s going to get the IRA to review the American tax system. He’ll be very concerned about Yugoslavia and the Baltic crisis. But if Latvia and Lithuania and Estonia join the EC, it seems as if the Balkans will be OK. Oh, and Canada is a town where Americans sometimes go for winter vacation. Greece must be a cheerful place, because every time he mentions The Grecians in speeches the audience laughs. Just to be even-handed, British newspaper headlines thoroughly enjoyed Bill Clinton’s pub lunch in Notting Hill yesterday. He enjoyed a hearty meal, then his party got up and left without paying. Though one writer was kind enough to say that he deserved a free meal, especially as his interest in resolving the problems of Northern Ireland will be genuinely and sorely missed.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:52:21 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

MattK

Hmm, David, I thought it was going to be the fact that RR (with the Band) and Miles played at the Hollywood Bowl once (with Miles opening). I figured the Cherynobyl reference was an allegory to Rick's descriptions of terrified Band fans on LSD trying to make heads or tails of "Bitches Brew" era Miles, whose glasses at the time made him look like a giant, irradiated, mutant bug.

The Scrooged thing is probably more in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, however.

Matt (don't blame me, I voted for Nader) K

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:33:30 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Mike Carrico's answer was correct. Although I've recently been accused of being a "Robbie basher", I do have most of the soundtrack album's he's done and enjoy listening to them. This is the time of year that the "Scrooged" album goes into heavy rotation.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:17:08 CET 2000 from dh115225.bennington.edu (12.16.115.225)

john

does anyone have a copy of the COMPLETE last waltz. if you don't, or you don't want to sell yours, do you know where i can get one?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 18:04:16 CET 2000 from (12.33.179.162)

twilight

Hello again. I've seen a picture of George Harrison in Woodstock in 68. He's clean-shaven and sitting with Dylan - maybe a Landy photo? I'm loving the info on George - I'd love to hear anything else anybody has heard. Oh yeah - Miss AHROO! Thanks so much for sharing your political opinions with us. On your Robbie fan page, your usual blather is about how great Robbie looks, where he dines after big hollywood events, and what "Dom" is doing these days. Obviously, your much deeper. And a republican to boot!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 17:36:43 CET 2000 from user-37kadj5.dialup.mindspring.com (207.69.54.101)

Joe Corbitt

Back in early '69 there was an add for this festival in New York, a three day gig which was pretty common in those days.

I friend of mine, who was living in Texas suggested we get tickets ($20 if I recall) for day two because that was the day The Band was scheduled. We would fly up to NY via United Airline Youth Fairs and stay with an old family friend of his.

Somehow we never got there. I couldn't make the trip at all and I got a letter fron him a few days later bithing and moaning about the huge crowds and how they'd obstructed something he'd long set his heart on, that is, seeing The Band perform. He made film of himself and his old buddy wandering around New York city for three days. We kept the unused tickets for years till they finally disappeared in the act of both of us moving around the country.

We both got to see the Band perform many times over the years. At least once was together when they backed Dylan on tour again in the early seventies. I saw them by myself about two weeks before Richard Manuel died, in a little hall in Atlanta. But we missed the gig of the millinium.

Such is my memory of Woodstock.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 17:12:32 CET 2000 from (212.10.145.55)

Ches

Hi all... Thanks for this tremendous site! It is the best on the intire Internet. I would just like to hear if anybody wanted to trade some Band boots? Well, I only got a few, but I got loads of Dylan. Please e-mail me for my list... Cheers! ps. Ikke et ord om håndbold! ;-)

Posted on Fri Dec 15 17:09:46 CET 2000 from ts1-33.madisoncounty.net (208.237.89.33)

PhilMcGarrah

THESE GUYS ROCK!!!!!!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 17:04:16 CET 2000 from ts1-33.madisoncounty.net (208.237.89.33)

PhilMcGarrah

THESE GUYS ROCK!!!!!!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 17:02:47 CET 2000 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

David P - Miles & Robbie are both on the "Scrooged" soundtrack - is that it?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 16:52:21 CET 2000 from a6b018.pds.dal.ca (129.173.6.61)

Iain

I don't know if it's been said already, but my favorite cover is Joe Cocker doing A Little Help From My Friends. It's the only cover of a Beatles song that I think is better than the original.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 16:48:25 CET 2000 from (206.186.16.78)

Rick K

Leon Russell's name has come up a coupla times lately, so I just haveta add two of my favorite covers he did:

"Beware of Darkenss" and "Hard Rain's gonna fall".

Why he ain't in the RnRHOF is past me.

Dileas gu Brath

Rick K

Posted on Fri Dec 15 16:42:49 CET 2000 from a6b018.pds.dal.ca (129.173.6.61)

Iain

Even "right-wingers" can have a flash of insight every so often.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 16:41:12 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

"You're a hallucination, brought on by alcohol -- Russian vodka -- poisoned by Chernobyl!"

To mark the official closing of the Chernobyl atomic power plant and in the spirit of the holidays, here's a trivia question for everyone:

What do Miles Davis and Robbie Robertson have in common? The quote above is a clue.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 15:59:02 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

"michelle", beatles,or our friends at muzak?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 15:56:49 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

a howling storm with temps at -50 with wind chill here in saskatchewan. why anyone would be "running back to saskatoon" amazes me.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 15:56:09 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

I have to admit, I prefer The Beat's ska version of Tears of a Clown to the original.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 14:25:10 CET 2000 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

"Shipbuilding" by Elvis Costello or Robert Wyatt? I can never make up my mind.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 13:28:27 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

One of my all time favourite Lou Reed versions of "Sweet Jane" is "Take No Prisoners" which was recorded live at the Bottom Line in N.Y.C - Lou is not only a musician and song writer but he's a comedian on this recording.

"Wonderful World" by Sam Cooke or Bryan Ferry?

"The Track Of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles or Bryan Ferry or Linda Ronstadt or Gladys Knight and the Pips?

"I Second That Emotion" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles or Japan?

"Stand By Me" by Benny King or Willy DeVille?

"Georgia On My Mind" by Ray Charles or James Brown?

"I Wish It Would Rain" by Gladys Knight and the Pips or Humble Pie?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 13:20:29 CET 2000 from spider-th042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.62)

Bashful Bill

Thanks for that info, Bayou Sam. On the covers thread,on Music For All Occasions, The Mavericks play a nice version of Somethin' Stupid. Trisha Yearwood duets with Raul Malo, as any of you Mavericks fans know she was married to their bass player for a while. And not only is Lou's live Rock&Roll Animal Sweet Jane my favorite version of that song, it may just be my favotite Lou cut, period. Cowboy Junkies did do a nice version though. They are one of the bands I always wanted to see live. Are they still together?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 11:50:00 CET 2000 from spider-tp021.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.181)

Tommy

Hello friends, (i'm typing this REEEEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLL slow!) I couldn't read the last few posts cause I am DRUNK!!!!!!!!!!!! Just thought you would all like to know...(Ya'll should be drunk too!!!) Your pal and mine, ~Tommy from Brooklyn!!! (P.S. You will never believe the corrections I made to this post while I was typing in a drunken stupor!!!!)

Posted on Fri Dec 15 11:38:38 CET 2000 from kir.karkkila.fi (194.211.205.77)

Kalervo

Markku (a Finn?):Yes Maria McKee is great. Really powerful singer, and an ambitous artist. Another sublime singer was Jeff Buckley, whose unofficial version of Young Lovers Do is as good as Maria' s and Van' s. Kalervo

Posted on Fri Dec 15 10:10:36 CET 2000 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Sweet Jane: I would not forget Lone Justice's version either.
The Way Young Lovers Do: not an easy choise, but I just have to say Maria McKee. One may also want to check out her acoustic demo of that song (available on some singles).

(I guess this message could be filed under my "periodical McKee promotions")

Posted on Fri Dec 15 09:35:38 CET 2000 from 1cust157.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.157)

Crabgrass

The Beatles' "Come Together" or Michael Jackson's cover? (This is a tough one.)

The Liberals didn't complain about the Roe vs. Wade decision because it was the right one - I didn't think that needed an explanation. Surprised to see so many Right Wingers are into The Band.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 07:20:19 CET 2000 from ip169.portland.me.pub-ip.psi.net (38.11.101.169)

mattk

Richard P., you caught my mistake - "Three Hours Past Midnight" was written by Johnny Guitar Watson, and it was indeed Earl King's "Lonely Lonely Nights," to which I was referring.

By the way, Roomful of Blues has a terrific version of "Three Hours" on their Live and Lupo's album form the mid-80s, which features a blistering solo by Ronnie Earl (on who's next album Levon is sitting in we're told - can't wait).

Posted on Fri Dec 15 06:58:53 CET 2000 from ip137.portland.me.pub-ip.psi.net (38.11.101.137)

mattk

I may have mentioned this before, but I used to be in a band that covered "Sweet Jane" (who wasn't in a band that covered that song?). Thing is, in the same mode as David's "Stairway to Freebird," we grouped it with two other overplayed covers, "Twist and Shout" and "La Bamba" - so the chorus went something like:

La la la la bamba (sweet jane)
Twist and shout (sweet jane)
la la la la bamba (sweet jane)
C'mon and work it on out

Of course, this is the same band that intermingled BTO's "Takin' Care of Business" with REO Speedwagon's "Riding the Storm" out and "Hava Nagila"

And we wondered why we were never signed...

Posted on Fri Dec 15 06:56:01 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Richard Patterson: "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley and the Wailers Live! or Bob Marley and the Wailers "Natty Dread" or Bob Marley and the Wailers "Live at the Roxy"?

"Love Hurts" by Nazareth or Gram Parsons with Emmylou Harris or Roy Orbison?

"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" by Dylan and the Band "Before the Flood" or "Dylan at Budokan" or "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Volume 2"?

"Sweet Jane" by Velvet Underground "Loaded" or Velvet Underground "Live MCMXC111 or Lou Reed with Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner on guitars or Cowboy Junkies (Lou has said that he likes this Canadian group's version the best)?

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison "TB Sheets" or "The Bang Masters"?

"Young Lovers Do" by Van Morrison and Maria McKee are my choices.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 06:16:29 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109169.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.100)

Richard Patterson

I didn't mention Jimmy Webb or Paul Young doing "Love Hurts", but I don't own those two versions :-)

Posted on Fri Dec 15 05:47:26 CET 2000 from spider-wa024.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.29)

Bayou Sam

Bashful Bill = none of The Band members are on Ringo's Photograph. There are some great players on there though, like George on 12 string acoustic, Nicky Hopkins on piano, Klaus Voorman on bass, and the Barnburners own Bobby Keyes on sax. George and Ringo co-wrote the tune.... One other cool thing about the "Ringo" album that The Band plays on - on the album cover there is a drawing of a large group of people sitting behind Ringo (reminiscent of Sgt. Pepper) - among the characters in the crowd are likeness' of the musicians that play on the album. Right in the center are, John & Yoko, Paul & Linda, and George. Just next to them are the Band.

Mike Carrico = I always liked those George Harrison pseudenoms (spelling?). Another one that surprised me was on All Things Must Pass, the backup singers listed as the George O'Hara singers is George. He is doing all the backup vocals on My Sweet Lord.

Bob R. = I picked up that Carl Perkins video at the Beatlefest a few years back. Isn't it great. I think the folks in here would enjoy that, if they can find it. George even digs out a great old Gretch from the old days.

Another big name that plays on All Things Must Pass = Peter Frampton

Someone mentioned The Ballad of John and Yoko. Forgive me if this is common knowledge, but did you know that it's just John and Paul on that tune? John on guitars, and Paul on bass, piano, and drums. I always liked that song a little bit more because it was these two musical giants really clicking together for one of the last times.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 05:17:20 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109169.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.100)

Richard Patterson

BROWN EYED GIRL: I have increased the difficulty facter on a few of these, and reduced it on others...

No Woman No Cry: Bob Marley - which version?
Gloria: Them, The Doors, Patti Smith or Van Morrison?

Love Hurts: Pat Boone, Boy George & Culture Club, Jim Capaldi, Cher, Jaunita Dailey, Lacy J.Dalton, Everly Brothers, Hall & Oates, Emmylou Harris, Emmylou Harris/Carl Jackson, Heart, Ipso Facto, Jack Frost, Joan Jett, Jon B., Lawless, Little Milton, Lsg ( Levert*Gerald / Sweat*Keith / Gill*Johnny ), Don Mclean, Nazareth, Juice Newton, Stina Nordenstam, Roy Orbison, Osborne Brothers, Out Of The Grey, Elaine Paige, Gram Parsons, Suzi Quatro, Reel 2 Real, Kristi Rose & Midnight Walkers, Pete Sandberg, Smokie, Swell, Three Bad Jacks, Tones On Tail, or Ralph Tresvant?

Don't Think Twice It's Alright: Bob Dylan - which version?
Young Lovers Do: Van Morrison (haha - no choosing allowed!)
Sweet Jane: Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, Mott the Hoople, Jim Carol or Cowboy Junkies?
Brown Eyed Girl: Van Morrison, Everclear or Eveready?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 04:58:33 CET 2000 from user-33qta9p.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.169.57)

Pat Brennan

The greatest cover song ever performed: Annie Lennox doing Marley's "Wait In Vain."

Regarding the election: meet the new boss, same as the old boss, literally.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 04:54:55 CET 2000 from dorms.ursinus.edu (192.204.106.3)

XRman16

The two new items are The Chaps covers of "Jemima Surrender" and "To Kingdom Come" on 45 Single (1969).

Posted on Fri Dec 15 04:28:17 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

E. Costello's name has appeared recently on these pages.
This Years Model is a desert island cd.
This may be a stretch, but what about the '80's Band backing Costello on all the great songs on 'Imperial Bedroom'?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:52:09 CET 2000 from spider-we081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.56)

Dave Z

Great contest Jan!... It has made me re-appreciate how much good stuff is actually on this site... and realize how much of it I have yet to enjoy... anyway, I guess there's a lot that looks new to me... especially the Richard demo audio track... and some great '69 photos by Serge... but that can't be right... Take care...

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:51:48 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

I say we call it Chest Fever. Do I win?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:47:47 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

I think I have it. For hours I thought chaps was the answer. I just figured out Jan's clues. Chest Fever!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:37:57 CET 2000 from 1cust136.tnt1.topeka.ks.da.uu.net (63.39.63.136)

Dexy

Butch -- Would have loved to have seen the show. Thanks for your regular BB updates -- and get them into Middle America for a tour! RE: GEORGE again -- Has anyone ever come across any tapes, photos or films of George in Woodstock in '68 jamming at Big Pink? I saw the mention of Come Together -- is that available somewhere? I can't believe no one took any pictures.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:18:53 CET 2000 from jaxn3t01-du216.onewest.net (199.104.80.216)

jhwygirl

Posted on Fri Dec 15 03:15:51 CET 2000 from jaxn3t01-du216.onewest.net (199.104.80.216)

jhwygirl

AHROOO.....Bush might of been elected, but sure as hell didn't win this election

Unless, of course, you consider winning via The Supreme joke-of-a Court decision a win.

Posted on Fri Dec 15 02:58:04 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

"Spoonful" by Koko Taylor or Etta James or Cream?

("I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Otis Redding or Rolling Stones or Devo?

"Hard Rain" by Bob Dylan or Bryan Ferry?

"People Get Ready" by Curtis Mayfield or Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck?

"Soul Rebel" by Bob Marley or UB40?

"Stir It Up" by Bob Marley or Diana King?

"I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash or Jimmy Cliff?

"Roots Rock Reggae" by Bob Marley or Steven Tyler and Joe Perry?

"Many Rivers To Cross" by Jimmy Cliff or UB40?

"Pressure Drop" by Toots and the Maytals or Robert Palmer or the Clash?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 01:49:27 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Which versions do you like the best or the same from my music collection?

"No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley or Graham Parker or Garland Jeffreys?

"Gloria" by Them featuring Van Morrison or Patti Smith?

"Love Hurts" by ZZ Top(only song that I don't have in my collection)or Roy Orbison or Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris?

"Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" by Dylan or Mike Ness?

"The Way Young Lovers Do" by Van Morrison or Maria McKee?

"Sweet Jane" by Velvet Underground featuring Lou Reed or Lou Reed solo on "Rock and Roll Animal" or Cowboy Junkies?

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison or Everclear?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 01:18:50 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc024.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.159)

jcf

During the performance of Foreevr Young from the last Waltz, Dylan does a shrug like gesture to Robbie I think, after singin the line about doing to others as others do to you. Does anyone know the significance of that?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 01:05:46 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109169.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.100)

Richard Patterson

MATTK: Cover Quiz

Save It For Later: The Beat
Fever: Little Willie John
Leave Your Hat On: Randy Newman (DJMITCHISON, you're right, no contest)
Peace Love and Understanding: Elvis Costello (Trick question right?)
Three Hours Past Midnight: (don't know it - from 'These Lonely, Lonely Nights', 1955?)
Holy Cow: Lee Dorsey (although I love uhh... Rick singing anything)
Jersey Girl: Tom Waits (Holly Cole version, puke!)

How about the Band doing Nick Lowe's "Love So Fine"?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 01:04:37 CET 2000 from 18.mercerville-21-22rs.nj.dial-access.att.net (12.78.148.18)

carmen

How about "Knocken on Heavens Door"

Dylan, Clapton or Guns and Roses?

My opinion, I like them all!

Posted on Fri Dec 15 00:29:19 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp109.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.109)

Diamond Lil

Ok..let me try this one more time.

Cover of "tears of rage" on an album called "full circle"/Cover of "Dixie" on a album called "Ill gotten booty". And yes Regis..that's my final answer :-)

Posted on Fri Dec 15 00:16:40 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp109.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.109)

Diamond Lil

Hey Jan..How bout the cover of "The night they drove old Dixie Down" on a little album called "Ill gotten booty"?

Posted on Fri Dec 15 00:04:23 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Elections? What? You mean they are STILL going on??? That thing is old news or at least should be. Over a month and this thing remains to be seen as something serious. Who would even want to become President of this farcial Broadway show? I figured Bush won it the first day the elections went on, and on, and on,....etc. Why blame anybody when people can make up their own minds. That's what we are entitled to, aren't we? There are at least three parties that we can choose from when voting and those are Republicans, Democrats, and Independent. Now, has anyone said anything against Nader? He got some votes in Florida too.

What does it say when the democrats are blaming certain races for not voting right and fourth graders who can read a ballot which so-called adults can't figure out? Maybe the US government should start thinking of lowering the age level of voters to 8 or 9. The democrats lost. Gore couldn't even win in his own state of Tennessee, nor could they reach out to Arkansas. Hey, aren't New Yorkers overjoyed in having Hillary as Senator? I don't see favoritism or stealing with Jeb Bush as Governor. Florida picked him in the first place. What does that say? I wonder what other countries think of the latest events with our so-called leaders who supposedly look only towards the interest of their people.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 23:44:45 CET 2000 from fe0-0.cache-01.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.0.5)

Gene

How 'bout Levon singing 'Instant Karma'?

Posted on Thu Dec 14 23:28:33 CET 2000 from spider-tf063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.203)

Linda

.J.H. . are they . under the audio files .cover versions of Band Tunes and Misc. samples..

Posted on Thu Dec 14 23:20:01 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

combining recent threads:

The Band covering "The Ballad of John and Yoko." Levon's and Rick's voices would have been wonderful, and the groove is perfect for that Band R/B shuffle take - I'm thinking Richard on drums.

Obviously the lyrics would be a bit weird, but in the vain of my earlier posting about covers taking on new dimensions in another artist's voice, having The Band singing "They're Gonna Crucify Me..." would give the tune a less self-conscious feel, providing they could avoid making it sound like a complete parody.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 22:55:50 CET 2000 from r-173.57.alltel.net (166.102.173.57)

Kevin Gilbertson

The Chaps doing covers of Jemima Surrender and To Kingdom Come!!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 22:50:55 CET 2000 from m198214181226.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.226)

that Pehr Smith again...

Lead vocals on Band songs?

Posted on Thu Dec 14 22:39:37 CET 2000 from m198214181226.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.226)

Pehr

I checked out "The Weight" off "Before the Flood" and I stand by it being my favorite version. I LOVE Rick's vocal and Richard's piano and Garth turned up loud. It has a magic spontaneity to it that comes after you've played a song 1,000 times.

shame on me for bringin' up the election, but I cant resist: My take is that it might be better for the next four years to have 'em on the inside of the tent pissin' out than on the outside pissin' in!

congratulations to my republican friends out there, esp. Carmen! happy holidays!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 21:53:51 CET 2000 from spider-tn023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.53)

Bashful Bill

Playin GB catchup here, not online much these days. Some GREAT threads over the last 4 or 5 days I would have loved to get in on-Hank Williams(Peter Viney, I'm shocked! Shocked I say!), covers of Band songs(real and imaginary), cover songs in general, George Harrison. I don't have time to throw out any opinions right now, but I do have a question that Bayou Sam or some of the other Beatles aficiandos around here can probaly answer: are any Band members playing or singing on Ringo's early hit Photograph? Thanks in advance.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 21:27:23 CET 2000 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Rod and BWNWIT: My theory is that BSAFM was picked to end the CD because it is so remeniscent of "Happy Trails To You" as sung by Roy and Dale at the end of each episode.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 21:18:38 CET 2000 from spider-tf044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.194)

Linda

Dear J.H. , ........I want my X-mas present. but I need more clues. What's new..?

Posted on Thu Dec 14 20:29:36 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Walcott, the album with the celebrity covers (including, I believe a Leonard Nemoy cover "house of the rising sun") is called "Golden Throats." It was distributed by Rhino, and I believe there were at least three volumes. Last I checked, you could still purchase these from CDNOW or Amazon.com.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 20:24:26 CET 2000 from wc1-int1.nbnet.nb.ca (198.164.200.214)

WS Walcott13

Cover versions. The night the lights went out in Georgia= Viki Lawrence or Reba McIntyre? To close to call. But I would leave to hear Bing Crosbys version of Hey Jude. Seriously, a few years ago an album was put together with cover versions that were supposedly quite hillarious. Bing was on it, as was William Shatner singing Mr. Tambourine Man and a bunch of other weird covers by singers/actors. Would love to get a copy of that. BTW Rod Stewarts version of Broken Arrow sucks.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 20:24:10 CET 2000 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Back with no wife in Tennessee , I prefer The Band's version of Blues Stay Away from Me but I agree that it was not the best way to end Jericho. Like you say Shine A Light would have provided a high note to end on. Blues almost seems like a bonus track tacked on the end.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 19:50:07 CET 2000 from host-209-214-118-181.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.181)

Back with no wife in Tennessee

Within a few months back in - '93? - I inadvertently came into possesion of three different versions of "Blues, Stay Away From Me," which I had never heard before. There was the Jericho version, Mark Knopfler's Notting Hillbillies, and Jeff Beck and the Bigtown Playboys doing a rockabilly Cliff Gallup version. I have to say, I think maybe the Hillbillies are the best, followed by Jeff Beck. I never did like The Band's version all that much, it's really plodding. I thought it really brought down the end of Jericho after "Shine A Light," and that they should have ended on that instead.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 19:16:51 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

On the subject of song covers -- when my friend Steve and I perform, we often receive the insipid requests to play "Stairway To Heaven" and "Freebird". As true disciples of the right Rev. Billy C. Wirth, we often counter with a version called "Stairway To Freebird", which features the lyrics to "Freebird" sung to the melody of "Stairway To Heaven". Rather than inspiring the audience to raise ignited lighters, we incur hissing and the wrath of indignant customers. But what the hell, music's supposed to be fun. It's not like rocket science, or worse yet, politics. Oh, by the way -- Never hire a drummer from Florida. They have trouble keeping the beat, because they can't count.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 18:38:41 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I feel like I'm at the wrong place. Is this ELECTION2000.com?? Let's get back to the music.

Butch: Thanks for the update. Sounds like a heck of a show! Any more word on the BB's new CD??

Posted on Thu Dec 14 18:34:20 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

That said, I like Randy's version better as well. The sparse piano treatment highlights the tension better than Cocker's horn driven R&B version. Cocker's vocal treatment is outstanding, however.

For Stairway, I'm partial to the Dred Zepplini version myself, which is a reggae styled take featuring a vocal by a would-be Elvis impersonator. They're first two albums are fantastic, and they were a great group to catch live when they focused on the Elvis/Zepplin thing with original singer "Tortelvis" doing a remarkable job at emulating a mixture of Robert Plants screeching and an over-the-top Elvis vocal modeled on his deteriorated 1970s persona.

Later, Dread Zepplin dumped "Tortelvis" for a svelter, more versatile lead singer and broadened their scope to reggae versions of disco songs and some originals. Personally, I find these later efforts not nearly as interesting. At this point, I'm not even sure they are still together.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 18:28:32 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

DJMitchison makes a great point regarding covers. Inevitably, versions that are covers often "miss the point" from the composer's point of view. However, it often speaks to the power of te songwriting that a song can take on new meaning when a new voice is applied. A matter of perspective, I suppose.

Randy Newman's work is particularly prone to this kind of "reinterpretation" as he usually does right from a first person perspective where the character is someone other than himself. Hence, songs like "lets drop the big one" or "short people" or even "i love la" are misconstrued by a listener that either identifies with the narrator in a positive light or they villify Newman himself believing that he reallly hates short people, advocates nuclear war or the various an sundry social dysfunctions that he parodies.

Ironically, DJMitchison brings up Zappa. Along with Randy Newman, Frank suffered from this same public misconception of his songs - many women believing that Frank's songs parodying testicular stupidity (Disco Boy, Titties and Beer, Dyna Moe Humm, etc) were simple misogynist attacks on women. In fact, as Frank pointed out over and over again, he was attacking stupidity of both sexes by participating in activities - with Frank usually blowing the whole thing up to a grand scale as is usually the case with good parody.

In the UK, this very misconception landed Frank in court on obsenity charges due to misconceptions regarding the nature and meaning of "Lonesome Cowboy Burt" among others.

BTW, DJMitchison mentions the version of Stairway to Heaven from "Best Band You Never Heard in Your Life" from Frank's last "rock" tour in 1988. That same record features killer versions of "Purple Haze" and "Sunshine of Your Love" done in similair fashion, but with the incredible Ike Willis singing in his Kingfish persona from the old "Amos and Andy" shows.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 17:33:57 CET 2000 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

...by the way, Frank Zappa's cover of "Stairway To Heaven", complete with 5-piece horn section playing Jimmy Page's guitar solo in unison, is even better than Rolf Harris's. On the same album, his band also does the definitive cover of Ravel's "Bolero".

"When A Man Loves A Woman" - Percy Sledge or Michael Bolton? Only joking, everyone...

Posted on Thu Dec 14 17:27:30 CET 2000 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

MattK - regarding "You Can Leave Your Hat On", Randy Newman's version is the only one worth considering. He played it in concert when I went to see him earlier this year, and afterwards mentioned the Joe Cocker and Tom Jones covers, saying that these versions missed the point - that this isn't a song about sex; it's the song of a weak, pathetic man who mumbles all of these instructions and never actually gets round to anything. The later covers, by transposing it to a higher key (thus allowing more bellowing vocals), turned it into a raunchy vehicle for macho posturing, something I've always considered to sound ill at ease with the slightly sinister lyrics of the third verse ("...I know what love is.")

A Newman cover that does surpass the original, however, is Harry Nilsson's sublime version of "I'll Be Home". Anyone who enjoys either artist should seek out the "Nilsson Sings Newman" album; only 26 minutes long but still one of the most satisfying albums I possess.

Not Band-related, but what is? (Don't answer that.)

Posted on Thu Dec 14 17:04:38 CET 2000 from (207.103.180.10)

Harry & Mim

Friends of the Band: Looking forward to meeting some of the Phila. area folks from the guestbook and the AOl Band Forum at the Tin Angel and North Star shows in January. A great way to start off the first yeart of the new millenium. 2000 really sucked (just look at the year end "highlights" on all those shows TV trots out every December...) The Barn Burners and the Cromatix (with keyboard wizard GH)will warm up those cold January nights just fine. See you in our town, Butch.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 16:44:40 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Well, here's another poll like Peter's. Same question, different songs:

"Save it for Later" - The Beat or Pete Townshend (Deep End version)

Fever - Peggy Lee, Kingsman, or Nevilles (or pick your fave, otherwise)

Leave Your Hat On - Randy Newman or Joe Cocker
(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace Love and Understanding - Nick Lowe or Elvis Costello
Three Hours Past Midnight - Earl King or Johnny "Guitar" Watson
Holy Cow - Lee Dorsey or The Band (ok ok with Richard OR Rick singing)
Jersey Girl - Tom Waits or Springsteen (live version)

Posted on Thu Dec 14 16:29:10 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

RE: Peter's Poll on covers:

The Joker: Steve Miller
Willing: Little Feat (Waiting for Columbus version, like Jan sez)
Time After Time: Miles Davis (but I really do like Lauper's version - i think she's terribly underated do to her flamboyant image cultivated during her heyday - terrific voice and very good songwriter, really)
Crazy Love: Van Morrison?
With God On Our Side: Neville Brothers
Suspicious Minds: Fine Young Cannibals (seriously, I love that version from their first album)
Fallin’ Rain: Neville Brothers (never go wrong with the Nevilles/Meters)
Just Like A Woman: Dylan
You don’t Know Me: Ray Charles (I love Richard and Van, but really, to override Ray is sacrilege)

Posted on Thu Dec 14 16:20:08 CET 2000 from ares.tdsb.on.ca (207.35.188.13)

brown eyed girl

George Harrison was always my favourite Beatle because he was open to different cultures. I bought the "Concert for Bangladesh" video because I wanted to see George and Dylan perform in concert. However, my favourite memory of the benefit concert is actually Billy Preston's performance!! I just love the beautiful message in the song he chose and then when he got up and danced to the gospel song I thought, yes, this is what gospel music does to you - total abandonment just like Mavis Staples singing the "Weight" or when Yolanda Adams sings or the gospel singer who sang Dylan's "You Gotta Serve Somebody". These singers do not go over the top...... They are just in another world when they are expressing themselves through music. Another reason why I love The Band singing with the Staple Singers is that Robbie has made it quite clear how much they had an influence on him when he says," we had their records, even before they did."

Posted on Thu Dec 14 16:08:17 CET 2000 from host161-123-26-209.utelfla.com (209.26.123.161)

carmen

It's funny to here all this talk about how bad our system of Gov't is because Bush was elected president. It was obvious that regardless of the decision 50% of the people would be upset. Let us not forget the split was 7-2 (5-4 was on the remedy). This is the same split as Roe V Wade. I do not here any of the Lib's complaining about that one.

I wish I could figure out what it is that scares the Gore supporters so much. Do you really think that Bush wants to harm poor school kids or kill your grandparents? Don't beleive all the stories folks.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 15:21:01 CET 2000 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Great to see George H. getting some well deserved recognition here lately - I agree that he is generally underappreciated. He does play on a lot of other artist's recordings, often under thinly disquised monikers such as L'Angelo Misterioso on Cream's "Badge" and Son of Harry on Dave Mason's "If You've Got A Love". And I'm pretty sure that he's listed on some album on my shelf as Harry Georgeson...does that ring a bell with anyone? - I'm sure there are others. He has a wry sense of humor too, and manages on "Awaiting On You All" to rhyme visas with Jesus, and motors with quote us...

Posted on Thu Dec 14 15:17:53 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Presidential election was amazing(right). I thought the Supreme Court was was supposed to render decisions that were not affected by party politics!!??!! What a history lesson !!! Speekin of history---Butch sounded like he's fronting the "WILD BUNCH"; Levon, Rando, & JW, plus Amy & Monty!!!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 14:16:17 CET 2000 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Great to see so many positive post regarding George Harrison-- I thought everyone had forgotten him! He has always been a huge fan/supporter of the Band--if you're a fan of his, there is a great video out which was filmed in the mid-80's called "A Rockabilly Session" and features Harrison, Ringo, Dave Edmunds, Clapton and others jamming with the late great Carl Perkins--filmed in London infront of a great audience it was Harrisons first live performance in about 10 years--I really reccomend it-Also Harrison also has produced & played on a number of great "lost" albums over the years: Billy Prestons 2 Apple releases (great great stuff), Doris Troy's Apple album, and he even did some stuff with Ravi Shankar that topped the British charts back in the 70's ('I am Missing You" from the Harrison produced & played Shankar Family & Friends album)..all this stuff is almost impossible to find these days but certainly worth the effort if you can find them--good luck!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 13:33:35 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

You know.., you think this country just elected a dictator the way some people talk. First off, I know you Gore supporters think this is the end of the world--But let's face it--all Gore had to do was win his own state and the presidency was his.., he didn't, he lost--Also, had a thousand or so voters in Florida decided to follow the simple instructions(I cite the case Nit vs. Wit) on how to vote properly, this election would have been Gore's. I don't want to hear about intent--There was a proper way to vote-you don't follow instructions-your vote doesn't count. Don't we admonish kids for not following instructions?

I never voted for Bill Clinton but had he been allowed to run for a third term- I probably would have voted for him this time--Outside of the scandals (Monica was absurd)he did a pretty good job--

Posted on Thu Dec 14 07:52:59 CET 2000 from 1cust135.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.135)

Crabgrass

The Supreme Court has allegedly decided in a 5-4 decision that Bush has won the Presidency. I'd like to be among the first to call for a re-count!!

This whole national election fiasco only goes to prove that the only way in which a democracy can operate fairly is to have it's leaders chosen by a concensus of the major polling services.

(Of course, Gore would have won by a wide margin if horny Bill Clinton had kept his grubby paws off Monica.)

Posted on Thu Dec 14 07:30:38 CET 2000 from spider-wd041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.166)

butch

Tonight,, i saw some GREAT HISTORY !!!!! Levon Helm reunited with his old Band buddies,, Jim Weider & Randy Ciarlante,,,,,, too cool for words,,,, at a private party in "very trendy SOHO",,, our three heroes & Roger Mason on bass & kenny kosek on electric violin & Lamont MONTY on vocals & schtick,,, the fellas jammed on old favorites,,, blues tunes,, MEMPHIS FATBACK R & B,,,& so much other good music i cant list it all here,,, Randy & Levon shared drums & percussion while jimmy played the blues, rockabilly, rhythm to kenny's leads,,, & they just rocked,,, KUDOS to the MASE-MAN for puttin it all together,, & let me tell ya,, when Lamont said " GIVE THE DRUMMERS SOME " & Levon & Rando cut loose,,,, toes were tappin all the way to pacoima,,, THEN MISS AMY HELM ( after a sneaky phone call from me,, heh,heh,heh,,,) walked in & sang some REAL TORCH & TWANG !!! I Put A SPELL ON YOU,,, scorched with lamont & amy trading licks,, & so many others,, she sang sarah vaughn stuff, blues, R&B,, & just closed the show,,, the PADRONE of the party & his gueasts were so happy,,anyway,,, LEVON, RANDY & JIMMY WEIDER were back in the saddle again,, & it sure sounded good,,,, just a FYI,,, folks,,,, see ya @ the BARNBURNERS shows,,,, butch,,,,,,,,,,

Posted on Thu Dec 14 07:16:52 CET 2000 from 209-239-207-94.oak.jps.net (209.239.207.94)

Phil

...and with all the talk about George and the stellar line up of musicians who played on 'All Things Must Pass' let's not forget Gary Brooker on piano! Gary's from a band that has been mentioned in here a time or two, Procol Harum! What songs he plays on are a mystery but he's there.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 06:51:59 CET 2000 from 209-239-197-142.oak.jps.net (209.239.197.142)

Phil

Mike Carrico: Very nice. I think you nailed it too!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:54:22 CET 2000 from spider-wj051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.41)

Bayou Sam

Just some ramblings from me

Hank = I hadn't noticed the similarities between the intros on The Weight and Don't Let Me Down. You're right though. I would imagine that John came up with that intro. Also, I never heard anything about Levon and George H. doing Come Together. I would sure like to hear that as well.

Rod = the Modern Drummer article DID mention Levon in a nice piece later in that issue. Check it out.

I think that Mavis Staples is FANTASTIC on TLW version of The Weight. She sings with feeling that you won't easily find elsewhere IMO. She really brings it home at the end.

Tommy = Sunshine Life For Me(Sail Away Raymond) is a great tune. Your right about the "Ringo" album. It is considered his best solo album. Oh My MY is a great tune. Another great friend of Ringo's is on that disc - the late Marc Bolan of T-Rex fame. He does a great tune called Have You Seen My Baby.

Bob R = I almost mentioned Living In The Material World on my last post. Dark Horse is good too. I also remember hunting down a copy of I Don't Want To Do It. It was a B-Side of something. Another obscure tune from George was Cheer Down which I think was with Petty.

I've got a cool bootleg recording of George doing It Don't Come Easy. A very polished studio version..... That's great news that All Things Must Pass is being re-mastered. I can't wait.

Amanda = thanks for the thumbs up on the Dolly Parton CD. I do have the newest Steve Earl one. Also, I have a taped collection of my own of Glen Campbell. It really hits the spot sometimes. Now he is one of the greaest guitarists. The funny thing is that none of his big hits really showcase his guitar playing. If any of you get a chance to see or hear Glen doing the William Tell Ovature - it will blow you away.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:43:09 CET 2000 from host-209-214-112-186.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.112.186)

BWNWITennessee

Yup, Liz, Republicans in the White House again, just in time to alienate a whole new generation of voters. How apropos. Ya know, I remember Dan Rather saying on Election Day night that no one can ever say again, "My vote doesn't matter." Seems kinda ironic now. Hail to the Thief.

GW Bush: ...my baby brother Jeb. Well, I shouldn't really call him my baby brother, he's Jeb Bush, the Governor of the great state of Texas.

Jim Lehrer: Florida.

GW Bush: Florida. The Governor of Florida.

- March, 2000

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:18:09 CET 2000 from aca3b49d.ipt.aol.com (172.163.180.157)

Liz

BWNWITennessee, Thanks for for saying that- BWNWITennessee, so ,...only four more year of our lives in surrealism Gee, how GRoovy ! Y I K E S !!!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:12:12 CET 2000 from m198214190216.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.190.216)

pehr

I only got a second an i gotta run. I feel like i'm grafitti-ing a subway- and it might look like I'm crazy but I like the best the version of the weight from "Before the Flood"! the call and response, Levons aggressive singing, the punched up guitar and the organ where it can be heard prominently.

Why is the organ turned down so low on the original? its always perplexed me.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:05:11 CET 2000 from host-209-214-112-186.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.112.186)

BWNWITennessee

There's yet another wonderful new file sharing program out there I was reading about that combines the "best" features of Napster with Instant Messaging. It works like Napster, but you can only access the files of your IM buddies, therefore making it virtually impossible to monitor who's doing illegal file sharing. I ain't gonna tell you what it's called, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. Oh well, I guess a few major labels going under wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, but unfortunately the people that wrote the songs, many of whom aren't living large, are also getting ripped off.

It was a bit surreal watching a person accept the presidency knowing that the majority of Americans, and, let's be realistic, Floridians, voted for his opponent.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:04:25 CET 2000 from aca3b49d.ipt.aol.com (172.163.180.157)

Liz

Florida Bush : election : ETC:

NEPOTISM: n : favouritism ( as in the distribution of political offices) shown to a relative...[straight out of the dictionary hahahaha] need I say more???

Posted on Thu Dec 14 05:00:20 CET 2000 from spider-te061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.201)

Mike Carrico

Peter V - I agree with you that the Big Pink version of "The Weight" is the benchmark, although TLW effort with The Staples comes close. I like every version I've ever heard, and it just may be that it's not possible to screw it up because the song itself is so damn good. But the original studio recording is sublime; the musical arrangement and ambiance of the sound they achieved dovetails perfectly with the lyric...you can feel the weariness and bewildered resignation of the song's narrator as his burdens and obligations accumulate over the course of the verses. From Robbie's lonesome intro leading into Levon's initial drum thump, to Levon reclaiming the vocal from Rick with a mighty "yeah!" at the end of the Crazy Chester verse; with Richard bridging each stanza with a falsetto hum while Garth tickles the ivories magically throughout...they nailed it. No subsequent recording (by The Band or anyone else) quite manages to capture the mood so well. In 1968 The Band wrote The Book on The Weight.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 04:51:06 CET 2000 from aca3b49d.ipt.aol.com (172.163.180.157)

Liz

NEPOTISM: n : favouritism ( as in the distribution of political offices) shown to a relative...[straight out of the WEBSTER's dictionary hahahaha] need I say more???do I have to explain ? to Florida ? or any one else?

Posted on Thu Dec 14 04:47:54 CET 2000 from aca3b49d.ipt.aol.com (172.163.180.157)

Liz

RICK RICK Rick and more RICK, AL Gore?, Have some funn.....: )

Posted on Thu Dec 14 04:19:47 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp126450.sympatico.ca (209.226.233.109)

Richard Patterson

HANK: I don't know about AC/DC, but the Mekons doing "Stagefright" (a snippet of which appears on their live album 'New York') is a good concept. Not saying it's better than original but the song really fits that band...

Regarding over-the-top versions of "The Weight": Everybody should check out Aretha Franklin's version... It's got tons of energy, a great horn section, and Duane Allman playing slide... Also the key change near the end is a good idea...

Posted on Thu Dec 14 03:17:58 CET 2000 from dialup-376.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.120)

HANK

I Remember someone here mentioning that George Harrison and The Band jammed on "Come Together" with Levon singing.....I would very much like to hear that....

......just for a curveball vibe..........anyone here reckon AC/DC could cover a Band song....Stagefright?.....They're great'n'all, y'know.... but would AC/DC have the chops for that?????????

..gonna hang out in the chatroom if anyone is groovin' for it.........be there for 20-minutes or so in a few minutes.........

Posted on Thu Dec 14 02:54:09 CET 2000 from (167.167.237.160)

Jon

I've been a fan of Tom Petty from the beginning and I found this excellent E-Card on Tom's website: http://www.tompetty.com It is under news and then go to the posting under October 31, 2000. Let me know what you guys think of it!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 02:38:38 CET 2000 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

BWNWITennessee , I'll go for Rolf Harris's version of Stairway To Heaven. He finally did the song the way it was meant to be done.

Ringo gets a place on Modern Drummers poll of the 25 top drummers - mainly based on the number of people who started drumming because of him. Levon unfortuneatly doesn't get a mention.

Posted on Thu Dec 14 02:25:33 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-th013.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.23)

Donald Sayre

I loved these guys and their great musicianship and story-telling abilities. Next to The Beatles and Everly Brothers, they were my favorite group; I saw them in the mid-'80's in New Haven, CT, minus, of course, Robbie Robertson. Don't recall who was on guitar. I mourn the loss of Danko (and Manuel).. No one produced better music!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 02:10:19 CET 2000 from spider-wq012.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.137)

Tommy (again!)

While we're on the subject of Harrison, and since this is The Band site...lets talk about RINGO! Yes Ringo!, not the man but the album.Released in 1973, Ringo's solo album RINGO! was called the un-official re-uniting of all four Beatles...John wrote a song for it, Paul wrote a song for it (and played kazoo an the radio hit 'Youre Sixteen'), and George wrote THREE songs for it, one being the other hit from the album,'Photograph'.Another song penned by George,'Sunshine Life For Me(Sail away Raymond), features ***drumroll please*** THE BAND (minus Richard).It really is a great song and I'm not just saying that 'cause I'm biased towards The Band.Robbie plays guitar, Levon takes the Mandolin, Rick does the fiddle and Garth works his magic on the Accordion...Really nice. The album has many a guest star and it's quite well produced...Very clear but not too polished.Ringo wrote a number of quality tunes on the album as well.It also includes Ringo's most famous number, 'It Don't Come Easy' as a bonus track.I recommend it to you guys, it's a really good listen with some good, solid Rock'n'Roll!Enjoy!

Posted on Thu Dec 14 01:55:38 CET 2000 from host-209-214-118-89.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.89)

BWNWITennessee

Watch your credit card statements, people. Breeze Hill charged me twice for my Garth Hudson shirt. Let us know if they did you, too.

Covers: "Rock and Roll" (Led Zeppelin) or "Keep A-Knockin'" (Little Richard)?

"Stairway To Heaven" (Led Zeppelin) or "Taurus" (Spirit)?

"La Grange" (ZZ Top) or "Boogie Chillun" (John Lee Hooker)?

"Travelin' Band" (Creedence) or "Good Golly Miss Molly" (Little Richard)?

"Bad To The Bone" (George Thorogood) or "Mannish Boy" (Muddy)?

Posted on Thu Dec 14 01:13:22 CET 2000 from pool-63.49.29.56.mmph.grid.net (63.49.29.56)

Dexy

Yeah, George is great. A few months ago, I had to drive about six hours on business, and played ATMP the whole way. Truly a masterpiece. As much as he shares our devotion to The Band, I've never understood why he wasn't at TLW, or why he didn't appear on any of the '90s albums like his pal Eric. Finally -- WHY ISN'T GEORGE IN THE ROCK HALL???

Posted on Thu Dec 14 00:31:37 CET 2000 from cache-rl05.proxy.aol.com (152.163.189.101)

Tommy

"All Things Must Pass" is a fuckin' great album!!! The production is a little muddy for me (what with Spector's 'wall of sound' recording), but the songs are TOP NOTCH!!! Does anyone know why Clapton isn't credited on the Apple CD release? (His name appears on the original LP, but not the CD versions...Why???)Thereare also some good Harrison songs on the 'Lethal Weapon 2' soundtrack, featuring Tom Petty (another big favorite of mine).Check it out if you haven't heard.I also read about a Goerge Harrison boxed set about a year ago in a British music magazine...Does anyone know about this? Any details? That'd be great, cause you cant even find any Harrison CDs in stores anymore(DISGRACEFULL!!!)!ALso, George appears on Ronnie Woods' solo album 'I've Got My Own Album To Do', a pretty good album you might like (but it's no FACES!!! Now THAT'S A GREAT BAND!!!)George should be doing more music... That stabbing incident about a year ago didn't jar any inspiration? (Just a joke people, dont get batty!)

Posted on Thu Dec 14 00:25:41 CET 2000 from ac8ee8e7.ipt.aol.com (172.142.232.231)

Liz

Happy Holidaze:

ok here we go Im going to be semi political once again...but what do we write songs about? our world, our loves, our lives...

OUR LIVES: The Band wrote many songs that are technically, expressions.... of political views...as far as US: confused, abused, and worthless voters (WHY EVEN BOTHER TO VOTE ?) here in the US..I have one word..to contemplate upon: [from my 'faded brown' Webster's dictionary ]

NEPOTISM: n : favouritism ( as in the distribution of political offices) shown to a relative...[straight out of the dictionary hahahaha] need I say more???

Thank You Rick, for singinging it out loud....... Go Jesee Jackson.............Kisses , sorry Ive been sparse, fighting the " cold Front" up here.....JAN I love this place, but ah "you guys know that" PLAY ON!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 23:58:14 CET 2000 from spider-tf041.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.191)

Donna

See what happens when you try to rush things along.

Crazy Mama: The Band

Chain Gang: I would have to say is to close to call. Rick and Sam, both do a fantastic version of this song.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 23:38:23 CET 2000 from spider-tf041.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.191)

Donna

Peter Viney: Nice selection of artist to pick from, so here are my choices: House of The Rising Sun: The Animals

After Midnight: Eric Clapton

Going Back: The Byrds

Viva Las Vagas: Elvis Presley

Crazy Mama: Too Close To Call, Can I pick both Rick Danko and Sam Cook?

The Joker: Steve Miller (sorry calm)

Willin': Little Feat (Waiting For Columbus-version)

Time after Time: Cindi Lyuper

Crazy Love: Van the Man

With God on Our Side: Dylan

Suspicious Minds: Elvis Presley

Just Like a Women: Dylan

No better way to break into the New Year by seeing Garth Hudson at "Tin Angel," on Jan. 13th. Levon & The Barn Burner's, at the "North Star" on Jan. 19th. It's about time you all came to Philadelphia!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 23:37:52 CET 2000 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Re Willie boy: sure the Flying Dutchman's on the reef. Le Vaisseau Fantôme won't raise the sails anymore.

Ilkka my friend, you're calling me a LOSS? What law have I broken? If I lose, so let me lose...

Posted on Wed Dec 13 23:11:54 CET 2000 from proxy-1361.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.180)

Bill W

Like a Rollin' Stone-Dylan or Hendrix Matchbox- Carl Perkins vs. Beatles The Twist- Hank Ballard vs. Chubby Checker Tutti Frutti- Little Richard vs.Pat (ba)Boone 12 Days of Christmas- McKenzie Bros vs. ANYONE!!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 22:39:28 CET 2000 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Amanda

If Michael Jackson is to be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame maybe they should call it the Popular Music Hall of Fame instead.

I "came of age" in the 80s and I viewed Michael Jackson as being one step above Wham! & I wasn't interested in being part of anything that mainstream and commercial. Only "alternative" music interested me so I liked ska & various depressing teen angst bands like the Smiths and the Cure- which now sound quite indistinguishable to me from mainstream, commercialised pop music too-but what can you do?

I think country music transcends locality. I've met people from all over the world who like it. I'm one myself. I think Mattk and I might have had similar music upbringings in the 70's because I like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline & Johnny Horton too. But I also like Waylon and Willie and the boys. I listen to Glen Campbell quite frequently. Eg. at 2 am in the morning when I'm still awake trying to complete some work there is something remarkably soothing and reassuring about singing along with Rhinestone Cowboy…(…there's been a load of compromisin' on the road to my horizon but I'm gonna be where the lights are shinin' on meeeee (everyone together now) like a Rhinestone Cowboy etc, etc).

Bayou Sam, I recommend that Dolly Parton cd. Its damn good IMO. I've also been listening to Transcendental Blues by Steve Earle quite a bit recently & I'd be surprised if most Band fans didn't enjoy that.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 22:30:32 CET 2000 from (64.132.19.153)

Just Wonderin'

Re: covers (sort of)

Roy Orbison on "Crying" or Roy and K.D. Lang on the same tune?

I really like the former, but love the latter one.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 21:45:02 CET 2000 from du-tele3-036.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.36)

Peter Viney

Officially, Richard performed “You don’t Know Me” on the Japan Tour video.

But bootlegs are another thing – Port Dover 64 + all the Richard bootlegs on the site.

Two things I haven’t heard are Gil Evans “The Moon Struck one” (sans lyrics) and Miles on Guinevere.

The Flying Dutchman was condemned to sail around the Cape of Good Hope continually until “the end of time.” So, if it’s “on the reef” …

Jan: I’d forgotten the “Waiting for Columbus” version of Willin’ (=3rd version). I shall enjoy checking them all out this evening. And we agree except for “Time After Time” where my vote goes for Cyndi Lauper (Just). And while actually sittingin the concert, Van on “Just Like A Woman” gets very near.

More:
House of The Rising Sun: The Animals or Dylan?
After Midnight: J.J. Cale or Eric Clapton?
Goin Back: Dusty Springfield or The Byrds?
Viva Las Vegas: Shawn Colvin or Elvis Presley or Bruce Springsteen?
Crazy Mama: J.J. Cale or The Band?
Chain Gang: Rick Danko or Sam Cooke?
Music To Watch Girls By: Bob Crewe Experience or Andy Williams or Matt Monro?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 21:07:11 CET 2000 from cw04.bs1.srv.t-online.de (212.185.249.184)

Mingus

Peter V.: I understand your point in prefering The Band`s version of "Blind Willie McTell", even if I don`t share it. My personal highlights on Jericho are "Country Boy" and "Too Soon Gone" (by the way: where did Richard record "You Don`t know me"?).

If Dylan and the remainig members of The Band would play the same night in two different locations in my city, I would attend "The Band" concert as well, even if I knew, Dylan would perform "Blind...." :-))

Talking about cover versions Miles Davis did: Would you prefere his version of "Guinnevere" or the CS&N version ?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 21:00:36 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

hear the sound willie boy, the flying dutchman's on the reef. IS THIS a way of telling willie that their sailing days are over? does the singer mean, by way of metaphor, that the ghost ship has stopped sailing?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 20:13:35 CET 2000 from (209.19.78.25)

frank dracman

re. bayou sam's "the weight" tape idea, ive got 2 video clips of "the weight" from the 90's one with robbie, one with levon and both with sheryl crow.

robbie, sheryl and dr. john sang it at the r&r hall cleveland labor day concert from a few years back.

levon, sheryl, jacob d., and james t. sang it a lifetime breast cancer show a few years back as well.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 19:31:29 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert

Hey Jan! got a TLW copy too today and also a six-pack Heineken......CHEERS!!!...;-)

Posted on Wed Dec 13 19:23:55 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Anybody hear Joe Cocker sing "Out Of The Blue"? How about the Black Crows' version of "Jemima Surrender"? Im sure Peter Viney has a copy of Gil Evans' "Moon Struck One" (no words in this version).

Posted on Wed Dec 13 19:18:49 CET 2000 from m198214176061.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.61)

Pehr

I can see why it would be hard to pick the best version of "Blind Willie McTell"; I almost always prefer the writer's version, esp. in Dylan's case particularly, except in this case where I find Rick's vocal interpretation trancendent.

Hi Bob (W)- just this morning I was telling my neighbors about the live Pikes Peak cam on your site! I enjoy looking at that now and then very much! (Also told them about your famous song, "My Big Dog, Dick"...) hope all is well!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 19:13:52 CET 2000 from jan-hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.52.15)

jh

Tsk, tsk, Peter, that was easy:

The Joker: Steve Miller
Willing: Little Feat (_Waiting for Columbus_ version)
Time After Time: Miles Davis
Crazy Love: Van Morrison
With God On Our Side: Dylan
Suspicious Minds: Dee Dee Warwick
Fallin' Rain: Link Wray
Just Like A Woman: Dylan
You Don't Know Me: Richard (just joking there, eh Peter?)

Just got a near-mint copy of TLW today, btw, gonna spend the rest of night with Levon and the boys and guests and a six-pack of long-neck Borg pilsner.

And Molly, here's to you (glug-glug), keep rockin'.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 18:53:23 CET 2000 from du-tele3-075.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.75)

Peter Viney

Blind Willie McTell: After too long a drought ‘Jericho’ came out and we could hear Rick and Levon singing together again. The magic tracks were ‘Atlantic City’ and ‘Blind Willie McTell.’ Rick Danko and Levon Helm and Richard Mauel are my three favourite singers of all time, it was and still is a joy to hear them.. It’s been cited as Dylan’s best outtake, and the fact of it being an outtake as proof that he’s not the best judge of his own material, which is probably true. I love Dylan’s version too. But it’s where I stand on The Band. I file Band/ Dylan collaborations in The Band section of my collection. If Levon or Garth or Robbie were playing my town the same night as Dylan, I’d be very irritated at having to make the choice, but I’d be at the Levon, Garth or Robbie show. When I sift through the Dylan boots at record fairs, I’m looking for stuff with The Band / Hawks first. Then I go back and look at other Dylan. I prefer The Band version of every Dylan song they’ve done. Not because I have anything against Dylan’s versions at all, it’s just those voices I’m after. And that backing. I contribute to this site rather than Dylan ones. No criticism of Bob intended, and if I could only take one song on a desert island it might just be ‘Visions of Johanna’ (Blonde on Blonde version). But in the end, my interest is Band first, Dylan second!

On covers, what would you put in a time capsule? Bob on the Live 66 version of ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ (which even exceeds the original)? Or The Byrds? I’d put the Byrds because that jangling 12 string is just one of THE sounds of the century. Though if I wanted to simply get into the song and lyrics, I’d play Bob. BTW, for me no version of ‘The Weight’ by The Band, solo members or other artists has beaten the original one.

Other extremely hard choices between versions:
The Joker: Steve Miller or k.d.lang?
Willing: Little Feat (2nd version) or Little Feat (1st version) or Seatrain?
Time After Time: Cyndi Lauper or Miles Davis?
Crazy Love: Aaron Neville with Robbie or Van Morrison?
With God On Our Side: Neville Brothers or Bob Dylan?
Suspicious Minds: Dee Dee Warwick or Elvis Presley?
Fallin’ Rain: Link Wray or The Neville Brothers?
Just Like A Woman: Dylan or Van Morrison (live)?
You don’t Know Me: Van Morrison or Richard Manuel or Ray Charles?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 16:57:10 CET 2000 from spider-tf081.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.211)

Johnno

Great website/page/thingee. Just wanted to add there was a French - Levon & the Hawks EP on Atco, with "picture" sleeve, (with no photo), and the 3 songs. I remember staying up really late one night waiting for Murray the K to play "Ballad of Caryl Chessman", it was a Big Debate topic at the time, but that hokey chorus...... Ran into Tiny Tim in the Great Escape (a great used record/cd store in Nashville) shortly before he died, and was trying to find out more about the "Be My Baby" and "I Got You, Babe" stuff, but he had no idea what I was talking about (altho he was very friendly and really seemed to try to remember.....) At the time, I had only heard them on the basement boot - completely missed "YAWYE" when it was around. Well, it's time for my bootheels to be wanderin......

Posted on Wed Dec 13 16:59:02 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

Yes -- as Twilight mentioned, George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" is about to be reissued. To commemorate the album's 30th anniversary, Capitol will release a remastered 2-CD version on January 23rd. Mr. Harrison took part in overseeing the remixing of the tracks and wrote the liner notes. The set will include four previously unreleased bonus tracks, along with a newly recorded version of "My Sweet Lord".

There is a Barnburner connection with this great album. Bobby Keys, along with fellow Delaney & Bonnie alumnus, trumpeter Jim Price, were among the large all-star group of musicians who played on this album. As I recall, Mr. Keys later recorded with John Lennon and Ringo Starr. Does anyone know it he ever played with Paul McCartney?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 16:48:53 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-te072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.182)

bob wigo

Garth on January 13 and Levon on January 19. I sure hope the rest of 2001 in Philly is this good. Hope to meet some GBers at the Tin Angel and the North Star.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 16:18:18 CET 2000 from nortron-gw.online.no (194.248.167.10)

Tanja Flåan

Long time no see. Huh... I just wanna wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year! ( that includes Levon, Garth and Robbie too) klem- Tanja

Posted on Wed Dec 13 15:25:41 CET 2000 from (64.132.19.203)

Just Wonderin'

Hey MattK! I thought I was the only person on the planet who liked that version of "Life is A Carnival". The rest of the cd is excellent too. Also can't argue with the Staples "The Weight".

Christmas cds not to be missed IMHO are "Winter, Fire and Snow" with RR's "Christmas Must Be Tonight" on it. Also check out Tom Jackson's "Huron Carol". We even like kids performer Fred Penner's "The Season".

Guess the Canadian in me is showing eh?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 14:23:44 CET 2000 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Kudos to everyone posting regarding George Harrison!! Harrison has certainly been underrated for many years both as a guitarist & as a singer/songwriter-- "All Things Must Pass" was a majestic package made by a Beatle at the height of his creative powers-- the songs were great, the production was beautiful and the musicianship superb. I agree with Bayou Sam that "33 1/3", & "George Harrison" & "Cloud Nine" are also excellent--but dont forget "Living in the Material World"..also terrific.. he also cut a great version of Dylans "I dont want to do it" which was produced by Dave Edmunds and appeared in the "Porkys 2" Soundtrack--the movie sucked but the soundtrack was great-- One of my best Harrison memories was seeing him in concert two nights in a row back in 1974 during his tour-- opening act was Ravi Shankar Friends & Family, and Harrison's backing band was the LA Express ( Tom Scott, Robben Ford ) and Billy Preston... great shows, great music

Posted on Wed Dec 13 13:53:53 CET 2000 from dialup-089.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.89)

HANK

Speaking of George Harrison and "The Weight"......did ya ever notice the similarity of the opening intro riff of "Don't Let Me Down" and "The Weight"??......and yes, Markku (Quos), there ARE people who think Mavis Staples(?) went over the top on that version of "The Weight" in TLW......not me, I like just fine.....it's pure emotion and she gets a bit carried away....but that's great, as far as I'm concerned,....some folks I know, musicians and singers actually, think she overdid it.......my own opinion is that you CAN'T beat The Bands original 1968 version but TLW version DOES have a beautiful sound and look about it.............

Posted on Wed Dec 13 13:46:17 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I am still playing over and over Levon singing and drumming to Booker T's " You Got Me"........ I can't remember, is it Robbie or my other favourite guitarist Steve Cropper who is playing those very sweet guitar licks? The groove to this song just keeps flowing......

"You got me spinning. You got me spinning like a spinning top. You got me hoping . You got me hoping this love will never stop"...........

Posted on Wed Dec 13 13:24:29 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Oh how I yearn for the days when TLW was really a jam kickin' concert and not a fill in the dots over dub wrapped in bitterness--Oh how I yearn for those tender days....,

Posted on Wed Dec 13 12:02:36 CET 2000 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

hmm... am I all alone not being too fond of the Staples TLW version of The Weight? I find that woman's vocals overdo the song (although the "beautiful" at the end is still quite fitting).

Posted on Wed Dec 13 09:05:43 CET 2000 from 1cust181.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.181)

Crabgrass

FROM THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME WEBSITE:

"Michael Jackson, who by age five was designated lead singer for the Rock Hall of Fame Inductees the Jackson 5 and only a few years later, launched a record breaking trend-setting solo career that included the world's biggest selling album, Thriller, which spent 37 weeks at #1 and sold more than 25 times platinum in the US alone. There is no question that for the generation who came of age in the '80s Michael epitomizes what rock is all about."

Wow!! Maybe Robbie will have the honor of presenting Michael with the award and get to back him up on one of his fabulous megahits like "Beat It!," "Billy Jean," or... uh... well, I can't think of any others right now but he had a helluva lot of them! (With Jocko being inducted can Madonna be far behind? More importantly, however, I'd like to know if that first sentence regarding Michael Jackson is in fact really a sentence at all?)

Posted on Wed Dec 13 06:20:48 CET 2000 from spider-tm014.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.49)

Bayou Sam

I love all this George Harrison talk. I guess I've made no secret that I'm a Beatles fan, but I also followed all the solo music just as closely. George really put out some fine music since the split (yes, he had a couple of duds too). All Things Must Pass is great. I would also recommend Thirty Three and a Third(1976), George Harrison(1979), and Cloud Nine(1987). It's just nice to see people talking about George. One thing that struck me about the two "new" Beatle songs from the anthology (Free As A Bird and Real Love) was how George kind of steps it up a little as far as his presence in the songs. Not to fill in the absence of a live Lennon - but to kind of add more than he might have if John were physically there. He does a great lead on Real Love too.

Now to Dolly Parton - How's that for a switch. I saw her mentioned a couple of times. I am a bit of a Bluegrass music fan and she put out a bluegrass CD not long ago called The Grass Is Blue which I saw good reviews on. I was thinking of getting it. Have any of you folks heard it? What do you think?

Talking about different versions of songs = I started to make a tape once with different versions of The Weight, just by The Band themselves. It's pretty cool. There are more than you think when you start looking. The original stands alone of course. But I really like the one of Before The Flood too. There's a very interesting one on a live Ringo and his All Starrs CD. Nils Lofgren plays a nice acoustic intro, before going in to the real intro from the song. Then you have Levon and Rick doing their regular parts, but Dr. John sings the "Moses" verse.They also lengthen the song with solos by The Dr. and Clarence Clemens. There is also a video of a different show with the great Garth lending his hand on accordian. Talk about keyboard talent - Garth, Dr. John, and Billy Preston together.

I listened to ROA today while driving through Brooklyn, and I gotta say, one of my all time Levon vocal lines has to be =

"some might even say, it put the devil in my soul -

but that's a bunch of shit, I just want to rock and roll"

Right on Levon.

Hug Witt!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 05:46:08 CET 2000 from proxy-523.public.rwc.webtv.net (209.240.200.113)

Bill W.

With regards to favorites from TLW, I encourage everyone to closely observe Who Do You Love with Ronnie Hawkins. EVERYTHING that makes our favorite group special is encapsulated in that 3 minute time trip: lyrical and instrumental improvisation; equal facility as frontmen or sidemen and the pure love and enjoyment of playing. I especially love to watch Howard Johnson's reactions as the song progresses. These guys could make a dead man get up and dance!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 05:18:48 CET 2000 from user-33qt9cb.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.139)

Pat Brennan

I believe it is near impossible to compare RoA with LW. As is evident from Academy of Outtakes, there was very little, if any, overdubbing on RoA. I think the reason is obvious: RoA was recorded at the end of a tour after some heavy rehearsals. The group was a machine, and with the addition of horns, the energy was extremely high. TLW had no tour in front of it. I believe their 1976 summer tour--which as I've said before was very, very good-- ended in September. BTW, they played with horns at least twice in that tour. Except for rehearsals with the guests, they probably didn't do a lot of playing together pre-concert. Recording Islands certainly didn't help the ensemble concept. Taking Levon at his word, some of the members may have actually opposed the entire concept of a last waltz. Whatever the case, my own lame estimate of TLW would put overdubbing somewhere between 50%-80% of the tracks which would preclude calling it a live album.

I would advise getting the Complete Last Waltz and listening to Caravan. You can make your own judgements as to why there was a lot of looking around at the beginning of the song.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 05:05:08 CET 2000 from mat-7-22.enter.net (207.16.156.78)

Little Brøther

I always liked "All Things Must Pass" a lot. It doesn't sound like the Band, but I think it shares qualities with Dylan/Band music that suggests influence or at least parallel inspiration.

Apart from the jam tracks, the sound is clear, strong, vivid, and distinct. Tracks like "Wah-Wah" rock! The music complements the lyrics, which reflect the same kind of maturity and thoughtfulness evidenced in the Band's work. And seasonings of humor, though perhaps dry and ironic, restrained rather than raunchy.

I remember at first feeling somewhat skittish and let down by what seemed like preachiness or that cloying, overstated, processed Eastern spirituality. But after a while this aversion burned away like morning fog, and not because of any changed religious sensibilities on my end!

I vaguely remember hearing or reading George say that the "you" in "If Not For You" referred to God, and indeed that the focus of all the songs was divine. And I guess one could call the album "asexual", which is decidedly different from the Dylan/Band repertoire. Yet despite this self-conscious piety, which is usually enough to put me off, the music has a charm and resonance and joy that kept (and keeps) my secular toe a-tappin'.

Remember a discussion about prophecy in music? (It preceded the one about rock stars with Messiah complexes.) Well, after the AIDS epidemic became publicized, the next time I listened to "Beware of Darkness" the hairs rose on the back of my neck at the verse:

"Watch out now / Take care, beware of falling swingers
Dropping all around you
The pain that often mingles / In your fingertips
Beware of darkness..."

It was hard at first to accept and trust ascetic-George instead of Beatle-George, but then again it must have been hard for HIM to make the transition as a reclusive but public man. (Another quality shared with Dylan and Band members.) And like the Band, the depth, power, and authenticity of his musical spirit has appreciated over time.

PS -- I also like Hank Williams, Sr. a lot; I don't know his offspring's work, since I don't listen to CW much. I think I gave ol' Hank, Sr. a shot because of "Self-Portrait", being one of the embattled but unbowed minority who enjoy that album.

Posted on Wed Dec 13 03:54:47 CET 2000 from tnt3port435.dubois.pcidu.com (205.245.155.209)

Crazy Chester

Twilight,"All Things Must Pass" is one of my favorites and I hear Dylan and The Band in those grooves.Talk about a good cover.....George's version of "If Not For You".

Browneyed Girl, you mentioned "Caravan" from TLW and to me that's one of the best live performances in the history of recorded music and my favorite song in TLW film.The eye contact and interplay between the musicians and the pure delight that's on everyone's face as Van just burns the stage up is incredible.I remember seeing TLW on a big screen in Pittsburgh,Pa. when it first came out and when The Band and Van did Caravan people just jumped out of their seats and started to dance in the aisles and cheer like they were at a Steelers game. A great memory!

Posted on Wed Dec 13 03:35:39 CET 2000 from cw05.e1.srv.t-online.de (212.185.249.217)

Mingus

Richard Patterson: Thank you for the detailed information about Mistery Train.

Guess I should have this huge CD-Set concerning the Complete Sun Singles. Might be a must for every good record collection. Christmas must be soon....

Posted on Wed Dec 13 01:38:28 CET 2000 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

IMHO all the Band's songs on TLW are better than the original cuts and ROA versions. I wonder if Warner Bros will follow Capitol's example and re-release TLW with bonus tracks? The 25th anniversary is just around the corner ....

Posted on Wed Dec 13 00:22:16 CET 2000 from pm451-15.dialip.mich.net (198.110.20.73)

twilight

i hope everyone out there is finding some joy in this holiday season. I had a tough fall - haven't been here for awhile. Checking in - its nice to see the family is still out there. This a great place to be. I've been listening to George Harrsison's "All Things Must Pass". Thinking about how visiting Woodstock - hanging out with Dylan & the Band heavily influence this work. I have been imaginging some of these songs in the hands others. If you have this - and haven't listened in a while - dig it out and give it some room. It's really a fine piece of work. I think I might have heard that there is a reissue on its way. I am just digging george these days. WHat can I say?

Posted on Wed Dec 13 00:02:57 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp112522.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.151)

Richard Patterson

MINGUS: "Mystery Train" was recorded by Little Junior's Blue Flames on Sun records in 1953... it's a good bit slower than Elvis' version and the solo's are on sax rather than guitar... As with all pre-Elvis Sun recordings it was considered a "race" record...

Posted on Tue Dec 12 23:58:29 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

MattK:I totally agree with you that The Staple Singers version of "The Weight" is my favourite to hear as well. Ever since I saw TLW when it premiered in movie theatres, I could not hear anyone else's version again. Even when Eric Clapton sang with the remaining Band members or when Levon, Jakob Dylan, Sheryl Crowe, James Taylor and Shaun Colvin sang "The Weight" on a music award show I still kept thinking no, I want to hear the Staple Singers with Mavis Staples singing like only she can sing and clap and say, "beautiful" at the end of the song.

When I saw the Staples perform ( would you believe for free?) one summer in Toronto, as soon as I heard the beginning licks of "I'll Take You There" I was real, real gone....... (Another thing Robbie and I have in common is that we are huge fans of this gospel group).

Whenever I listen to TLW the songs that I play over and over and over again are "The Weight", Robbie singing and playing "Out Of The Blue", Rick singing Robbie's song "It Makes No Difference" and Van Morrison singing and kicking to "Caravan". (I really like the jazz inflections in this song)

This week I have been listening over and over again to Levon singing "You Got Me" by Booker T. Jones. (You sing mighty fine Levon....)

Posted on Tue Dec 12 23:48:43 CET 2000 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (212.120.97.241)

Norbert /n

Re: Peter....are that Vauxhall Vectras?.....brrrr....now I understand you man! (I recommend a Volvo PV544) /n

Re: Ilkka.... safe flight over the Lowlands tomorrow!!! take care! (we'll be waving, all 432 lows!) /n

Posted on Tue Dec 12 23:32:15 CET 2000 from cw01.a1.srv.t-online.de (212.185.248.51)

Mingus

Peter V.: I agree mostly with what you write about music here and of course I am deeply impressed by your profound articles.

Still I was amazed to read, that you prefer "Blind Willie Mc Tell" from The Band to the original Dylan Version. All respect to the opus of The Band, but in my opinion "Blind..." is one of the most intense recordings Dylan ever did. It`s like a mystical revelation without being too religious. The purity of the arrangement and the phrasing of Dylan`s vocals seems to fit perfectly. I knew the Band`s version first and didn`give much attention to it until I heard the original.

Would somebody dare to mention "Mystery Train" in the context of "better covers " ? You can`t say it`s better than Elvis version (sorry don`t know who did it before - was there an earlier version ?) but the Band`s version is just as good, but different of course. The great cover versions always have a different approach than the original. And, to come back to my subject, I cannot see, what The Band`s version of "Blind Willie McTell" adds specifically to the original. I don`t even think that`s possible in this case.

Peter, you have all my appreciation as a music-writer, that`s what made me wonder about this judgement.If you think I should understand that, give me some reasons, why you prefere the Band`s version from Dylans.

Greetings Ch.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 22:17:48 CET 2000 from du-tele3-001.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.1)

Peter Viney

Illka - glad to see you can still acess the GB on your Christmas travels - yes, but I don't so much LIKE 'Self-Portrait' as LOVE 'Self-Portrait.' And I'm ex-SAAB since GM took them over and started selling re-badged Vectras as SAAB 900s. This is esoteric for the rest of our readers.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 22:07:11 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

Heresy 101:

I prefer the Staples Singers version of "The Weight" to all others (Band comes in second).

TLW's version of "Life is a Carnival" is the greatest version of that song for me. However, I really really like the Wild Magnolia's version. Outside of my heretical statement earlier, this is my fave Band cover by another group.

Awaiting the bullets...

Posted on Tue Dec 12 21:10:59 CET 2000 from m198214181105.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.105)

Pehr Smith again...

just found out my class got cancelled today due to a "Look Out Cleveland" ice storm headin' this way! Gave me just a second to come back and think about Bones' take on covers...

Does Lee Brilleaux's (Dr. Feelgood) version of "Java Blues" count? Its up there with the original...

if there is a Rock and Roll heaven, maybe Rick and Lee get together once in a while just for fun.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 21:09:50 CET 2000 from proxy-1521.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.99)

Bob (again)

Hey Bones, how about Three Dog Night's "Chest Fever"? I'M KIDDING!!! (Hi Pehr!)

Posted on Tue Dec 12 21:03:16 CET 2000 from proxy-1521.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.99)

Bob

Hank! That is country music IMHO. I believe his given name was Hiram and Hank Jr is actually Randall. I have seen posts here about a Band movie, I'm sure it was tongue in cheek. After seeing some of that lame John Lennon movie last week it should be obvious that you just cannot translate real music into a TV movie or a big screen flick for that matter (remember Oliver Stone's atrocious Doors flick?!). I think it shows us that good music is magic and cannot be replicated. It is there and that's it, it is impossible to recapture, recreate on film and for the most part it is next to impossible to describe in words. That is what made the Band and any other pure talent we have ever heard, you can easily say some music sucks but good music must be heard. I cringe at the thought of Hollywood trying to give the "treatment" to anymore topnotch talent and forever sullying what was once pure and dear. What will our great-grandchildren think of John Lennon and the Beatles if they watch thatcrap NBC made up 50 years from now? I shudder to think...

Posted on Tue Dec 12 21:00:02 CET 2000 from m198214178082.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.178.82)

pehr

Bones: nice thread! But to answer your question, at the moment, well, no!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 20:25:10 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I've got a question for the group... can anyone think of an artist doing a version of a Band song which was better than the original???

Posted on Tue Dec 12 20:24:14 CET 2000 from user-hki5b-228.dial.inet.fi (194.142.6.228)

Kalervo

Thanks Ilkka for recognizing me. We minoroties should stick together! Yes freezing pot! Did you know that Argentine has declared tango war against Finland! Which is ridicolous, tango craze in Finland is only making Argentinian tango more known here than almost anywhere else. Yes Lauren, free Leonard Peltier! Noone other has mentioned Christmas Must Be Tonight, so as Christmas is so close, I can only wish that the increasing number of people will realize how fine Christmas song it is. Other more unknown Christmas treasures I can recommend: Na Leo' s Christmas Gift (Hawaiian female trio, great original songs - I love Hawaiian Christmas music -aloha and Christmas spirit are so close), Leon Redbone' s Christmas Island (simply hilarious), Bruce Cockburn' s Christmas, Ben Keith' s Seven Gates, Aaron Neville' s Soulful Christmas, A Very Green Christmas (various artists) and so on..These in English...Of course I love Finnish Christmas music, too (Ilkka, oletko kuullut Leevi&the Leavingsien Jossain on kai joulu...moderni klassikko!) Mele Kalikimaka/Hyvää Joulua/God Jul/Merry Christmas

Posted on Tue Dec 12 20:05:03 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

A couple of more Jesse Ed Davis / Band threads: On his 1972 Atco album, "Ululu", the late Mr. Davis did a cover of The Band's "Strawberry Wine". He was also among the large cast of supporting musicians, including The Band, that played on Eric Clapton's 1976 album, "No Reason To Cry", which was recorded at Shangri-La.

You just never know who may be reading the guestbook. After my posting yesterday, I received a nice note, via e-mail, from Roger Tillison, letting me know that he's still "kickin' an pickin'".

Posted on Tue Dec 12 20:02:18 CET 2000 from (208.11.92.3)

Bud

The 2000 Inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (does this create a de facto link between all of these artists and The Band?):

Aerosmith

Solomon Burke

Flamingoes

Michael Jackson (solo)

Queen

Paul Simon (solo)

Steely Dan

Ritchie Valens

Posted on Tue Dec 12 18:49:52 CET 2000 from du194-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.194)

Ilkka

I was wise enough to save the gb archives before my annual excile from Internet. I have read (nearly) every entry. I wanted to know who started the "feud" in gb (tell me that it isn't true).

Short comments:
THE BIGGEST UNDERSTATEMENT - my compatriot Kalervo "...we have not had the same melting pot here in Europe as in the US..." Kalervo, we have tango from Argentina and choirs from Russia - OK, let's call it "the freezing pot".
THE BIGGEST HORSE SHIT: My fellow SAAB driver who seems not to like country music. How about "Self Portrait" :-)
THE BIGGEST REUNION: - Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran, one of the minority of Dylan connoisseurs together with Crabgrass.
THE BIGGEST LOSS: - Ragtime

Tomorrow I'll follow the French gypsies on their pilgrimage to the crypt under a church in the village which inspired Dylan to write "One More Cup Of Coffee". My motto: non sola remissio peccatorum, sed et sanctificatio et renovatio interioris hominis; fides caritate formata.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 18:34:44 CET 2000 from dialup-270.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.14)

HANK.... NOT Williams........

.um......I Like HANK Williams......alot..........my REAL name is Kevin, btw,......everyone in Ireland calls me HANK 'cuz I play guitar, was born and grew up in The USA and "Hank" ryhmnes with "Yank". I think Hank Williams is comparable to Woody Guthrie and Chuck Berry in terms of being an influence on people......AND you can't go wrong at ANY social gathering with a few Hank, Woody or Chuck songs up yer sleeve.......this I know for a fact.........

The sad reality of Hank Williams is .....not too many people in Nashville could stand him while he was alive.........he was a consumate, successful songwriter/live performer/recording artist with little regard for the niceities will hold sway in that town (now and then)....... Death gave him a glory that life may have denied him.....nothing new there, I suppose, but he was a natural-born songwriter.....no question about it..........Although I get a kick outta singing "Family Tradition", there's no doubt that Hank Juniors II and III are trading on the name.......(Hank II woulda done hisself much better if and he called hisself 'Bocephus" like his daddy done)..........although I was interested to read a coupla posts back that Hank II sang Robert Johnson songs on stage......./n

The best cover version The Band ever did was "Back To Memphis"........It may also be one of Levons greatest vocal performances, too.......

Posted on Tue Dec 12 17:02:01 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

RE: Leon Russell covers and country

In the past, I've bemoaned my 70s upbringing by pointing out, unfortunately, that my first exposure to the Band's music was via a cover of "Dixie" by John Denver - which ranks SECOND worst cover of this song (the first being you_know_who).

However, my parents' sometimes unfortunate taste did bring me to Leon Russell. My dad was a big Willie Nelson fan, and he loved the duet album Willie and Leon did (as do I).

Regarding covers, I always like Kristofferson's music, but never liked him as a singer/performer of his own songs. I find some of the best covers are of Kristofferson songs by other artists. Willie's tribute album to Kris is VERY good to my mind, and features the seminal version of "Sunday Morning Sidewalk," which is my favorite Kristofferson song. Ray Price also did a solid cover of this song, and also did, for me, the best version of "Help Me Make it Through the Night."

Posted on Tue Dec 12 16:50:21 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

RE: "Money." My vote for best cover of this song is Etta James' version.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 16:05:44 CET 2000 from du-tele3-097.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.97)

Peter Viney

The Band & Hank Williams: The obvious one is “Ronnie Hawkins Sings the songs of Hank Williams” on which Levon played … and it was done at Bradley’s barn. Somewhere Robbie listed George Jones and Hank Williams as favourites (in that order, I recall). ‘You Win Again’ and ‘Be Careful of The Stones You throw’ are both basement recordings. A quote from Ronnie Hawkins:

“I was so surprised that Robbie wrote all that stuff, because they were a rhythm ‘n’ blues act. They played rhythm ‘n’ blues great. And they didn’t like country music. We even had a few arguments about that in the old days. I wanted to play that to people and they wouldn’t play it. And then when their albums came out, man, I was so shocked, because they were definitely country roots.”

Britain in the early 60s: country was definitely the enemy. Apart from the fun Americana stuff, the top of the charts were dominated by Frank Ifield and Jim Reeves, and to everyone I knew, this was anathema. You know, Frank ifield on “Lovesick Blues” or Jim Reeves on anything are my idea of sheer hell. I love “Country Honk” – one of my top five Stones songs – but I reckon they discovered Hank Williams late.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 15:48:57 CET 2000 from dione.salford.ac.uk (146.87.255.88)

JIMMY DEY

Hi, I'm studying popular music at Salford University, and I have to write an essay about a band or artist who, in my opinion, have contributed to stylistic development in terms of the composition and performance of their music. Being a big fan of The Band, I thought I'd do it on them. I was just wondering if any of you guys could help me out with any thoughts or opinions on the ways in which the Band have advanced the development of popular music, Cheers, Jimmy

Posted on Tue Dec 12 15:44:54 CET 2000 from tnt3port257.dubois.pcidu.com (205.245.155.31)

Crazy Chester

Peter,The Rolling Stones did the song "Country Honk" on Let It Bleed and I understand it was kind of a spoof/tribute to Hank Williams "Honky Tonk Blues". So I'm not so sure about your comment that British kids related more to Howlin Wolf than Hank. Probably on the whole ,yes, but I think I recall a 70's Guitar Player interview where Keith Richard names Hank as a big influence especially on the Beggars Banquet LP where there's a lot of acoustic guitars playing country music a la Hank. Plus Richard Thompson has covered Honky Tonk blues quite a bit over the years in his live shows. Don't know if these guys discovered Hank as kids or after they were well established musicians in their own right, but, Hank's there in their work. Did any of The Band make comments about Hank Williams and his music over the years in interviews and books? You'd think that Hank was surely an influence on them. As far as Van and George Jones go,I've always thought that these guys were the best white soul singers around along with Richard,Rick,&Levon, and that they used their voices as instruments: Van sings like a horn or horn section and George bends and whines like a pedal steel guitar. Leon Russell is a genius.Dolly is great when it's just about music, but she's got all the other Dolly's within and without to deal with and by the the time she gets to the real Dolly the music gets pretty watered down.I have a feeling that when she's at home with the fingernails and wigs off and a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt on you'll hear the real Dolly and she can do it,oh yes she can.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 15:01:10 CET 2000 from 160.chicago-33-34rs.il.dial-access.att.net (12.75.161.160)

Nefyn

Time for your medication, Benteen-jarp-patricia-whatever your name is.

You're spending WAY too much time posting ill-informed, racist messages to this site.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 13:55:13 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Well it feels like Buffalo N.Y. this morning. Haven't had a snow storm since '99. 35 Centimeters of snow has fallen and the snow is blowing. Good day for a second or third cup of coffee and back to bed.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 13:42:50 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Benteen: I have been listening to reggae music for many, many years so for me reggae music is not a fad or something to listen to because it's trendy.... There is no doubt that Marley will always be the king of roots reggae and people from all over the world will continue to listen and be inspired by his message of PEACE LOVE AND UNITY for ever. It was not an accident in university that most of us who were left of centre were hypnotized by the reggae groove and were inspired by the message of reggae (rebel music with a cause). Reggae resonated with our belief system. All of us listened to Marley and Linton Kewsi Johnson from England....... I was lucky to have seen Marley and Tosh perform in the small apple. Unfortunately I did not see them perform together.... Most of the reggae artists in my music collection I have seen perform in Toronto and I have seen Tiger perform in Kingston, Jamaica. I missed Dennis Brown the last time he performed in N.Y.C. when I was visiting for a month.

Perhaps you need to listen to more reggae artists to see that they all have their own style and that they don't all sound alike. In my reggae collection I am able to listen to Third World when I want more of a pop influence, Toots and the Maytals who incorporate a gospel influence, Shaggy who incorporates dance hall, Apache Indian from England who incorporates patois and reggae, Black Uhuru (black freedom - saw them open for The Clash), Steel Pulse from England, Dennis Brown, UB40, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, Gregory Isaacs, Chaka Demus and the Pliers, soundtracks from "The Harder They Come", "Rockers" and "Cool Runnings" and the four cd compilation of "The Story Of Jamaican Music" which includes ska, rock steady, reggae, dub, dance hall and ragga. If you find reggae boring or that it doesn't say much to you, that's fine, reggae is not for everyone. I however, feel blessed that I have always had an open mind and heart and am able to take the best from ALL MUSICAL GENRES AND CULTURES. I know that I am not your "typical" Band fan. Besides reggae, I am also a huge fan of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Van Morrison and Robbie Robertson. Anyway, hopefully when I go back to Jamaica this month I will be able to visit Bob Marley's Museum (house on Hope Road - it was closed the last time I visited). I also will be looking diligently for Dennis Brown's single of "My Girl".

"I and I no come to fight flesh and blood

But spiritual wickedness in high and low places

So while they fight we down

Stand firm and give Jah thanks and praises" ("So Much Things To Say")

PEACE LOVE UNITY

Posted on Tue Dec 12 13:27:48 CET 2000 from du-tele3-168.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.168)

Peter Viney

I didn’t start out to knock Hank Snr, but his two descendants, and I stand by what I said about them. The antipathy kind of drifted back to Hank Snr unfairly, and while I recognize his influence, I don’t much care for his work. In my mind his biography beats the music for interest. Like James Dean, his influence and icon are bigger than his achievements. And I’m listening to Hank Snr as I write (Settin’ The Woods on Fire).

Richard Patterson’s comments on Van and soul are insightful. I like the “country calls for sincerity not soul”. I think you’ve also hit the heart of the problem for me. It seems to me that you can channel yourself in a performance to emote … i.e. as in soul or blues. You can turn on the tap. The thing about “sincerity” is it’s a fact … either it’s genuine or it’s fake. So, much of the time the performer is acting a part. Many country performances do emote strongly … even Tammy Wynette’s Stand By your Man. I’d say they have “soul” when they sing, and their songs are moving. Others sound fake. They act badly. The lyrics are predictable, and over-sentimentalised, a lot of it is kitsch, there’s a tendency to combine the hokey and jokey, and the Hopalong Cassidy costumes don’t help.

Q: What happens if you play a country song backwards?
A: Your truck starts, your old dog gets resurrected and your wife comes back.

Having said that, I like Dolly Parton, because she treads the fine line between sentiment, genuine emotion, going way-over-the-top and having a great sense of humour, which is what the country singer needs to do. I got into trouble for a similar statement about a year ago on George Jones. I bought the album. Listened hard. No, his voice doesn’t do it for me at all. I can’t stand Willie Nelson’s voice either (I don’t think he’s fake at all, just a grating singer). And yes, (or “Yup”) I do listen to alt.country like Calexico and Lambchop.

I do know Leon Russell’s version of Jambalaya, and I never said I disliked the song. I said I thought it was beneath Van’s talent. You know I’ve just realized where I first heard Jambalaya, and it was by Gerry & the Pacemakers circa 1963. This must have indelibly stamped it as cheerful but inconsequential. Going back to the early sixties, for some reason British kids could relate to Howling Wolf’s music, but not to Hank Williams. The stuff that got played in Britain then was early “Americana” rather than true C&W. “Columbia Country classics Vol 3” is subtitled “Americana” and it has the stuff that introduced me to country in Britain – Marty Robbins, Jimmy Dean, Johnny Cash, Johnny Horton, Fess Parker, Claude King. When that stuff (which I enjoy) is your intro to country, you can’t ever take it as “serious”. The Band’s version of “Long Black Veil” is in this area. As Levon says, they all thought it was funny.

A book recommendation: “Heartache Spoken Here” by Stephen Walsh (1997), described on the cover as “covering the full range of comradeship, comedy and kitsch of the British C&W scene”

btw, the reason Johnny Cash’s “I’m On Fire”is on the Nebraska tribute is that “I’m On Fire’ was on the original Bruce tape, as were Downbound Train and Wages of Sin. Seems they tried out the songs with the E-Street Band, and most didn’t work as well as thesolo tape. “I’m On Fire” was one that did.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 13:15:56 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip99.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.99)

Tom/Woodstock Records

Hi, Here's quick update for those interested in attending :

BENEFIT FOR FAMILY'S BATTERED WOMEN'S SHELTER

In Memory of Rick Danko

New World Home Cooking/Carambola

Rt.212 - Saugerties,NY (845) 246-0900

Sunday - Dec.17th 7:00 - 11:00pm.

RORY BLOCK

JOHN SEBASTIAN

PROFESSOR LOUIE & THE CROWMATIX

JOE BEESMER & Uncle Funk Allstars

RIC ORLANDO

Admission $10 and bring a toy.

Show starts promptly at 7:00pm.

The restaurant is recommending reservations for dinner prior to the show.

www.newworldhomecooking.com

If anyone needs info/directions, feel free to e-mail me.

Peace - Tom/WR

Posted on Tue Dec 12 11:25:32 CET 2000 from (12.34.127.238)

yorktr

Benteen, you are so right about Rockin' Chair. It truly is an amazing tune and should have earned the Band the Nobel Prize. Certainly a songwriting Pulitzer for Mr. Robertson. I don't use the song for karma detection, but I guess you're right about being able to gauge folks by their reaction to it. As we all get older, the most haunting line for me is:

"...we've used up all our time,

and the days that remain ain't worth a dime".

This causes me to try to live a fuller life right now, doncherknow...

...rapidly aging yorktr

Posted on Tue Dec 12 09:13:08 CET 2000 from on-tor-blr-ahp-13-24.look.ca (209.161.237.24)

Wittgenstein

Benteen; Not only are you a little thick sometimes, but from one of your previous postings it sounds like you might also have a case of the clap. The good news is that it shows that you do get out a bit and aren't completely tied down to your computer living in the GB.

And to all my fellow Dion fans, there's a double cd just out called "King of the New York Streets" which is a major retrospective of his interesting career. Whoa oh oh oh oh.

Hug Bayou Sam!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 07:34:59 CET 2000 from 1cust144.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.144)

Crabgrass

I think I'm correct in recalling that McGuire's "Eve of Destruction" written by P.F. Sloan was the song that inspired Dylan to start penning protest songs. Now we're getting somewhere!!

The Daily News reports today that superslut Madonna has chosen Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D Minor to be played at her upcoming wedding in Scotland. Finally, a Madonna/Band connection!

Barrett Strong's "Money" beats all covers in my opinion and The Band's version of "I Shall Be Released" IS the original - Dylan never did a perfected studio version of the song.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 06:08:23 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

phil , thanks! of course it's seven seas, gawd!!! i was thrown off by the mississippi riverboat image a few of the band's songs threw at me. dduuuhhhh, i'm so thick at times, thanks again. sometimes one can't see the oceans for the rivers.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 06:03:33 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

bay/sam, dion cut, abraham, martin and moishe, just kiddin. his voice will always have a soft spot for me. it was, if you can believe it, one of the first socially conscious songs i heard, along with, one tin soldier. mind you, the first was, and i might add, a number of years before these two, " eve of destruction", barry maguire. an important song in the history of music, at least in my thinking.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 06:01:55 CET 2000 from 209-239-202-64.oak.jps.net (209.239.202.64)

Phil

bentteen: ...turn the stern and point to shore these (the) seven seas won't carry us no more...

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:56:11 CET 2000 from spider-wm042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.167)

Bayou Sam

Dave Hopkins = I was glad to see your last post. A couple of folks got angry at you and I was getting ready to go back to the archives to make sure you were kidding - which is how I took it. I'm glad it's cleared up.

BTW - Jessie Ed Davis was also onstage at the Concert for Bangladesh. He also appears on some John, George, and Ringo solo albums. It was nice to see him mentioned.

Also, to echo what Crazy Chester said - I read the autobiography of Dion Dimucci, and was amazed at the way Hank Williams influenced him as a kid. Not because Hank wasn't great but Dion was a kid growing up in the streets of the Bronx (not far from where I grew up a number of years later) and I wouldn't think you'd be exposed to much country music there. You should see the incredible esteem that Dion has for Hank Sr.

BTW - I also think that Dion was one of the very few cool rock and rollers around during that sort of boring period between Buddy Holley's plane crash and The Beatles arrival. Dion happens to have a new CD out right now.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:45:54 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

jhwygirl, OOOPPPS!!! sorry! should have reread my name prior to posting. once again, sorry.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:39:51 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

da-doo-doo, ohhh to be home again, down in old virginie. with my very best friend and they call him rag-time willie. THIS TUNE IS SO F#$%^&^ AMAZING!!!! i can play this song for people i know, and their reaction to it, will tell me so much about that individual. i stay away from those that go uuuuggghhhh! they tend to vex and drain my spirit.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:36:04 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

"hang around willie boy, youre hearts gonna give right out on you, it's true and i believe i know what we should do." that one styling of vocals by richard, has got to be one of the most moving sounds i have ever heard. p.s. set your sails and turn to shore, the ------???? won't carry us no more. try as i might, i can't figure out the word, help!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:29:51 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

jhwygirl

jhwygirl, in all honesty, take marley's , "no woman no cry", more importantly , cliff's , " the harder they fall", and you have the reggae sound in a nutshell. while these are 2 fabulous songs, the style, to me, does not age well, almost faddish, in fact. can you say, trini lopez????, knew ya could.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:15:50 CET 2000 from cache2.ev1.net (207.218.245.7)

Laura Holt Lorfing

MERRY CHRISTMAS BAND FANS!! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY AND A SAFE CHRISTMAS! I SHALL BE ON THE SKI SLOPES OF COLORADO THIS SEASON! PEACE ALL! :) I LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF THIS GREAT SITE I DISCOVERED. MY THANKS TO JAN!!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 05:08:25 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

The best cover version of "Twist and Shout" that I enjoy listening to is by Chaka Demus and Pliers with Jack Radics and Taxi Gang and "My Girl" by Dennis Brown (the late prince of reggae). Unfortunately I cannot get a hold of this version that I heard on a reggae radio station....

Reggae (rebel music) resonates the same way for me as soul music and blues music. Roots music in general helps you to "wake up and live" as Bob Marley would sing or the music can be very uplifting as he sings, "...Got to have a good vibe. Picking Up. Are you picking up now?" in "Positive Vibration".

Posted on Tue Dec 12 04:54:42 CET 2000 from m198214190216.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.190.216)

Pehr Smith again...

on my way out I checked in whats new and enjoyed seeing the tapes added to the archive, but it warmed my heart in particular to go over some of Rick's setlists. It brought back a memory of seeing him in a small club here that I've always remembered gratefully, only more vividly. A nice end to the day. thanks

Posted on Tue Dec 12 04:45:09 CET 2000 from spider-to013.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.48)

Dave Z

I always liked Hey Good Lookin' or whatever it's called... Love Willie & Waylon too... and Neil Young's country... and Witcita Lineman or however it's spelled... I always listen to Comes A Time while driving up north for a canoe trip... Anyway, I just stopped in to tell anyone who hasn't visted Woodstock Records lately... that there's a great archived Crowmatix show I'm listening to in background right now... (pause for Garth accordian work)... That's all... Good night...

Back again... Any news on Dylan TV series?... This country thread got me remembering watching The Mac Davis Show when he used to ask the audience for a phrase and then he would make up a humorous song on the spot... Wonder what Don't Look Back Bob have done under similar circumstances?... I bet Robbie and Glen Campbell with a couple of acoustics would be cool too... Nighty night... For real now...

Posted on Tue Dec 12 04:19:50 CET 2000 from tnt3port473.dubois.pcidu.com (205.245.155.247)

Crazy Chester

Been away for a while and couldn't beleive the Hank Sr. comments that I saw from that Peter V. guy. He's some kinda expert on here I guess. Hank Sr. was THE catalyst for rock/pop/country as we know it and influenced nearly everyone and everything after him in the same way as Chuck Berry, The Beatles and Bob Dylan did. I don't know much about Hank's II and III but if somebody can't recognize Hank Sr's songwriting,singing,wood-chop rythmn guitar playing, charismatic stage prescence,and wide ranging influence, as a standard and benchmark in popular music then what else don't they know. Just recently,two great performers and songwriters, Richard Thompson and Dion paid tribute to Hank Sr.. RT at The Getty Museum Nov.10 calling Hank one of the best songwriters of the millennium and Dion on NPR's Fresh Air with Terri Gross 10/17/00 http://www.npr.org/ramfiles/fa/20001017.fa.ram quite an interview, and the comments about Hank give real insight to the influence he had on Dion's early carreer. Hank be the man!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 03:44:45 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

pehr, point well taken. 1 cracker, 4 canucks.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 03:36:22 CET 2000 from dhcp065-024-155-129.columbus.rr.com (65.24.155.129)

jack(chester's dog)

am i still with chester or was i bartered for my master fixing a raft. oh well i am well fed who cares.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 03:22:14 CET 2000 from tnt3port17.dubois.pcidu.com (205.245.154.31)

Crazy Chester

Benteen, It just means your wheels on fire.... rollin down the road.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 02:56:58 CET 2000 from m198214190216.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.190.216)

Pehr

nice string of posts today. Gen. Benteen, I'd be careful about referring to Levon as a Yankee... thats one way to p.o. a southern gentleman. whooeeeee!

I agree with the cover talk goin' on. I'll stand next to Peter on the "Atlantic City" one, but thats not taking anything away from the Boss. I've stated before I am a fool for Moondog Matinee. I love those all as much as the originals, maybe for my own sentimental reasons, but IMHO, that is one hell of a record.

I have a soft spot for Hank Jr. some of his old stuff is pretty funny, even if a little dumb. "All my Rowdy Friends Have Rowded on Down" is one, of course "Family Tradition". Speaking of covers, Hank covers Neil Young in TLW on Monday Night Football with a free camera shot up the nostrils, I find it amazing that they give us that shot every week- though I haven't yet seen any booger sugar up there yet.

Thanks to those who have shared there thoughts and memories of Rick's life the last few days. I appreciated hearing from you. Lil, the wreath was very kind and thoughtful thing for you to think of and do for us. Thank you.

Oh, re: Hank the III- I have avoided him, he comes to austin alot and its just not my thing-I have this feeling. they always promote his show with this butt-ugly photograph of him looking like a nazi punk that just keeps me away- but he played the continental club here in town awhile back and John Hancocked the men's room "Hank williams III"... A few days later some smart aleck wrote next to his, in bigger letters..."Lefty Frizzell III" right next to it

Posted on Tue Dec 12 02:54:30 CET 2000 from modemcable020.231-202-24.hull.mc.videotron.ca (24.202.231.20)

Ann McEntee

God Bless you Rick, you are sadly missed indeed. A year ago Sunday this wonderful man passed on, yet left us with a wealth of heartwrenchingly beautiful music that will continue to inspire and enlighten for generations to come. As an integral member of The Band, he brought to the music such emotion, soul, and substance. A truly down to earth, and charitable man, whose likes are far and few between. May you rest in peaceful sleep, and thanks for all you have given to us, and for being you. You live on in all of us! Without your love I'm nothing at all Like an empty hall it's a lonely fall Since you've gone it's a losing battle Stampeding cattle They rattle the walls And the sun don't shine anymore And the rains fall down on my door Well, I love you so much It's all I can do Just to keep myself from telling you That I never felt so alone before Blessings, Ann McEntee

Posted on Tue Dec 12 02:30:49 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109070.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.1)

Richard Patterson

PETER: While I enjoy all three of the Williams', I am most impressed with 1 (then 2, then 3)... The Leon Russell album mentioned below by MIKE ('Hank's Back' from '73) is an excellent collection of Hank Williams covers and might just get you hooked on the song "Jambalaya" more effectively than Van Morrison. As long as you enjoy Leon Russell's southern drawl, he really is more suited to sing the song. Not to knock Van cause I think he's a great talent, but I don't think country music is beneath him, I think it's beyond him... I've got a performance video of him singing 'What'd I Say' with Jerry Lee Lewis and it works pretty well cause it's Ray Charles and he can put his soul chops on display, but I don't think he can manage to interperete stuff that doesn't work in an obviously soulful style... He can't help but open his mouth and show his soul... I haven't heard his new version of "You Win Again" but I can't imagine it being anything other than luke warm for just this reason... The song calls for "sincerity" not "soul"... I'd be curious to hear your take on Steve Earle...

I agree with you that the Band playing "Atlantic City" should have been included on 'Badlands - A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska'... It was already cut and ready to go and would have given our guys some nice exposure... BTW it's kind of interesting that your favorite track on the 'Nebraska' tribute (Johnny Cash doing "I'm on Fire") isn't from the album 'Nebraska' : )

Posted on Tue Dec 12 01:59:49 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

bwnwit, youre post got me thinking. what transpired was this. today, music is either done to sell or it is done to express. all forms of music, have as their barometer, a watershed album[s], by which all others are compared. fans of the band, are for the most part, defined by their love of the group as listeners who can, upon the merest knowledge of a form, differentiate the sellers of music from the artist playing out of necessity. the band's popularity, in a sense, was borne from this honesty. we who subscribe to this honesty, are merely listeners with well trained ears. hey, i was groovin on alice cooper before i came across the brown album. it elevated my sense of music, and for this i am ever grateful to 1 yankee and 4 canucks.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 01:35:48 CET 2000 from host-209-214-118-190.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.190)

BWNWITennessee

I think that if you don't like Hank Sr., you pretty much don't like country music. He's the Jesus Christ of country music. I think the problem with country is that since it's on the surface a very, very simplistic music, a lot of people overlook it as being insignificant. Just like I'm sure some fans of classical music view rock as being insignificant because it, too, is basically simplistic. Like a haiku, I guess, there can be something very powerful and beautiful in what seems to be very basic. But I do think there is something to be said for being able to relate to a type of music, and it's probably easier to appreciate honky-tonk stuff after spending some time in one, listening to a good band play.

I'm glad to see the whole insurgent/alt-country movement, but a lot of it bothers me. There are some really good musicians and groups, but it just seems like a lot of them are people who never listened to country music before last year, then when they took off their dog collar and grew out the mohawk, suddenly decided it was great and that anyone who doesn't love it is worthless.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 01:17:55 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Gene you are correct sir! Earl Jean it was. The Cookies covered Earl Jean's version. Thanks.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 01:08:36 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

while this might seem to some, a little off the track of band related posts, i nevertheless feel compelled to put forth in an open forum, an issue , that to me, is one of the most puzzling i have encountered.if my weenie burns when i pee, is this a bad thing?

Posted on Tue Dec 12 01:00:52 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

in my never ending pursuit for the truth, {only as it is convenient for me}, i just played anka, sinatra and vicious, doing my way. while i am partial to vicious' rendition , in the sense that i can sing along and not do any harm to the lead vocal, i still stand by initial posting, sinatra did songs to the max. springsteen gets my nod for atlantic city, the band gets my nod for , i shall be released.

Posted on Tue Dec 12 00:36:24 CET 2000 from du-tele3-175.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.175)

Peter Viney

Notice how i just tried to switch the debate from country to soul? I'm on much safer ground on soul!

Posted on Tue Dec 12 00:35:07 CET 2000 from du-tele3-175.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.175)

Peter Viney

Beatles "Twist & Shout" and "Money" beat the originals for me.

True covers conundrum, "My Girl." The Temptations or Otis Redding? For me, it's whichever one I just heard!

Posted on Mon Dec 11 23:57:55 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

1. Atlantic CIty
2. Don't Do It
3. Long Black Veil
4. I Shall Be Released
5. Loving You
6. Georgia
7. Forever Young
8.Blind Willie
9. Free Your Mind
10. Crazy MaMa

Just off the top of my head.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 23:05:26 CET 2000 from spider-tj083.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.213)

Mike

Let's not confuse the modern, corporate controlled Nashville "pop" country with the true country soul singers that Rick Danko listened to as a kid in Ontario's tobacco belt farm country. Hillbilly music. Mountain music. (We all know the modern country stations for the most part play fluff, but there have been some fine country/soul/folk singer/songwriters through the years who were by-passed by Nashville.) Also, aside from the the black R&B stuff that Rick and the others heard from Cleveland and Nashville at night back in the 1950's, Rick in particular cut his teeth on the likes Hank Sr., Webb Pierce, Marty Robbins, Ray Price and others. Like it or not, Hank Sr. will go down in history as one of the most prolific songwriter's of the 20th century. Not particularly my cup of meat, but the music does have merit. Just the other day I was listening to Leon Russell's first Hank Wilson album from 1973. It's a lot of fun. Just my two cents.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 23:00:41 CET 2000 from (203.103.135.138)

Michael

Dear all, it may be a personal thing but the Band changed the way I listened to music, at the moment I have 3 cd's in my car, Van Morrison "Irish Heartbeat", Don Williams "Flatlands" and "Moondog Matinee" and I just mix & match, all great music. Have a good christmas. RIP "neighbour".

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:59:45 CET 2000 from (63.68.1.228)

Gary

Spent a bit of the day yesterday in disbelief that Rick Danko, one of my musical heroes, left us one year ago. I have thought about you so many times over the last year, Rick. Through your music, and your voice, it seemed almost as though you were family. I miss your music soooo much. I hope whatever lies in the hearafter, you are there enjoying a beauty those of us back here can't even imagine. Peace to your family. Gary Miller

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:54:15 CET 2000 from fe0-0.cache-01.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.0.5)

Gene

By the way, does anyone know if Music From Big Pink" was ever released in a mono lp mix? My original vinyl has a prominent "STEREOPHONIC" on the spine, a couple of inches from the bottom. Peace

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:33:27 CET 2000 from fe0-0.cache-01.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.0.5)

Gene

Sorry, John Donabie, but I believe that Earl-Jean did the original of Goffin-King's, 'I'm Into Something Good'.

Sorry for being obnoxious about my Lennon/Beatles collection before, but hey, I've been working on it for over 35 years, and I am a little proud. First purchase was 45 "Please Please Me", most recently acquired '30 Days' 17-cd set of Get Back sessions. With all I have, I am far from complete. Consider - there are 35 volumes of Lost Lennon Tapes.

Country music - gotta mention Randy Travis. Check out "Are We In Trouble Now", on 'Full Circle' album. Mark Knopfler wrote and plays guitar...sublime.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:32:22 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

excellent post, in my mind, mattk. i would also put forth the notion of the "hollywood" singin cowboy having some impact on the mutation of roots folk country.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:28:02 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

re hank sr.; he wrote and performed "i'm so lonesome i could cry", this accords him mythical status, it pierces the soul. re covers; all i can say about the best covers? i only know one thing, if sinatra did it, ain't no need for anyone else to try.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:20:12 CET 2000 from twmaine-63-167-210-226.twmaine.com (63.167.210.226)

mattk

I'm very much NOT a C&W fan. Having grown up in Colorado in the 70s, I was somewhat inundated by the powerhouse country hit makers of the era - e.g. Glen Campbell, Mickey Gilley, Tanya Tucker, etc. Generally, I never cared for it, and later in life, I picked up an aversion as part of a cultural divide (in the Republican 80s, C&W came to represent, for me, a knee-jerking patriotic jingo-ism that still rankles me.

Indeed, modern "country and western" music has as much in common with its noble roots (lost via the glitz and marketing of Nashville) as Mariah Carey has with R&B. While both modern C&W and R&B feature some incredible technique amongst their respective practitioners, it seems to me like both style have pretty much sold their souls to the marketing gods.

However, all that aside, I was fortunate to grow up in a house where my father, by and large, due to his Appalachian upbrining, was partial to a more "classic" style, which in my 30s has allowed me to discover some wonderful things in the style, almost exclusively from artists who came of age prior to 1970, namely:

Johnny Cash

Hank Sr. (sorry Peter, he rules)

Patsy Cline (the Billie Holiday of Country in terms of emotional depth to her vocalizing)

Merle Haggard

Willie Nelson (his pre-pop star era stuff, though I think he has an incredible voice)

Waylon Jennings (same as Willie, once he hit it big, I lose interest)

George Jones (arguably the most powerfully evocative male voice in C&W after Hank Sr.'s death)

Tammy Wynette (yeah, "Stand by Your Man" is almost a novelty today, but the woman had a VOICE - probably the most evocative female voice after Patsy Cline - if Patsy's Bille, then Tammy is Ella).

Charlie Pride

Generally, and this has fed my love of the Band, I would make a distinction between classic "Country" and classic "Western" music (the old Blues Brother joke not withstanding). I would argue that true, classic "Country" owes its roots to a more populist, dirt poor, white experience of the south and rural midwest (i.e. Oklahoma, Kansas), specifically the farming and coal mining cultures endemic to those regions.

"Western" music is based more on cowboy music, or the Hollywood myth thereof. This style seems to be where C&W picked up it's particular brand of marketing varnish that I really don't like.

Obviously the interpretation is not pure. Western ballads informed "Country" music and certainly "Western" music coopted much of the Country sensibility in terms of harmonic structure, and even some vocalizing (like the yodel). Additionally, both bluegrass and blues weave in and out of this music historically as populism has always managed to serve as a bed for both great integration and divisiveness in American folk art.

For example, much of the racism found amongst southern coal miners is/was due as much to the use of African Americans for strike busting by coal companies as the Civil War). Popular history would have us believe that southern whites and blacks never mixed, but Appalachian "country ballads" and "country blues" are both indebted to each other in some fundamental ways, which disprove the notion that institutional racism precluded artistic or social cross-pollenation.

All that said, I do have a warm spot for some "Western" style music. The Cowboy songs of Marty Robbins, the crooning of Ray Price, the novelty songs of Johnny Horton, inhabit warm places in my musical heart.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:07:08 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Also, John Fogerty and The Blue Ridge Rangers version of Web Pierce's "I Ain't Never" comes real close.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 21:59:27 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

CARMEN...A good string you started here.....

At the risk of sounding sacrilegious I would like to offer my thoughts on certain standards where I preferred the "cover" over the original. In some cases it was because I heard the "cover" first. When you hear a “cover first” it becomes the original to you at the time.

The Band's version of "Saved" to that of the original by LaVerne Baker.

The Beatles versions of "Money and "You've Really Got A Hold On Me" to that of Barret Strong and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles.

Otis Reddings version of "White Christmas" over Bing Crosby's.

Herman’s Hermits version of “I’m Into Something Good” over the Cookies.

A couple of honourable mentions where I don’t prefer the “cover”; but the artist in question doing the cover made it so unique to themselves, I enjoyed it as much as the original…..Bryan Ferry’s “arrangement” of Dylan’s “Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” and Gordon Lightfoot’s version of Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 22:00:12 CET 2000 from webcache2.netdoor.com (208.137.128.32)

Deb

Peter V. -- That's okay, we all have dead keys on our personal pianos, and it sounds as if country music might be one of yours. It may not travel well, but it's a mutli-layered genre, and the Byrds, Elvis and Ray Charles, good as they all are, simply offer a point from which to start working one's way back to "dig a little deeper in the well." What about "House of Gold", "Today I Started Loving You Again," "There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight," "A Picture from Life's Other Side,""Cold, Cold Heart" and the aforementioned "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry"? Ain't a strum-along in the bunch. And I'd contend that they convey some universal emotions with skill and heart. Still, if none of the three Hanks is your cup of tea, what about Jimmie Rogers, the Carter Family, Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Bob Wills, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, and among more contemporary performers, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Kevin Welch, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, the late Townes Van Zandt and Marty Stuart. A year or so ago, I was fortuate enough to hear Marty Stuart and the entire Staples family singing "The Weight" and then making a flawless segue into "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Ironically enough, the only accompaniment was Marty on guitar -- and the guitar in question had belonged to Hank Sr. Unfortunately, most of what one hears on "country" radio these days is, to my ears, some kind of soulless country-pop hybrid aimed at the lowest common denominator. I share your admiration for all of the songwriters you mentioned, still, I'd agree with the theoretical contention that they all owe a debt to St. Hank -- but I grew up in Montgomery. Maybe I'm a bit biased.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 21:54:46 CET 2000 from du-tele3-166.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.166)

Peter Viney

Carmen- I tend to prefer the originals most of the time, but “Atlantic City” & “Blind Willie McTell” by The Band both beat the originals for me. However, “Atlantic City” is also awesome by Bruce. Without looking back at my “Moondog Matinee” article, I can’t be sure what I said (but hey, who wants to be consistent?) but I generally preferred the originals, “Share Your Love” being the possible exception. Oh, and The Band did the best “Long Black Veil”, “Tears of Rage” and “I Shall Be Released”. I prefer the originals on “Don’t Do It” & “Lovin’ You (Is Sweeter than Ever)” but I suspect they did too. As for “Slippin & Sliding” I prefer the Buddy Holly cover to the Little Richard version. And, er, both to the Band version.

Best Band cover? “Atlantic City”.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 21:43:18 CET 2000 from ares.tdsb.on.ca (207.35.188.13)

students of brown eyed girl

We think you are cool and the best teacher in the school. Happy Birthday from the class! When the students move they will always remember you.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 21:43:23 CET 2000 from dhcp5856.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.56)

Funky Funky Freddie

TO: JHWYGIRL Talk about tongue tied; you oughta had an opportunity to sit down and eat a big plate of BQUED RIBS with Rick sometime. Oh, I know he used to pretend he didn't want any but you really knew he did.. When he put mouth to RIB well, well you knew immediatelt what re what true pleasure looked like. And, I never said a word.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 21:29:54 CET 2000 from host161-123-26-209.utelfla.com (209.26.123.161)

carmen

Peter V.- I always have a problem with covers being given more credit then the original. The BAND version of Atlantic City gets credit by folks in this GB as being better then the original. I don't think I can agree with that. That being said, I would like to take a poll of the GB'ers (if interested) on which covers by the BAND are better then the original. Also which is the best?

Posted on Mon Dec 11 20:51:34 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Rick Danko: Thanks for the music. Thanks for your true kindness.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 19:39:52 CET 2000 from du-tele3-064.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.64)

Peter Viney

Hank Williams 1, II, III: OK, I admit I over-reacted! And I promise Deb and Peter that I will give Hank Snr more time tomorrow. But the version of “Atlantic City” by #3 is execerable. On #II I just find him a bad joke, and I’ve said before that C&W is something I sometimes enjoy, but it really doesn’t resonate like blues or soul for me. C&W probably is a somewhat parochial taste, that hasn’t travelled as well as R&B to other cultures, but nevertheless it’s incredibly popular in England (and Ireland). Probably because there’s no language barrier. I came into country late, via Sweetheart of The Rodeo and Gilded Palace of Sin, so I have an outsider’s view of the historical documents of the genre. I sneakingly enjoyed Elvis’s versions of country numbers, and Ray Charles “Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music” of course but that’s as far as the history goes. It’s not something that was on the radio in my formative years, nor something that had any local or family significance, so I can’t FEEL it in its historical context, but simply see it in retrospect. I don’t have Hank Snr’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart” to hand, but my memory would place Ray Charles’ version first, and Elvis’ version second. And I bet Richard would have done a beautiful version in the early 60s (and probably did).

Van does “Jambalaya” pretty well, but not as well as The Band who did it live in 1987. Van also does ‘You win Again’ on the new album. The reason I said “Why bother?” is that while Hank Williams Snr might be a cultural icon and a major founding figure, I’d rate Van Morrison, Dylan, Paul Simon, Randy Newman & Robbie Robertson as far greater songwriters. As Van, Dylan & Robbie have all professed their huge admiration for Hank Snr, I’m sure they’d all tip their caps to Hank Snr and say something along the lines of “I am not worthy.” But they all are and I bet that secretly at least Robbie knows it. Van does enjoyable renditions of other artists’ work in every show, and recently his versions of “Just like a Woman,” “Help Me”, “You Don’t Know Me”, “I Can’t stop Loving You”, “Sex Machine” have all been masterpieces of interpretation. Fine. But amongst that lot, Hank Williams songs are more of a fun strum along, and don’t compete (for me at least) in terms of absolute quality. Perhaps Linda Gail Lewis’s accompaniment puts us in Hank Jnr territory, though this time around she didn’t irritate me half as much, and played great stuff all evening. Mainly, I do think Van could produce fifty more interesting songs from his own back catalogue, and while it’s fun to see a couple of country interpretations, the “all country” show I saw back in the summer really made me feel that he was playing stuff beneath his talent. Last Saturday, he was far more circumspect, confining the country set to Jambalaya and Old Black Joe. He’s got to realize that Jambalaya gets warm applause, while that old and self-derided Top 40 hit “Brown Eyed Girl” has the audience straight on their feet, dancing and cheering. Van has always been a bit dismissive of his chart hits, which makes me wonder why he (a) does so many singles (b) puts out all his singles in two versions, a well-known ploy to increase sales and get chart placings!

Posted on Mon Dec 11 19:37:59 CET 2000 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Good to see Jesse Ed Davis get some mention...thanks Gene & Dave. His restrained approach, accenting the song rather than playing over or through it, is akin to another guitarist with american indian roots. A breath of fresh air compared to the "look at me, ain't I fast?" approach of so many others. That's Jesse playing the excellent solo on Jackson Browne's "Doctor My Eyes" too.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 19:25:46 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Peter C'mon!-- Are you ready for some FOOTBALL! Are you kidding, it's the best Monday Night Football song open ever!

Posted on Mon Dec 11 19:10:30 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.197)

David Powell

As a follow-up to Gene's post on Jesse Ed Davis, I'd like to add that the late Mr. Davis played on Roger Tillison's fine self-titled album, released in 1971. His beautifully distinctive bottleneck guitar can be heard throughout the album, which includes Mr. Tillison's excellent cover of The Band's "Get Up Jake" and Dylan's "Down In The Flood".

Jesse Ed Davis was once a member of Taj Mahal's band and can be heard on such classic recordings as "Taj Mahal", "Natch'l Blues" (both released in 1968), and "The Real Thing" (1971). Sony recently reissued remastered versions of all three of these albums.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 18:30:29 CET 2000 from 64-51-176-66.client.dsl.net (64.51.176.66)

Jim Smith

December 10 used to be just another day in the rush toward Christmas. Now it's a reason for me to take time out of the seasonal chaos, raise a glass of Jack, and remember Rick, whose voice never, never, never fails to touch my heart. At a time when most of us think about gifts, the gift he gave us all endures.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 18:29:45 CET 2000 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

"Jambalaya" is to me one of those indestructible songs that nobody can ruin totally. The versions I've had are by Joe Kozak, the Bunch and Dewey Martin's Medicine Ball. I bought Kozak's in the hope that it would be rockabilly, but it's very true to Hank Williams's C&W original. The Bunch version, led by Richard Thompson, is too slow. The Dewey Martin version, on the other hand, is just great. I wonder what he's up to now?

Posted on Mon Dec 11 18:19:18 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Sorry Dave-taken out of context on my part. Just a BAD w/e !! Peace!!

Posted on Mon Dec 11 18:11:29 CET 2000 from user-2inikuk.dialup.mindspring.com (165.121.83.212)

Peter Stone Brown

Peter Viney,

Your comments on Hank Williams Sr. are way way out of line and I am somewhat surprised if not shocked that someone with your musical knowledge would post such a thing.

Hank Williams is up there with the greatest American popular musicians of all time as both a singer and songwriter. The amount of songs he created in a short time was astounding and almost all of them hits and he sang with a passion and intensity equalled by few. You absolutely need to go back and listen again.

I have not heard Hank Williams III, but Deb is correct that there is more to Hank Williams Jr. than is apparent on his records and I agree that most of his records suck. But one time I did attend one of his concerts and while they are loaded with schtick in the middle of the show he sat down down alone with acoustic guitar and played excellent renditions of Robert Johnson and other blues tunes that surprised me.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 17:51:14 CET 2000 from spider-fra-ab032.proxy.aol.com (195.93.1.141)

Karl-Heinz Völker

Levon , all the best to you

Posted on Mon Dec 11 17:47:58 CET 2000 from spider-fra-ab032.proxy.aol.com (195.93.1.141)

Karl-Heinz Voelker

Thanks for all your music

Posted on Mon Dec 11 17:42:54 CET 2000 from (149.160.24.116)

KLJ

Gene,

Good for you. I'm glad you have a nice Beatles collection. Mine is rather small, made up mainly of the greatest hits of BEATLES and LENNON.

I'm not sire of the intentions of your post there, but I'm glad you've got a nice BIG collection.

Later John

Posted on Mon Dec 11 17:27:41 CET 2000 from webcache2.netdoor.com (208.137.128.32)

Deb

Peter Viney, I generally agree with your assessments, but I have to leap to the defense of Hank Williams, Sr. While he can be trite (if you don't like "Jambalaya", you'll absolutely loathe "Kawliga"), he can be profoundly moving. Listen to the original version of "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and then listen to almost anyone else's. Most other singers go for overwrought arrangements and overdramatic phrasing. Hank lets the words do their work. And while I'm cognizant of the role Fred Rose and the Nashville establishment played in his work, Hank Williams was an insightful writer and compelling performer who came from a class of people who rarely have one of their own committing their point of view to print.

I was born too late to see Hank, Sr. but I've heard Hanks Jr. and III and think they both have their moments. You're right, it's easy to laugh at Jr. instead of with him, especially when he's in his unreconstructed southerner mode, but he's a more versitile performer than his commercial stuff would suggest and he's come up with some solid country songs as well. Seems to me that Hank III is still finding his voice, but I think he has the potential to be pretty impressive. I haven't heard the version of "Atlantic City" you reference, but try "Thunderstorms and Neon Signs" from the "Rising Outlaw" CD. Maybe the Williams boys are an acquired taste outside the American south?

While I'm suggesting things, I don't think anyone would be disappointed in three CD's that seem to be in heavy rotation at my house lately -- R.L. Burnside's "I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down" (great Mississippi hill-country blues); T. Model Ford's "She Ain't None of Yourn'" (blues from the MS Delta) and Kevin Gordon's "Down to the Well" (more fine music from the man who wrote "Deuce and a Quarter." -- finally --a Band connection in all this!)

Posted on Mon Dec 11 17:24:42 CET 2000 from fe0-0.cache-01.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.0.5)

Gene

KLJ

I think it would take a couple of weeks, 24/7, to listen to all the Lennon/Beatles stuff I have. Ü

Posted on Mon Dec 11 16:50:48 CET 2000 from (149.160.24.118)

Knockin' Lost John

What a weekend!

I spent Friday listening to every Beatles/John Lennon CD in my collection, in memory of the 20th anniversary of his death.

Then on Saturday I listened to Rick Danko's first solo record and Times Like These and Breeze hill.

It would have been depressing, except that their music lifted my spirits, as it always does.

The BAND and the BEATLES live on!!!!

John

Posted on Mon Dec 11 16:47:32 CET 2000 from (149.160.24.118)

KLJ

Hello fellow Band-fans.

Did I just read in the "What's New" section that Robbie and Levon both played together on a new Ronnie Hawkins song for his upcoming album?

What the ....? Anybody got any info on whether or not Levon and Robbie were actually IN the studio together for this recording?

Later, John

Posted on Mon Dec 11 16:01:41 CET 2000 from (216.73.7.201)

Dave Hopkins

"G-MAN": Sorry you didn't get the joke. I recommend reading a few previous posts for context. Please see http://theband.hiof.no/articles/band_remasters_hopkins.html to know how I really feel about The Band. Under the circumstances, I wish to assure you that I do not take your words personally. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

Yr friend, Dave

P. S. "Bayou Sam" --thanks for gettin' it.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 15:39:34 CET 2000 from fe0-0.cache-01.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.0.5)

Gene

Thanks for the Van article, Peter V.

Recently, listening to a lot of Lennon stuff, I've been thinking of Jesse Ed

"Jesse Ed Davis: age 43 (born 21 Sept 1944 in Oklahoma, died 22 June 1988 in Venice, California). A full-blooded Kiowa, Jesse Ed Davis was perhaps the most versatile session guitarist of the late '60s and early '70s. Whether it was blues, country or rock, Davis' tasteful guitar was featured on albums by such giants as Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, John Lennon and John Lee Hooker, among others. It is Davis' weeping slide heard on Clapton's "Hello Old Friend" (from 'No Reason To Cry'), and on both 'Rock n' Roll' and 'Walls And Bridges', it is Davis who supplied the bulk of the guitar work for ex-Beatle Lennon. In and out of clinics, Davis disappeared from the music industry for a time, spending much of the '80s dealing with alcohol and drug addiction. Just before his death of a suspected drug overdose in 1988, Davis resurfaced playing in the Graffiti Band..." Steve Kurutz, All-Music Guide

Another rock n' roll casualty, too soon gone. It occurs to me, that we're all just passing through. Can we try to be good to each other (and ourselves)? Please? Thanks for listening...

Posted on Mon Dec 11 15:21:19 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Mr. Hopkins--You actually went to Harvard?? God dam!! Sounds like mom and pop paid your way, too!! Tried to improve the old brain power, huh-kid??? However, only way to get a little heart and soul--is a transplant. Harvard---and ya missin the point here!!! It ain't about differernt countirees and nationalitees!! It's all about our favorite music and musicians, and how that makes us feel good!!! I know w/that Harvard PHD your too busy to enjoy anything happy, like music!! I figure you're at Haaavad Yod--lookin for poor folks to help, or lookin for a country ya don't like--so yu could start a war!!!Especially, since this in NOT a good w/e to Phuck with Band fans!! Peace!!

Posted on Mon Dec 11 15:08:53 CET 2000 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Just want to express our deepest sympathy to Rick's family and friends. Spent sun. listening to some of my personal collection--"Best of Rick Danko"(basically, anything he played and/or sang). It's a damn shame!!! Peace.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 13:56:57 CET 2000 from du-tele3-032.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.32)

Peter Viney

I saw positive reviews of “Badlands” the Tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska”. The worst record I’ve heard in many years is Hank Williams III’s version of Atlantic City on it. What is the point of completely ignoring the melody in this horrendously bad bluegrass-y version. I always thought Hank Williams Jnr was an outstandingly untalented singer, and while I might listen to “If the south would’ve won” I’m laughing AT him, not WITH him. It seems that the lack of talent is hereditary. So, you’re planning a tribute to Nebraska. And you want a version of Atlantic City – first, just use The Band version, which beats the original, hands down. Can’t believe it. The reviews praised the Ani DiFranco version of “Used Cars” and I like Ani DiFranco, but it’s not any good. Even Los Lobos are boring on Johnny 99. The only decent track seems to be Johnny Cash's "I'm on Fire", and that's not a patch on the original, more like "I'm a softly glowing and fast fading ember."This is a truly awful tribute album with the only virtue of sending you racing for the original.

Listening to Van Morrison retreading “Jambalaya” on Saturday, you do have to think “why bother?” I mean, Hank Williams may be influential, but Van has at least fifty compositions that beat the original Hank Williams too. No, in my mind you can keep the whole three generations of Hank Williams.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 13:38:52 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip209.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.209)

Bud

Hi all. I thought I'd share some thoughts about the show yesterday at the Kleinert Center in Woodstock, "A benefit for the Food Pantry". I know many of you were there in spirit. A great show started with performances by Jules Shear, then Scott Petito,Leslie Ritter joined by Tony Levin and Jerry Marotta. Ed Sanders,Bare Bones and Wildflowers Terry Champlin and Joe Beesmer. An eclectic mix of talent and song that makes Woodstock a special place.

Professor Louie & the Crowmatix took the stage with a mellow "Restless Islands" and Miss Marie's "Tear of The Clouds". Louie pulled out "Christmas Must Be Tonight" in tribute to Rick then a rousing "Run Rudolph,Run" into a moving "I Shall Be Released" joined by many of the performers. Not to leave on a somber note, they rocked away with "The Next Time You See Me".... It was a touching moment to be in the center of Woodstock on a cold,gray day, knowing that Rick was there in spirit, having a laugh and a song.

Peace Rick, we miss you.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 13:00:55 CET 2000 from 1cust2.tnt2.newcastle.au.da.uu.net (210.84.58.2)

Pete Huish

Like many of you I spent my 10th December with Rick - running over a recording with Eric Anderson. Rick had the knack of making songs his own and truely is a pleasure to listen to. He also has the knack of making us feel that we chare the songs and invites us to join in and embrace. He, sadly, has left a wonderful legacy of music. Sorely missed, pete

Posted on Mon Dec 11 09:12:29 CET 2000 from dnvrdslgw14poolb103.dnvr.uswest.net (63.228.85.103)

Sean

As I sit here reading all of the wonderful messages a tear comes to my eye. It is amazing how many lives Rick touched including mine. I was lucky enough just to see The Band and Rick(solo) play, but I was even luckier to meet him. His spirit lives in all of us, and I hope that one day I will be able to be even a little bit of the man Rick was. Everybody misses the music you played and the songs you sang, but most of all I miss the man you were. You were what we should all strive to be. And as I sit here listening to It Makes No Difference all I can do is smile and cry because I know that now you are making music that is more beautiful than ever.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 08:04:50 CET 2000 from (196.15.168.31)

Steve

Rick, Thought about you a lot this last year - I played all my old Band records and videos many times throughout the year. Today I am thinking of you even more though. You were a great musician and a great man. Steve

Posted on Mon Dec 11 07:53:39 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

i took off yesterday from the board out of respect for mr. danko's admirers. he certainly had a great talent. his voice , for me, actually was able to set a mood that would allow me to realise that beyond the craziness of todays urban landscape, there is a place where cool , clear streams sing a beautiful song while polishing rocks. where the trees form the most beautiful church of the creator, where people meet and talk with each other all for the sake of the joy in realising we are amongst others.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 07:54:07 CET 2000 from parachute3-156-40-62-26.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.26)

Jonathan Katz

Missing Rick.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 07:23:40 CET 2000 from ip-122.dial.webperception.com (64.7.64.122)

Molly

Here's a little poem I wrote about Rick. Hope you like it.

Raising a toast to the most talented man
I will always remember
Carrying his melodies inside my head
Keep playing the songs to remember

Doing what he does best
Always putting a good smile
Never see any negativity
Knowing he's up there playing for us
Only in our hearts and souls

Thank you Rick Danko for sharing your music with us. You will always be remembered in everyone's hearts today.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 06:25:18 CET 2000 from 1cust233.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.28.242.233)

rollie

"Unfaithful Servant,you don't have to say you're sorry......"

Posted on Mon Dec 11 05:18:19 CET 2000 from user-33qta1f.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.47)

Pat Brennan

Rick Danko, Rock of Ages.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 04:47:07 CET 2000 from ip-003-163.gw.total-web.net (24.90.3.163)

Don Pugatch

Just finished reading the guestbook sign ins, as I write mine, listening to Rick, doing Blue River. Eric Anderson, know Rick's talents, as well as anyone and if I had to choose the perfect song to reflect my thoughts at this moment, Blue River says it. Keep us safe from the deep and the dark, we don't want to stray too far. Rick, you are always in our thoughts and hearts, don't let us stray too far.

Don

Posted on Mon Dec 11 04:01:17 CET 2000 from hse-montreal-ppp142703.sympatico.ca (64.228.211.106)

Kat Sermat

How quickly turns the wheel of the year... here we are at December 10 again. Seems like yesterday, I open the front door, pick up the Globe and Mail and leaf through it while sipping my first coffee of the morning. Suddenly, a headline burns my eyes and jolts me wide awake. "No!," I cry out loud, "No, oh no!"

Today, a year later, I attend a concert by my daughter's choir, to mark the tenth annual World Choral Singing Day, when more than one million voices around the world sing for the cause of world peace and harmony. I think of Rick, as their clear young voices soar on the last line of Harmonia Mundi, "and music made together may someday heal mankind." I think he would have approved.

Afterward, there is a freewill offering to support a homeless women's shelter in downtown Montreal, and as I drop in my donation, I say a silent thanks to Rick for the music in his soul, his generous spirit and his frequent reminder that we're not here to change the world, we're only here to help the neighbourhood. Sleep in heavenly peace, Ricky.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 02:06:07 CET 2000 from 1cust11.tnt1.jackson.wy.da.uu.net (63.26.150.11)

jhwygirl

I had the fortune of meeting Rick back in the summer of 1994 when he and the rest of the guys came to Big Sky, Montana. I was so tongue tied, I shook his hand and only said "hello" and "wow". I'm such a dufus! I ..do.. remember walking away in tears and my good friend Dan leading me by the arm, laughing at me, as the concert crowd, who hadn't had the fortune of going backstage like I had, stared at me like I was some kind of freak. Remember those pictures of girls screaming and crying at the sight of the Beatles or Elvis? I wasn't that bad, and I didn't cry in front of them, but I was definately tongue tied.

Rick's music has brought me a trememdous amount of joy in my life, and he is missed. Terribly. God Bless.

Posted on Mon Dec 11 00:28:26 CET 2000 from du-tele3-034.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.34)

Peter Viney

A toast to the memory of Rick Danko. I'm playing his voice on the stereo, but it plays in my head a lot of the time anyway. Rest in peace.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 23:56:23 CET 2000 from ts1-48.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.48)

Cupid

To Rick and John. Rest easy and thank you for the music.Remember Love.....Cupid

Posted on Sun Dec 10 21:47:25 CET 2000 from (206.187.219.40)

Lauren

I am a great fan of Robbie's and I got into The Band when

Stage Fright came out. One thing that has always inspired me was the attention to INTELLIGENCE, strength and explanation. I really love Robbie's

work celebrating his wodnerful heritage and I look forward to someday seeing him in concert.

I also would like to say that I FEEL THAT LEONARD PELTIER SHOULD BE FREED. Not just for the obvious reasons,

but because I feel, in my expansive way of thinking, that ending a Millenia on a positive note of freeing someone ( a Special soul)

that was WRONGED and never should have been somewhat "enslaved", oppressed and imprisoned,

would enhance a POSITIVE entry into the NEW MILLENIA. Just a feeling.

Happy holidays to all and Happy, Healthy and Safe MILLENIA!

Best, Lauren

Posted on Sun Dec 10 21:46:43 CET 2000 from spider-tj043.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.193)

Mike

Thanks Rick...

Posted on Sun Dec 10 20:57:51 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tg013.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.153)

Ruby

Missing Rick today along with all the brothers and sisters who come to this site.I want to give a special thanks to the Gurus for dedicating a song to their brother Rick evertime I have been to their shows. His spirit is everywhere!! Peace and much love to the Danko family and I too want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend the memorial service.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 20:35:36 CET 2000 from spider-wi061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.46)

Dave~ Drummerpgh

Back in 1985; in addition to being in a band called "The Bridge" (visit our website please), I was also playing in a band called Sandoz. Sandoz covered a LOT of The Band's material as well as Traffic and The Grateful Dead. They also had loads of originals that were Band influenced. We were fortunate enough to fill the opening slot for The Band as well as various configurations of Band members on several occasions. I have been very partial to The Band's music since BP hit the shelf. My sister bought it for me for my 14th birthday,,,(strange; I didn't think she was so cool back then). Over the years I had become a rabid fan of their music. Needless to say; I was totally psyched to share a dressing room with my musical mentors.

I really love and admire each member of the Band for their musical prowess and spirit but Rick Danko had always been the standout. I have fond memories of Rick that I will always cherish. On more than one occasion after the show, we drank Heinekin's and talked and sang until the wee hours of the morning. He was a very open individual and so much fun to be around. For those of you that are not aware, I highly reccomend his 1977 release simply titled "Rick Danko". It contains an all-star cast of musicians. It is now available on One Way Records #OW34497. You won't be dissapointed.

Rick , I miss your quirky ways and your honest smile. Your music will live on however...thank God.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 19:50:07 CET 2000 from ti09a61-0305.dialup.online.no (130.67.57.49)

Jan Høiberg

Rick S., I was also lucky enough to be able to attend the Bearsville memorial and the "This Wheel's on Fire" concert for Danko in CT this summer, together with dear friends. Good therapy for everyone involved, with wonderful, heartfelt performances.

Btw, thanks to the nice Dylan freaks at the Norwegian Dylan convention last night, for showing your respect and love for Rick and The Band. I'll be there again next year. Let's have some video from tour '74 then, hm? Dag, hope your head felt better this morning than mine did %-}

Posted on Sun Dec 10 18:53:56 CET 2000 from du-tele3-083.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.83)

Peter Viney

Did anyone see a TV documentary on DNA and race? They had several people there, an African-American, an Asian Indian, a white European, a Chinese. Turns out that we can all be traced back to seven males (a slightly different number of females, 6 or 8, I think). Anyhow, they worked out the characteristics of “white” DNA. To his horror, the African-American guy had more “white” DNA than any of the others. The white European had the most “African” DNA. It makes a mockery of racism and proves we are all brothers and sisters under the skin.

I liked Crabgrass’s post-birth conditioned mindsets. You can condition hatred into something as silly as the colour of a football supporter’s scarf. In Northern Ireland you’re conditioned to react either positively or negatively to the colours orange or green. And religion is the supposed reason, but I’ve never seen the opposing sides debate the concept of transubstantiation which underlies the Catholic / Protestant split in the 1530s. A similar religious divide is funneled into football in Glasgow (Celtic in green are Catholic, Rangers in blue are Protestant). In the 60s the same existed in Liverpool with Liverpool in red being Protestant and Everton in blue being Catholic. So if you saw a football supporter waving a blue flag you had no idea of his religion until you heard the accent – Liverpool or Glasgow. Oddly, the huge success of Liverpool F.C. in the 70s and 80s seemed to broaden their appeal across the religious barrier, at least with younger fans. The two Liverpool clubs had stopped recruiting players by faith too. It was only a few years ago that the Glasgow teams followed them. But I still remember a Liverpool Catholic friend at college in 1967 who agonized over whether to play for his Hall of Residence team. The problem? They played in red, and as he said his grandfather would turn in his grave if his grandson played football in a red shirt. Desmond Morris wrote a book called “The Soccer Tribes”. Football supporters fit most of the criteria of tribalism.

Which leads to an ancient joke. An Englishman attended a Rangers-Celtic game in Glasgow. To his left stood a burly man in a blue scarf. To his right, an equally burly fellow in a green scarf. Celtic scored first and the Englishman and the man in green both cheered. A few minutes later, Rangers scored and the Englishman and the man in blue cheered. The man in blue said, ‘Hey! Why did you cheer for both sides?’ ‘Because they were both brilliant goals,’ said the Englishman. The man in blue looked at the man in green, ‘Come on, let’s kick his head in. He’s an atheist.’

Hank: and I agree about both Pearl Harbour and Coventry … the military powers who like to “celebrate” their “patriotic dead” with flags and brass bands were working to their own long-term strategies when both these events occurred. And continued to do so. Norman Mailer’s “The Naked & The Dead” explores the evils of militarism, and also admits that you need to utilise a necessary evil to resist and fight a greater evil. 2400 people died at Pearl Harbour. Every one was somebody’s son, and most of them were about the age of my own sons. Each death a personal tragedy. But though Pearl Harbour was an event of enormous political importance, in terms of even just Second World War slaughter, it wasn’t anywhere near one of the worst ones. Ah, I’m going to quote John Lennon … but no, he said it often enough. All we are saying …

Posted on Sun Dec 10 18:48:17 CET 2000 from spider-we051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.41)

Bayou Sam

What can I say about Rick that hasn't already been said?

I first got turned on to The Band via TLW movie in the 70's.

I first latched on to Levon and Robbie. RR seemed to be the "front" guy in the movie. Levon - what's not to like about him. As I got into exploring the Band's whole catalog I discovered the other guys more.

Rick kind of snuck up on me. I think one of the absolute charms of the man was that he never took on a superstar attitude. He truly did want to just help the neighborhood. This, despite the fact that he WAS a super singer and bass player. It didn't seem to take any effort on his part to be a regular guy. It was inbred. His parents must have been pretty cool folks.

I feel very fortunate to have seen Rick do a solo gig live. I've already posted this, but it was a while ago. It was at a club on Long Island about 6 months before he passed away. When the gig ended, I was happy because he did Long Black Veil - one of my faves. I walked with my wife into the bar area where they were selling CD's of Rick and Levon (Rick selling his friends CD - how cool?). I had hoped to get Ricks autograph on a photo of Big Pink that I took myself. I turned just as Rick appeared in a doorway and he looked at me and said, "I just want to change my shirt, I'll just be two minutes, OK?". I was amazed. Here is this guy who has been around the world, played with Dylan on historical shows, etc, etc. And he was asking if it was OK. I said "sure" of course. When he signed my photo (with the smile face) I shook his hand. Then my wife shook his hand and kissed him on the cheek - then he said "wait, make it even", and had her kiss his other cheek. Then I looked at his classic Danko smile as he greeted the next people in line. We left there feeling great. I've seen other artists at huge shows where I couldn't possibly leave with the same feeling of connection that I had that night. This was one of Ricks gifts. He could transmit that to people without even trying.

Rest in Peace Rick. We'll be OK as long as we think of the smile and the "happy dance". Thanks for leaving your bass playing and singing behind as you passed on through.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 18:18:51 CET 2000 from spider-mtc-tc023.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.158)

Rick S.

I want to thank the Danko family again for allowing fans to attend the Memorial Service in Bearsville, N.Y. last December. As a result of that day, I made two great friendships. We have attended many musical events through the year and met more acquaintances. The best concert I attended this year was the Rick Danko Benefit Concert in Newtown, Conn. Such commitment to the spirit and music of Rick by the performers. Thanks again. To the Barn Burners, The Gurus and the Crowmatix: your fans are the most passionate and commited fans I've ever met (and also the nicest). Rick's memory will always live on.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 17:33:06 CET 2000 from 1cust130.tnt14.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.142.130)

Crabgrass

If there really were no "tribes" at present there would be no wars. But there are many - this is particularly evident in places like the Middle East and Northern Ireland where tribal identities (and the deeply rooted hate which springs from them) seemingly cannot be eradicated from the minds of the people who are killing and maiming each other. And the religious tribes which separate mankind seem to be even more insidiously divisive and intolerant than those based on skin color, linguism, etc., since the differences are essentially caused by post-birth conditioned mind-sets.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 16:37:07 CET 2000 from 1cust15.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.15)

A Friend

I just want to say that I visited Rick's grave last week. His grave is beautifully decorated with a wreath that goes the length of the grave and with little toys and stuffed animals attached to the wreath. It really was beautiful. Also a stone has been put on Eli's grave. Rick, I miss you terribly - love you always.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 15:56:56 CET 2000 from dialup-066.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.66)

Hank

I'm really surprised to read that some folks here insist on catergorising humans as "Black" or "White" or as being part of "Tribes".........all those terms are inaccurate and are known to cause bad trouble between folks..........a person can have ancestry from Africa, Europe or Asia or whereever.....but , y'know, .....so called "White " folks turn bright "red" with embarssement, "green" with envy or sickness, "yellow" with jaundice or exude healthy "pink" glows........how "Black" is someone with a coupla generations of ancestry in the US compared to someone bred and born in Ethiopia?..........those are all horseshit terms, folks , so stop using them describing individuals, please.....it's insulting to the intelligence.......

Tribes? What tribes are there anymore? Since WW2 and the advent of widespread, affordable international world travel, there are no such things as "Tribes" anymore........except for those who cling to the idea as a way of justifying their twisted, territorial beliefs.........in fact, the very notion of the The United States of America vanquishes the very IDEA of "Tribes" (as the whole nation was set up on the back of destroying the native tribes that lived there)........we're all in this together, folks..........The Incredible String Band sang a song called "Maya" on the "Big Huge/ Wee Tam" album.....one of the lines in the song goes "his skin it is all patchy but so will turn one glowing hue".......that's pretty accurate........it's a new world, folks....black and white and yellow and red don't mean a THING anymore..........stop using those terms............it's worse than racist.........

.....and as for "the blues"........there really is a mistaken notion that the blues are/were the preserve of the recently freed slaves in the rebel states of the US in the 19th century.........that's a load of horseshit, too........that music we call "the blues" was the preserve of ANYBODY that was POOR and DISPOSSESSED living in those states....it did'nt matter WHERE your ancestry was rooted.........Elvis Presley was just as good a bluesman as Robert Johnson..........both came from dirt-poor backgrounds and did something magical with their God-given, natural talent......it was beyond money, even tho' it is BIG business nowadays.............Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton are equal in their status as bluesmen.........both well-fed post-war boys bangin' on their electric guitars.......you may prefer Hendrix or you may prefer Clapton........but they are BOTH bluesmen.......... because they heard that music and became part of it.....it does'nt matter WHERE you come from...........music is a language......blues is a dialect of that language......just as rap or jigs and reels and bluegrass and old timey and jazz are dialects.....some people speak many different dialects......some folks speak just ONE dialect very well......some folks can understand ONE dialect and not be able to COMPREHEND another dialect.....but it's ALL there for the learning........some folks spend their lives and health trying to make up a "new'" version of the dialect....some succeed and some just become very good copyists........the main thing is that we COMMUNICATE.......blues is communicating to people all over the world...it's a language everybody can understand.........

|You all know the one about the four Canucks and one local Arkansas whitey boy sitting down with a buncha niggers eating B-B-Q., doncha?......Do you think The Hawks cared about color skin tone of Sonny Boy or vice versa? They just wanted to make some music together and get folks singing and dancing and maybe make some money doing it.........

It's also interesting to see people going on about the poor fellows who died at Pearl Harbour.........as if US intelligence DID'NT know that was gonna happen.....of course, they did!!!!! Why the hell did The US sell all that iron ore from Hibbing, Minnesota to the Japanese during the 30ies.....for the Japanese to build bridges with?.......no, for the Japanese to build WEAPONRY with.....that's what they did....it's on record.......the Japanese boughtr TONS of iron ore off the USA before the war.........don't sentimentalise Modern Warfare, folks........Being a soldier is a noble thing, no doubt about it, it takes skill and ability and youthful energy...........defending ones family and home is a noble thing..........it's survival........... .....but planned, industrialised warfare that calls on natural patriotism and kills millions of young men, women and children is modern human sacrifice and is NOT to be lauded........there's evidence to suggest that those boys at Pearl Harbour coulda been spared....just as there's evidence that the people of Coventry coulda been spared , if properly and promptly notified...........apparently Churchill KNEW the Germans were gonna obliterate the city.......and what about them young Japanese boys who were bullshitted into being Kamikaze pilots by THEIR screwed-up belief systems?....are we to feel anything for THEM at this time?.......human sacrifice is BIG business, folks............Wars are big Business........GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!!!!!!!.......and as Rick said....."help out around the neighbourhood".....that's the best way to stop war.........God bless Rick and God bless John at this time..............

Posted on Sun Dec 10 16:09:00 CET 2000 from dhcp006.7.lvcm.com (24.234.7.6)

swansongpam

GOD MAKES ANGELS OF US ALL.......AND GIVES US WINGS WHERE WE HAD SHOULDERS SMOOTH AS RAVENS CLAWS. Things happen to all our Musical Heros, Jim Morrison, Janis,Freddie Mercury, Gerry Garcia,Rick Danko.....It hurts to see them leave this realm,to know that you will never see them again hurts us in different ways...but THEY know that their music will always be here for us to have..it's their GIFT, and their GIFT lives on inside of us, and they trust we will hand down their GIFTS to others.........GOD bless them all.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 16:06:35 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Rick - Thank you for the music that enriched our lives. Thank you for your giving spirit. Thank you for your smile and warmth. Though we only met a few times, you will always be in mine and my wife's hearts. Your music has touched my life like no other music has and it will continue to be a part of me until we meet again.

God rest your soul. Peace and Comfort be with you, your family and friends today...,

Posted on Sun Dec 10 15:39:21 CET 2000 from dsl-20-141-139.boston.navipath.net (64.20.141.139)

john

in response to dave hopkin's post, how dare you even think of trying to convince someone that The Band's music is trash and that we are trying to "compensate" for treating Canadians poorly. there will never be another group that can hold a candle to The Band's work. all this on a day that we should be remembering one of rock's greatest musicians, vocalists, and people.

on a much more somber note, i put on the last waltz right after i woke up. two things i will never forget from that album:

1)rick singing it makes no difference and 2)the line "just one more nightmare you can stand". i have never heard any singer have that much emotion poured into any song, let alone one verse.

rick, i'll bet you, richard, paul, and muddy are forming another last waltz. when my time comes, i'll be sure to see it.

may peace be with you rick.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 15:25:24 CET 2000 from (64.132.18.38)

JustWonderin'

Remembering Rick today.

Lil, excellent idea!

Posted on Sun Dec 10 14:11:59 CET 2000 from 135.mercerville-26-27rs.nj.dial-access.att.net (12.78.150.135)

carmen

Wishing Rick were here. Hearing Blue Moon with RR and Levon brought some chills up my spine. Both sound great. I would love to see them along with Garth and Ronnie write and sing one in Ricks (and Richards) memory some day.

Best Regards to all in the GB

Posted on Sun Dec 10 13:34:58 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp216.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.216)

Diamond Lil

I spent several hours last night reading through a bound album of posts from this site a year ago (thanks Jan) and realize the impact that Rick's life had on the lives of so many. There's nothing I can say today that hasn't already been said..beautifully..except to add that as we reach this one-year anniversary of Rick's death, it's just a very small piece of the concept of forever. The grief has softened, the missing him is always there.

Thank you Rick, for everything. I love you.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 08:59:01 CET 2000 from user-hki5a-197.dial.inet.fi (194.142.0.197)

Kalervo

Saying that almost all worthwhile American music is black-influenced is not denying anything from whites. It is that melting-pot we Europeans haven' t got so much. For Beteen I can recommend St John Worth, it can help to put your undeniable intellect to better use, not trying to be aggressively right on everything. And forgive me my Euro-trashed English. For Rick I light another candle...

Posted on Sun Dec 10 08:52:59 CET 2000 from dap-209-114-161-81.nfas.monroe-tnt-1.sns234.pa.stargate.net (209.114.161.81)

Mary (bear)

Gee, I can't believe a year has gone by, it seems like yesterday. What a difference a year can make in someones life. Last year at Thanksgiving, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. Then Rick you were suddenly taken from us, and next my dad. Sometimes everything seems like such a blur. At least, we have our memories. Still through my memories of you, your music, that heavenly voice, you are still able to make me laugh and at times cry. Your music helps heal me when I am so sad. I miss you Rick and I will always love you. I will keep you alive in my heart forever. And to Elizabeth, Lisa, Justin, and to all Ricks family and many friends, I wish you all peace. And to my friends "the sheperd" and to lil, you are also in my thoughts as well. There will never be another Rick Danko. He was one of a kind. Always had time for his beloved family, friends, and many fans. Thank you Rick.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 08:42:31 CET 2000 from usr10-dialup33.atlanta.cw.net (204.189.163.97)

John

The Band is one of the most underated bans ever, their work was so great, songs like the night they drove old dixie down, whispering pines, rockin chair, etc. are great masters at work.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 07:27:21 CET 2000 from spider-to066.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.30)

Ray & Amy Jo

Missing you Rick! Thoughts and prayers go out to all those who love & miss him!

Posted on Sun Dec 10 07:27:02 CET 2000 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

At this moment, Richard Manuel and Rick Danko are putting up one hell of a show in another dimension. Love to you, Ricky. It's been a long year without you.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 07:20:45 CET 2000 from pool-63.52.230.63.ipls.grid.net (63.52.230.63)

Bobby Jones

One tear ago on a cold dark night

Heaven recalled a man, whose voice gave delight

There were few at the scene, but they all would agree.....

He sang like an Angel, for you and me...........

Thank You Rick

Posted on Sun Dec 10 06:40:08 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

Thank you Rick !!

Posted on Sun Dec 10 06:08:36 CET 2000 from cl3021317-a.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

And once more your smile moves to tears,,,but your songs will move us through the years,,,thanks Rick,, your now forever!

Posted on Sun Dec 10 06:02:10 CET 2000 from atmax-6-32.enter.net (207.16.154.42)

Little Brøther

Last Christmas my sister gave me a book called "Air Guitar", a collection of essays on art and culture by an art critic and professor named Dave Hickey.

One essay, entitled "Shining Hours/Forgiving Rhyme", is revisionistic commentary, or appreciation, of a particular American artist whose work was underrated. Although the essay is mostly about this visual artist, he writes about musicians, too.

When I read the following lines, I thought, "This is about Rick Danko." I'm substituting Rick's name (he isn't in the actual piece) instead of the person in the essay to emphasize the point.

"To put it simply: (Rick Danko's)... music has no special venue. It lives in the quotidian world with us amidst a million other things, so it must define itself as we experience it, embody itself and be remembered to survive. So it must rhyme, must live in pattern, which is the mother of remembering. Moreover, since this kind of art lacks any institutional guarantee of our attention, it must be selected by us-- and since it aspires to be selected by all of us, it must accept and forgive us too-- and speak the language of acceptance and forgiveness. And since it can only flourish in an atmosphere of generosity and agreement, it must somehow, in some way, promote that atmosphere."

We know all too well, both in this Guestbook life as Band fans and historians and outside of it, that we can't always create or breathe "an atmosphere of generosity and agreement". But we ought to be able to value it, hope for it, enjoy it when we find it, and pay homage to a man who, by all accounts, exuded it like a tall tree exudes oxygen.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 05:55:05 CET 2000 from mplsdslgw10poola213.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.213)

Patrick

I just had a great idea on what should be on the new "Northern Lights-Southern Cross" remastered C.d- A mix of just Garth's keyboards from "Jupiter Hollow" I mean you can hear "vocal only" versions on alot of remasters-So a "keyboards only" would show how genuis Garth Hudson is-What do you guys think"

Posted on Sun Dec 10 05:47:40 CET 2000 from spider-we072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.52)

Bayou Sam

......just listened to Blue Moon on the What's New page. It sounds great. The Hawk sounds great - Levon's got a nice intro and lays down the groove, and Robbie plays very pretty throughout. I can't wait to hear the rest of it. Does anyone know if RR wrote anything on the album?

Posted on Sun Dec 10 03:09:06 CET 2000 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

"And the dawn don't rescue me no more"

Posted on Sun Dec 10 02:02:26 CET 2000 from (216.238.78.81)

The Shepard

In response to D's comment on Rick's grave it is wise to notice that there has yet to be seen a tomb stone at his son Eli Danko's grave and he died one year after my dad died. 14 yrs is a long time to receive one...are we waiting for an invitation? If you go to place somethng on Ricks grave it would mean alot from all of us I'm sure if you could leave something for Eli. Maybe I'll see you there "D"! My dreams and prayers go out to the members of The Band.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 01:50:18 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

L.D.O., nice post. never met him either, yet i'll never forget him. he seemed to have the look of a good friend.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 01:43:48 CET 2000 from spider-tp062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.202)

jcf

Here is a bit of useless trivia: The Big Chill was the first R rated movie I ever saw in a theatre. I was just nine years old and it was on New Years Eve 1983... I got to finally hear Acadian Driftwood last week at a listening station at local record store. I'd like to hear it again. I know that the critical apprasial of this song is divided. It would not make my top ten Band songs, but might make my top twenty. I have to hear it again to say something substantive. I really liked Aint Got No Home from the same disc (the new Best of the Band). The Saga of Peptou Rouge did not appeal to me. I was surprised to see Time to Kill on the one disc compilation. It is defenitely a mass- popular favorite, or a favorite of serious Band fans. Right? That said my enjoyment of the song began to increase a few months ago. Rick does a fine job. It's the kind of band song where an alternate vocalist would clearly not be as good. The vocals sound naive and ironic at the same time.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 01:30:32 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

"I miss you so much,I can't stand it

Seems like my heart, is breaking in two

My head says no but my soul demands it

Everything I do, reminds me of you

I miss you so much, in this house full of shawdows

While the rain keeps pouring down, my window too

When will the pain, recede to the darkness

From whence it has come, and I'm feeling so blue

Ain't goin' down, no more to the well

Sometimes it feels like, I'm going to hell

Sometimes I'm knocking, on your front door

But I don't have nothing, to sell no more

Seems like like the spirit, is pushing me onwards

I'm able to see, where I tripped and went wrong

I'll just have to guess, where my soul will find comfort

And I miss you so much, when I'm singing my song"

...............(Van the Man's "Reminds Me Of You" listening to this song as I remember Rick Danko from Simcoe, Ontario, Canada)

Van listens to Chet Baker like I do.......

"Morrison has referred to "Brown Eyed Girl" almost dismissively as "the Top 40 thing".... According to Morrison, there is no big deal in the fact that the song started life as "Brown Skinned Girl". That was just a mistake. It was a kind of Jamaican song. Calypso. (hey Van, Calypso music comes from Trinidad!)It just slipped my mind. I changed the title".

In the Mojo article on The Band I was surprised that Robbie didn't know that it was Lou Rawls who was singing back up for Sam Cooke in "Bring It On Home"........

Posted on Sun Dec 10 01:26:53 CET 2000 from h0000f8718e9a.ne.mediaone.net (24.128.16.201)

Long Distance Operator

Just checking in to wish the Guestbook family a warm holiday season. I will be raising a glass high at midnight tonight in honor of the great Rick Danko, while "A Change Is Gonna Come" roars through the speakers.

It's been too hard living
but I'm afraid to die
cuz I don't know what's out there
beyond the sky

It's a rare phenomenon when the passing of someone that you've never met moves you to tears. That's the power of the music, people. The music is what matters, and I think Richard Clare Danko understood that best of all.

Thanks for everything, Rick. It was one hell of a ride. Peace.

Posted on Sun Dec 10 01:26:37 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

I do take some exception to Kalervo's assertion that most signifacant American music is black music. I think it's true that there is a black influence in almost all of it, but there is also a significant white influence in a lot of it, too. Country music basically comes from European folk music. Early rock music was supposedly a blend of blues and country. I also have my own personal theory that a lot of "rock" in rock music comes from the white influence, while the "roll" is black. I think that white people have contributed a certain energy, intensity and power that black music generally doesn't have much regard for. I think most black music is more concerned with swing, soul and groove, white people brought a sort of straight four intensity. I mean, Heavy Metal and Punk are about the white-est musics that can be, and I think black musicians, very generally speaking, of course, would regard them as being rather stiff and corny. Of course, there are tons of exceptions to this, it's just a broad comment, but I think there's some truth to it.

Lil, I think that's a nice idea about Rick's grave. Maybe some of us here could have some comments or words put onto a card or something, too, if you wanted to do that. Although, I think if that's done for Rick, it would be nice if something similar could be done for Richard sometime, too.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 21:15:21 CET 2000 from 64-211-6-24.nas3.mon.gblx.net (64.211.6.24)

Lars

Benteen: Don't be daunted. Don't go. It would be better if you went over the hill and checked in with Custer. Nothing to worry about: the shooting has stopped.

On a whole different front, my main reason for posting is to compliment the Honky Tonk Gurus on the excellence of their recent shows. This group keeps getting better and better. Ever since Izzo starting sitting in, they've been on a hot streak (so I think the people down front should get used to it and stop throwing beer glasses at him).

I wish the best to all the bands who comprise the "Band family." Keep playing your music for us.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 20:46:46 CET 2000 from d185fd04b.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

I'd just like to say that The Band's music is way overrated. All you pompous pseudo-intellectuals who say you like The Band's music, that it means so much to you, that it speaks to your soul, that the guys in the group are great musicians and people, are so obviously desperately trying to hide your true anti-Canadian feelings. You're just typical bleeding-heart liberals who feel so damn guilty about America's exploitation of Canada over the centuries that you feel the need to overcompensate by pretending to like The Band's music, pathetically believing that it will somehow serve as repayment for all the damage done. Well, I'm here to call you on it; after all, NOBODY could truly enjoy The Band's music, especially not in some kind of fake posturing intellectual way. I'm the only one around here honest enough to admit that I hate Canadians and I hate The Band! And I'm shocked and outraged that someone else might have a different opinion!

;) ;) ;)

Posted on Sat Dec 9 20:13:41 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

alas, i must take my leave. all my soldiers are dead, the crown royal regiment has been fully decimated. it was a valliant 55 hour battle, but i know when i'm beat and must now rest and make preparations for the next assault. till we meet again, may the devil be notified of your departure, seconds after you pass below the gates of heaven.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 20:11:52 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp108.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.108)

Diamond Lil

Ronnie: Rick's grave has not been left unattended. Unfortunately, the winter months make a cared-for, flower-filled resting place look cold and barren. I've been there many times in the spring and summer, adding flowers of my own to the ones there each time I arrived. I sent Jan a photo several months ago, which I've left to his discretion about posting on his site. I thought it would make alot of people feel better if they saw the green grass and flowers in the photo. Perhaps Jan will post it soon.

And if it's ok with everyone else here, I'd like a put a Christmas wreath at the grave from all of us.

Thanks.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 20:04:49 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

jhwygirl, we are all racists to some degree. we all have our own tribe and our pride of this is something no-one should ever feel the need to justify. degrees of racism are determined in one's tolerance of other tribes. it is not determined by the p/c dogma being preached these days. there are serious racial issues throughout the world and if one simply adheres to the, "as long as i don't offend anyone with my words" type approach, i sadly, do not see any tangible healing in the near future.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 19:50:23 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

bay/sam, if you reread my posts' in their proper order, you will find that other than stating my own opinion, i was not insulting anyone in particular. any comment directed personally, would have been the result of that person initiating the insults as a product of their disagreement with my post. in other words, if one does not like heat, don't turn on the stove, sit on it and expect not to get burned. allow me to paraphrase a hack writer, "if i am cut, do i not bleed?". the author????? sir francis bacon. oops, is it okay to intimate that shakespeare was a front for francis , here? that the proof lies hidden on oak island amongst the acadian driftwood.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 19:48:18 CET 2000 from spider-wj051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.41)

ronnie spaziante

i would like to understand why rick's grave has been left unattended

Posted on Sat Dec 9 18:49:38 CET 2000 from well.health.nb.ca (207.179.181.34)

WS Walcott

Record shelf. Last time I looked it was Allman Bros. on the left and Atlanta Rythmn section on the right.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 18:28:38 CET 2000 from spider-tp062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.202)

Bayou Sam

Benteen = on the advice of a fellow GBer, via email, I'm not going to get into a "pissing" match with you. It will do no good whatsoever. My last post had nothing "hidden". It speaks for itself. I'm sorry I posted it only because it falls on deaf ears and the other fine folks in here don't want to read that kind of nonsense when they come here for open minded musical talk about The Band. The couple of times I've criticized you, you've proven what I said right away anyhow. You even managed to insult someone else in here since last night. I don't need a doctorate to speak from the heart. I WILL ask you to try to stop insulting people who think and feel differently than you do. Are you this condescending to people right to their faces? I bet you aren't. If you are you must get beat up alot - or you make people feel bad alot.

I will attempt to ignore you because I've wasted enough of my time, and Guestbook space dealing with your insulting and cemented-shut mind. If you give shit directly to me, I might not ignore it. The next time you belittle someone else, which will be soon I'm sure, I will leave it up to them to deal with you. As I should anyway.

I apologise to the rest of you for dragging this garbage through here - especially on the eve of a sad anniversary for us. I really feel bad for that. I just wanted to put this to bed. There, it's done.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 17:11:26 CET 2000 from jaxn3t01-du26.onewest.net (199.104.80.26)

jhwygirl

Benteen, exactly how long does it take you to think up that pseudo-intellectual racist crap?

Maybe you should lay off the caffeine.

PEACE!

Posted on Sat Dec 9 17:07:21 CET 2000 from a010-0029.hati.splitrock.net (64.196.248.29)

Sharon Blackwell

Mr. Fred Carter Jr, My husband was an old aquaintance of yours and you signed with him on several songs years ago. I have the orginal contract listing the song, "What A Merry Christmas This Would Be". Roger wrote this song and the date of the contract was July 28th, 1976. This was before we married in 1969. Roger signed this with Rustland Music. Could someone look into the possible release later by several artist to include, Willie Nelson and George Straight. I am still puzzled with this release under these artist since the copyright issued in 1967. Do you ave any idea if Roger has a good change in getting some pay back from these artist for using his song. Is there some way to check into this ourselves or do you have any suggestions. Please e-mail me if you can. Thanks Sharon Blackwell

Posted on Sat Dec 9 17:06:41 CET 2000 from a010-0029.hati.splitrock.net (64.196.248.29)

Sharon Blackwell

My husband wrote," What A Merry Christmas This Would Be," in 1967. Does he have the right to receive moneys from artist like Willie Nelson and George Straight. I have the eorginal contract signed by Roger Blackwell with Rustland Music. ( Fred Carter Jr.)

Posted on Sat Dec 9 17:06:18 CET 2000 from cl3021317-a.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

'Lil,,,what a nice idea,,your idea isn't copyrighted,,is it?!? Cuz if you don't mine, I'd like to do you same :)

Posted on Sat Dec 9 15:48:39 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

benteen: Dude/chic-whatever.., Did the pharmacy close early? You got a lot of pent up aggression goin' on there.

I'm not a great believer in PC but there are more savvy ways to express yourself.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 12:48:01 CET 2000 from grmn-105ppp202.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.202)

Diamond Lil

For the past 4 Christmases, adorning a branch near the top of my christmas tree, is a picture of my family which was taken the last Christmas my husband John was alive (he's even wearing a Santa hat :-) Because he died right after the holidays, me and the kids find that having this on our tree really helps each year.

Tomorrow, a new ornament will be added. A photo of Rick, who was and always will be close to our hearts. Christmas is a time for remembering. Here's hoping that as another December is upon us, we can all find some happiness in memories.

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 09:40:48 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

ooooohhhhh sammy, how about typing something that isn't hiding in obscurities and empty insults? earn a doctorate dude, try to think for yourself. as for the bag thing,huh, huh, what a pathetic sight it was.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 09:31:28 CET 2000 from spider-wk064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.179)

Bayou Sam

Benteen = the fact is that = indeed, NOTHING can be explained to you. You are of the attitude that you've got it all figured out and that's it. You are smarter than everyone else. You like to get people riled up, and are good at it. How dare you tell me why I like to listen to the blues. Maybe I enjoy the feel of the song and the way it's being performed. How can you possibly enjoy music at all when your looking way beyond the song and trying to analylize the shit out of why you should or shouldn't listen to it. I feel sorry for you, in that you don't have the capacity to simply enjoy a song, and are so locked into your opinions and have such a negative opinion of people that feel differently than you. You called any of us who like blues and jazz "screwed up", basically. You also said that some "dink" would jump up and tell you that if you don't understand the blues, MAN, then it can't be explained to you. Well, I will be a proud dink and tell you that NOTHING can be explained to you - or even just suggested to you.

The Lennon bag thing, I won't even get into. You missed the meaning of that completely.

I'd rather have Patricia in here than this pompus, insulting, egomaniac.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 09:19:47 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

kalervo, try this on. if an artist had anything important to say, he'd say it in english. redneck enough you euro-trash, time/warner fed dolt? don't try to take what is a serious post of mine and dress it up in the politically correct jargon of the post nixon paranoia. we're all being fed the hype that the races should celebrate their differences, when what we should be doing is celebrating our similarities. there are some people in all races who can cut through the trite crap of a jerry springer type sermon and realise that it's okay to state the contreversial as long as it's true. whites have the mindset that everyone else will be saved if they live as the whites do. black fathers in the u.s. have a troublingly high rate of family desrtion. native americans are trying to sell themselves as conservationalists, when in fact, they had little respect for the condition of abandoned campsites or the wholesale slaughtering of buffalo. i could go on, but it would only belabor my point. instead of bull@#$%, lets start being real.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 09:03:04 CET 2000 from user-hki5a-201.dial.inet.fi (194.142.0.201)

Kalervo

Of course everyone can have their opinions, how dumb they may be. All I can say that what makes American music so special to us Europeans is mostly due to black influence.You can hear that influence in almost every worthwhile American white artist, too. Rock, even country, Copeland,Ives, Gershwin...Even the whitest of whites should realize that without blacks, Natives or many other non-white ethnic groups American music would be second-rate European music. You should be proud of your musical richness, and not dwell in that disgusting redneck attitude, which makes USA look so silly to outside world. And I know that here in Finland (and in Europe, in general) even conservatives agree with me.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 08:33:16 CET 2000 from host-209-214-115-71.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.71)

BWNWITennessee

Benteen, I hate to get sucked into what's obviously just an attempt to get people all riled up, but I think a major flaw in your reasoning would be this - why then isn't rap music also held in such high esteem by white intellectuals, or spirituals? Why isn't Mahalia Jackson lauded in the same manner as Robert Johnson or Howlin' Wolf? And why don't these same white people also glorify Native American music, made by a people that they oppressed?

Ken Burns has said that he didn't make his film to appease the jazz community, but instead to expose the music to people who were unfamiliar with it. Which is honorable enough, I suppose, but not when you present a distorted image of it just because you happen to prefer a certain era.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 08:28:54 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

john lennon was a self-indulgent ninny pop-star. i watched a part of "imagine" tonight and was quite amused that such a goon could have garnered such post-mortem adoration. made me feel sad for my generation. look at it this way, 50 years from now, people watching john and yoko, tied up in a bag, talking of peace, don't you think it's gonna be embarassing to any progeny of this union?

Posted on Sat Dec 9 08:23:14 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

richard p., all forms of folk music are to be treasured. my point is , what is the blues as described by music writing hacks? they make it out to be something that one cannot understand, unless one is either pretentious, whacked on dope or has a degree in musicology 101. now some dink here will jump in and say, if you don't understand the blues man, it can't be explained. bull!!! let's hear someone make a more coherent definition of the blues than this. "a form of black folk music, borne of strife from their plight as u.s. citizens[?]. embraced by the white intelligentsia and raised to a level, which in fact was a plateau, and accorded mythological status, confirmed by the egghead french of the mid 1900's.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 07:27:22 CET 2000 from st-catherines-ppp112530.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.159)

Richard Patterson

BENTEEN: I'm trying to understand here... Are you saying that you think all forms of folk music are worthless? Or just black folk music is worthless? Or that white people should just stick to appreciating white folk music? Cause that's what it sounds like you're saying... You're certainly not practicing "reverse racism" at all, this is good old fashion frontwards racism. Where is this "shooting shit in your arm" thing coming from? And why is "Elvis the start of all things good or vice versa"?? Oh it's "evil", never mind...

Hey PAT BRENNAN: You're invisible! :~) Just kidding because your advice went unheeded... thanks for the reminder to dig out the Nugguts stuff... good old noisy, white, 60's folk music... I mean punk...

Posted on Sat Dec 9 06:33:27 CET 2000 from spider-wk064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.179)

Bayou Sam

It was 20 years ago today. John Lennon was ripped away from Yoko, his sons, and us. It's a sad day, but a day to remember all the good things about John - and of course, all the great music he left for us.

I always feel, as a big Lennon fan, that I want to do my part to turn people on to John's music. It's the least I can do. I don't force it down anyones throat(I hate that), I just just say "check this out". I don't need to turn anyone in here on to John. You folks already like him, or don't. I'm just thinking (out loud) about him and his music today. John had alot of little pop ditties, and he also said alot of wise things along the way too. He never tried to be anything more than a working class guy who made good. He always gave it to you straight.

I wanted to put some Lennon lyrics in here as part of my post. I wanted to find something really good. It was hard to pick something out of all the great stuff. Here's something from his 1973 Mind Games album. It's typical (IMHO) of a great lyric where John shows you where his head was at - and gives us all something to think about.

INTUITION

My intentions are good, I use my intuition

It takes me for a ride

But Inever understood other peoples's superstition

It seemed like suicide

And as I play the game of life

I try to make it better each and every day

And when I struggle in the night

The magic of the music seems to light the way

Intuition takes me there

Intuition takes me everywhere

Well my instincts are fine

I had to learn to use them in order to survive

And time after time confirmed and old suspicion

It's good to be alive

And when I'm deep down and out and lose communication

With nothing left to say

It's then I realize it's only a condition

Of seeing things that way

Intuition takes me there

Intuition takes me everywhere.

I certainly miss John, and it makes me sad and angry at the way he died. But none of that will bring him back, so I listen to his music to ease those feelings. Thanks John.

Thanks for putting up with a long non-Band post folks. Also, those of you who never cared for Lennon, or thought he was over rated. I'd love to send you a tape of a mix of his music. Not to change your mind or anything. Just to "check it out". E-mail me an address.

Give Peace a Chance.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 06:13:06 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

jhwy girl, evil is the start of all things good or vice versa. pain and suffering is the start of the blues, thus, the blues have been around for some time. negro slaves didn't have to shoot shit in their arms to express their pain, native american indians didn't have to waste their lives to compose a death song and i'm sure the slaves of egypt weren't jabbin needles prior to composing their laments. the american blues that is being lauded as so terrific, is in actuality, an ages old folk music, no more deserving of the accolades it receives , other than to allow liberal white americans an opportunity to absolve themselves of the mistreatment of some of the non-europeans they encountered. "gee, we kidnapped these darkies, brought them over here to be slaves, treated them like chattel, but hey, lookie here, they made da blues, so we figure it's a fair trade-off for their suffering if we espouse just how unique the music is". gimme a friggin break!!!!!

Posted on Sat Dec 9 05:48:10 CET 2000 from user-33qt8p4.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.36)

Pat Brennan

I checked out the Burns book on jazz which has been released already. The description of the Kind of Blue sessions begin with a rather large inaccuracy, so I stopped. His Civil War was a work of art but I found the history lacking in many areas. That's to be expected when someone takes on such a big project. I applaud his efforts because it made one aspect of my life a lot easier to pursue. His Baseball was as boring as the game, but he did early films on The Brooklyn Bridge and Niagra Falls, both of which were superb.

If someone finds beauty in a certain type of music and you don't, why press the issue?

Posted on Sat Dec 9 04:55:17 CET 2000 from proxy-1551.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.221.123)

Edward Frey

.....Well, thanks for the backslash tutorial and your helpful instructions. I'm a writer (Oxford Un.Pr.& Asia Lit. Pr.), surfing interesting sites for an intended article. I write mainly about Asian art and culture.

.....My latest book,a novel, TO PLEASE A CHINESE WIFE tells about a young woman who struggles to adjust to our Western ways. I think she would like your distinctive music.

..... Sincerely yours, Edward Frey, Author and inventor.

Posted on Sat Dec 9 04:41:17 CET 2000 from proxy1.doit.wisc.edu (144.92.44.76)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

For me,,,this weekend is a heavy one. Dec. 8th my late Dads Brithday, we all lost John Lennon to a gun crazed loser, and we lost a wonderful man, Rick Danko. My heart goes out to the Danko Family,,,and to all of you :(...

Posted on Sat Dec 9 04:29:46 CET 2000 from jaxn3t01-du74.onewest.net (199.104.80.74)

jhwygirl

Benteen, I've never been a big fan of jazz, but dissin' on the Blues?? How could ya? The Blues are like the root of all things good, musically speaking, don't you think????

Stay warm, friends!

Posted on Sat Dec 9 02:51:41 CET 2000 from m198214181117.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.117)

Pehr

I am looking forward to seeing Ken Burns jazz series, though BWNWIT's revelation disturbs me. It is hard to expect everything Burns does to be equal in excellence, but I cant help but hope Jazz comes off as a successful take on the history of the music. I can't imagine ignoring Be Bop. I'll withold judgement till I see it.

I also can't believe I'm finally through with this day at work! I better get while the gettin's good. Have a good weekend band-mates!

Posted on Sat Dec 9 02:29:22 CET 2000 from host-209-214-118-81.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.81)

BWNWITennessee

Has everyone heard about Ken Burns' "Jazz" documentary/monolith that's going to be on PBS in January? I don't know if it will be shown overseas at all, although I'm sure the tie-in merchandise will be available, naturally. Maybe they'll release some videotapes eventually. Anyway, ten episodes constituting 19 hours of footage, and they dedicate one episode for the early '60s to the present. Pathetic. Bad, bad Wynton. I mean, I think the music had basically run its course as to evolving into any new territories by the early '80s, but to gloss over post-bop and even fusion, which I'm not really a big fan of, is just shameful. How can you make a 19-hour movie and not cover every single significant figure?!

Posted on Sat Dec 9 01:15:20 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

let me go on record as saying, that jazz and blues are for the most part , way over-rated. this is probably so, by white liberalists, feeling a need to reach out to their negro neighbors and in doing so, practise a reverse racism. that the media feels a need to advance any particular culture's voice further than it would another is the practise i'm speaking about. let's face it, besides miles groundbreaking fusion-jazz stylings, which are to be accorded a lofty place in music history, for the most part, jazz and blues are just the americans way of saying, "hey, look at us, aren't we great?". jazz is a really boring groove to get into, as it eats itself, and blues, well, blues have been sung since the start of womankind, although in the 20th century, it became the refuge of the doped up artist without direction, brought on by her/his inabilty to focus because of his/her illness. when you pretentious white liberals want to cannonise, miles, parker coltrane, just watch chet baker in , "lets get lost" and ask your screwed up selves, why you don't accord him the same compassion you would the preceeding.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 23:56:40 CET 2000 from atmax-2-45.enter.net (207.16.153.101)

Little Brøther

“The Evolution of Useful Things”, Peter? Obviously this obscure work must have been a seminal influence on the young Bob Dylan, who summed up those 400 pages in a single lapidary phrase: "The Tines, They Are A-Changin'".

Posted on Fri Dec 8 21:46:19 CET 2000 from du-tele3-119.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.119)

Peter Viney

I said this would run into Petrowski territory and I was right. I mix country, soul, reggae and “easy-listening” in with rock, but I keep jazz and classical in different groups. And I mix in new age with jazz (yes, I do have a few). Then I have Soundtracks and a large collection of rock compilations. Having outgrown my shelves, the next move is more shelves, and I reckon I’ll keep Beatles, Beach Boys, Dylan and Van Morrison separate from the alphabetical main bit (as I already do the Band). Chet Baker with Van sitting in on “Send In The Clowns” goes under Van.

Box sets screw it all up. Some (e.g. the Band, Stax Singles Collection) have individual jewel cases, so are taken out and filed with the rest. I store the boxes and notes with books, not CDs. Others (like Bob Marley) don’t have individual cases so have to be lumped together in a group of boxes. According to Petrowski, outsize volumes (books) are the bane of the collector and librarian’s life. Worse are landscape shaped books, but I don’t think that serious problem has yet hit the CD collector. He devotes a lot of space to this deep and irritating dilemma. His most famous book was probably his 400 page study “The Pencil” (devoted to the design of the pencil), then there was “The Evolution of Useful Things” which traces the development of the fork from two tines (prongs) to four tines (five and six tine forks have been tried but rejected, it would seem).

Posted on Fri Dec 8 21:12:36 CET 2000 from m198214181147.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.147)

Pehr Smith

As with Mr. Viney, I have a special section for everything Band related and Dylan is in with that crowd. then I have my blues section, which gets mixed up with that pretty easily. often the CDs get temporarily buried under piles of stuff I'm working on, butI can usually find it all. My Rock collection I dont listen to much. I'm working on a jazz collection now. that will take some time. I have some Mozart and Bach to de-stress to sometimes and one of my favorite Classical records is John Williams plays Barrios. Anyone out there have that record? The cut Le Cathedral moves me very deeply.

Thanks David Powell, for another great post. I will be away for a few days. I am grateful for the memory of Rick Danko, and I will be thinking of him, his family,and fans around the world alot this weekend in paricular. Peace to all of us.

Got up and put on ROA this morning. Balsted it loud and went in the washroom for a shower. Loved Ricks wild harmonies on "Dont Do It"- and "Caladonia Mission" was splendid again. I made it to "Stagefright" and had to run like hell to get on with business at hand! A nice start.

Happy Birthday to your father, D'lil!

Posted on Fri Dec 8 19:47:45 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Ooopps!! I can't believe that I forgot to mention my blues recordings in my music collection (forgive me blues buddies!!) which begins with Robert Cray and ends with KoKo Taylor (thanks Savoy Brown for introducing me to "Wang Dang Doodle"). I am looking forward to seeing the King of the blues next month at Massey Hall for the third time, but this time I will be in the third row where I will be able to get a good look at Lucille..... ("The blues emerged from the field holler and work song of the cotton field".)

I also forgot to mention my Motown recordings from Smokey Robinson and the Miracles to the Temptations, Lauryn Hill for Hip Hop and Woody Guthrie for Folk who is in a class all by himself.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 19:23:22 CET 2000 from (208.218.212.252)

David Powell

"There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better, some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living, in my life I've loved them all."

"...And it's been a long December and there's reason to believe
Maybe this year will be better than the last
I can't remember all the times I tried to tell myself
To hold on to these moments as they pass."

In many ways December is the cruelest month. The memories of those days that John and Rick passed on haunt many of us with chill that cuts deep. They gave us the gift of their music. No, they might not have changed the world, but they touched the hearts of many of us living in it with the songs they sung. And in times like these, it's something we can share. All across the world, no matter where we are, or what we are doing, we can stop and sing their songs. Their beautiful souls live on in our hearts. The words they sung like gentle whispers ring in our ears. No matter what language we speak, we can give voice to their echo. No, they didn't change the world -- they changed us with the ways their music affected our lives.

Now, let me leave you with the words that Robbie Robertson wrote which Rick breathed life into through his incredible voice. In your own language, you can translate the meaning in your hearts:

"See the man with the stage fright
Just standin' up there to give it all his might.
And he got caught in the spotlight,
But when we get to the end
He wants to start all over again."

"It makes no difference where I turn
I can't get over you and the flame still burns
It makes no difference, night or day
The shadows never seem to fade away..."

Posted on Fri Dec 8 19:17:19 CET 2000 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Thanks Chris for the interview with the Hawk! I'm with him....life is too short. Bury the hatchet and become brothers again. I hope we get to see the film as well as hear the cd. That sounds very exciting.

By the way, does anyone know what became of the film of Levon's recording session with Keith Richards and Scotty Moore?

Posted on Fri Dec 8 18:26:16 CET 2000 from (209.100.37.226)

Chris

Jan: Glad to see that you added the stuff from Bob Woosley's e-group. I love that "Blue Moon". Are there any other e-groups or web communities like that that you know of?

Posted on Fri Dec 8 18:02:46 CET 2000 from ares.tdsb.on.ca (207.35.188.13)

brown eyed girl

My CDS are sorted according to music genres. My largest collection is rock music that begins with The Band and ends with The Velvet Underground. My reggae collection begins with Dennis Brown and ends with UB40. My jazz collection begins with Chet Baker and ends with Miles Davis. My country collection begins with Patsy Cline and ends with Dwight Yoakam. My music collection from other countries whether it is folk or pop based begins with Germany and ends with Zaire. My soul collection begins with Cooke and ends with Otis Redding. My classical collection begins with Bach and ends with Vivaldi. My rap collection is the smallest where I used to have L.L. Cool J and now I only have Tupac's Greatest Hits.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 17:45:13 CET 2000 from (209.100.37.226)

Chris

Brien Sz: That might be a little unfair about Julian. John was a bastard to him. Further I believe that Cynthia, who was John's wife throughtout almost the entire Beatles experience deserves more than the back of the hand that Yoko has given her. I don't want to argue but she offered Julian one million dollars when he was like 16. At the time he had no idea how little that was. Now when he is asked about it he rightfully says that he was screwed out of more than 50 million dollars. That's a lot of money to lose. It might ruin your day.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 17:16:33 CET 2000 from user-33qtab5.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.169.101)

Pat Brennan

David Axelrod and Peter Banks.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 16:23:21 CET 2000 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

All this organization! My cd's are in piles scattered throughout my office. I have a cd rack-but it mostly contains cd's I don't listen to anymore. And there is another 35 or so cd's in my car. Oh and they are not in any particular order.

Back in college, I wallpaperd my wall with all my album covers - then neatly sorted the lp's so they wouldn't get damaged.

And can Julian Lennon get a grip already--at first I felt bad for this kid but now his whining is starting to get old hat.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 16:22:49 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

working class hero????? ali, boombaya, ali, boombaya! forever young.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 16:02:00 CET 2000 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

I should have known that I'm not the only one here who sorts all the relevant Dylan stuff under the Band-section (this is not appreciated by some Dylan-freaks).

Also nice to see I'm not alone here with some The Bangles records. That got me thinking; will it now turn out that most of the male The Band fans also have at least one The Bangles record? And more importantly, how many of them bought their first Bangles record without never hearing the group before?

I mean, as Peter noted, The Bangles records are nicely sorted after The Band records in record stores, so we can't miss them. And I guess (and I'm only guessing) it is not unthinkable that some of us (males) just saw some The Bangles record cover in a store and said "hey, I want that record. Who cares what kind of a music it is? I want it".

Note that I have no or little empirical evidence to support this purely hypothetical example :)

Posted on Fri Dec 8 15:52:15 CET 2000 from stcatherines-ppp109254.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.185)

Richard Patterson

ok, gotta be honest here,,, my lefts and rights on the cd shelf are a little more far out than the lps... to the left of the band is the backstreet boys first cd (then a louis armstrong comp and harry smith's anothology of american folk vol 4 - vols 1 - 3 don't fit!) and to the right is 'music for airports' - an orchestral version of the brian eno compostion by a group called bang-on-a-can (then mandy barnett: 'i've got a right to cry' and the beastie boys 'ill comunication')...

hmmm... but what does it all mean i wonder ?... i see some large room for variation here if you can't spell !

Posted on Fri Dec 8 15:49:58 CET 2000 from (206.224.31.9)

Little Brøther

I can "imagine there's no heaven", but I can't help imagining the next best thing, a Now featuring a high-decibel choir of working-class heroes performing in an endless kaleidoscope of permutations. With plenty of breaks for refreshments, quiet time, and hanging out.

Hmm, I guess this is "fan heaven" after all, who am I kidding?

Anyway, I still miss John, the Witty Beatle, though I believe the circle WILL be unbroken by and by.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 13:41:43 CET 2000 from du-tele3-162.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.162)

Peter Viney

Lefts and rights on CD shelves. You’re all getting ready for Henry Petrowski’s incredibly full study, “The Book on the Bookshelf” where every permutation of shelving a book collection is explored. Nice cover too. He’s talking books. CDs and LPs are much easier being generally uniform in size. I made my shelves to fit a CD in height with room for a finger to pull the case forward. Then the Stones made their remasters cases just a bit higher, and screwed it all up.

Anyway, no left and rights, because I store The Band and Band-related CDs and sessions separately from everything else, and the relevant Dylan sit with my Band collection – not vice versa. But in my general collection they’d have Hank Ballard & The Midnighters to the left, and like so many I’m sure, The Bangles to the right. (Then comes The Barbarians and Fontella Bass). Vinyl collection – Badfinger and The Bangles again.

Hang on, I’ve just realized there’s a pattern to all this with everyone. They’re in alphabetical order, and that dictates it! That's why I always see Bangles CDs in stores! Doh!

Posted on Fri Dec 8 13:37:49 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

"As soon as you're born they make you feel small

By giving you no time instead of it all

Till the pain is so big you feel nothing at all

A working class hero is something to be

A working class hero is something to be

They hurt you at home and they hit you at school

They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool

Till you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules

A working class hero is something to be

A working class hero is something to be

...........

dedicated to John Lennon and to all of us who have families that come from working class backgrounds

Posted on Fri Dec 8 13:24:07 CET 2000 from grmn-189ppp55.dialup.valstar.net (216.37.189.55)

Lil Again

Has anyone heard "Dakota"..the 12 year old Sinatra sound-alike? I just now heard him for the first time...and am absolutely blown away! As a closet Sinatra fan, I am more than impressed with this kid. Um...swoon! :-)

Ironically, all three of my kids caught the bus the first time around this morning (usually they barely skid to the bus the _third_ time around). Hmm...wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Mom's car needs to be shovelled out this morning? :-)

Wishing Dr. Dreetings and all the Dylan Freaks a great party. Behave! :-)

Posted on Fri Dec 8 13:19:33 CET 2000 from spider-tk031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.186)

Kevin T.

I've been noticing that there is a thread about lefts and rights on shelves-what about if you have one of those vertical things? My 13 year old told me that he would put the CD's on the thing and guess what was on the top? Of course,The Genuine Basement Tapes,in order no less. He doesn't listen to them (yet),but at least he recognizes good music! Happy Holidays to all you GBers,hope you get the reissues under your tree!

Posted on Fri Dec 8 13:03:35 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip19.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.19)

miwa

Lil- A Wish For A very Happy Birthday To Your Father From Both Of Us! xoxo

Posted on Fri Dec 8 11:48:22 CET 2000 from grmn-189ppp55.dialup.valstar.net (216.37.189.55)

Diamond Lil

As everyone remembers John Lennon and those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor today, my thoughts turn to someone very close to my heart. Happy 74th birthday to a man that in my eyes, epitomizes strength, courage, and love. My dad.

A morning hello right back atcha Miwa. Love to you and um..Mr. Miwa :-)

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 11:30:28 CET 2000 from c5300-1-ip30.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.224.30)

miwa

AMANDA- I became more aware of Australia's involvement in Vietnam after reading a book I found while visiting Australia 10 years ago. It was called "Tiger Men". It is a true story told from the point of view of the fellow who experienced it. I can't find it right now or I'd tell you his name. I think it may have been banned in the U.S. I do highly recommend it if you can get your hands on a copy.

MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO THOSE WHO LOST A LOVED ONE AT PEARL HARBOR IN 1941.

Good Mornin' Ms. Lil- Thanks for being such a swell pal !

AND........Thanks again, Jan, for such a lovely website!

Posted on Fri Dec 8 10:20:08 CET 2000 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Lefts and rights on my record shelf: Anita Baker and (don't laugh) The Bangles.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 10:10:38 CET 2000 from dialup-166.90.84.234.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.84.234)

EJ

Cool site

Posted on Fri Dec 8 07:45:44 CET 2000 from spider-tn052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.67)

Bashful Bill

It's almost 1:45AM in NY, and "I'm just watchin' the wheels turn round and round, I really love to watch em turn...". That song is definitely part of the soundtrack to my life. Bet it's cooold in Central Park. Fri & Sat-2 sad days back to back.Too Soon Gone, for sure.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 06:32:35 CET 2000 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I will be thinking about John Lennon today...... My favourite songs of his are "Working Class Hero", "Jealous Guy", "Ballad of John and Yoko", "Imagine" and "Revolution" which was the first Beatles song that I ever purchased and which began my journey of social justice.......

Marianne Faithfull on recording her version of "Working Class Hero": "What fascinated me about "Working Class Hero" was the trauma of childhood. What happens to the artist as a child growing up, and the retaining of that child. The idea that you must learn to accept and embrace being an outsider because whatever you do you will never be accepted. (And that's the last thing you want!") For me it's also a song of admiration for John Lennon, Mick and Keith, Iggy Pop, and David Bowie. For them as working class heroes. It's a nod to them. I'm saying "I see what you've done, I know what you've done, what you've had to overcome."....... My working class hero is also Robbie Robertson......

Posted on Fri Dec 8 06:28:54 CET 2000 from static24-72-20-48.reverse.accesscomm.ca (24.72.20.48)

benteen

on the left, burt bacarach on the right, billy bragg. one could only find those two on the left and right on a shelf , come to think of it.

Posted on Fri Dec 8 06:25:36 CET 2000 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

I hope it's not inappropriate for me to ask this, but I have wondered where Rick was buried? I know that Richard's grave is in Ontario, but I wondered if Rick went home or stayed in the States. I do miss him so much. He is an artist who has changed the way I think and live, no doubt about it.

Love to Ricky, and to Richard, and of course to all you Band lovers out there.