The Band Guestbook, June 2001

Posted on Sat Jun 30 23:33:44 CEST 2001 from ti15a21-0115.dialup.online.no (130.67.112.179)

Dag Braathen

Have to share this little story with ya...on thursday Bob Dylan played the small Norwegian town of Langesund, backstage there was an exibition of pictures taken by a local photographer of various acts that have previously played in that town. Bob went and had a look at them. These were huge poster-like prints...at one point, someone backstage noticed two of the pictures had been taken down...when they went to put them back up they were stopped by Dylan's people who said "They belong to Bob Dylan" The pictures Bob stole was one of Garth Hudson that was taken when The Band played the town in 1994 and one of Dr. John.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 23:00:10 CEST 2001 from spider-wl064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.49)

Tommy

I just got back from the Coney Island Mermaid Parade....a buncha freaks on parade,dressed as mermaids and Neptunes.There was one float, really nice,professionally made and all, and on top sitting in a seashell throne was this fat lady dressed as a mermaid.I guess for laughs.Then, all of a sudden,SHE VOMITS!Seriously!!She musta been drinking....that with the heat and sun musta made her puke,Horrible!Damn funny, but horrible none the less.That disaster was wiping the vomit with her hand.Uggh!!!Some people can't hold their booze,I guess.

There was a cool New Orleans style marching band there though.It was really loose and cool.Good times.I came home early though so I can jump in my pool.It's friggin' hot here in NY!!!

Posted on Sat Jun 30 21:32:46 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp165.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.165)

Jessica with the new hat.....

What a night Yesturday.I Went to see Professor Louie and Garth.It was FUN.They Played very good and they were LOUD.I really enjoyed it.It was nice seeing my "AUNT Maud":) Marie is nice and she gave me a nice hat.They were all VERY nice.:)The food was good. I had bowties,my mom told me it came with chicken.Then after I ate she told me IT WAS DUCK.YUCK!!!Anyway I.d like to thank my mom and Maud for taking me...and I.d like to thank all the music guys.:)Hi Jan.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 20:33:24 CEST 2001 from spider-wl061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.46)

JTull fan

While we are on the VDP tangent, I just put on some Beach Boys to get into the spirit of Summer,and got to thinking of a few lost musical opportunities. Could you imagine how awesome it would have been to hear Rick Danko perform Warmth of the Sun, perhaps dueting with Brian Wilson? I can hear Richard Manuel on it as well. Or how about Brian and Carl Wilson with Rick Danko on It Makes No Diference? How about Richard Manuel on Wouldn't it be Nice or Caroline No? :(

Posted on Sat Jun 30 20:01:27 CEST 2001 from pm457-38.dialip.mich.net (204.39.227.144)

twilight

"Orange Crate Art" has been sitting on the shelf for 5 years - had just contemplated giving it a listen. Listening is easier when you are working on something with your hands - even just cleaning will do. The first Little Feat album is on right now - glad to hear them mentioned. Also - "Between Trains" - what a fantastic piece of work that is. Somehow I'm going to hook up my turntable to this computer and burn a copy. That is a song's song. "Out of The Blue" is another favorite - It's beautiful to hear the soul goove of the updated "Weight" instead of the original more folky sound. Lastly - can't remember if this has been mentioned - came across an Indigo Girls disc with a song called "Gone Again". Rick's on bass, Garth on boards - and it's a great song. One of those in the sadly uplifting genre - I wish I knew how to post it here - feeling technologicaly overwelmed. Thank god for music.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 18:56:26 CEST 2001 from sid34.revealed.net (208.23.178.177)

Mike

Yes, VDP's "Song Cycle" is well worth seeking out. It's not accessible music but that's what I love about it. It'll make you wonder just what in the hell you're listening to! Also, pick up his "Discover America" release. Also worth having is his live album. As for Orange Crate Art, it's a solid album. It's not a 50/50 Brian and Van Dyke album. It's Van Dyke's music and arrangements with Brian doing the lead vocals and some harmonies. Yes, I'm a BB fan too! The more interesting BW/VDP collaboration is the ill-fated Smile project.

I'm more interested in Van Dyke's collaboration with Lowell George of Little Feat. Most of the work they did was never released but that's what bootlegs are for! Lowell actually appears on "Discover America"! And Van Dyke produced "Spanish Moon" for Little Feat's 1974 album "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" as well as writing many tunes with Lowell. Seek out the mexican flavored "Cheek To Cheek" on Lowell's solo album "Thanks I'll Eat It Here" for an excellent collaboration. Both Lowell and Van Dyke are terribly underrated in the history of music. After all, without Lowell George we probably wouldn't even know who Bonnie Raitt is! He helped get her a contract with Warner Bros, taught her slide guitar, let her sing backup vocals on two albums (Dixie Chicken and Feats Don't Fail Me Now) and even let her open for Little Feat! Listen to her slide playing and tell me that it isn't influenced by Lowell.

The Muppets like TLW? Abstract thinking I am afraid. But it makes sense! I too grew up watching that show. Star-studded for sure! But when you're 3 and 4 years old, who cares? It was all about The Muppets! Man, the sun is out and it's too nice to be inside. Gotta run...Peace

Mike

Posted on Sat Jun 30 18:14:25 CEST 2001 from 1cust165.tnt3.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.109.165)

Hi

Just picked up on the Van Dyke Parks thread. When "Song Cycle" came out there was an address on the LP to get the lyrics. My friend and I each did so..I got my hand addressed lyrics but my friend got the lyrics with a note saying thanks signed Van Dyke Parks......

a quick Van story: my friend John told me in recent months he can still get Van going by bringing up Bang records where they met because he got ripped off on "Brown Eyed Girl" and he literally had to hide out from them when he was getting out of his contract with them.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 18:04:01 CEST 2001 from sigmamarketing.com (66.36.27.195)

Nat Keller

I have spent a couple years looking for the "The Band" songbook. I lost my copy due to a fire, many years ago. Any help will be appreciated. thanks, nk

Posted on Sat Jun 30 16:23:27 CEST 2001 from dialin-1150-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.5.134)

Gene

JTull Fan -

I've been meaning to check out 'Orange Crate Art' for a looong time, now. The good news is, there are a lot of Van Dyke Parks albums on CD (I checked out Amazon.com last night).

Posted on Sat Jun 30 15:34:15 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp85.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.85)

Diamond Lil

As something like 20,000 people descended on my little corner of the world yesterday for the beginning of the weekend-long 'Vibes' festival, I headed out of town to catch Garth and the Crowmatix at the Towne Crier down in Pawling. Aah..What a show! Aaron and Marie..wonderful as usual...And Garth...I could listen to and watch that red-capped keyboard wizard forever! Not to mention that the ride down in the car was accompanied by the beautiful sounds of the new cd, "The Sea to the North" and the wonderfully familiar voice of Maud Hudson.

A quick mention to Tom & Kathy, Stu & Marsha, Steve, and Mike.. all of whom it was a real pleasure to see again..and to Richard Wall (liner-note writer extraordinaire :-)..it was great to finally meet you!

As I drove back through my own neck of the woods early this morning, I could see the festival floodlights and tents pitched on the hill..and all I could think was that I hoped those people there for the festival had as an enjoyable night of music as I had.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 15:07:46 CEST 2001 from dialup-101.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.101)

Hank

....played a gig last night in my Irish home town of Mallow...20 miles north of Cork City......got there....set up.......went for a stroll down by the mediaeval castle grounds......got back to the gig and lo and behold! ...there were 15 women drinking in a group..... out on a hen party.......the bride to be was dressed in a sleek red dress, there were edible dildos and all sortsa phallic paraphenalia around the place.......needless to say, we were a bit daunted at the task of entertaining this bunch.....these gals were going for it!!.....but I went up to the mike and as they started shouting at me I said "need your help on this one, ladies...I need you to scream after every chorus".....so we kicked into "Mannish Boy"......and they got right into the stripper vibe of that song, got up and danced and screamed after every time I wailed "I'm a man!!!"......it was a quite a thrill actually 'cos that's one of the things I love about Muddy Waters original cut of that song...the screaming.......After that, we played Gloria Gaynors "I Will Survive".....which never fails to get the girls going.........and, later on during the gig, the girl getting married asked for "Country Roads"......which we backed her up on and they all sang but once that finished I kicked into "Dixie"....which we've NEVER played as a band before.....chords flyin all over the place!......and they all sang the chorus on that, too......Shane, our lead guitarist started, playing all these pinched harmonics ala RR @ TLW........just for a laugh........we played "The Weight"......."Cripple Creek" and "It Makes No Difference" last night, too.....for what it's worth....seeing this is a Band GB.......

Since there's a bit of a Van vibe going on here.....I heard that Van and Ron Wood were hanging out in Co. Kildare once and grabbed a coupla guitars and went down the pub for a bit of a session.....they arrived.... took out the guitars.....no one recognized 'em....and when they started to jam...they were told to keep it down 'cos there was a soccer match on the telly......

I'm with Tommy on the Muppets.........in fact, I'd go so far as to say that The Muppet Show was a tribute to TLW...in it's own weird way.....in a theatre......special celebrity guests....AMAZING house backing band........anyone want to take this further?.........

Posted on Sat Jun 30 15:06:13 CEST 2001 from spider-tm033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.58)

JTull Fan

When I used to give my Civil War tours for the Park service a few years ago on these hot days, as I mentioned earlier I dealt with Stoneman and his cavalry. Sometimes, depending on the demographic of the audience, I would start with: ok, anyone know that song 'The Night they drove 'ol Dixie Down? Well there is this line about Stoneman and his cavalry. Well, he was a real figure and he has a part in OUR story today...' That always got a reaction :)It's wonderful when two separate loves combine. Speaking of which: we have been listing favorite songs, albums etc. I thought it would be fun to see who among us has happended upon famous spots or sights from Rock & roll History. Not the Rock and Roll hall of Fame type of spot, per se, but who has been to Elvis' birthplace, etc. etc. Was it exciting? Worth the trip? I'll give two: As I travel a lot for work, I often drive through lonely, exotic off the road places, some of which I identify with songs, ie the Eagles 'standing on the corner in Winslow AZ...' While traveling through Mississipi last year, I had to drive down HWY 61 from Memphis to Tunica, then West through Helena and Marval, AR!I took along Dylan's Hwy 61 Revisited, and blasted it in my car while the cotton was harvested. Sublime!It was similar to the special Levon did for PBS some years back. Then I swung through Helena and Marval, AR. I had just finished Levon's book, where he writes about his high school years, and I drove right by Marval High School! It looked like it could have been the same building Levon attended. I could only imagine the young Hawk leaving town on this very same road with Ronnie Hawkins for the first time on the way to toronto! History, history. While in England a few years back I was driving with a friend on the way from Manchester to Scotland. being a Tull fan, I always wondered about the line 'Up on the A1, by Scotch Corner' from Too Old to Rock & Roll, Too Young to Die. Well, low and behold, I see a sign for 'Scotch Corner' I asked my friend 'what road are we on?" He said 'The A1.' I said, Oh shit! We're 'up on the A1, by Scotch Corner!' I could kick myself for not stopping and taking a pic by the sign, which is out in nowhere in the middle of sheep country. Sorry to digress so much, but would love to hear about any of your encounters with music myth/history.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 14:48:22 CEST 2001 from spider-tm033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.58)

JTull Fan

Gene: Would love to hear Van Dyke Parks Songcycle. Can kick myself for not seeking it out in the golden age of Napster. Have you heard the Orange Crate Art album he did with Brian Wilson a few years back?

Posted on Sat Jun 30 09:50:55 CEST 2001 from spider-wa062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.47)

tommy

Elton John was also a host on The Muppet Show.I could break out a book and see who else, but I'm too lazy.

I bought the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' DVD today.I haven't watched it yet, but I did watch 'Shadow Of The Vampire'...the movie with John Malkovich about the fictionalized making of the silent film horror classic,'Nosferatu'.It's real creepy!I recommend it to anyone that is a fan of horror movies.It goes a bit deeper than your average horror/schlock movie though......it's more about art and the extents one would go through to make theirs.Check it out , folks!Willem Defoe is great,and unrecognizable,as the vampire,Max Schreck.Great fun!

(Band connection....Willem Defoe played Jesus in Scorses's 'Last Temptation Of Christ'.Scorsese directed this movie about the last concert of some band that I forget the name of right now...Anyone remember them?)

Posted on Sat Jun 30 09:17:46 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

Blind Willie's favourite Van Morrison albums: Astral Weeks, His Band And The Street Choir, Best of Vol. 1, The Philosopher's Stone.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 08:39:12 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Don't worry, Tommy...there's a Band connection to your beloved Muppets (albeit a dubious one). Joan Baez once hosted the Muppet Show and performed "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."

Posted on Sat Jun 30 08:03:44 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-193-74.mem.bellsouth.net (209.214.193.74)

Bill Nourse

I'm trying to find Ray Sisk, who wrote "The Bounty Hunter." If anyone knows how to contact him, I'd appreciate an e-mail. Thanks.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 06:08:01 CEST 2001 from 217.a.006.mel.iprimus.net.au (210.50.44.217)

Erin

Tommy: Yeah, well, I have to agree with you on that last point.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 06:05:23 CEST 2001 from 217.a.006.mel.iprimus.net.au (210.50.44.217)

Erin

Tommy: Yeah, OZ has Muppets - somehow I mainly missed them though. Its just that I know you're a big Scorsese fan and I was just wondering how the Muppets movie sits next to your Scoreses film collection.

What with the current mania for crossovers, its a wonder no one ever did a Scorsese/ muppets thing. Should I say that he'd be about the right height or am I pushing my luck? (Mind you, I haven't got a lot of ground to stand on here, being about the right height myself...)

Posted on Sat Jun 30 05:55:41 CEST 2001 from spider-wa062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.47)

Tommy II

And another thing.....

Muppets are MUCH more entertaining and TALENTED than Nelly Furtado and Nicky Love (sorry Crabby.).

Posted on Sat Jun 30 05:53:44 CEST 2001 from spider-wa062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.47)

Tommy

Yes Erin, Muppets.I'm a big fan.It's quality entertainment and fun for kids of all ages!!!You're in my age area,I'm sure you grew up on them too.OZ has Muppets, yes?

Posted on Sat Jun 30 04:30:45 CEST 2001 from dialin-1165-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.5.149)

Gene

Did anyone mention Paul Franklin in the discussion of steel players a while back? It scares me, how good that guy is!

Posted on Sat Jun 30 04:10:59 CEST 2001 from spider-wi073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.53)

Bashful Bill

I was just curious, with all of you Vanfan's expounding on your favorites-do any of you care for Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart? Always been one of my favorites, but, as in one of Peter's cases, largely for sentimental reasons. Still a great album though, IMHO. I wore out 2 vinyl copies of the King Of Comedy soundtrack. I wish they would get smart and rerelease it. And it is a great movie which I recall barely grossed more than a million at the time. I remember trying to figure out just how few people must have gone to see it(I was one of the few). Take a listen to Wonderful Remark, the lyrics are absolutely timeless. Speaking of soundtracks, I watched Finding Forrester with the family last night. Beautiful music, but the credits were literally too small for any of us to read!We tried 2 VCR's. I will check it out next time I'm shopping, but does anyone know anything about the music in this movie?

Posted on Sat Jun 30 03:13:36 CEST 2001 from (210.50.80.21)

Erin

That should probably be 'new' not 'news' pictures. My typing is not so good today. I just wrote to a friend that one of Australia's most hated politicians, Ex- Industrial Relations Minister Peter Reith has just 'quite.' (I meant quit.) Since she's a trade union activist she'll be much happier about him deciding to quit, than him quite anything else. (What J Tull Fan said about tangents - although I really enjoyed his.)

Posted on Sat Jun 30 02:55:19 CEST 2001 from (210.50.80.21)

Erin

Bill: Thanks. (yes it was me that asked.) Any idea what kind of a folk song, or where it came from?

Tommy: Muppets?!

Any one got the lyrics to 'Little Birdies'? (I've never hear the Band play it, and I figure reading the lyrics is about the closest I'm likely to get in the near future.)

Also: the article and news pictures are great!

Posted on Sat Jun 30 02:42:22 CEST 2001 from dialin-1165-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.5.149)

Gene

I like "Hard Nose The Highway" and "TB Sheets" by Van, a lot, but I'm probably in the minority. Like Zappa's, "Apostrophe" and Van Dyke Parks', "Song Cycle" and the Asylum Choir stuff, I guess, I don't expect that many would like them,

Posted on Sat Jun 30 02:36:30 CEST 2001 from spider-ta081.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.81)

Dave Z

At the end of the "Bayou Song" on JAM! Garth says "Alone, I have caught a fish"... After following the Bauls link in What's New... I am assuming his mind wandered about track 1?... I wish I had a CD of it to listen to myself... maybe Garth's solo effort will help spark a reissue... I was just assuming that during the coastdown, the Crowmatix just let Garth wrap it up... Maybe they did?... Another question comes to mind, and because I can claim to be a musical idiot, it's safe for me to venture... but on the Crowmatix CDs, how can you distinquish Louie from Garth... they both are very tricky... in fact so is Miss Marie with her trills and thrills... and shaking thingamagigs... Take care... I'm with Peter... Beautiful Vision... with oh she gives me religion... and when Llewellyn comes to town (see my middle initial)... and favorite Threshold... a real spiritual type CD... then again Country Fair is so frigging awesome...

Posted on Sat Jun 30 02:09:12 CEST 2001 from spider-tk032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.187)

JTull Fan

David Powell: Thanks for the bits on Stoneman. I am a former National Park Service tourguide from Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg Civil War battlefields. Part of my Chancellorsville tour dealt with Gen. Hookers's plan to cut off General Lee's retreat routes as well as cutting off Confederate supply lines and the like. Fortunately (ok, my partiality shows) Stoneman blundered or misunderstood his orders and went off on a tangent of minor raids of little consequence to the Army of Northern Virginia. Stoneman actually is a fairly ridiculed figure. I quite enjoyed your info on his latter career (Chancellorsville occured May 1863)as I didn't follow him much after he left the local area. You should check out the national Park Services website on Chancellorsville as well as its links to Stoneman and Civil War roundtables for additional info. Sorry to bore teh rest of you with this tangent.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 02:05:26 CEST 2001 from slip-32-102-11-56.mi.us.prserv.net (32.102.11.56)

Don Pugatch

To keep the Van segment going, need some opinions, all interviews, literature, etc that I have ever read , Van claims, Hey, I am just a song writer, just an entertainer, no genius. Matter of fact, he argues with the audience on a boot I have live from The Supper Club, in NYC, 1998 What's the feeling here? Playing with us or just an opti mystic person? (I did not forge that comment, was made by Pete Fornatale)

Another thought, new Garth T shirt, Cover of the new CD, would be an excellent work of art to add to my collection. This time could have an owl embroidery instead of a peacock.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 01:35:55 CEST 2001 from pa-scranton4a-331.sctnpa.adelphia.net (24.51.171.75)

Scott Thomas

I was listening to the remastered Northern Lights Southern Cross with headphones and noticed something odd in Hobo Jungle. At about 2:35, there is a significant improvement in sound quality on the left channel. Up until that point, sound on the left channel seeemed somehow muted: the only thing I could make out was some of Garth's keyboards. Suddenly, at 2:35, the song comes alive with Richard's vocals, Levon's drums, and Garth's accordion sounding like they've been suddenly liberated from mothballs. At first I thought it was technical problems with my gear, but it happens every time at the same time. Is it only my copy? (Seems unlikely.) Can someone else check this out? Is it supposed to be this way?

Posted on Sat Jun 30 01:08:02 CEST 2001 from spider-te033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.188)

Mike Carrico

I'm partial to Van's earlier efforts, particularly "Astral Weeks", which is one of the most remarkable recordings by any artist methinks...and "Moondance" a'int far behind. But he has been consistently interesting if not always on top of his game musically over the course of his career. "Street Choir" is also very good, and notable as well for the bridge on the song "Give Me A Kiss":

"We could go walking down the lane

Together hand in hand

But if you think that it's gonna rain

We'll stay at home and listen to The Band"

The last line can be taken literally, given that the album was released in 1970 and that Van was living in the Woodstock area at the time.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 00:21:42 CEST 2001 from pool-63.49.28.193.mmph.grid.net (63.49.28.193)

Dexy

Viney -- What, no "Avalon Sunset?" One of our faves from anyone. Bones -- "King of Comedy" is one of the all-time best movies made, way under-rated. And Mr. Lewis holds his own with Bobby too. Renaldo & Clara -- Funny, I just was searching for the damn thing (once again) at an "arty" video place I thought might have it. No dice, have never seen it, although I did get to see the RTT in '76. And, finally, like everyone else, really looking forward to the Garth CD. Looks to be great -- thanks Donabie for the info.

Posted on Sat Jun 30 00:18:54 CEST 2001 from 1cust236.tnt9.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.10.13.236)

Hi

Bill there's some of Jim Colegrove's biography which can be quickly reached with Google......David thanks for the post mentioning my friend,John Platania who's a great guy I've known since college (which was just prior to his joining Van.)

Posted on Sat Jun 30 00:06:57 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-131.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.131)

Peter Viney

Oh, all right. Kiss and tell was a euphemism. I don’t like to shock our readership here. So don’t shoot the messenger. Linda Gail-Lewis told all to Caroline Graham, and it got the centre spread in “The Mail on Sunday” which is a major newspaper which wouldn’t call itself a tabloid, but is. I was told there were more explicit details in other tabloids, but I have not read them. I will quote the ‘Mail on Sunday’, though unaccustomed to writing for in National Enquirer mode. Title: “Van was a great lover but he left me after I outshone him.” It seems that “the softly-spoken Irishman has a £44 million fortune” and that when I saw him in Poole last summer, it was the first gig with Linda. Although Linda thought “Van rather overweight and not the sexiest guy in the world to look at” she was instantly attracted to him. They first slept together on October 7th 2000 in Barcelona (she fails to give the exact time, but they drank Dom Perignon before, she fails to mention the vintage), and she says “I have had many lovers but he was the best” (not many of us would object to that particular bit of kiss and tell). Anyway, in spite of buying her some black high-heeled boots, passion waned when they played LA in front of Jack Nicholson and Bob Dylan. “I let rip,” says lovely Linda (sister of Jerry-Lee, aged 53) “Afterwards Van was furious at me. He felt I’d outshone him.” And that was that. Saw them together twice. Outshone him? Only in her wildest dreams. Hope I’ve assuaged curiosity, though I feel somewhat grubby as a result. I cut the article out for “Wavelength” which is why I have it to hand. Major point. I’ve repeated the crap. DOES IT MATTER? Not in the slightest.

On a serious level, yes, “Too late To Stop Now” is a contender. “Days Like These” is another favourite. It contains his version of “You Don’t Know Me”. I’ve said before that when he sang it on the subsequent tour, I was convinced the spirit of Richard Manuel was there with him, and quite consciously, too. “Veedon Fleece” has the incredible “Summertime in England” but it’s better live (and on bootleg). On my personal in-car compilation is a bootleg version of “Tupelo Honey / Why Must I Always Explain” from a show I saw (Bournemouth).

Newsflash: Liverpool (Speke) Airport is to be renamed Liverpool (John Lennon) Airport from next year – the only UK airport named after a person.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 23:59:24 CEST 2001 from mkc-65-26-143-24.kc.rr.com (65.26.143.24)

Tina

Great Site. Thankz!

Posted on Fri Jun 29 23:42:25 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

"Damn, Miss Scarlett, the wind done gone and come back again!"

Amid the recent legal controversy over the publication of Alice Randall's parody of Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind", I was reminded of the minor role that General George Stoneman played in the events surrounding the 1864 Battle of Atlanta and Sherman's Civil War campaign through Georgia.

A few weeks ago, while the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals was deciding the fate of Ms. Randall's book, I happen to run into a guy wearing a rather curious T-shirt. The white shirt was emblazoned with red letters reading: "STONEMAN'S RAID -- ATHENS, GA. 1864". I walked up to the young man singing the opening lines to "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down"; as he laughed and joined in, I asked him what the deal was with his shirt. He explained that back in 1994, they had a small celebration in Athens to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the capture of Stoneman's troops by Confederate forces outside of Athens.

It seems that Athens, the home of my alma mater, the University of Georgia, and the musical spawning grounds of such artists as R.E.M., the B-52s, Randall Bramblett and Widespread Panic, was also the site of significant historical events involving the capture of Stoneman's forces in 1864. Today, as July approaches, it marks the month 137 years ago when the actual events surrounding Stoneman's capture and the subsequent capture of his remaining forces near Athens occurred. Rather than summarize these events here, I've added a webpage hyperlink above to a local publication's concise description of what happened.

As I've mentioned here before, several months after his capture, General Stoneman was freed as part as a prisoner exchange. He would go on to command forces based in East Tenneesee that conducted raids across the Blue Ridge Mountains into North Carolina and Virginia in the waning months of the war. The strategic purpose of these raids was not only to destroy Confederate supply lines, but to destroy the morale of the civilian population as well. Ironically, troops under Stoneman's command were still conducting raids after Lee's surrender at Appomattox. It's no wonder that, for many years after the war, the mere mention of Stoneman's name brought back bitter memories for the populace in this region.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 23:07:54 CEST 2001 from spider-wn053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.173)

Tommy

Here's something a little different,,,

I just bought 'The Muppet Movie' on DVD(DONT LAUGH!It's a great movie!!!) and noticed ,as I have in the past, that Dr.Teeth,leader of the Muppet band,The Electric Mayhem,looks an awful lot like Dr.John!Down to the clothes and beard.Great!

I'm a big Muppet fan(they were a big part of my childhood) and I know Jim Henson was a music fan...but I've never ,in all the books I've read about Henson and The Muppets,read anything about the resemblence(sp?) being deliberate.But it HAS TO be!!!

There's something for you guys(and gals) to think about other than "the fued".

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:43:27 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

Today's trip to the What's New section was certainly worthwhile! Nice to see the Bengali Bauls cover; it really is a gorgeous LP, and I wish that whoever owns the tapes would put it out on CD (or is it already?).

Plus the Glover article, which is fantastic. Peter was right to describe its importance as he did in this guestbook. It seems to me to be so much cleaner - pre-mythmaking and obviously pre-problems. And, as Peter said, it's the source of so many of the quotes that continue to be recycled by other writers. Gotta love the sidebar noting that Richard's the most talkative. That was my sense from TLW - well maybe not the most talkative but certainly the most interesting.

I believe Glover and Ray (minus Koerner) had a later album for Electra under the name Bamboo. I mention this only because Peter Hodgson was the bassist on that LP, and I've mentioned him many times here regarding his work with Rhinoceros, Genya Raven and Lou Reed. I don't think I mentioned that I saw him play last week in something of an old-timers supergroup at a Toronto bar, along with Mike McKenna from Mainline and Peter Jermyn from Luke and the Apostles.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:34:29 CEST 2001 from cache1-sc-psci.psci.net (63.65.190.242)

knockin' lost john

Hello all, I know I've asked this like a million times, but I gotta keep trying: Can anybody hook me up w/ Levon Helm & The Hawks: Port Dover 1964? I'd really appreciate it. Later John

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:32:47 CEST 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Bill:

As far as I know it's Robbie AND Richard singing together on Between Trains. Very distinctive voices, those two.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:21:43 CEST 2001 from (63.66.135.217)

JTull Fan

AJR: Thanks for your comments on my post. I certainly agree with you about the origins of Appalachian folk having origins in Celtic music. This is one reason I love the Fairport Convention/Steeleye Span strand of folk, and Tull's later incorporation of it. As a jazz fan I also take no issue with your objections to generalities on this music. However, I think Southern music, as a term to define the origins of rock, acknowledges this regions uniqueness as the area where these genres met; Jazz, Blues, Appalachian folk all blending to create rock.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:15:57 CEST 2001 from (206.14.153.218)

Joe

Regards from No.CA. I've been a "Van" fan for...decades and since Robbie's comments in The Last Waltz, I can't help myself from thinking about Mr. Morrison as "Van, the Man." Moondance and Tupelo Honey would be on my "favorites" list of all-time albums... if I had such a list.

Hey David from Georgia; Great story about the Grateful Dead and Dark Star. I'm looking forward to hearing Garth's cover of this Dead tune. I've got chills thinking about him playing it. I'd love to get my paws on "A Tribute to Jerry Garcia-Dadheads Festival." Rick Danko plays on side 1 with New Riders et al and Merl Saunders covers Dark Star on side 2. Also, if you haven't heard it yet, check out Garth's work on Scarlet Begonia's on Prof. Louie's "Over the Edge". He and Mookie Siegel of the David Nelson Band go back to back on keybords and piano on that one and all you can do is smile, smile, smile. Jerry, Keith and Brent would be proud.

Peter; Lots of Band/Grateful Dead connections including concerts, Festival Express, covers songs, Bob Dylan, Maraduke Dawson of New Riders, etc, etc, etc. Any chance of an article?

Thanks everyone for making this guestbook an interesting read.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 22:01:24 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

"Wonderful Remark" is also available on the "King of Comedy" soundtrack LP, which is in any case worth having for "Between Trains", Robbie Robertson's most successful attempt to imitate Richard Manuel.

In other news, I finally organised myself to listen to Bobby Charles' Woodstock album while having bassist Jim Colegrove's mini-sessionography with me. Colegrove has himself, drummer ND Smart, guitarist Amos Garrett and pianist John Simon on all tracks but "Long Face", "He's Got All the Whiskey" and "Small Town Talk". "STT" is just Charles and Dr John (maybe with a drummer). "Whiskey" has the horn guys, so probably Maugh (who was playing with Sanborn at the time), leaving Keith, Muldaur, Mundi, Neuwirth, Till and the Band guys unaccounted for.

Keith's steel can be heard as colouring in places, and Neuwirth and Muldaur could easily be just about anywhere. Designate Till as being on "Whiskey" and Mundi on either "STT" or "Whiskey" and you're left with our guys on "Long Face", which makes sense aurally. Plus that's gotta be Garth on the accordion on "Tennessee Blues".

Posted on Fri Jun 29 21:52:32 CEST 2001 from (63.145.229.107)

Christian Kiefer

I know this has been asked before but I don't believe it has ever been answered: does anyone know the tuning Robbie uses in "Unfaithful Servant"? E-mail me direct if possible. Thanks much.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 21:13:34 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tg062.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.177)

Donna

On the topic of Van Morrison, I was just listening to "Days Like This" and each time I listen to this CD, I find myself playing it over and over again. The songs "Perfect Fit" "You Don't Love Me" and "Days Like These", have to be my favorite songs. Maybe, it's the combination of Van's voice and Shana Morrison's background vocals. All in sync with the tenor saxophone and trumpets, which makes this album one of my favorites. I do not have "Beautiful Vision", but I can garantee that this is on my must buy list! "Tupelo Honey" has always held sentimental meaning for me as well. Of course, "Moondance" is yet another album that is on the top of my list, with "And It Stoned Me" "Into The Mystic", "Crazy Love" and "Caravan".

My question to Peter Viney, is what is your opinion on Van Morrison's, "Day's Like This" album? ~Thanks~

Posted on Fri Jun 29 20:53:28 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

I am a big Van fan and whats this kiss and tell Van story that has been mentioned in this gb, I can't imagine Van Morrison in a kiss and tell story. What was it in some Tabloid magizine????

Posted on Fri Jun 29 20:40:51 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

I would recommend St. Dominic's Preview, Into the Music, and/or Tupelo Honey as natural progressions for a beginning Van fan turned on by Astral Weeks and Moondance. Though Beautiful Vision is a great disc as well, and It's Too Late To Stop Now is a terrific live album. I also happen to like Veedon Fleece...kind of a quiet, contemplative album a bit in the Astral Weeks vein. The Greatest Hits compilation is a collection of great songs, but to my ears doesn't hold together as much as the original albums (though it's the only place to find the King of Comedy version of "Wonderful Remark," as Peter points out).

Posted on Fri Jun 29 20:29:13 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Peter Viney got me thinking when he mentioned Van's "Wonderful Remark" song. I really wish they would reissue the King Of Comedy soundtrack. It is one of my favorite soundtracks. Although the movie and I presume the record were not blockbusters, they both garnered great reviews, and there were popular songs and artists on that record. It seems doubtful however.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 20:14:32 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

A postscript to my previous post: Van's band on "It's Too Late To Stop Now" includes the talented John Platania on guitar. Mr. Platania can be heard, along with Levon, on the recently released Dylan tribute CD, "Nod To Bob", accompanying Guy Davis on "Sweetheart Like You".

Posted on Fri Jun 29 20:05:00 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Although the "Astral Weeks", "Moondance" and "Tupelo Honey" trilogy rates near the top of my list, my all-time favorite Van Morrison album is his 1974 live 2-disc set, "It's Too Late To Stop Now" (Warner Bros). This splendid set presents Van in his prime in concert, backed by an excellent 11-piece band that includes horns & strings. It presents a good cross-section of familiar, as well as relatively obscure material, and manages to capture the dynamic excitement of Van the Man on stage. The songs on this 2-disc set are assembled in such a way as to convey the sense of the building pace of intensity of a live performance. The set climaxes with an 8:45 minute version of "Caravan", followed by a 9:25 minute rendition of "Cypress Avenue". If you haven't heard this release, I urge you to check it out.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 19:58:07 CEST 2001 from (4.20.68.20)

Rich

Peter: Always enjoy your posts and have a lot of respect for your knowledge and opinions, but I have to differ on the Van/Linda Gail Lewis album. The kiss and tell aspect of it never made the US press (at least not the mainstream press I tend to see), but I think it's a lot of fun and definitely something that would fit with the tastes of most of the people who visit here. Does anyone else like it, or am I alone here?

Posted on Fri Jun 29 19:12:02 CEST 2001 from (199.44.161.72)

Brent

re: Van. "His Band and Street Choir" is a great blue-eyed soul/r & b record, though substantially lighter than "Astral Weeks" (what isn't??) or "Moondance". I like "Veedon Fleece" a lot, as well as "Tupelo Honey". Haven't delved into his later stuff yet...

Posted on Fri Jun 29 18:46:52 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

I don't know Peter, I know you're a huge Van fan, I like him as well and am not as well versed as you in all his work but i've bought a number of his cds/lps over the years and to be honest i've always thought he was 'uneven'. I can't recall specific titles right now (at work) but quite a few recordings seem to be filled with variations on a chord sequence (same song 8 different ways) Whereas a few songs on each recording are gems, the rest seem to be the evolution process of that particular gem.., I enjoy Van but for me he's better suited by when i put together compilations of his work.., Just my O..,

Posted on Fri Jun 29 18:14:10 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

Erin (if it was you who asked about "Go Go Liza Jane"): It is a folk song, if not under that title. It was released as a rock song in the early '60s by an obscure Hamilton, Ontario group, Nicky Moore and the Sceptres, and I've always assumed they must have copied it from the Hawks' live shows of the time. (But no doubt other rockers recorded it by then too.)

I think the Euro influence on jazz was noted in the recent PBS TV series, though that was a restatement of what Marshall Stearns and others had written in the '50s, if not long before. Very simply stated, their point was that early jazz came from schooled mixed-race musicians in New Orleans playing African-based music on the European instruments on which they'd been trained.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 17:31:54 CEST 2001 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

Peter Viney said:

Van must surely hold the record for steady, consistent, frequent output over thirty years.

I say:

Grumble grumble grumble Miles Davis.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 16:51:50 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-152.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.152)

Peter Viney

jcf: “Wavelength” magazine did a readers poll on Van Morrison albums which I’ve just failed to find. I’d go for “Beautiful Vision” (1982) third. Critics tend to under-rate it, giving it three or four stars, but it was way up in the fans poll, plus live, it’s the Beautiful Vision stuff that seems to get the loudest cheers- Cleaning windows, Northern muse, Dweller on the threshold, Beautiful Vision, Vanlose Stairway. A lot of people would rate “No Guru No Method No Teacher” near the top – “In The Garden” is on it,. I have a sentimental attachment to “Tupelo Honey” (my wife gave it to me on our first Christmas + it’s a very Woodstock-based album), my wife reckons “Irish Heartbeat” is the best (with The Chieftains) but this comes from a Belfast childhood and it’d be quite low on most lists! “St Dominic’s Preview” is near the top. The recent “The Healing Game” is excellent. Avoid the one with Linda Gail Lewis, whose “kiss and tell” revelations will no doubt have soured Van towards her. The first “Best of” is very well-chosen, and has the added bonus of the Robbie Robertson-produced “Wonderful Remark”. Van must surely hold the record for steady, consistent, frequent output over thirty years. Only Dylan has released at a similar rate, and Van’s “less brilliant” albums tend to be specific excursions into areas, such as skiffle, Mose Allison, jazz, and C&W and are clearly not “general” Van albums. While Bob’s “less brilliant” albums are pretty awful. Anyway, next week I’ll report on how he’s doing in his mid-2001 incarnation.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 14:27:47 CEST 2001 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

The above web page contains a fascinating synopsis of Renaldo and Clara. I too am now itching to see it.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 12:57:06 CEST 2001 from dialup-290.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.34)

Hank

Thanks for all the info about "Renaldo and Clara", folks.......and to think Bob was'nt gonna be in TLW 'cos he was putting together "Renaldo and Clara".........or something...........anyhow, I'd love to see it.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 10:58:21 CEST 2001 from spider-wc082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.57)

Ben Pike

Hank, funny you bring it up; I just recently saw "Renaldo And Clara" for the first time. I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for it to come on DVD. Some of it is kind of fun and indearing, David Blue, Ronnie Hawkins, and all the parts with Allen Ginsberg. And some of it is as infamously awful as it's reputation; particuairly the scenes with Sarah Dylan(not her fault) and Joan Baez(not her fault either). The music is pretty bad overall, but I did recently see the ABC "Rolling Thunder" specail from the same period, and in really "rocked" as the young people say. Check that out if you can. Two other things I liked from a guy who doesen't like much: "Fast, Loose, and out Of Control." the boxed set of fifties tunes on Rhino. True, I have had this a couple years now, but it has become as dear to me as The Harry Smith Anthology, a supurb selection of fifties rock songs, some obscure, some you could hum in your sleep. I can't imagine such a set being done any better, the liner notes and booklet are terrific, even Micheal Ventura writes a good piece. I am also enjoying "Guest Host" the solo album by Stew of The Negro Problem.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 09:40:16 CEST 2001 from 086.b.001.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.130.86)

Erin

ajr - European music, definitly. Rick Danko often spoke in interviews about how important that music was in his musical development. Also, as far as I can tell, the whole idea of a ballad which has greatly impacted on rock is essentially from the European tradition.

And since you brought up Thelonious Monk... I'll tell you something about him. It may be common knowledge in America, but it certainly knocked me for six when I first heard it.

In the middle of his performances, while someone else was taking a solo he would get up and do a shuffling dance. Always anti-clockwise and always without lifting his feet off the ground.

Anthropologists have pointed out that this bears remarkable resembelences to West AFrican ritual dances - particularly those associated with burial. These dances persisted in America, in slave burial ceremonies, which up to the third generation, at least, have been described as preserving the rituals in 'pristine' form. (Actually, there are a small number of West African peoples who dance clockwise, but they capitulated to the anti- clockwise peoples over time.) The shouts that date from the time of slavery also feature this kind of dancing, though in a different context. And then there's Thelonious doing it in the '50's!

An amazing number of African rituals (I mainly know about the Mende rituals) survived in America, examples of which can be found up to the '50s. (Sometimes beyond, but I haven't heard of many.) Oral traditions are amazing things, huh?

Posted on Fri Jun 29 05:45:41 CEST 2001 from dialup-63.215.116.139.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.215.116.139)

Pat Brennan

Ahh, summer. This weekend, Fitzgerald's in the Chicago suburb of Berwyn will be hosting their annual Great American Music Festival. A lot of great bands and fun for the whole family. The reason I bring this up is that I'll be accompanying Nashville songwriter Pat McLaughlin, a former principal in the Subdudes offshoot TinyTown and a monster in his own right. And while we're on it, I'll be at Milwaukee's Summerfest on Monday opening for Wilco with a Dylan-type singer-songwriter named Michael McDermott. You MTV-er's may remember "Wall I Must Climb" from the 90's. He's still at it and quite good. 9:45 Friday night and 5:30 Monday. Sorry for the interruption.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 05:29:30 CEST 2001 from h0000f8718e9a.ne.mediaone.net (24.218.187.47)

robbie

As to the future, Robbie says, "We're not out to hustle or get all involved in the music business end of it. We just want to play music. We're sort of waiting for the music scene to straighten itself out, which it will; then maybe we can tour again. Maybe like a show, with Bob and the band. When people are ready to listen, we'll be ready to play."

Posted on Fri Jun 29 04:10:29 CEST 2001 from maxtnt-2-125.enter.net (208.137.245.89)

KZR

jcf, I've been a diehard Pink Floyd fan longer than I've been a diehard Band fan, and I know they were inducted in 1996. Click on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame web page above. You can find a list of inductees and when they were inducted.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 03:29:48 CEST 2001 from spider-tr072.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.207)

Chris

Hi all... is it just me or does the cover art of the upcoming Garth album seem a little disturbing?....Dont get me wrong, I love Garth's music....its beautiful, humorous, intense....and I've met him and found him to be a kind and generous man with his time...but that cover of him flying around on an owl seems, well, almost undignified...i mean, why not put unicorns or something on there?!...I can also handle a good joke so an attempt at levity sure doesnt offend me...this just doesnt seem right to me in some way..i think it might turn off a non-Band fan who doesnt know how great the music is from buying it in a store..I think the pics on Garths bio page on this site would have been great! Anyone else have any thoughts....just wondering

Posted on Fri Jun 29 02:44:18 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc081.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.186)

jcf

Devil, I strongly suspect that Pink Floys was inducted into the Hall of Fame before 1996. I remeber New York City radio personality host Lynn Samuels talking about it, when it happened, and that memory seems older than five years ago. Can any fellow NYC posters back me up on this?

Peter Viney, after Moondance and Astral Weeks what Van Morrison album do you next recommend? I saw three of his albums on sale as a three disc set and am considering buying it.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 02:12:55 CEST 2001 from bgm-24-24-94-166.stny.rr.com (24.24.94.166)

Paddy B.

I recently came across a very entertaining article written by Courtney Love that deals with how incompetent the major record labels have been at distributing new or quality music to the public, and how these dinosaurs are terrified by their impending doom. It's pretty interesting and relates to The Band because I'm sure we all realize that of all their great songs maybe only two are EVER played on the radio. She also details the many corrupt business practices of the major labels. Type in http:www.salon.com/tech/feature/2000/06/14/love/print.html on a subject search.

Posted on Fri Jun 29 01:18:01 CEST 2001 from m198214181246.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.246)

Pehr

Well for the money I dont think the Band as a "Southern rock" band either- I see them as being much bigger, (Like the greatest music I ever heard for starters)

There is an ad on TV for a compilation Record called "Southern Rock" vol. I that has The Band on it singing "TNTDODD". interesting. but I digress, as usual... I would note that it is interesting that all these "Southern" bands popped up everywhere soon after the Brown Album. Where was "Southern Rock" before that? I dont think it existed,(Blonde on Blonde, anyone?) any more than that "Southern Boogie" guitar style. I dont even know what that is, really.(3 Hyped up Chainsaw guitars, w/ one a slide?) or maybe its 3 guys, overplaying, trying to sound like a "progressive" Robbie, Luke Paulman, and Fred Carter Jr.( and "Trying" is the key word there.) Other people call it "Country Rock",(though that seems to have a mellower connotation)which is what TIME magazine called it back in January of 1970 when our Band made the cover. I dont think they liked being called "Country Rock" for that matter. just made 'em wanna puke, probably.

IMHO the real issue is of labelling. The music came before the label- it was a REAL thing-invented, discovered, honest and original. The territory was claimed but did not limit what they had done nor would do. The other bands, many, were more than happy to fall in under labels and genres and "Images", if not HYPE. There are all kinds of bands going today that are described as being "Americana". I'm just saying the Band certainly to my thinking, encompass this aesthetic... not that they are limited to it.

I remember in high school (Barely!) being told about his "Americana" thing happening in "Progressive Rock" (remember that one?)e.g., Marshall Tucker, Pure Prarie League, the Outlaws, Charlie Daniels and I hated all those groups basically because the Band were so much bigger than that, they had a vision that swallowed those guys whole and went beyond. Like alot of you, I was the only Band Fan in my high school, and I'm still proud of it. (I still hate the Eagles and Skynyrd) and will till my dying day!

Along that line,I dont think being "Canadian" or "Arkansan" means alot in music or anything else either. Nationalistic identities are great for wars and conflicts, regionalistic "Home Pride" is a bit more digestible perhaps but in terms of art and humanity, getting to see anything Real about yourself and who you really are it's conditioned, stupid thinking based on the dead past, so IMO, it's all pretty idiotic.(though its good to reflect on for purpose of speculative amusement, surely!)

"To label ourselves is disasterous" -Willem de Kooning

Posted on Fri Jun 29 00:23:56 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I quite enjoyed J Tull fans discussion of how all rock music is Southern Rock. Nonetheless being part Irish and born in Scotland (and pedantic) I have to point out that Appalachian hill music had its roots in Ireland and Scotland.

Something else that has troubled me slightly before here in the GB is sweeping statements about blues and jazz. Going on vague memory here I think there was some discussion a while back where people said things like the blues & jazz developed with no influence from European culture at all. Now I’m not denying that most, perhaps all, the key figures in the development of blues and jazz were Afro American and I’m not denying the importance of those music forms. I’m sure Thelonious Monk would have been great musician had he never had any contact with European culture- but he would not have been a piano player since the piano is an instrument that developed in Europe. (See Howard Goodall’s Big Bangs for an interesting history of the development of the piano).

I guess my point is the whole world is a melting pot and musical history & maybe even the history of rock didn’t just begin in America (or Amerika as a friend of mine would say) in the 1900s.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 23:59:21 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9sr.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.155)

Pat Brennan

And the three flags, as I recall, were the United States, Canadian, and Japanese flags.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 23:58:17 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Mattk: As far as order of induction, I would have to agree with you. We find ourselves in a subjective area here, and unfortunately, music industry politics come into play. Ahmet Ertegun is the man, and he has had his hand on some subjective "early" influences like Billie Holiday and Jelly Roll Morton. You made a good reference about the baseball HOF, for I believe that it is a positive that people like us want to talk about it. It stirs up interest as you pointed out.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 23:55:08 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9sr.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.155)

Pat Brennan

Peter, the Confederate battle flag--which coincidentally is raising so much ire these days--appears prominently on the wall in one of the clubhouse scenes in The Last Waltz. Another obvious attempt by RR to make Levon look bad.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 23:32:27 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-083.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.83)

Peter Viney

“A Wonderful New Group” by Tony Glover, on this site. Reading this very early article (7 November 1968) years later is weird because you’ve heard it all before. That’s because so many books and articles since have drawn quotes from it. Word-for-word. This is clearly the original. Even the 69 Hawkins interview repeats whole phrases. Hugely influential in creating the legend. All sorts of quotes I’ve attributed to Hoskyns / Palmer / et al stem from here. Most of the Robbie quotes re-appear in later interviews. One line that HASN’T reappeared: “Robbie is the only one in the band from a big city.” I see.

Didn’t The Band play under a Confederate flag in the reunion tour? Or am I confusing the British sleeve of “Reunion Concert”? I’d play it to check but my copy is Betamax (I think my Beta machine still works … hope, that is. Haven’t tried for a year).

Posted on Thu Jun 28 19:48:10 CEST 2001 from atpm3-3-39.enter.net (208.137.243.141)

Rolling Rock

I don't think the Band is a southern rock band, although 'The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down' and 'Up on Cripple Creek' have southern themes to them. Their songs are so diverse and come from a variety of musical roots. Levon was a southerner and I think Robbie had a deep affection for southern life. Southern Rock bands usually contain three guitarists and one keyboard player, and their songs are usually loaded with long jams and guitar solos (usually played by more than one guitarist).

Posted on Thu Jun 28 19:15:30 CEST 2001 from user1.cablevision.com (216.2.193.1)

J.P. Lawless

Iwould like to thank the founding members of The Band for all the music and the great times it produced. J.P.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 19:12:48 CEST 2001 from 1cust57.tnt9.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.10.13.57)

Hi aka Tom

Jan thanks for posting my ancient article that contributed to getting me hooked on these guys ....note Richard is the chef as was previously "discussed."

Posted on Thu Jun 28 18:59:56 CEST 2001 from stpeter.st-louis.org (216.60.120.33)

Charlie Balsam

Great website! Can anyone tell me the name of Levon's restaurant in New Orleans? If so, please email me asap. I'm heading there in two weeks. Muchas gracias.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 18:53:28 CEST 2001 from spider-wl072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.52)

Amanda

Thanks David for the story about The Dead. I don't really know much of their stuff, except for the songs that are played on the radio. I do share an August 1st birthday with Jerry Garcia. On Monday I found an old Dead album called Shakedown Street. Actually I found lots of old rock albums in a family attic. The only two Band related were Islands and American Son by Levon. I was thrilled to discover them! Does anyone know of a website regarding album collecting? Re: Renaldo and Clara. I have recently viewed a copy (not very good copy)of the film. I think it is great. That is one of my favorite Dylan periods. If you can find a copy of the book "On the Road with Bob Dylan: Rolling with the Thunder" by Larry Sloman...Read It! It is totally about the Rolling Thunder Review and the making of Renaldo and Clara. The only library I have ever found it in is The Dallas Public Library. I double checked the King Biscuit website and Levon and The Barnburners ARE going to play at the festival on October 6th! I am already working on my husband to GO GO GO! Helena is a neat little town with lots of character. If you can make the journey to The Home of the Delta Blues....it will be worth every long mile! Everyone have a lovely day!!

Posted on Thu Jun 28 17:56:23 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-043.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.43)

Peter Viney

A few years ago, a set of compilations came out called "East Coast Rock", "West Coast rock" and "Southern Rock". Well, you all know which one "Hotel California" was on. But "Up On Cripple Creek" was placed on the same volume as Vanilla Fudge (You Keep Me Hanging On), Hall & Oates and Harry Chapin. That's right. They were on "East Coast Rock" which seems based on Woodstock's position rather than on musical categories. I suppose if you listed where The Band and solo members have played live in the last tyen years, the regional allocation figures too. This is not a comment or an agreement, btw. Just an observation.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 17:20:22 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Garth has included a version of the Grateful Dead's "Dark Star" on his new CD. The most amazing rendition of this song that I've ever heard occurred on a lazy Sunday afternoon in May 1970. The Grateful Dead were booked into a very small arena in Atlanta that specilized in wrestling matches. This was back in the days before the WWF, when both professional wrestling and the Dead had yet to acquire the huge audiences that demanded larger accomodations. It's funny but the Dead and pro wrestling shared something in common -- in both cases, their actual performances became the impetus for a much greater event as their audiences became a major part of the "show" through various forms of participation. Excuse me, but I digress.

Back to the story at hand. Some of the Dead's sound equipment didn't make it for the gig that day in Atlanta; thanks to an airline, it had been left behind in Boston. So the Allman Brothers came to the rescue. Duane, Gregg, Berry and Butch drove up from Macon, bringing along some loaner equipment.

The Dead played a fine, long set that afternoon that featured many songs from their then-current album, "Workingman's Dead". Then came an added treat -- the present ABB members joined the Dead onstage. The encore set began with a jam featuring "Dark Star" with Jerry and Duane trading licks that seemed to soar into space. After the jam ended, the Dead & the Brothers broke into an amazing version of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken". The unbelievable concert ended literally in a cloud of smoke as a fire cracker exploded in a flash! To this day, whenever I think of the song "Dark Star", those beautiful memories from that day in May come back to haunt me.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 16:14:27 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

I stopped seeing the Allman Bros. years ago.., like mentioned before, the act got tired. I saw them 6 or 7 times and they were all jams until the last time.., it was uninspired, and at times flat out boring.., It wasn't just me, there were about 10 of us; when they came out to do Whipping Post for their encore, we left to beat the crowd. I think that was 8 to 10 years ago.., By the way, Little Feat had opened for them AND they were fantastic!

Posted on Thu Jun 28 15:41:27 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.52)

JTull fan

Rod from NZ: Ugh! The Band is Southern Rock because ALL ROCK is Southern rock. I'll excuse ya because you didn't grow up here, and Americans have a short understanding of their own roots anyways. Rock is a fusion of New Orleans Jazz, Delta Blues, and Appalachian hill music. These are all Southern in origin. Modern rock and Country are descendents of these traditions, even if they are hardly recognizable as such anymore; being modernized and influenced by other cultures, ie the British invasion (part of which was reteaching Americans our own art!)Jamaican Reggae, etc. I am simplifying of course for the sake of space. But the Band, as the Hawks, came out of this melting pot before modern radio segmented and ultimately destroyed the rock music scene. 'Country Rock' is a canard invented by radio programmers. It's like calling Nachos 'Mexican' or Kielbasa 'polish' Sure love that 'Chinese' Kielbasa! (?)Or perhaps Canadian pasta. Unfortunately, this market segmentation into little demographics has destroyed the music scene. Just think of all the great bands from the 60's and 70s that lasted 5, 10, 20, and some like the Band, 30 years. Try counting them. You can't. Now think of some Bands from the 80's and 90's poised to have similar careers. You can't. Ok, U2 and maybe Dave Matthews might last. But besides these two there is NOBODY! How tragic! I love following an artists or ensembles musical growth and changes through the years. Sure, Jethro Tull is old, for example, but their current music is so much more mature, complex, and interesting than ANY of their 70's stuff, but who would know? So what if the 90's Band wasn't supposedly on par with their prime. How fascinating to watch them continue the musical exploration begun almost 40 years ago. Same thing with Garth's new album. I don't want it to sound like Genetic method! That was great but where is he at artistically now? That's what I seek.But radio will never play these things. And it is so tragic for current artists. I am sure they have as much talent as the classic rock artists, but will never get the opportunity to prove it. They must have a Platinum album with ten hits or be dropped by the label. Then, the album is mined for radio for 4 years before the followup, and if it only goes gold, well goodbye! Look at poor Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers. Like 'em or not, will they have a carreer? Will they be around playing clubs in 5 years? How sad. DIAMOND LIL: I understand your upcoming torment at your boy band concert. 12 years ago while in radio I was forced to watch Millie Vanilli live. Fortunately, I enjoyed the show immensely, as it was the notorious one in CT where the tape broke! 'ba ba ba ba baby, don't forget my my my my my my my .....' :)

Posted on Thu Jun 28 15:04:45 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Jan-thanks for posting the pictures of Jim Weider and the Gurus at the Pattenburg House!!! Actually, Jeremy was not on the keys at that show!! My apologies--forgot the correct name !!!!!

Posted on Thu Jun 28 13:04:03 CEST 2001 from grmn-189ppp131.dialup.valstar.net (216.37.189.131)

Diamond Lil

On the subject of Southern Rock, I remember really liking Charlie Daniels, Marshall Tucker, and Pure Prairie League many years ago ( I still love PPL's "Amie").. but never thought of The Band's music as Southern Rock. Their music, at least for me..was always a melting pot of all different types of music..and I guess it's that diversity that kept me listening all these years. It's not "same old same old" with The Band..which is what makes the music always fresh I suppose. Sometimes, if in the right mood, I can turn on a Band tune that I've heard a million times, and hear it as if I'm hearing it for the first time. I can't say the same for alot of those Southern Rock bands at all.

I'm seeing Charlie Daniels, btw in August, here at our county fair. I'm looking forward to it as it will bring back alot of nice memories for me (except that I'll probably be singing "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" for weeks afterwards and driving myself nuts :-)

And on another ehm.. music note..this Sunday will find me in an audience of pre-pubescent teens who are screaming their devotion for The Backstreet Boys. Arrggghh! A mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do I guess.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 07:24:16 CEST 2001 from fa0.dc1-cache2.mel.dav.net.au (202.53.33.10)

Michael

Tommy, apologies, you probably knew Stevies back up vocalists already, feel like a right klutz, can't help but thinking how right Songs in the Key of Life was a "classic" album alongside the "Brown" the others in that set were a matter of taste. Regards

Posted on Thu Jun 28 04:57:06 CEST 2001 from parachute3-156-40-62-54.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.54)

Jonathan Katz

Mattk - I agree with what you say about the RRHOF ... but the BBHOF? Oh no, say it ain't so.

And after this I go back to GB reading only!

Posted on Thu Jun 28 04:45:13 CEST 2001 from parachute3-156-40-62-54.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.54)

Jonathan Katz

The Band did not appear in Renaldo & Clara [even the 8 hr version], though both Robbie and Rick Danko appeared on selected dates with RTR. As noted, Robbie guested on "It Takes A Lot To Laugh..." at MSG for the Hurricane benefit. Boots and tapes of this circulate. Rick guested I think in Providence RI on 11/4/75. Tapes of this concert circulate [I'm relying on memory here] but either do not include Rick's number, or do not include any mention that he has joined them. On that tape Joan Baez does TNTDODD with Guam and McGuin, and Dylan does "I Shall Be Released" and dedicates it to Richard - though I do not know whether Richard was there also. Fragments of Rick rehearsing IMND for RTR-II also circulate [and I think clips of this are on this site].

I doubt that R&C will ever be released again in any format. BD pulled it quickly after it was brutilized by the critics. It is an interesting watch, but you have to be an avid fan. As a maker of movies BD had no discipline at all!

Posted on Thu Jun 28 04:43:39 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.173)

Kevin Brown

Seems to me it would be more appropriate if the Rock & Roll HOF was a big travelling road show. Touring all the time would be much more in the spirit of R & R. I saw a small exhibit that they had touring in Austin several years ago and it was pathetic. Not one exhibit. Only photos and generic guitar types.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:57:26 CEST 2001 from host-216-76-150-211.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.150.211)

BWNWITennessee

I saw the Allman Brothers a few weeks ago. Their biggest problem in the last seven years, I think, is that they do the same show over and over, with a few slight changes. They don't write anything new, they have no new albums. The Grateful Dead could tour without new releases for years, but they would bring in fresh new material, new choices of covers, and unearth different older tracks. The Allmans might rotate one classic rock staple for another one, but it's still basically the same thing, year in, year out. I remember seeing them in the early '90s, when they were apparently still inspired a bit, and they would actually tour behind albums, and do most of the new songs from them. Now, their few new things all sound like their old things anyway. And it seemed like in '93, '94, they really had a chance to inherit a bit of the Grateful Dead's mantle, they were getting kind of popular with the hippie crowd as sort of elder statesmen. But then, they just kind of seemd to lose all motivation and just got on the treadmill, and the crowds have been getting smaller every year, and deservedly so. I saw them at the Nissan Pavilion in DC in '97, and there couldn't have been more than about 4,000 people there. But still, that being said, I thought the one this year was a bit more interesting, simply because they did do some different things for a change. I suspect that's mostly because of Warren Haynes. (He'll probably steer them to another rebirth, then they'll get jealous that he's taking too much control and fire him.) I thought "Loving You Too Long" was a highpoint, too. I especially like that all the drummers except for Jaimoe, who played with Otis, left the stage for that song.

The problem with the Hall of Fame as a concept is that it's based strictly on opinion. At least sports halls of fame have statistics to back up their choices somewhat. The RR Hall of Fame is essentially just a group of people sitting around deciding what they think is best, and unfortunately some people are going to believe in it. Those people have no more authority to decide who is good than we do. You could select a different group of people to make the selections and end up with a substantially different group of members, so it's all bogus. And the problem they have now is who to nominate from the late '70s, then even worse, the '80s. I mean, there are a few worthy choices, but not like in the early '90s, when all of the inductees were from the '60s (whew - too much math!) So now, since they have to induct a certain number each year, I think they've basically got to go back and start taking in all the "leftovers" from the '50s and '60s who were skipped over the first time. I mean, because there really aren't enough bands that released their debut album in 1981, for example, to fill up an entire inducting class.

I'd sure love to see Ike and Tina together at the ceremony!

I'm going to steal this before Crabgrass gets a chance - they need to bend the rules a bit to allow a true musical genius like Nicky Love to get in immediately.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:52:14 CEST 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

I've always thought of southern rock as Confederate flags, cowboy boots white guys with long hair playing guitars - not something that has alot to do with The Band. What southern influences The Band does have come more from New Orleans, the Missisipi Delta and the likes of Chuck Berry.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:43:11 CEST 2001 from 009.a.002.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.133.9)

Erin

Hi - I hadn't read your post before posting my own... I am right in thinking that Rick Danko played at least one show with RTR? Also, I think I've got a interview with Ronnie Hawkins saying that the original Renaldo and Clara was 8 HOURS (!) long, so maybe the Band appear somewhere in that extra 4 hours.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:37:01 CEST 2001 from 009.a.002.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.133.9)

Erin

Hank: I don't know if the Band were in Renaldo and Clara, but (as you probably know) Ronnie Hawkins was. From what I can gather, the Band were sort of around Dylan at that time, so they could well have been. I've never seen it (or Eat the Document except in bits and pieces used in documentaries) but I would love to.

Todd - thanks for the Del- Vikings thing. I haven't heard the song. (And I hope I haven't creepified (!) it too much.)

I saw some footage of Louis Armstrong singing a song called 'Rockin Chair' (which does have some small, passing similarities to The Band's 'Rockin chair') with Jackie Teagarden. I've being trying to find out who wrote the song, but to no avail. Any ideas anyone?

My Mum (who was blues/gospel singer herself, which is her authority for saying this) insists that 'Go, Go Liza Jane' is a traditional song. Well, its got traditional lines in it and its form is not inconsitent with being traditional, but i can't find anything to confirm that it is. Does anyone know anything about it?

(Also does anyone else like the Lecuona Cuban Boys? I've got a cd of them singing with Josephine Baker which is really good.)

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:35:07 CEST 2001 from 1cust53.tnt2.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.108.53)

Hi

I saw Renaldo and Clara in a theatre which must have been 197? and my recollection is there are no Band members in it but since it's 4 hours maybe someone snuck in for a couple of minutes.Of course it's the "Desire" RTR band and guests...However Robertson was a guest at a RTR NYC show I attended.....PS: Hank there are some great "Cold Irons Bound" live versions you should hear if you haven't already...I've got 3 and they're all great...

Posted on Thu Jun 28 03:02:16 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

I would like to second Matt's comment on Ike Turner getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ike was by no means a feminist of his time. Ike Turner was a groundbreaker, innovator and a mover and a shaker in the early days of Rock and Roll. If he did nothing else other than Rocket 88 he should be in the hall. Let's remember as a talent scout he helped bring people like Elmore James and Howlin' Wolf into the recording studio. While I'm at it and I do this every year.....Cosimo Matassa must come into the hall this year. If it weren’t for his studio in New Orleans there would be no "New Orleans" sound and shame on the committee for not paying tribute to him. We all know that getting into the Hall of Fame is very political.

Posted on Thu Jun 28 02:38:58 CEST 2001 from dialup-356.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.100)

Hank

The Band? Southern Rock?......no way, I say.......first of all, 4 of 'em were from Canada and RR plays straight Rock'n'Roll/Blues guitar.....NOT Southern Boogie guitar.........The Bands music is like the lasp gasp of breath of Old America.....the sound and the attitude of The Band is ALL of North America.....from French speaking Canada to Blues Wailin Sonny Boy to native music to Mid-Wester/New Yorker/Global Bob Dylan and then some and then back to house rockin' Ronnie Hawkins.....in no way is it limited to the genre of "Southern Rock"

MattKs post about The R&RHOF was top class...IMHO.....There's a cover band round these parts called "I Can Tina", BTW......Here's one for y'all....there seems to be a Rod vs. Frank thing going on here........Put your hand on yer heart and tell me who was MORE The Rock'n'Roller.....Rod? ......or Frank?..........Frank was NOT a Rock'n'Roller........Rod certainly Rocked AND Rolled much more than Frank......Don't get me wrong, I LOVE FZ.....Genius....but I would'nt describe him as a Rock'n'Roller......and anyway, FZ probably would'nt give a rats ass about The R&RHOF......not in the way Rod would, anyway

Do ANY of The Band feature in Renaldo and Clara?.......Has ANYONE here ever seen "Renaldo and Clara"?.....Is it ANY good? Any chance of "Renaldo and Clara" being released on DVD?

Posted on Thu Jun 28 00:53:24 CEST 2001 from spider-wj063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.48)

Tommy

I'm suprised that BLACK SABBATH isn't in the R&RHOF.First off, they are an extremely influencial band in the "hard rock" genre that has grown immense since the late 60s.Second,Ozzy is still playing and drawing crowds that equal or better the crowds he drew in the past!

Sometimes, I just don't understand how they judge these things.

and where's Jethro Tull, too?!?!?

Posted on Wed Jun 27 23:12:32 CEST 2001 from dialin-1415-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.6.145)

Gene

The Devil came from Kansas

Where he went to I can't say

(guess it was PA) ;)

Posted on Wed Jun 27 23:07:51 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

And of course, one can argue that the success of Cooperstown is based, in part, on the debates it creates amongst baseball fans, solidifying interest in the game.

It's a subjective system, agreed. But even subjective systems have guidelines. To my mind, the RRHOF has been inconsistent, even mean-spirited, in the way it's chosen it's inductees. But if it gets people thinking about artists they wouldn't otherwise consider, so much the better.

I'm just concerned that at least some of the oversights I see have something to do with something other than taste. Elton belongs in, no question. But I find it suspicious that Frank has to wait four years, while dying of cancer, nonetheless, to enter posthumously while Rod Stewart goes in on year one.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 23:06:52 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Here's a few more Peach threads: Randall Bramblett has also worked with Allen Toussaint. Mr. Toussaint can be heard playing some of that Professor Longhair / New Orleans style piano on "King Grand" from Randall's mid-'70s solo album "Light of the Night". Randall later reprised that same song when he joined the Allman Bros. off-shoot band, Sea Level, that originally featured Chuck Leavell, Lamar Williams, Jaimoe and guitarist Jimmy Nalls. When Jaimoe's bad back forced him to quit, he was replaced with drummer Joe English. Mr. English would later join Paul & Linda McCartney in one of the Wings aggregations.

Before Chuck Leavell was invited to join the Allman Bros. after Duane's death, he toured briefly with Dr. John (who was then being managed by Phil Walden). Chuck, in recent years, has been touring with some notable Englishmen, first with Eric Clapton, and more recently with the Rolling Stones (along with Bobby Keys).

During the late-'80s & early-'90s, Randall Bramblett hooked-up with another transplanted Englishman, Steve Winwood. Randall recorded & toured with Mr. Winwood and as part of the re-formed Traffic.

As you can see, these few musicians with Southern Roots have gone on to help directly shape the sounds of a diverse group of artists from another part of the world.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 22:59:42 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

R&RHOF:

First, keep in mind that it's the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, not the Rock and Roll Hall of Quality.

Second, look at it as a glorified personal top 10 list. Do I care that someone else - on this list or elsewhere - likes Elton more than he or she like Frank? Not on your life.

Third, remember that even Cooperstown could be said to be tainted, based as it is on the lie that Cooperstown was where the first baseball game was played.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 22:20:56 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Bones, you are absolutely right. I should go to the museum. Regardless of any shortcomings, I'm sure it's an incredible tour. Besides, I need to lose this notion that it's a big version of the Hard Rock Cafe in an IM Pei building.

That said, I'm not so much concerned with the HOF as a building, but as an institution. I look at the list of inductees, and while I wouldn't necessarily argue against any specific inductions (as much as it pains me to admit the Bee Gees did have an impact), but I'm sorry, some of the ORDER of inductions smells of cliquishness and influences outside of simple musical value.

I don't advocate that popularity SHOULDN'T play a part. Obviously, popularity = reach = influence at a fundamental level, but I'm sorry in some cases it's downright strange as to who enters which year.

1995 - Frank Zappa goes in a full four years after eligibility. Inducted ahead of him are Elton John and Rod Stewart in their FIRST year of eligibility. I'm not saying they shouldn't be there, but Frank has to wait, dying of cancer, for four years to get in a year AFTER he dies? That's not right. Frank's influence is undeniable. Does Frank Zappa truly fall below Rod Stewart such that he dies waiting to get in so Rod CAN?

I'm sorry, I can't help but think that his battles with Warner Brothers and his vicious and uncompromising parody of the music industry cost him.

What about Bonnie Raitt?

I have incredible respect for Bonnie. Her efforts in leading the charge to get songwriters their royalties denied them by producers and labels is enough by itself to warrant her inclusion. Musically, she's a very good guitarist (particularly slide), a fine singer and an excellent songwriter.

However, does she truly belong ahead of Steely Dan? Iggy Pop (waited five years)? John Mayall (still waiting after 12 years)? King Crimson? Genesis (both art rock founders a full 7 years beyond eligibility)? These guys are all seminal and groundbreaking. Steely Dan and Genesis have enjoyed MASSIVE popularity. Mayall is a proving ground for some of the most important British Blues artists (Clapton, Peter Green). Crimson practically DEFINES art rock and remains viable and innovative in various configurations even today.

Yes, Burke is a nice inclusion, but come on. Are we really gonna hold up the HOF as exemplary for throwing ONE bone? The list of rhythm and blues pioneers still waiting is mind-boggling, whether you consider them as rock inductees OR influences. I'm not gonna bust Billie Holiday, but does she have a greater impact on the development of Rock and Roll than her contemporaries who were INVENTING it?

It's great Prof. Longhair and Charles Brown made it in - they deserve it, but there are a lot of guys who were at LEAST as influential and don't even get a sniff. What about Amos Milburn? Wynonie Harris? Eddie Dixon? Ike Turner (yes, Ike Turner - not Ike AND TINA).

Why in the heck is Ike Turner not in solo and BEFORE his induction with Tina? You can argue three songs make up the "big bang" for rock and roll - one is the (inductee) Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle and Roll," another is Wynonie Harris' "Good Rockin' Tonight" the third is "Rocket 88," written by Ike long before he met Tina and unfairly attributed to Jackie Brenston.

Ike's abhorrent treatment of Tina aside, his contribution to early rock and roll is undeniable and irrefutable - unmatched by few. TELL me that's not about Tina's favored status in the industry. Ike should be in on his own, period.

It can't possibly be about his behavior, because if we start exempting drug addicts and wife beaters from the RRHOF, it's membership is gonna plummet. Maybe it's logistical, they don't want Ike and Tina Turner AND Ike Turner on the list since other double (and triple) inductees are in with band names. Still, I think it's weak.

Johnny Otis is there, but what about the musicians he worked with. Where the hell is Big Mama Thornton? Roy Brown? Roy Milton? Cleanhead Vinson? Where's Joe and Jimmy Liggins? Johnny Otis is very important, but some of the acts he presented were hugely popular and influential in their own right. The impresario is more important than the artist? That's like Murray the K getting in before the Who or the Band.

T-Bone Walker is one of the most influential guys in the development of electric guitar. But where's Johnny Guitar Watson? Guitar Slim? Pee Wee Crayton?

And of course, I'm still pissed King Curtis is a sideman. And still no f***ing Junior Walker, much less other leaders/sax players like Jay McNeely or Joe Houston. If King Curtis is a sideman, where will that leave Sax Mallard, Grady Gaines, Clifford Scott, David Newman, Joe Tillman, AC Reed? True sax sidemen, and hugely influential on the development of rock and roll sax. (Yeah yeah, I've beat this drum before, but I still think it's a travesty).

That said, I'm admittedly suspicious of the museum that represents an institution that I feel is tremendously cliquish about who it lets in and when. Not that it's surprising. The same can be said the Baseball HOF or any other hall of fame. When Cooperstown opened, it's list of premier inductees was a no brainer, and for years afterwards, there were a plethora of great players who could not get in simply because of glut. I hope the RRHOF is dealing with similair issues. Maybe in 70 years it will become as silly as Cooperstown - letting in marginal qualifiers while it waits for the few true no-brainers to become eligible.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 22:20:06 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-065.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.65)

Peter Viney

Joe Cocker: When I was at university in the late 60s, Joe Cocker was the standard local semi-pro opening band, and I saw him a few times, bridging his hit with “With a Little Help from my friends” when he moved from opening to third slot on the bill. This was in Hull. Joe is from Sheffield. Same county, Yorkshire. In my second year the Social Secretary (i.e. guy booking bands) was Chris Wright who went on to found Chrysalis Records. In my third year, Ed Bicknell who went on to manage Dire Straits, took over. In short, as a result of inspired bookers, we had superb line-ups including John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Manfred Mann, Family (at least three times), The Who, The Kinks, The Alan Bown, Steampacket (featuring Rod Stewart, Julie Driscoll, Elton John), Martin Carthy. Less famous bands like Blossom Toes and Eire Apparent also stand out in my memory. Among these, Joe stood up and shouted with the best of them. On the negative side, his worst album is probably “Luxury You Can Afford”- featuring Rick Danko on “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” However, his Mad Dogs album merits inclusion in any hall of fame.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 21:23:51 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Following John Cass' Allman Bros. thread: There's a great recorded version of Warren Haynes singing & playing slide on Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long" featured on The Memphis Horns self-titled 1995 CD (Telarc). This fine CD also features Mavis Staples, Etta James, Issac Hayes, William Bell, Leon Russell, Bobby Womack and Robert Cray performing with TMH (Wayne Jackson & Andrew Love)!

The 1974 live album "The Greg Allman Tour" was recently remastered by Polydor. It features Greg backed by a large band (including Chuck Leavell & Cowboy) with a horn section. Randall Bramblett plays all the sax solos and Peter Eklund (formally with Hungry Chuck) is featured on trumpet. Not to be missed is Randall's incredible soprano solo on "Dreams" and a scorching series of alto solos on "Turn On Your Love Light". Randall, of course, would later perform on Robbie Robertson's "Carny" soundtrack as well as tour briefly with Levon Helm. Last year when Levon & the Barnburners played two nights in Winder, Georgia, Randall drove over from nearby Athens to sit in both nights on tenor.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 21:23:16 CEST 2001 from citrix4.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.6)

John Cass

How in the heck isn't Joe Cocker in the Hall Of Fame. I am sure he has to be one of Rock's greatest singers, he has been putting out music for over 30 years, his records sales must be up there with them all, his performance at Woodstock was and is one of the most increadable performances to be seen and heard. I know people will say well he just sang other peoples songs, well he did write some of his own stuff and his interpratations of other artist songs in my opinion where done completly in Joe's own way which kinda makes them his in a weird way. I just find it hard to think of some of the Bands the last few years that have made it in like Earth, Wind, & Fire how do they get the nod over a guy like Joe. Hopefully his time will come but I feel he should be in there I just got his remastered Joe Cocker! and With a Little Help albums classics!!

Posted on Wed Jun 27 20:56:20 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

pehr

Johnny Flippo: I think it's a case of our boys having the better singers, better songs, better musicians.

In addition those "other" so called "southern bands" (to my knowledge) didn't have the benefit of experience (playing touring as "kids" with a mentor to guide them) or the authority that comes with inventing (for the most part, anyway) the genre.

Outside The Band I dont care much for the genre. The Band had such a big vision it didn't seem like a genre, or a fragment, but a whole big thing. Again, the songs, and Garth, and those great singing voices.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 20:48:17 CEST 2001 from atpm3-8-36.enter.net (208.137.244.138)

The Devil

Carmen, Pink Floyd is in the Hall of Fame. They were inducted in 1996. I visited the Hall once. It's a great place to go. I agree that they're inducting too many artists who don't belong in there. How can they induct gospel singers into a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 20:43:06 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Mattk: The RRHOF is NOT a popularity contest, although I can understand why people would come to that conclusion. The museum itself celebrates all types of music, even music by artists who have not been inducted. Obviously, infuential groups like the Band who were not popular will and should be inducted. Punk, too, will have its day. There are people on that board who believe that somebody like Solomon Burke deserves to be in before Iggy Pop, and I agree with them. I also think that Iggy and the Sex Pistols, who did not sell a lot of records, will be included because of influence.

Popularity is important too. Needless to say, it is hard to be influential when no one hears your music. Critically acclaimed is something different entirely. Many critically acclaimed artists will not get in because they were not influential enough (talented yes, influential no). You need the popular artists. If it were not for groups like the Rolling Stones, I may NOT have gotten to be a big Chuck Berry fan. Fans of Eric Clapton probably go out and buy Band records because of his endorsement. For all I know someone like Kid Rock got into the Stones via Aerosmith, and so on.

My ultimate point is ....go see the museum. I think you will be impressed by the effort put into it.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 20:17:52 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Mattk, I agree, however, how can you explain Pink Floyd not being inducted. I think Dark Side of The Moon still holds the record for being in the Sales top 100 for over 10 years.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 19:42:17 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

How could it be that The Band (the original 5) could thrill me so, while "Southern Rock" (the 70's variety jam type)bores me to tears? Thoughts, anyone?

Posted on Wed Jun 27 19:21:54 CEST 2001 from citrix4.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.6)

John Cass

Hey Fred I also was at that Allmans show Sunday at SPAC. I have seen the Allmans 10 times and rated that show as average (remembering that a average Allman show is still great) I felt there jams got a little lost in time and excitement (just my opinion) but one of the highlight I felt was the Deep Banana Blackout's horn section accompaning the Allman's doing Ive Been Loving You with Warren singing I would love to hear the Allmans with a Rock Of Ages like horn section, or Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs rock n roll circus with the horns and back up singing great rock n roll!!

Posted on Wed Jun 27 18:49:51 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Admittedly, I've not been to the RRHOF in Cleveland. The general disatisfaction with the venue and presentation seems pretty unanimous, though, from what friends and aquaintences have told me (plus read here and elsewhere).

The HOF itself seems to have become much more interested in album sales than artists who truly expanded and influenced the genre. How else to explain the lack of representation of early punk guys like Iggy Pop or even later acts like Patti Smith or Television? Whether you like punk or not, it's impact on rock and roll is undeniable. \Seems to me that the HOF did a good job until it hit the end of the 60s, and then began focusing entirely on popularity over substance. Maybe it's because the HOF leadership is from that late 60s generation and they are able to clearly identify the guys that influenced them, regardless of album sales.

Now that they have to choose from their peers and the wave that came next, their perspective is a bit cloudy. The cynic in me smells the rat of corporate sponsorship and label pressure, though, which is sad.

Has anyone been to Paul Allen's place in Seattle? How does it compare? I can't imagine it will ever have the cache of the HOF as an institution, but you'd also think that a guy like Paul Allen could free it up to celebrate all of rock and roll, and not simply those artists the labels feel will best boost sales.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 18:23:34 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Personally, I'd be with Freddy checking out the Allmans, however.

Put three stages in a row at a large festival today, and the Bros will have the smaller audience. Not saying that based on musical value, but DMB is still one of the hottest touring acts out there (I liked DMB up until "Before These Crowded Streets," but from that point on, I've been very disappointed. I downloaded the Steve Lillywhite sessions of their recent album, and it SMOKES the album they actually released, really really great stuff - the fact that DMB released the less personal, more commercial CD instead of the Lillywhite sessions is a testament to how much they've truly "sold out" (that word again).

Still, even though DMB has more mass appeal than either Phish or the Allmans (these days, at least), the fact that the Phisheads are wailing on sackcloth over the loss of their normal summer concerts, and given the HUGE (100K plus) crowds they tend to draw, my guess is the Phish crowd would pretty much overwhelm the crowds at either the DMB or the Allman stage. You'd have a hard time finding a more active and dedicated fanbase of that size since the Dead folded, IMHO.

Personally, I'm not a big Phish fan, either, though I do have a lot of respect for them. Say what you will, but unlike DMB and other so-called "jam" bands that followed the Dead, Phish has pretty much stayed true to their instincts and avoided the temptation to reel off that top-10 hit.

Again, just an opinion.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 17:18:24 CEST 2001 from dhcp58148.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.148)

FRED! fred funk

HEY THERE!? Put Dave Matthews and Phish on two seperate stages then add another stage a bit further down the line; place on this stage the ALLMAN Brothers Band with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. Where the heck do you imagine the crowd is going to gravitate to. The Bros are still cranking after 30 years and after seeing them this past Sunday night at Saratoga I can tell ya FANTASTIC!! And this comment from a guy who saw The Bros with Dwayne and Berry at the BOSTON TEA PARTY way back in 1970 (their hay day period). Two better guitar players do not exist playing together in concert.. When Greg stands up fron the organ and starts applauding you know that something special has just occurred..

Posted on Wed Jun 27 16:17:41 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

I think Dave Matthews has a good groove - You can move to it - personally i like the Live stuff best..,certain songs bore me to tears but so did the Dead at times and more times than naught, Phish. I tried the Phish thing but it swirls endlessly most of the time, no such thing as brevity..,

Posted on Wed Jun 27 16:00:01 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

Is it just me, or does the following blurbspeak from the What's New / Hoskyns part of this website, make others feel like puking too? I think it's supposed to be about the Band.

"Spanning the entire course of American rock and roll, from rockabilly to sequencers, from dirtbox roadhouses on lost highways to mind-bending psychedelia, Hoskyns has captured the raw talent and complex personalities of legends such as Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Martin Scorsese, U2, and Bill Graham. Across the Great Divide is the vivid, unsensationalized, and rollicking journey of five unforgettable men, their vision, music, and the trials of the shifting rock scene of the late sixties and seventies."

Posted on Wed Jun 27 15:37:41 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti043.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.168)

bob wigo

The recent mention of Stevie Wonder brings back a great memory for me. My very first "live" concert experience. The Stones in 1971 with Stevie opening and then joining them for the encore. That show is etched in my mind forever.

I am curious to hear some opinions on Stevie Wonder. I, for one, feel he may be the most talented American musician to come along in the last forty years. He is an incredibly gifted keyboardist, played drums as naturally as anyone I have heard, blows great harp, has tremendous vocal abilities and has written countless first rate songs in a myriad of styles. I know that covers a lot of ground but it might make for some interesting discussion. Any thoughts?

Posted on Wed Jun 27 15:09:58 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti043.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.168)

bob wigo

Ah, the Del-Vikings' "Come Go With Me". Little Brother did you "Stroll" at ChezVous?

All the while, a club band toiled in Toronto.....

Posted on Wed Jun 27 13:34:37 CEST 2001 from fa0.dc1-cache2.mel.dav.net.au (202.53.33.10)

Michael

Tommy, backing vocals for Stevie Wonder on that track off album, Jim Gilstrap, Gloria Barley & Lani Groves. See www.stevie-wonder.com, great site. Regards

Posted on Wed Jun 27 10:36:13 CEST 2001 from dial-194.bton.kiva.net (208.143.10.194)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hi all...

Erin - Not to muddy the waters further, but there's also the Del-Vikings song "Come Go With Me" from the 1950s. The vocalist actually sings "Come AND go with me". And that one's just a love song. I have to admit it's going to sound a hell of a lot more creepy now.

I've never heard the phrase used as part of the vernacular, not even from my grandparents.

Now, "All Shook Up", on the other hand...

Posted on Wed Jun 27 08:26:33 CEST 2001 from ts1-26.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.26)

Cupid

Congrats Tsax, welcome to the real world little brother. Don't let the Bastards grind ya down....peace Cupid

Posted on Wed Jun 27 06:38:56 CEST 2001 from (210.50.32.180)

Erin

Can I ask what appears to be a silly question. (And you know, lets not discount that possibility yet, it could well BE a very silly question.) Its about the phrase 'come and go with me.' I've mainly heard it in songs used about crossing into the next world. Often its said by the personified figure of Death, usually to the sinner as in:

You heard the people sing and pray

You would not heed, you just walked away.

You would not even bend your knees

Now you got to come and go with me.

But there are also less omminous examples like 'Come and go with me to that land.' Of course, I've also heard Levon sing it in I'm Ready: 'I'm ready and I'm able so you better come and go with me.' But if that is being used in an unusual context to get milege that would be typical - a couple of songs earlier the line 'swing low, chariot' is used to refer to an plane.

So what I want to know is... is it used in speech or only in songs? Does it have a range of meanings, or at least associations - situations its usally used in?

My ideas about the phrase, including whether its significant or not, are all guess work, based on listening to hours of early field recordings - I have never even heard it used outside of those recordings.

I got a really helpful brainstorm about 'haints' a couple of weeks ago, so I'm hoping for the same. On the other hand, my own ignorence embarrises me... I've already had to ask Sugar for help with American slang once this week...

Posted on Wed Jun 27 05:42:29 CEST 2001 from spider-wo021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.26)

LaUrEn

The Dave Matthews Band is an incredible group. Dave's lyrics are very deep and the skill of the band members is amazing. Listening to merely one CD is no way to judge their music. Seeing the band live is a completely different experience... they are by far one of the most amazing bands I have ever seen live. The energy is unsurpassed, it's spectacular.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 05:35:59 CEST 2001 from spider-wo021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.26)

Lauren

i guess i just wanted to share how much i love the band. i am 16 years old, and i have been listening to them since before i can remember. i grew up listening to what my father listens to, and the band was the most integral part of that group. i love the music so much! in my opinion "the night they drove ol' dixie down" it's a great story. keep enjoying the band everyone!!!

Posted on Wed Jun 27 04:17:04 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-119-216.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.216)

BWNWITennessee

When they first opened the R&R Hall of Fame (as opposed to the RR Hall of Fame), the actual Hall of Fame, where the signatures were at, was at the very top of the building. It was a great design, because you kind of started in the basement, with lots of semi-interesting junk, then you keep going higher and higher, and you get into more exlusive and interesting artifacts and exhibits. Then at the top you would go up this narrow, winding staircase to the actual hall, which was darkened and hushed. It was like you were climbing up to a pinnacle, to the ultimate. The whole building is shaped somewhat like a pyramid, and the hall was in the very tip. It was all quiet and sacred, like a cathedral or something; people instinctively lowered their voices. Then you left down this stairwell out in the light, it was like a big climax, like a movie or something. But then the last time I was there, they moved the autographs down to some back hallway on the second floor, and turned all the lights on in the top chamber and just put another exhibit up there. I was really disapointed. But it might have been a design flaw, the old room was already about 90% full of autographs when it opened, so there wasn't much room for expansion. Oh, well, just another example of Cleveland screwin' things up. They should never have built it there. (Actually, they should never have built it, but that's another rant.)

I don't know who sings on "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life," but it's a great album.

I thought on Little Brother's Day you were supposed to beat someone up, give them a wedgie, then steal their favorite possesion. Boy, is my neighbor gonna be pissed.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 03:29:27 CEST 2001 from hyp01-207-97-142-51.i-2000.net (207.97.142.51)

BK

I send greetings to you, Little Brother, on this fine Little Brother day

Posted on Wed Jun 27 03:23:06 CEST 2001 from dialup-313.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.57)

Hank

I read today that The Dave Matthews Band ...and PHISH....are the bands that have taken over from The Dead in The USA in terms of their fans and followers....is this true?.......I admire PHISH's muso ability but they just DON'T have the song power for me....Dave Matthews sounds like the new Bruce to me.....

a bit late here on this thread but my fave Band song of all time has got to be "Katies Been Gone". Can anyone here tell me if they EVER played it live....and if so, is there audible or visual evidence.......or is there ANY evidence about how Richard felt about this great song?.......

Posted on Wed Jun 27 02:15:38 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

I have a little bother, 21 months younger than me. Happy Little Brother Day!!!

Posted on Wed Jun 27 02:07:39 CEST 2001 from spider-wb052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.172)

JTull fan

Dave Matthews band DRIVES ME NUTS!Sometimes I think I am going to get into one of their songs, but then his cloying vocal makes me break out in hives. (Of course, I am only extrapolating about the hives, as I immediately switch to Public Radio or put on my favorite Band or Tull CD) Unfortunately, in Virginia where Dave Matthews got his start he is worshipped 3rd only to Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. I'm sure they would be apppalled too. Remind me to talk about old Stoneman's cavalry someday.

Posted on Wed Jun 27 00:50:39 CEST 2001 from m198214182084.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.182.84)

Pehr

Happy Little Brother Day Little Brother!

Posted on Tue Jun 26 21:50:38 CEST 2001 from atmax-8-10.enter.net (207.16.154.112)

Little Brøther

-- Per the flowgo.com website:

June 26: Little Brother Day

"It is Little Brother Day. Show your appreciation for Little Brothers around the world and send a fun greeting to them."

-- If Garth would like to send along an advance copy of his new CD, that would be wonderful.

-- Congratulations, D. Lil Jr., and good luck on the swim upstream...

Posted on Tue Jun 26 21:48:36 CEST 2001 from spider-we053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.43)

Dave Z

Thanks Todd!!! I'm gonna check it out...

Can anybody tell me what's so great about the Dave Matthews Band?... I've got a buddy who is nuts for them and has given me a CDR... but initially it's not knockin' me out... maybe after repeated listens it grows on you...

Posted on Tue Jun 26 21:24:20 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti033.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.163)

Tommy

I was listening to Stevie Wonders' 'Talking Book'....does anyone know who is it that sings the first two lines of 'You Are THe Sunshine Of My Life'.It's two voices......a guy and a girl,THEN Stevie comes in .Can anyone tell me?The cd has no liner notes or info.Thanks.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 20:44:09 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Twilight: I'm glad to know they still keep the Band items on display, for I have not been there since it opened on Labor Day 1995. Robbie also submitted a jacket that I think he wore for ROA, which was a gift from Richard. Levon's mandolin and Robbie's bronzed Last Waltz guitar are highlights. Did you see the actual Hall of Fame with the interactive Band signatures with a quote from George Harrison?

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a wonderful place to go for any Band fan. Just make sure you give yourself a lot of time. I never wanted to leave the place.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 20:18:40 CEST 2001 from pm659-39.dialip.mich.net (204.39.230.193)

twilight

Just returned from a day trip to Cleveland and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Cleveland will get a great endorsement from me - I'm not a big fan of large cities and such - but the place was great. It's nice to see another midwest power far on down the road to recovery. Highlights - Jerry Garcia's guitars, Duane Allman's Les Paul (The one he used for the live Fillmore shows) and the great John Lennon exhibit. After being dragged through so many museums in my life, it was heartwarming to see the jacket John wore on the cover of Sgt. Pepper, and the glasses he wore on the day he left us. Very emotional stuff. It's amazing how Yoko Ono can still turn tragedy into a magnificent work of art. There was also a case with a bunch of stuff from the "Robbie Robertson Collection". His glasses, his skull cap, the original lyrics to TNTDODD (there cannot be any dispute now to who wrote it), a reel to reel tape recorder that recorded his early work in a basement or something...., his bronzed guitar, and a picture of him as a child. What I could not figure out was why there was a mandolin in the display case belonging to some guy named Levon, or the identity of the four other people in the poster for "The Last Dance", or was it "The Last Boogie"? Must of been his sidemen. Anyway - the place is well worth a visit if you get the chance.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 17:02:46 CEST 2001 from dial-3.bton.kiva.net (208.143.10.3)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hello Dave Z -

Sorry, it's "What's in Our Library" at the Web site...and the author name is Jourdian. Call me a putz...tb.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 16:50:39 CEST 2001 from dial-3.bton.kiva.net (208.143.10.3)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hello all...

Dave Z - A book I've gotten a lot of use from is Robert Jourdain's MUSIC, THE BRAIN AND ECSTASY. You don't have to be a musician to grasp the examples he uses (although it helps). It's sorta like "Music Comprehension for the Lay Person" or "Tune Enjoyment for Dummies"...but it's written much more intelligently than that. Jourdain uses very striking visual images in his writing that make his examples really stick to your brain. It breaks music down in its separate components (rhythm, harmony, melody, etc.) and attempts to explain not just what's there, but how it's perceived by the listener's ears, brain and soul. I'd go as far as to say it's a must read.

For more, click on the Web page above and look for the section labeled "What's on Our Shelves."

Thanx all...tb.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 15:31:57 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td062.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.177)

bob wigo

A+

;^)

Posted on Tue Jun 26 15:16:42 CEST 2001 from hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.51.55)

jh

Test entry.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 14:57:44 CEST 2001 from (210.50.83.240)

Erin

Michael: That sounds like a reasonably good effort by the Sun's standards. You may well have asked them to sack their best writer.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 14:05:55 CEST 2001 from fa0.dc1-cache2.mel.dav.net.au (202.53.33.10)

Micheal

Dear all, re TLW, when it was released in Melbourne there was a crit in 'The Sun', a daily tabloid, the 'music critic' for the rag wrote TLW was a great movie featuring Dylan and other great artist, but he couldn't understand why they focusing on 'the backing band',"it spoiled the movie", as you would all appreciate I wrote to the editor and suggested they find some other line of work for such a d/head. Regards

Posted on Tue Jun 26 13:18:13 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-150.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.150)

Peter Viney

The select fans of Prefab Sprout should check out their new album, which is “The Gunman and Other Stories” and includes songs they’ve written for others. Paddy McAloon is a hugely distinctive and talentedwriter / singer / arranger. Rather like Tumbleweed Connection, it’s a look at Americana themes by a European writer (but still sounds just like Prefab Sprout, maybe a shade less lush than normal). They even include one classic Americana cover, in this case “The Streets of Laredo” – also in pure Prefab Sprout style, which is a weird combination – just listen to the “scatter roses over my coffin” line. It never sounded remotely like that before. Great album. It’s produced by Tony Visconti, and Carlos Alomar guests on guitar.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 07:13:43 CEST 2001 from pm3-perry4-235.arn.net (209.40.144.235)

Valerie

Levon and the Barnburners will be at King Biscuit in October! Yeehaw!!

Posted on Tue Jun 26 06:44:39 CEST 2001 from (206.145.56.244)

Benjamin Fleischhacker

I have just recently become mesmerized by The Band. Does Rick Danko really take the lead vocals on Caledonia Mission and Long Black Veil? I always thought it was Richard, but I guess I am very wrong. If anyone could e-mail me with information about where I should begin to search out bootleg Band material, I would appreciate it. I don't have anything in the way of trade, but I would be willing to come up with some arrangement. Music From the Big Pink and The Band are THE two seminal American Rock & Roll albums, but I would like to hear more of what they were like live. I've seen the Last Waltz many times, but Levon's book taints it, because of his assertion that so much was overdubbed. Anyways, does Robbie always try to play guitar hero on their live performances, because his artificial harmonics overkill on TLW has always kind of bothered me. When he "fought for space" in their ensemble, that was part of what made them unique and beautiful.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 05:43:04 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

BWNW: This is just a guess, since I haven't heard Garth's album (can't wait though!), but I would think that "Cyrus and Mulgrew" is a reference to Cyrus Chestnut and Mulgrew Miller, two excellent young jazz pianists. Perhaps Garth is a fan of their work (if he is, he's got great taste!). I see from the liner notes that the song has lyrics courtesy of Ms. Maud Hudson, so someone who's been lucky enough to actually hear the track may be able to provide more info.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 04:32:58 CEST 2001 from dialup-328.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.72)

Hank

Imagine if Orson Welles directed TLW.........Van Morrison was once asked by his record company who he'd like to produce/direct a video for him and Van asked for Orson......Van calling Orson...come in Orson.....it did'nt happen......nice touch, tho'

Congrats to Diamond L'ils son..........Peace be with you all........

Posted on Tue Jun 26 04:15:15 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-115-43.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.43)

BWNWITennessee

For a scary few moments, John D.'s review of "The Breakers" made me think, "Uh-oh, Tubular Bells." So when's this thing comin' out, anyway?

Alright, so do any of you smart people (a group of which I am not a member, but my ass is) know who Cyrus and Mulgrew are?

For TLW re-release directors, since Scorsese did the original, I think it makes sense for Tarantino to do the new version. He'd probably restore some of the interview outtakes:

Levon - Do you know what they call a quarter million in France? A Grand Robert with cheese.
Rick - I don't know, that would have to be one charming motherf**cking deer. That would have to be like Bambi from Walt Disney or something.
Richard - Do you see a sign in front of my house that says dead talking horse storage!?!

So, does anyone want to go pay Miss Debora a visit?

Posted on Tue Jun 26 04:13:49 CEST 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

The Call were by all accounts big fans of The Band. I brought the album with Garth on it (their first I think) but could never really get into it. I do remember seeing a video of their's in which the bass player was playing an Ampeg bass like Rick's but it appeared to be fretted. I always wanted one of those basses ( Evidently the pickup had something similar to a speaker diaphram in it). In the end I settled for a sunburst Gibson Ripper.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 03:56:52 CEST 2001 from spider-th084.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.84)

Bashful Bill

Btw, click on the icon on the left of the screen (above the icon of Rick's Times Like These)and check out Jan's excellent(as usual) work.He not only archive's John's wonferful review,but you can view essentially every aspect of Sea To The North. And it looks beautiful.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 03:48:56 CEST 2001 from spider-th084.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.84)

Bashful Bill

I've been lookin forward to this album for quite awhile, looks like soon i'll be hearing it. But John, do you really mean "a few years back" when referring to Garth working with The Call(not to mention appearing on MTV)? I was a young guy back then, and I haven't been a young guy in a lot more than "a few years". (;

Posted on Tue Jun 26 02:17:27 CEST 2001 from tcache-mtc-te01.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.196)

Johnny Philko

Hey guys! Great job on the site! Keep up the good work. If you get a chance check out the Johnny Philko website. We are an indie political band from Cleveland. Sign our guestbook too!Thanks!

Posted on Tue Jun 26 01:50:58 CEST 2001 from st-catherines-ppp112499.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.128)

Richard Patterson

JOHN D.: Thanks for a very descriptive review of Garth’s CD. You and QUENTIN have made it sound better than I’d dared hope. I've heard nothing but raves about Maude and I really can't wait to hear her sing... I'm so glad she plays such a big part in this record... I also can’t wait to hear Garth's impressions of Ornette stepping on Gershwin’s foot while playing a Dead tune!.

Posted on Tue Jun 26 01:29:55 CEST 2001 from pool-63.49.194.34.troy.grid.net (63.49.194.34)

Miss Debora Gean Gaut

I'd would like to more about Bonnie Raitt of her self and her music!! an also, I'd would like too get one of her autograph of her!! please !!! my home address is 3004 Charlotte eve. Jackson, Mi. zip 49202!!! so, thats my home address. an for now I'd think that all for now an here from you later!!! from Debora G. G. may god bless you also!! oh!! I'll be 46th!! July 6th so, take care,

Posted on Tue Jun 26 00:25:03 CEST 2001 from spider-wb043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.168)

Rick S.

John Donabie, what a wonderful review of "Sea to the North." Garth is a master of all of his instruments. It'll be fun to listen to him showcasing his talents. I'm sure the Crowmatix accompany Garth as well as they accompanied Rick Danko on his final CD. I love Maud's voice. "Garth in My Living Room" - can't wait!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 22:05:47 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-049.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.49)

Peter Viney

John D: Thanks for a GREAT review. This should be added to the REVIEWS section on the site for posterity.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 21:03:18 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

TSaxman, congratulations, sir! Remember to keep the music about what you love and love to do.

Now get out here and slog away like the rest of us! There's weddings to play. ; )

Posted on Mon Jun 25 20:46:37 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

John: Thank you so much for the Garth review. It sounds wonderful! I am also getting excited by numerous different things that you could put on The Last Waltz DVD. Peter Viney mentioned a few of them.

They need to keep the movie as is first and foremost! Then add extra songs as "bonus" or "deleted" scenes. Original theatrical trailers would be interesting. Like Peter said, running commentary and a "Making Of..." documentary would be nice with involvement by Scorsese and Robbie. Reviews of the movie, accolades, scenes from the road show that Robbie and Martin went on to promote it. The list could go on and on!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 20:23:00 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

Pehr

thanks to all contributing hot scoop on Garth's Record!

Congrats to Garth and Maud, and to Lil and the sax man!

Welcome back Peter V!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 19:42:08 CEST 2001 from (212.153.193.19)

Ragtime

This is to TSaxman: schooldays are over now... and happy days are here again... congrats to you and your mom. Take a Heineken from me, pal.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 18:00:19 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John D

I realize now that the spell checker and grammar checker would have been nice wouldn't it John. Huh Huh. Folks I just want to add that this was a very difficult album for me to review. The fact that I am just a fan & acquaintance of Garth's....I had to wait a few days and let that clear. I wanted to be honest. I realized in the long run that it was most difficult to poke holes into. I've been called a musicologist in the area; but I have no degree. In fact I will leave it to people like Viney to really slice and dice this project. I'm really just a lover of many forms of music. Garth and Maud Hudson have "opened the doors" of their home and let the music out. I thank them for that. Old friends like Jack Wingate and Serge won't be surprised, as you, that what lies within this CD is pure genius. I want to make a comment about Maud Hudson for a moment. You saw in my review I made a "Wings" comment. I did that on purpose because then McCartney brought Linda into the fold of the Wings it was for pure love and I can't fault him for that. Sadly the talent wasn't there initially. Truly in the final mix I don't know how much she contributed. I don't want to get into Yoko Ono because my ears and her voice were never in harmony together. Some may find her very talented. I have yet to find it.

Maud Hudson brings a very unique sound to the album. In fact....with her narration and then "singing" parts.....it make me want to hear more. I realize now without knowing anything about their personal life that she compliments her extremely talented husband very well. They are truly a "team." Again I want to say I am happy that Garth knew and saw this for sometime and added Maud to the mix

I can't wait for the "official" release. Sadly my DVD player doesn't play CD'R's so I'm forced to listen through my computer. Time for a new DVD that plays CDR's. Also I am looking forward to the artwork and liner notes to hold in my hand.

Johnny D

Posted on Mon Jun 25 17:53:39 CEST 2001 from spider-wb042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.167)

Dave Z

Awesome review John... the excitement in your voice is contagious... Thanks for sharing!!!!

Congrats Lil'... Best wishes to your son as he starts a new phase in his life... sounds like he has a good soundtrack for the summer...

A question for the educated... if you had someone who didn't know squat about music... but still dug it... what book or article would you refer them to... so that they might better appreciate what's involved from a musician's standpoint?...

Posted on Mon Jun 25 17:28:36 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp212.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.212)

Diamond Lil

John Donabie: What a wonderful review of Garth's new cd! Your words were well worth waiting for.

The idea of someone else editing The Last Waltz is certainly an intriguing one. Imagine giving the original tape to 5 different people..and seeing 5 different versions? That would be something. It's interesting to think how the 'finished' product would've turned out if it had've been in different hands.

And on a personal note: Love and congratulations to my son, who graduated from High School yesterday, and left me crying as his solo sax performance hushed the room. I am so very proud of you, and I know dad would be too. Thanks for giving my life the most beautiful music of all.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 17:11:39 CEST 2001 from (209.166.233.21)

Jon Lyness

Here's a direct link to the Breeze Hill page with liner notes, etc for Sea to the North. Thanks, John D et al for your early comments & reviews. I'm dying to hear this album!!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:54:10 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.173)

bob wigo

OWLCH !

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:50:45 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

Well, whaddya know. Perhaps I should have checked the Breeze Hill web site before I opened my big mouth. The album art is a HOOT! Thanks Quentin!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:47:07 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

Thanks for whetting our collective appetite, John D! Quentin - how's about posting the album art? We want it and we want it NOW!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:46:30 CEST 2001 from ipd50a1f26.speed.planet.nl (213.10.31.38)

Arend Jan Niessink

I'm a huge fan of Bob Dylan (see my web page) and I'm also a huge fan of The Band. I think in my life there'll never be a better band. By the way, your site is great.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:41:48 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

I saw that same Arliss show. The whole time saying "That dudes name is ws walcott. What a rip." ...Then they close the show with our boys and I chuckled. That's a report from the front...fascinating right.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:36:41 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

It has been twenty one years since Our Lady Queen of the Angels (subtitled "A Celebrational Environment by Tony Duquette") circulated and found itself in the hands of serious collectors. Now in 2001 we finally have an “official” release by this wizard of the woodwinds and keyboards. It is not surprising that this CD is highly anticipated by fans of “The Band” which Hudson has been a member of since the early 60’s. It is with this “anticipation” what people have wondered for a long time what direction his works would take. This is an individual who was steeped in classical music as a young man and took his musical background and intermixed it with Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues for so many years. Now he is unleashed to do whatever he wants. As a radio person I find that people like me always want to “categorize” music. It makes it easier to file in our heads. This CD is difficult to categorize, for Garth’s talents flow Free Form. There are 6 tracks and I will deal each of them.

Cut 1 is called “The Sea of Cyrus and Mulgrew.”

Backing Mr. Hudson is his wife Maud on vocals, members of the Crowmatix and a credit to old Bandmate Levon Helm for Percussion Explosion. This track takes us on quite a journey of many moods. At times your soothed by Bill Evans like passages and suddenly like a roaring locomotive the Crowmatix jump in and the music takes off, only to be soothed again by both the sax and piano of Garth Hudson. It is very much like a roller coaster ride with those momentS of rising high and slow and then plunging quickly down and up again with excitement. The vocals of Maud Hudson “sneak up on you and are layered magnificently among the Tenor Saxophone of Hudson and the Crowmatix. Maud’s vocal is both “spiritual” in sound and at times almost eerie in the mix. She gives a brilliant texture to Mr. Hudson’s riveting solos. I realize on this site I am preaching to the converted; but before anyone who knows nothing of Maud’s talents jumps in thinks this is like an early version of “Wings where Paul McCartney added his wife to the mix more for love than talent. This is not the case here. Maud Hudson’s speaking and singing presence is awesome and kudos to Garth to incorporate her into the mix.

Track 2 is entitled “The Sea To The North.”

It is also the title track. It begins with Mr. Larry Packer of the Crowmatix playing a very “eastern” sounding violin solo. This could have been recorded within the rice paddies of China. We move into Mr. Hudson playing underneath the solo to a few seconds of Maud’s singing’ which bridges us to Mr. Hudson at the Accordion. Here as we take a further musical sojourn into the mind of Hudson. The feel is eastern European here where the instrument has always found a home. I played the accordion for years and was a part of a classical accordion orchestra. I felt very much at home here. Suddenly and without warning the underlying keyboard of Mr. Hudson makes a calliope effect only to make yet another quick change with what seems like a “Bass” accordion sound. An instrument with no buttons on the left side and tuned to the lower registers. I’m sure he is doing this electronically; but it reminded by of sitting in back of the Accordion Orchestra with my Bass Accordion as a boy. Again we are taken very smoothly into other melodies and almost geographical adventures musically. Garth makes many sounds on the album that I wouldn’t hazard a guess at how he achieves them; for this is a man very much at home as the “Merlin of both the Keyboard and Woodwinds. I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful “pipe”organ that is interspersed from time to time.

Track 3 “The Breakers.”

Makes one feel off the top for a moment that Garth is taking us back to the beginning of “The Band” with Tommy Spurlock’s guitar sounding hauntingly like “The Weight” for just a moment. A musical tease if you will. On this track Garth call’s upon old friends from the group “The Call.” Garth played with them on their works a few years back as some of you will remember. Scott Musick on Drums and Michael Been on Guitar. As someone who grew up reading the back of album covers I was surprised and most happy to find the genius of Willie Weeks on Bass. It’s interesting that with The Band, Garth’s saxophone playing was thrown in for texture from time to time. On this CD it is front and center and we see his love for the instrument. It is on this track I begin to see how much work the arrangements must have taken. Every time you are nestled down to here him play the Sax for example, he is suddenly heard on electric keyboards….then in a flash he is on the Accordion. I would love to see the charts for this album. On this track Maud Hudson comes front and center not just in a narration form but singing in a most beautiful way. The track ends with Tommy Spurlock and yet another glint of “The Weight”. I don’t think Garth Hudson would be happy if I used the words “New Age” for this piece. I will however as a brief guidepost; because there are moments when the term comes to mind, mainly because of the way the music flows so freely that they could be used for “relaxation” tapes after a day of high anxiety. That is not to say in any that the music is “background music.” No, not in any form. It just from time to time reminds me of those latter days of the 60’s when the synth and real instruments took us to another place for the first time and the industry came down with the term, “New Age.” As I said before the industry is quick to define and categorize music. Sadly the industry does not have the musical spectrum of Mr. Hudson. The music business is guided much like a clerical filer of songs. In other words in has to go into some section somewhere. At this point I will point out that I’m not sure which section this CD will go into. More on that later.

Track 4 is called “Third Order.”

Levon Helm joins his old friend on this track on drums. Levon, has always had a deep affection for Garth. I remember after Robbie had left the Band and Richard had died, I once asked Levon if it was difficult to carry on without them. Levon paused and smiled and said, “John, The Band will be over when Garth decides he no longer wants to play in the group.” That is just a tip of the iceberg of how Levon has always felt about Garth. This track is filled with many different sounds. This is Garth at his freest moments. He calls up sounds that only reside in his head…sends them to his fingers and spits them out for all of us to share. Once again Garth has brought old friends to the table to partake on his musical jaunt. “The Balls of Bengal” which have shown up in Garth’s history come to the forefront and we hear the “skins” take center stage. I’m not sure where Levon begins and Dan Brubek and The Balls of Bengal ends. There is however a great drum solo by Levon in this piece.

Track 5 is called “Dark Star.”

This track begins with a light flair and a soundtrack of what might be playing while watching people walk down 42nd Street. Garth meets Ornette Coleman meets Gershwin. Is that complex enough. Some great jazz like licks on this one. Damn! We all know the talent of this man and he just never disappoints. Maud rejoins him on this one and may I say that Mike Dunn takes us through come great Bass runs. If I haven’t said it before..Aaron Hurwitz and the Crowmatix are such an important part of this album. On five of the six tracks whey supply themselves as the troops to General Hudson. OK! Get ready! Garth Speaks! Yes Mr. Hudson decided to open his vocal mike on this one. Just a few words following those of Maud. Just enough to tease and tantalize. It’s like Garth; who has always let his instruments do the talking for him; has decided to give his vocal instrument a brief outing. What’s interesting is that it’s just enough. Not too much…just enough for texture. The last track is yet to come and it will be Garth alone with his pianos.

Track 6 is called “Little Island.”

This is a fitting way to finish off the CD. It is Garth alone with his Yamaha C6 and Acousic Piano. After a few bried notes you hear in the background a couple of vocal “puffs” from Garth. Hoagy Carmichael would love this track. Picture Garth sitting in a living room. His pipe smoking on top of the piano. Perhaps a beverage of his choice nearby. This is Garth upfrom and very personal. He might be thinking back to his days in London Ontario….or Maud could be sitting on the couch across from his as he serenades her. Or something else all together. I realize this review could be looked upon as a “sweetheart” piece. Another term from my industry; but I have to tell the truth. I was never disappointed. I was constantly surprised and titillated and most importantly, I did not have any expectations of the album whatsoever. I hope that Breeze Hill services Jazz Radio on this one. I believe it would do well there as well. As I said early, I’m not sure what section this will end up in at your local record store. It doesn’t really matter. Just ask for it and tell your friends. The wait Mr. Hudson has been worth it. Congratulations to both you and Maud and to Breeze Hill and Quentin for getting it out there for the rest of us to hear.

LADIES AND GENTLEMAN…..THE PRIVATE MUSIC HAS LEFT THE BUILDING AT LAST!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:16:43 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

What I would like to see in this new LW, is at least some of one of those jams that took place..., Maybe Robbie can talk a lead in to it and we can see some. Accadian Driftwood would be nice.., Also if they show RR writing TLW theme will the tape recorder with Third Man Theme be there, rewind, play, rewind, play, rewind, play, "Ah HA! I think i've got it!"

Posted on Mon Jun 25 16:09:51 CEST 2001 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Hank, I think the Feb 16 1973 boot is actually from July 31 1973 at the Roosevelt Stadium.

TLW on DVD, greatness! Finally, it has been a looong wait. And I don't mind the new rarities box either.

This summer's concert series are about to start for me. Going to see Victoria Williams, Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega (twice!), Kathryn Williams (hopefully) and Wigwam (I believe there are other Wigwam fans here?) shortly. Can't wait :)

Posted on Mon Jun 25 14:43:39 CEST 2001 from dialup-366.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.110)

HANK

OK, Folks, been away in London playing a gig with Open Kitchen....but I'm home here right now and listening to a bootleg of The Band playing in Jersey City on Feb. 16th, 1973.......and they've just screwed up "The Shape I'm in"......and the mix is dominated by Levon crashing the crash cymbal and Ricks fretless is, um, well, ......anyone here got the skinny and lowdown on this gig?.....Anyone from The GB at that gig?.....btw, I still think it's great to hear........

Ben Pike.....Yer wrong about "She Belongs to Me" from "Self Portrait"......that's BRILLIANT!!!!! Just listen to the way Levon goes for it at the end of the song and the way RRs guitar rocks the song...Classic Band backing.....and, as y'all know, I LOVE "Quinn The Eskimo" from that album as well...I DO agree that "Rolling Stone" is kinda lame 'tho......Peter Vineys assessment of Self Portrait is pretty accurate.........Peter, I LOVE "You're The One" by Paul Simon......

Jeez........ Ricks bass is purty out there on this version of "Stagefright" on the Jersey City thing .......Fairs dues to him for going for it tho...it's a bitch to play.......Was Rick playing Fretless on BTF?.......but now he's singing great on "Endless Highway"

Hey! How did all you Feudsters miss out on The Don Felder/Eagles Feud?.......seems pretty nasty, too......sorta the mirror opposite of our heros ain't it?.........RR=Henley.....Felder=Helm....Yeah?

Ricks Fretless on "Dixie" actually sounds fine now.........I can't wait for someone to post in that The Jersey City gig was the first time Rick EVER played fretlees live

.....so as I was saying, I was in London this past weekend and I heard the following:......a musician friend of mine told me Levon does'nt like his drum parts to be sampled........I mentioned that "Up on Cripple Creek" was sampled by some rap group.....maybe that was RR's call......Wow! sort of a segue of "Dixie" and "Across The Great Divide" on this Jersey City thing.......

Crabbys suggestion that Tim Burton edit TLW DVD was good but howsabout Oliver Stone, folks?......Blood, gore, numb noses, dropped vocals and instrumental parts, Van Morrison frothing at the mouth and conspiracy theories galore!!!! Richard's singing "Saved" now........

Posted on Mon Jun 25 12:55:21 CEST 2001 from 1cust202.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.202)

Crabgrass

I'd like to see a Dylan edit of TLW footage. Or maybe Tim Burton.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 06:02:40 CEST 2001 from spider-tl034.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.189)

Kevin Brown

Does anyone else think it would be interesting if all of the TLW footage was given to a new producer and editor who had never seen the original and let them produce a "new" original. It would be interesting to see what a different set of eyes and ears came up with.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 05:22:45 CEST 2001 from pool-63.49.29.74.mmph.grid.net (63.49.29.74)

Dexy

So, my wife and I were watching America's HBO cable channel tonight (SEX IN THE CITY, SIX FEET UNDER, ARLISS). On Arliss, starring and co-written by Robert Wuhl, Charles Durning was playing a character named ... W. S. Walcott. He was an American tycoon trying to buy a Canadian hockey team. At the end of the show, sure enough, Levon started singing (audio only, of course), followedy by Rick, etc., over the credits. Strange, of course, since it was the Canaidan tie-in, even though this was one of those Levon-inspired songs about the South. I'm not getting into the you-know-what debate, only reporting what we saw....and heard.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 04:52:08 CEST 2001 from spider-wm062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.177)

Dave Z

I wouldn't mind seeing the DVD take some risks and actually alter the film... change history if you will... especially if RR & Scorsese's views of that point in time have changed... a little too idealistic but what the heck... I'd like to see in the film Georgia, Caledonia, All Our Past Times (good Rick & Eric interaction), Acadian Driftwood (maybe something about Canada scene), and even something from the Jams #1 & #2 maybe with Stills, Ringo,... also wouldn't mind seeing cuts to stars who were in the wings or back stage... I just hope it's more than the VH1 version a few years back because I'm gonna foot for the DVD machine on this one... the rehearsal stuff and RR composing sounds cool too... some more Van wouldn't be bad either... the commercial value of additional footage could really make this a big seller...

Posted on Mon Jun 25 04:43:27 CEST 2001 from spider-wg082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.57)

Charlie Young

My brother and I have tickets for the Paul Simon/Brian Wilson show next month here in Old Virginny. I recently got a nice CD soundboard recording of a Simon & Garfunkel show from 1969 with a backing band including Hal Blaine and other members of the "Wrecking Crew," who, of course, recorded with Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys. The sound of Simon & Garfunkel in concert with Blaine, Joe Osborne, Fred Carter, Jr. and others backing them wasn't as edgy as Dylan with The Band, but pretty damn good anyway...

Posted on Mon Jun 25 04:00:28 CEST 2001 from spider-tl064.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.204)

Tommy

Steve Gadd was/is Clapton's drummer on his current tour(the show I saw last Thursday).

Man, I shoulda went to see the Dylan/Paul Simon tour a few years ago.I even had the chance to see the Dylan/Neil Young tour some years back and didn't go.I can be a real ass sometimes!Bah..!

Posted on Mon Jun 25 03:34:50 CEST 2001 from 1cust38.tnt1.waynesville.nc.da.uu.net (63.31.153.38)

coldokra

The Complete Last Waltz

Yes there were flaws, flubs, off-key, hoarseness...as with any live recording. But it takes an exceptionally good group of musicians to create great music in spite of being less than perfect on a given nite. Like any great live recording by a top-notch band, the recording can be ragged but right. Leave the unreal perfectionism in the studio.

Some of the greatest music ever made was live, as it happened, whatever happened. It's the immediacy of the moment with the best of musicians tearing away that makes the best music, flaws and all.

Posted on Mon Jun 25 01:26:48 CEST 2001 from cr514777-a.yec1.on.wave.home.com (24.114.57.20)

Fan of Richard

It is simply not correct by any reasonable standard to suggest that most of the unreleased part of the Last Waltz compares favorably to what was released. It is well known that large parts of the movie/album soundtrack were re-recorded because the performances did not cut muster. At the very least this is true of the unreleased material.

I am a huge fan of Richard, but the Last Waltz had to have been one of his poorer performances. I found the Complete Last Waltz generally painful to listen to, and largely because of Richard. In addition to his voice being extremely hoarse, he makes several glaring errors such as playing the first five bars of Caravan in the wrong key, forgetting the words, singing in the wrong key and generally messing up Evangeline/The Last Waltz. This, frankly, is material best left in the vaults. I would much rather enjoy the various new nuggets of Richard that we've had the good fortune to hear on the reissues.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 21:57:04 CEST 2001 from 1cust68.tnt1.waynesville.nc.da.uu.net (63.31.153.68)

coldokra

REGARDING THE UNRELEASED HALF OF THE LAST WALTZ

Agreed, the original Last Waltz film should not be combined with the unreleased performances for DVD...but the rest of the outstanding performances (99%) should at least be included on the DVD separately. Or on another DVD. To do The Last Waltz justice after all this time, 2 DVDs if necessary.

The Woodstock film The Director's Cut for example also has an audio CD box set that includes much more music. Musicians always hear errors in their performances they hear that others don't. Hope Robbie at least allows a Complete Last Waltz CD box set if he can't find it within himself to release the rest of The Last Waltz film.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 20:39:10 CEST 2001 from spider-ta042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.62)

Dave Z

Richard: I am gonna have to re-read the donut and tea thread first before I get back to you... but in general, any good right brain activity goes well with serious tune-age-ing... knock yerself out...

Bob W: How you gonna catch yerself a snow owl?...

Plan 1: My first thought was a solo eleven day-er in the Quetico with good ear phones and canary yellow canoe toward some little walleye No-Name Lake... Then I glanced at my very pregnant wife and remembered our state gov't is shut down with Parks closed til Jesse can work out a compromise budget deal... My wife also reminds me of my last macho attempt at fate w/o a compass... I had to pull a buddy out after we tried to run some rapids we shouldn't have gone up in the first place... and we got snowed on too... Plan 2: Then I thought of the obvious, pipe it into the delivery room during the birthing process... oh how beautiful... however my wife quickly informs me I will only get that "one" listen... and to emphasize her point compares how she expects to feel to how I felt after enduring an MRI to check on the rock in my head (too long a story)... I had hoped to enjoy the time with a brand new CD that I brought along... but I'm claustrophobic and the assorted memories of the screams associated with an 8 year fertility effort we went through to get the lovely twins that twice a day trash our place quickly closes that door shut... when I asked the doctor about the size of the rock during an exam... he smiled, and said it's not the size that matters it's how you use it... but if you'd would just lose a little bit of this stuff just under the belly button here... well, your wife would be much happier... I said "the other rock, Doc", and he said "Come back in 6 months for another look and see"... "I pass" (mental note: delete this portion before hitting submit button)... anyway, anytime I hear the Cranberries on the radio my skin crawls... so I guess we won't pipe Garth into the delivery room... That leaves some Jawbone behavior to consider... either park my car by Paisley Park and crank it up til Prince's people have me arrested... or hotwire the stereo system of the largest Luthuran Church in North American for the Sunday 9 a.m. session... nay, I think I'll just wash the dishes too... my wife reminds me we have a good electric dishwasher... and then says I can listen to Garth on the way to the delivery room right after she pages me from the Barnburners show just before 9 p.m. start time... btw the baby should have the same zodiac sign as RR... great, just what I need another smart broad in my household to balance out all the Gemini boys... (I know I'm not funny but I don't care)...

Posted on Sun Jun 24 20:06:59 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-065.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.65)

Peter Viney

As I’ve often said, they shouldn’t meddle with the existing “Last Waltz” film at all because it has a flow and momentum and was directed by a major director in his prime. Yes, let’s have bonus material- all of it, preferably. Let’s have a Robbie commentary track. Let’s have a 30 minute interview on the “Making of TLW” with Robbie and Scorsese, but put this all seperately, and leave the original as it was (plus DTS 5.1 sound, widescreen, remastering). While there are several tracks that thoroughly deserve the bonus treatment, there are a few dire moments on the Complete Last Waltz – the extra two Joni tracks are the main offenders.

Interested in Mike v Barney on Little Feat. I too love both bands, but I’d have to agree that Little Feat did reach a peak … and went the only way there is from a peak. Both bands survived into the 90s (Feat are still going) despite the loss of their main writers / guitarists, which in Feat’s case meant lead singer too. Guess it all comes together on their fine Rag Mama Rag from last year.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 19:05:15 CEST 2001 from spider-wm053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.173)

John L

I've just found you - I'm a long-time Band fan and love the website. I'll be back!

Posted on Sun Jun 24 18:59:19 CEST 2001 from jed20.revealed.net (208.23.178.115)

Mike

Ok, I located a Little Feat article by Barney Hoskyns from Mojo Magazine (July 1994). I guess he really knows what he is talking about eh?! I would think there'd be a bit more respect due for Little Feat than this? Ok, most Feat fans know that Lowell George had his problems with drugs and alcohol too. But implying that he was "a booze and drug addled slob who never delivered on the promise of his prodigous talent"? I think that's taking it a bit too far! To be honest, I've not read Hoskyns' book about The Band. I don't think I'd want to know! While discussing their 1971 self-titled debut, he compares Little Feat to The Band. Ok, I love both groups but the comparison? He mentions that "they attempted to recreate the flavour of the first two Band albums, then a huge influence on the LA rock scene. Well, throughout the 1970's, The Band's influence was everywhere within american music I am sure. If anything, the only similarities to The Band are that: they had 3 lead singers (later on) and they incorporated many musical styles together. Even the (arguably) weakest Feat album from the 70's, Time Loves A Hero still haves it's moments. Hoskyn's calls it a "smorgasboard of Doobies/Steely Dan emulations and soundtrack-style funk". That might be Little Feat's "Cahoots" as they were going through serious problesm then which affected the music. But it's still listenable! To compare Feat to The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan is a bit superficial, in my opinion. But what do I know? I just like the music.

Barney again manages to compare Little Feat to Steely Dan: "Unlike Steely Dan-still capable in 1977 of the awesome AJA-Little Feat were slowly turning into old farts". That's an insult! None of Little Feat's albums sounded like the previous ones, they were constantly changing! And old farts?! Hmm, I'm wracking my brain on that one. Yes, they sang about the Old Folks Boogie but they weren't living it! They were just as hedonistic as anyone else at that time.

I still think their 1978 live album "Waiting For Columbus" is one of the best live albums ever. Ok, they used a horn section too for certian songs (The Tower Of Power). A great choice, it made them sound even funkier! Maybe this is why he compared Feat to The Band! Because their live albums used horn sections specifically for the occasion?! If so, that's lame and redundant. There's also a Toussaint/Feat connection too. But maybe that's the reason?! Barney is this why you compare in such a shallow manner?! Hell, he managed to place Little Feat against punk rockers by saying they "epitomized everthing punk rockers detested about Southern California"! That's rather left field thinking. I doubt punk rockers knew or even cared about Southern California. So, what's the reason for such a statement? I don't see a legitimate one. And Little Feat weren't copying punk rock either. Unlike punk rockers, Feat knew how to play their instruments. And play them well! Like ROA, WFC doesn't include the entire set. There were some great songs that were left off of the album (I've got the list to prove it!). This article just really got to me. Has this guy ever written with the knowledge and respect that a musical group deserves? Or does he dish out ham-handed comparisons with almost no knowledge of the music itself?! I'd opt for the latter. It just really bothers me when a "music critic" can't find write with respect that a musical group deserves, especially Little Feat and The Band. Maybe a few semesters of college English Composition courses would suffice? And then being forced to listen to the music while being locked in a dark room. I now realize why several GB'ers don't like Hoskyns' book. He consistently gets his information wrong! A shame, really.

On a positive note, Little Feat's album are rumored to be reissued and remastered with bonus tracks. I hope they start with "Waiting For Columbus". Barney, are you listening? Hell, I could do a better job! Peace.

Mike

Posted on Sun Jun 24 17:58:48 CEST 2001 from stcatherines-ppp109116.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.47)

Richard

Dave Z: I'm gonna wash the dishes.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 17:45:08 CEST 2001 from 1cust202.tnt1.waynesville.nc.da.uu.net (63.31.153.202)

coldokra

HALF OF THE LAST WALTZ NEVER RELEASED....Robbie is currently in the process of preparing The Last Waltz film for DVD. In an interview he said he'll be adding more of him and Scorcese talking, and maybe footage of him writing The Last Waltz Theme. How sad.

When Scorcese and Robertson originally edited the film it was kept to approx. 2 hours to fit theatre-chain-preferred movie time slots...a more common practice in those days between studios and theatres. Maybe if they knew the film was to be critically-acclaimed as the best rock concert ever filmed they would have included the rest of the concert.

I was lucky enough to be at the concert, and half of it has never been released. It was first thought glitches had prevented the release of the equally outstanding other performances by The Band and their guests. A leaked direct-line recording of the concert from start to finish on 4 CDs reveals these unreleased performances to be equally as great as what was released.

It is hoped that Robbie will make a definitive DVD version of this masterpiece, restoring the rest of the concert to the original release, digitally remastering the film and audio tracks, and in widescreen as The Last Waltz was originally filmed. A DVD of the original release would be a shame after 25 years. The concert contained many excellent and historic unreleased performances that have no place in the vault. The magnitude of the music history caught on film would justify a 2-DVD set. May wisdom prevail.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 16:56:19 CEST 2001 from spider-tl081.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.211)

bob wigo

Dave Z,

To answer your question.....Absolutely, if she'll go along with it !!

Posted on Sun Jun 24 14:14:51 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-111.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.111)

Peter Viney

SELF PORTRAIT:

OK, Ben … Minstrel Boy? Days of 49? (Put this on the basement tapes and it would have been applauded by all as a truly great Dylan performance. ) In Search of Little Sadie? (Put this on World Gone Wrong and … ditto). Belle Isle? (A brilliant semi-parody, though it turns out to be a genuine Appalachian ballad), Copper Kettle? (“One of the most affecting performances in the entire Dylan canon” – Clinton Heylin). The Mighty Quinn? It Hurts Me Too (“The other 18-carat nugget, buried amid the mountain of fool’s gold that is Self Portrait.” – Clinton Heylin), and All The Tired Horses, the most comprehensive F*** You that a major artist ever sent to his audience, and also brilliant. And about half the songs are done with tongue in cheek. He’d taken the piss out of Joan Baez for years for continually playing Copper Kettle. It Hurts Me Too was a British blues band plodding staple that Dylan made light and country. Belle Isle is a folk-club send up. The Boxer turns his rival’s best song inside out. “Like A Rolling Stone” craps all over the song that broke him out of folk into real rock, “Who’s gonna throw that minstrel boy a coin …” was done live at the Isle of Wight following media furore over his huge fee … etc. Patrick Humphries made the perceptive comment that the CD era gives you the programming capability to make an effective normal extent single album out of Self Portrait. On CD it’s a single album anyway. In the end, “Self Portrait” was Dylan attempting to redo the basement tapes without The Band. “Self Portrait”was part of the ripple in the wake of the universal critical acclaim for The Band’s first and second albums. The main question I’d ask is why? Why didn’t he just release the basement tapes? Heylin’s book on bootlegs points out that “Great White Wonder” had outsold many legit albums, and Dylan probably thought the basement market was saturated (wrongly, as it turned out). So my guess is he attempted to do another one and failed. Even so, there is a very good single album hiding in there.

PAUL SIMON:

Paul Simon’s new DVD “You’re The One …In Concert” is unmissable. It was filmed in Paris a few days away from when I saw him in London last year. I think the crowd is less ecstatic in Paris when Steve Gadd’s drum solo breaks into “You Can call Me Al” and there’s a slight voice strain once or twice that didn’t appear in London … but brilliant. Which leads me on to a favourite theme. Why is he so under-rated nowadays? The Boxer (above) leads to comparing him with Saint Bob, as has been the case since 1964. Unquestionably, Simon is a technically more accomplished guitarist and a better singer, let alone a far more consistent one. As a composer he’s more sophisticated with a wider range. Simon’s band is definitely better, and always has been since the Band stopped backing Dylan in 1974. Simon’s lyrics, like Robbie Robertson’s, are more carefully crafted. You feel that every word has been weighed. Dylan does have unpredictability in his favour, more live charisma plus something else which is indefinable, but we go back to the joint tour reviews which universally praised Dylan and dissed Simon. There is room to acclaim both as 5 star geniuses without putting either down (and on the Jones Beach bootleg, I disagree with all reviewers – I think Simon comes off better).

Posted on Sun Jun 24 12:33:01 CEST 2001 from inktomi1-bre.server.ntl.com (62.253.64.4)

Prana

Great site, and a great community built up around it. Well done!

Posted on Sun Jun 24 10:18:12 CEST 2001 from fw04.nirai.ne.jp (202.239.129.37)

Fred

Favourite Band songs: From Big Pink: We Can Talk; The Weight. For some unexplainable reason I also like the alternate take of Lonesome Suzie. I find the horns make it sound sadder.

from The Band: Across The Great Divide; King Harvest

From Cahoots: When I Paint My Masterpiece; Life Is A Carnival & Shootout In Chinatown.

from Rock of Ages: Don't Do It; Across The Great Divide

from Stage Fright: Time To Kill

from The Last Waltz: mystery train; Down South In New Orleans; Ophelia

However in about an hour I could post again with an entirely different list of songs!! For some reason the last batch of reissues have not been released in Japan yet. I bought my copy of ROA through the internet. Perhaps the people in charge are waiting a little longer to release them, which kind of ticks me off as I couldn't get them as a birthday present today!!!! However the missus and daughter did give me The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album. I'm sure most of you out there in GB cyberspace have this fine piece of music; for those of you who don't...GO OUT and GET IT if you can. Excellent. Hurry up..what are you waiting for.....go NOW!!

Being a HUGE Who fan, I have no qualms about their work after the death of Keith Moon. Of course the drumming was different, but that's because no one could reproduce Moon's drumming "technique". the same can be said about the band post-Last Waltz in its various incarnations. i don't think there is a need to compare (or disparage) one with the other(s) because you could never have the same musical feeling/intensity/ouput that existed with the original lineup. Still, the reunited Band did put out some good quality music.

Now after having been so long-winded, I will say sayonara and thank you for having indulged me today!! I listen to The Band, therefore I am.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 08:33:50 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.43)

Ben Pike

First let me say. Journey. REO Speedwagon. Van Halen. Foreigner. These bombastic schlockmeisters pushed rock and Roll into it's early grave, and I have nothing but contempt for every crappy note of lousy music they ever made. F them. Now, on an equaly negative note, with all the whining about the underated whiping boy "Cahoots", which even goes so far as to besmursh some of the songs on THE FIRST THREE MASTERPIECES, it might do well to say a word about the most disreputable project the boys were ever involved with this side of "Man Outside" I speak of course of Bob Dylans big fat out-of-left-field stinkbomb, "Self-Portrait." Sure, over the years this album has had its defenders, and other Bob stinkers have taken the bloom of it's putrid flower; but you can qualify till you don't know what is is and this will still be one mind boggling collection of crap. It's Dylan's nurotic side: "How bad an album can I put out and still have you love me?"; we've gotten used to it over the years, but when you consider the backlog of GREAT stuff Dylan was sitting on at the time, this really hurts. The takes on "Rolling Stone" and "She Belongs To Me" must be the worst performances of The Band ever put out officaly, they're the worst I've ever heard anyplace! This album is like "The Bootleg Series, Vol XI: The stuff he should have taped over" While a Dylan masterpiece like "John Westly Harding" takes on a deeper resonance with the years, this is one of those albums that seems worse than when it came out. The tracks range from terrible all the way up to nearly passable. Cahoots? This album is unfit to share a CD tray with "Islands." And one more thing. I have always enjoyed The Who's "Face Dances" album, but as someone pointed out to me, it's not really the Who. The same is true of The Band without anyone of the Great Five, and all pre and post comparisons are really meaningless.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 05:17:09 CEST 2001 from spider-tm022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.52)

Bayou Sam

I listened to the entire Complete Last Waltz today - straight through - for the first time. Well, I was working under a Chevy Blazer at the same time, so I was kind of listening while I worked. I was one of those who was bummed out by all the post-concert "cleaning up" that Robbie did on the recordings. But I sure can see why it was needed. That's not the only impression that I came away with. It's a great CD - but the Band was definately not as tight as they were on something like Before The Flood. I do applaud them for having to learn a shitload of tunes by all the guest artists. They were not hitting on all eight cylinders though. I don't know if it was just the magic gone away - or fatigue, or bad vibes over the whole idea of ending the Band. ............Does anyone know who's playing the slide guitar on the second jam at the end? Ron Wood?........ I found it amusing that RR introduces Acadian Driftwood as another song by "the Canadians", and Levon sings the second verse, and more of course......... That whole Last Waltz/Evangeline part is strange, but very cool.........What was with the sound person at the gig. There are a couple of instances where you miss the first line or two of a song because the singers mic is not on. The most upseting example for me was Georgia. This should be put on TLW re-issue for sure. They might have to pluck the first two line from the studio version and make it work though.

As far as Garth's CD is concearned - I'm looking forward to hearing it - It dosen't matter to me one way or the other if I hear someone elses opinion of it in here prior to it's release - and the artwork is interesting but I think the photo of him with fingers on the keybord and the bird outlined behind would have been a better cover.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 05:16:01 CEST 2001 from mplsdslgw10poolb207.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.207)

P.S. 2001

Here's a shorter summary.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Eric Dolphy had a baby boy.

His name is Garth Hudson.

Posted on Sun Jun 24 05:05:24 CEST 2001 from mplsdslgw10poolb207.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.207)

P.S. 2001

I've been lucky enough to be among the few to hear Garth's new solo album "The Sea To The North." This album is so amazing and interesting that it will suprise everyone that hears it. You can't really classify this music in a category. I don't want to give away what each song sounds like, but it is everything you can imagine. There are hints of indian,Band style rock, and even jazz fusion. Its one of the most diverse pieces of music i've ever heard.It could be compared to the amount of styles Garth rifled through on his organ solo "Genetic Method" at the rock of ages. Garth and his group of great musicians are always looking for new sounds. Maud Hudson is always beautiful when she sings, and the Crowmatix's playing is very earthy and precise. But the star is of course the man himself Garth who plays about kajillion instruments on each song. The running order of tracks is well thought out with the energetic "Saga of Cyrus and Mulgrew" starting it out, and Garth's sweet piano solo "Little Island" ending it. It's one of those rare albums where you find something new in each passing minute every time you listen to it. I wish I could see the look on each of your faces when you first listen. Your jaws will be on the floor. Just pray its not too long before Garth releases another album! I don't care what you do-Just buy 10 copies of this album!!!!!

Posted on Sun Jun 24 03:42:30 CEST 2001 from spider-tl011.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.176)

Tommy

BWNFITennessee,,,,,

Sorry man, I'm so used to little,I must've lost my head.

(Get it???"Little",,,Head",,,?Ahhhh, forget it,I guess I'm just hard up for a laugh.)

Posted on Sun Jun 24 01:13:33 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-119-95.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.95)

BWNWITennessee

The Crowmatix are playing here? Oh, man, Diamond Lil, Maude, somebody, you've got to talk Garth into making the trip! Come on, man, it's on the internet, think of all the exposure! Billy Block's a great guy, he'd let you jump in at the last minute. And you'd even get to meet me! Come on, I'll buy the plane ticket...

Posted on Sun Jun 24 00:52:12 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-119-95.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.95)

BWNWITennessee

The Garth T-Shirt does work. I went to the mall today and got two hits off of it. The old lady in Williams-Sonoma said, "Cool shirt," and the girl in Hecht's was asking me about it. She said, "Who is that," and I said, "A piano player," to avoid a long explanation. But then she kept asking about him, so I went into the whole story, and even promoted his new CD. But she was pretty cute, and it was kind of obvious she wasn't really interested in Garth Hudson, she was just flirting with me. So I was going to ask her out, but then I remembered, "She doesn't know who Garth Hudson is! I'm not going out with her." Do I have my priorities straight?

Since Garth is doing "Dark Star," which kind of surprises me, to be honest, I think he should play some shows with Phil Lesh and Friends. That would be excellent. Or he could play with Tom Constanten, they'd probably vibe together pretty well. To those who've heard the CD, is it similar to "French Girls?" A lot of synths, or more piano and organ? Is there any accordion on it? (There'd better be.) I'm surprised to hear that so many people like "French Girls" so much, I sort of thought it was a bit noodley.

A quick list of fav. songs, off the top of my head:
Basement - Sign On The Cross/One For The Road/1956
BP - We Can Talk/Chest Fever
Brown - Whispering Pines/Jawbone
SF - Stage Fright
Cahoots - Masterpiece
NLSC - Rags and Bones
LW - Tura Lura Lura
Storyville - Day of Reckoning/Sign of the Rainbow
Redboy - Take Your Partner

For the other stuff, I can't really list favs, as it's too much on the same level of appreciation.

Brown-Eyed Girl, no offense, but I think you listed every song as your favorite!

Tommy: What the hell do you mean, LITTLE?!

Posted on Sun Jun 24 00:52:50 CEST 2001 from rash1-185.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.185)

SUGAR

Oh, I see, so if you were invited to all of the premieres, you wouldn't go??? Maybe instead of sitting on his ass every night and complaining about people, Robbie might like to go out and catch a new flick. Who gives a rat's ass if he goes to movie premieres?? He probably goes because he can. He usually has a new album out every four years, so it's not time yet. I'm seeing the color green here, folks...know what I mean?

Posted on Sun Jun 24 00:29:03 CEST 2001 from 2cust88.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.55.216)

Crabgrass

With Robbie attending all those Hollywood premieres it's no wonder he has no time to make a new album - which is probably just as well!!

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:43:55 CEST 2001 from spider-tp032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.187)

Dave Z

John D: My thoughts were similar to the others... very thankful for what you posted... but expecting it would be hard for anybody to find you for at least 24 hours after getting the music... In fact in due time I half expected a senseless babbling post with a whimpering plea for somebody to please throw cold water on you... Therefore, I chose to keep a respectful distance...

Quentin: Very cool... but you know we aren't gonna be happy now until we can order new tee-shirts with little snow owls embroidered on them...

So now, I gotta go find a Mozart CD... and a map of Glastonbury Tor... btw does anybody out there have a unique way they are gonna kickoff their first listen of Garth's new CD?

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:38:25 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-155.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.155)

Peter Viney

Go to the Breeze Hill web page (via Quentin's post) to view the full sleeves of the new Garth CD. And read the credits - so "Dark Star" IS "the" Dark Star (Garcia-Kreutzmann) but at an unusually short 6 m 06 seconds. And Levon on a track too (with Dan Brubeck who appeared with various offshoots).

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:38:00 CEST 2001 from proxy3.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.35)

John Donabie

Just went to the Breeze Hill site. Congratulations Maude for amazing artwork and to Mr. Richard Wall for his liner notes.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:26:38 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

Don't you love the immediacy of the internet. Just got permission to talk about CD and will post soon.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:08:00 CEST 2001 from xxx.ahml.lib.il.us (38.231.168.124)

Osceola

Ya know, I'm gonna miss John Lee Hooker. Kinda always thought he'd always be around.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 23:04:22 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

I post this publicly so you know why I will not be posting a review of this CD until further notice.

I just received a couple of e-mails from "very close" friends of Garth's. One from someone who is a part of the "team" and wrote the liner notes. Thank you very much for your e-mail. I look forward to your words on the offical CD. I won't mention your name as yet. Mine is a CD-R pre-release version without artwork or your liner notes.

The other a very very close friend of the family. I will not go into details; but it is because of the 2nd e-mail that I will delay any comments about the CD until the left and right hand are in harmony. Back to sports! How about those Knicks? Huh?

Posted on Sat Jun 23 22:53:12 CEST 2001 from ras-ppp-bidd-295.lamere.net (63.88.219.48)

Quentin Ryan

The artwork for "The Sea To The North" is posted on the Breeze Hill site for those of you who'd like to check it out. We're expecting delivery of distribution copies before the fifteenth of July I'll keep you posted. Since John is being the reluctant critic, I'll just throw my two cents into the pot. "The Breakers" which is track 3 is the finest piece of music I've ever heard and at the risk of being ridiculed I'd say it's up there with Mozart. perhaps better. After you hear it a half dozen times you begin to understand from whence that amazing sound THE BAND produced came. It gets into the fibers of your body and like a pack of marauding worms takes over and you can't shake it. It is ADDICTIVE!!!! take it from me.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 22:02:18 CEST 2001 from proxy3.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.35)

John Donabie

OK OK! I'll practice my Vineyisims and comment shortly.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 21:41:16 CEST 2001 from mplsdslgw10poolb207.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.207)

P.S. 2001

Robbie Robertson at movie premieres. What a ham.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 21:15:36 CEST 2001 from spider-wo031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.31)

Tommy

I'm fixin for a Barn Burners' show soon.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 21:12:26 CEST 2001 from stcatherines-ppp109243.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.174)

Richard Patterson

John D.: Your previous post where you listed the song titles on Garth's new CD made it sound like you weren't ready to do a proper review... But if you were just waiting for someone to ask... Hell boy what's it like? How about some details here? Come on and earn that advance copy... : )

Posted on Sat Jun 23 21:05:45 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb043.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.38)

bob wigo

John,

I can't wait to here Garth's new release. I was unable to comment due to the cyber-stampede caused by the "Peter Viney in a loincloth" commentary.

Everyone please return to your seats and settle down.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 20:29:29 CEST 2001 from stcatherines-ppp109161.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.92)

Richard Patterson

Peter and Dave: I love the Christgau 90s book… I was like you Peter and immediately thought to thumb through the book and find the Band and other obvious items and, as Dave points out, a lot of stuff just isn’t there, but in a decade where less and less great music ever made it to the radio… it is a wealth of information on bands I may never have picked up on otherwise… Surely it’s more useful and way more fun to read than Ira Robbins’ 'Trouser Press Guide to 90s Rock’. Even better though is a collection of Christgau’s essays (yes he can hold your interest for more than a paragraph : ) called ‘Grown Up All Wrong: 75 Great Rock and Pop Artists From Vaudeville to Techno’. This is a compilation of writings that he did for his monthly ‘Rock & Roll &’ column in the Village Voice… Highly recommended.

I’m presently reading Charles Shaar Murray’s Hendrix book called ‘Crosstown Traffic’ and it’s extremely well written. I bet his John Lee Hooker book is wonderful.

Dylan and the blues: "Pledging My Time" = "Come On in My Kitchen"?

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:45:18 CEST 2001 from dialin-1284-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.6.14)

Mike Lyons

A big thank you to Butch for all your hospitality last night at the Towne Crier. It was great to see Levon and the Barnburners "torch the place". Great to meet some new friends like Joe from Red Hook, and others. Looking forward to a great summer. Hope the Lake opens soon!!!! Take Care and see you at the next show. Mike L.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:23:59 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

John D: I echo Peter's comments. I'm one of those eagerly awaiting the release of Garth's CD, and I appreciate the information that you posted. I look forward to hearing more about the album.

Peter: Welcome back! You mentioned the Christgau Consumer Guide for the '90s. I have it, and I must say it's a bit of a disappointment. The biggest problem (as Christgau himself admits in the Introduction) is that there are simply too many albums released each year now for one person to listen to and comment on all of them. Even restricting yourself to major labels hardly cuts down on the workload (and Christgau understandably refuses to do that, since as always much of the good stuff is indie). Therefore, some of my and undoubtedly your favorites are given a half-sentence review, just a symbol, or are ignored altogether. In addition, the letter grades of earlier editions have been partially replaced by a confusing combination of stars and other symbols. For example, the one Band album included ('99's "Best of, Vol. 2") receives one star, which actually means "honorable mention." (His comment is "pretty fair country bar group/cover band" and mentions "Atlantic City" and "Blind Willie McTell" as standout tracks.)

I like Christgau's sharp and witty writing style and have read him enough to know where our tastes agree (Dylan, Young, PJ Harvey, Beck, Sleater-Kinney) and where they disagree (he prefers the Backstreet Boys to Counting Crows or most alternative-country acts; I do not). But back in the '70s he was able to give the albums much more individual space and thought. The '90s Guide can be an interesting book to flip through, but I've found it rather unusuable as a real reference due to its many omissions.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:19:47 CEST 2001 from spider-tm052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.67)

JTull Fan

I agree with Peter Viney re the Garth CD. I can't wait, but have no comment either. I just look forwards to anything that rises above the banality of what is played on the radio today. If it is un-Band-like, that is just fine. I look forward to discovering a genuine musical expression from one of the genre's most unappreciated geniuses.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:16:21 CEST 2001 from spider-tq054.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.69)

butch

I will not "bore" ya'll with all the details of last nights Barn Burners show,,, suffice to say The Towne Crier,,,was TORCHED !!!!! Primed & firing on all cylinders from the jump,,,, the fellas & amy jumped, rocked, shuffled, swung, & cooked on all tunes,,,,

but i really want to thanks all our friends/fans who packed the place,,,,,Mike, Joe,Bill, Paul, all the ladies,, our woodstock friends,, John ,,, all the way from VT,,, Alix & her mom,,,Turkey man & the mrs,,, you guys are amazing,,,, thanks so much for making everyone fell so good,,

Ya turned last nigt into a BLUES Love-in,,,,,,

Phil, the owner, was so happy, he loves a Barn Burner night,,, we fill the joint, everyone eats, & drinks & even the great staff is snappin they fingers,,,,

so thanks again,, everyone,,,,

see ya @ Bubba Macs,, or on the cruise,,,,,,,,,

& THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! bd

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:16:04 CEST 2001 from spider-tm052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.67)

JTull Fan

Darryl Strawberry? Is today April 1st? It seems obvious that Willie Randolph is first in line to succeed Joe Torre.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 19:07:20 CEST 2001 from spider-we043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.38)

Bayou Sam

Geeez...take it easy.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 18:51:37 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-103.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.103)

Peter Viney

John: Yesterday I wrote “Let it keep coming. I can’t wait to hear Garth’s new one, and eagerly await the Barn burners.” I don’t think there’s any lack of interest. For me, this is the most interesting post-Band solo release yet, and I’m sure many agree. I just think there’s little to say except. “Yes! When? Let me buy one!” until we get more info or hear it. The track list you posted is mouth-watering. I think this lack of response tends to happen when no one takes any offence, everyone wants the subject mentioned and we are all extremely interested. “French Girls” is the best post-Last Waltz track. No question. And as good as anything they ever did. The thing about Hudsonians is that no one disagrees with them!

Posted on Sat Jun 23 18:44:19 CEST 2001 from 3cust136.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.56.136)

Crabgrass

There's a rumor of a secret deal in the works which may result in Darryl Strawberry managing the Yankees next year.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 17:56:31 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

Well, a couple of days ago I posted some information on Garth's new CD and I have read all the posts afterwards, it appears no one is interested in the release. No comments whatsoever. I'm very surprised. If anyone thinks this CD is "Bandish" in any way will be disappointed. For those who want a Jazzy, Avant-Garde CD, this will be for you. There is absolutely no resemblance to The Band in anyway. It's like a release from an artist that was never a member of The Band. The CD is wonderfully refreshing and musically masterful

Anyway as I said......there were no comment from my post before so I don't know if this is any interest to anyone but a couple who e-mailed me. Back to whose been traded in baseball.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 15:36:16 CEST 2001 from spider-wj072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.52)

JTull fan

My 2 cents of the day: Although my tag is JTull fan, it could have been 'Band Fan' but that gets frustrating on a vanity plate. You get questions like 'you played in high school band ?' No. 'oh, then what band?' The Band. "who? Dave Matthews?' Whack! In terms of songwriting credits (Oh No!)Jethro Tull was and is dominated by Ian Anderson's songwriting, even moreso than RR's domination of the Band. However, at least IA would credit on some albums: Written and produced by Ian Anderson. Additional music by Martin Barre, or David Palmer etc. On the most recent album Dot Com, the keyboardist Andy Giddings is given sole credit to a 30 second instrumental under it's own title, although it is clearly part of the next song just like Genetic Method is to Chest Fever. Too bad RR couldn't find it in himself to credit likewise. It may have saved a lot of hurt and bitterness.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 15:22:37 CEST 2001 from 170.b.005.mel.iprimus.net.au (210.50.41.170)

Erin

Peter: I know what you mean about Stonehenge not being as impressive as you think its going to be. I was there a long time ago now, but it had been there so long and it was so much part of the landscape that it somehow didn't feel as though it was out of the ordinary. Also, at least when I was there (ten years ago now) they made you walk through a shop and some kind of information place and then a tunnel with paintings on the wall in a kind of backwards timeline of our great human achievements (!) And then, all of a sudden, i was standing in a muddy field with a thin red nylon rope between me and these huge stones. Its a nice place though.

I'm really enjoying reading the lists - each one makes me think I should have changed bits of my list. Also, Brown eyed girl, are they favourite songs of all time or just off each album?

Posted on Sat Jun 23 14:39:59 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-042.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.42)

Peter Viney

Richard: Thanks for posting thematerial on John Lee. “Boogie Man” by Charles Shaar Murray is up there among the very best rock biographies. Talking of rock writers, has anyone read the Barney Hoskyns book on the “Mullett” hairstyle? I saw it in the USA. It looked amusing, but I was already overburdened with books. The book I was looking for was the Christgau’s Guide to Albums of the 90s. Couldn’t find it, but I’ve read reviews. I was interested to see if he’d mentioned the 90s Band. Christgau was never an unreserved fan, in fact.

Dave: Thanks for your enquiries. I only got to Chicago and Evanston, as it wasn’t a vacation. Stonehenge is about 35 to 40 miles due north of here, and I think Garth’s music would be the perfect accompaniment for a visit, though I haven’t been there for a few years and a loincloth would have suited me better twenty years ago. I think it’s kind of less impressive on the ground than you’d expect (Stonehenge, not me in a loincloth). For me, Glastonbury Tor is the place with the stronger mystical vibe. I’d take Garth’s CD up there too. I certainly wouldn’t leave it behind in the car as the locality has a spectacular rate of theft from vehicles. Those old hippies are still attacking the system! Speaking of mystical Southern places, Glastonbury Tor claims to be the original Isle of Avalon, as sung of by Van who lives in the area. I managed to get tickets for Van at Larmertree Gardens (north Dorset) in a couple of weeks time. You’ll get an idea of the area when I say that neighbouring villages are called Tollard Royal and Sixpenny Handley. Last year they’d sold out in a day. It’s an 18th century garden with an old-fashioned 19th century bandstand, that has a tiny local folk festival every year. Van plays it because he lives close by, and I’m told it’s his favourite (and inevitably his best) gig of the year. I’m never that certain about outdoor gigs in the British climate. My old drama teacher at university used to call open-air theatre “Whimsy-cult in the Wet” and outdoor concerts here can be “Muffled music in the Mud” too often. This year I’m a glutton for punishment. A few days later it’s the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra playing in a country house park – “A Night on Bare Mountain” and “Star Wars” with firework display. And four weeks later they’re doing the “1812” with fireworks in a different park. Beats Pink Floyd for me.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 14:27:54 CEST 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Jan de Wit! Ben je een jongen van Jan de Wit? Bereid je dan voor op een hele hoop vuil over je heen, want je hebt een beladen onderwerp aangesneden waar deze hele goegemeente rood van zal aanlopen. Daar kun je gerust een borreltje op innemen. En het antwoord op je vraag: ja hoor, je hebt 't goed geraden...

Posted on Sat Jun 23 10:11:40 CEST 2001 from ottawa-ppp3517184.sympatico.ca (206.172.191.55)

Richard Patterson

Hi folks, I found this posted in a newsgroup and thought it had enough Band links to post here... RIP...

John Lee Hooker

Blues giant whose raw voice and singular guitar bridged generations

Tony Russell
Guardian Unlimited

Saturday June 23, 2001

In all the long history of the blues, there has been no figure more singular than John Lee Hooker, who has died in his sleep aged 83. Where other singers rhymed, he sang in blank verse; where other guitarists might skip through the changes, he would play entire songs on one or two chords; and where other blues veterans were fortunate to be rediscovered once, he bounced repeatedly from obscurity or semi-retirement back into the limelight.

For most African-American musicians of Hooker's generation, to title an album Mr Lucky would be to exercise at least a little irony, but he did enjoy more strokes of good fortune than usually come a bluesman's way. That he could draw about him, even in old age, a crowd of admiring fellow musicians and would-be collaborators was largely due to the hypnotic effect of his music, to the mantra-like chanting over the relentlessly repetitive beat of guitar and foot, which seemed to absorb listeners and accompanists alike into a huge heartbeat.

Those qualities were evident in his first hit, Boogie Chillen (1948), an apparently impromptu synthesis of spoken narrative and sung verses with abrupt gear-changes on the guitar. Such structural wilfulness was not uncommon among the blues musicians of the 1920s and 30s but, for much of his life, Hooker was exceptional - "the last," Ry Cooder called him, "of those unstructured, free players." Cooder, together with Van Morrison, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and other musicians, helped Hooker assert his primacy among the senior bluesmen of the late 1980s and 90s.

When he started his recording career, some 40 years earlier, he was on his own, though so popular did he become after the success of Boogie Chillen that he briefly turned into a multiple personality, recording for half a dozen labels under as many pseudonyms: Texas Slim, Delta John, Johnny Williams, Birmingham Sam & His Magic Guitar. "At that time," he would recall, "I began to believe in myself. I knew, then, I was in a field of my own."

Hooker was based in Detroit, where he had moved in 1943, working during the day as a janitor at Dodge Motors or Comco Steel, and, at night, playing in the black clubs around Hastings Street. Never much given to reminiscence, he managed to preserve a good deal of vagueness about his early life, whether in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where he was born into a family of 11 children, or in Memphis and Cincinnati, where he spent periods in his teens.

In Clarksdale, his stepfather taught him some things on guitar, including the open-G tuning he would employ to such resonant effect, and what would become one of his favourite songs, When My First Wife Quit Me. He also listened attentively to the obscure Mississippi bluesman Tony Hollins, from whom he derived one of his early successes, Crawling King Snake, though most of his highly personal conception of blues-singing and playing appears to have come from within him.

I'm In The Mood, a characteristically skewed reconstruction of the pop song I'm In The Mood For Love, gave Hooker another hit in 1951, but the day of the solo bluesman was passing, and when he signed with a new label, the Chicago-based Vee Jay Records, in 1955, he began to work with small backing groups. The other musicians flattened his more baroque rhythmic contours and some of the hectic excitement was lost, but the success of Dimples (1956) proved the change of setting to have been a commercially astute move.

While maintaining his name in the ghetto record stores, he also, exceptionally, developed a parallel career as a folk-blues artist, playing without amplification and recalling songs from an earlier, more rural era of the blues. "I have created about three fields," he would say proudly. "A folk field, a blues field, and a jump field for the kids. If it was necessary, I could do hillbilly stuff."

Such dexterity enabled Hooker, in the early 1960s, both to perform at the Newport folk festival and to have a hit in the rhythm 'n' blues chart with Boom Boom, which even entered the British Top 20 in 1964 and made possible a succession of British tours. He had first visited Europe with the first of the American folk-blues festival troupes in 1962.

By the late 60s, the folk-blues bubble had burst, and both the music business and its market had other preoccupations. Hooker, whose audiences were now almost entirely white, responded with songs about the Vietnam war and miniskirts. In the 1970s, he became a blues magnet, attracting collaborators such as the American band Canned Heat and his longtime admirer Van Morrison, who joined him in stream-of-consciousness raps like Never Get Out Of These Blues Alive.

By the end of the decade, however, Hooker seemed to have wearied of touring and recording, and when the near-silence prolonged itself through the 1980s, most blues enthusiasts assumed he had vanished into retirement.

It was another admirer half his age, the guitarist Roy Rogers, who, with Hooker's manager Mike Kappus, discovered the formula to reactivate the sleeping giant, pairing him with artists as different from him, and each other, as the young bluesman Robert Cray, the Hispanic rock band Los Lobos, and the bluesy singer Bonnie Raitt, who remade I'm In The Mood with him as a steamily erotic duet. The result, The Healer (1989), became the bestselling album in blues history, to be followed by Mr Lucky (1991), which repeated the twinning format with Cooder, Morrison and Keith Richards.

If there was less of Hooker's self-willed guitar to be heard, the years seemed to have added potency to his other resource, the dark, sombre instrument of his voice - "That deep, well-like sound," Cooder called it, while for Raitt it was "one of the saddest things I've ever heard."

By now as nearly a household name as a blues artist is ever permitted to be, Hooker was sought by film-makers to add an indigo shade to their soundtracks, and by advertisers to fix his stamp upon brands such as ICI, Martell brandy, Foster's lager and, of course, Lee jeans. He even exploited himself, opening a music club in San Francisco, the Boom Boom Room.

Enjoying his prosperity, Hooker now worked only when he chose, but when he did sit down on a stage with his guitar, he wove much of his old spell. Though he had been lauded in the 1970s as a matchless exponent of the boogie beat - one of the most successful of his scores of albums was titled Endless Boogie - he cared more about telling a story.

"Every song I sing," he said, "is something that happened to my life or somebody else's life in this world. You might lose your money or your car, or can't pay the rent - every person has had these heartaches and tribulations. That's why everybody digs the blues. When I sing these songs, I feel them down deep and reach you down deep".

Hooker is survived by his fourth wife, Millie, and by six children from his previous marriages, including musicians Zakiya and Robert.

o John Lee Hooker, blues musician, born August 22 1917; died June 21 2001

Posted on Sat Jun 23 06:03:51 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

FAVOURITE SONGS

Rick Danko....
Tired Of Waiting
Sip The Wine
Java Blues

Rick Danko Live On Breeze Hill....
Twilight
It Makes No Difference

Rick Danko Times Like These....
Times Like These
Book Faded Brown

Danko/Fjeld/Andersen....
Driftin' Away
Blue River
Sick And Tired
Last Thing On My Mind

Danko/Fjeld/Andersen Ridin' On The Blinds....
Twilight
Come Runnin' Like A Friend

Levon Helm And The RCO All-Stars....
You Got Me

Levon Helm Red Hot + Extra....
The Weight (Live)

Levon Helm and David Forman Largo....
Gimme A Stone

Levon Helm....
Take Me To The River

The Band Jericho....
Atlantic City

Robbie Robertson Storyville....
Hold Back The Dawn
What About Now
Breakin The Rules

Robbie Robertson....
Fallen Angel
Showdown At Big Sky
Broken Arrow
Somewhere Down The Crazy River

Robbie Robertson And The Red Road Ensemble....
Ghost Dance
Golden Feather
Cherokee Morning Song
Skinwalker

Robbie Robertson Contact From The Underworld Of Redboy....
The Code Of Handsome Lake
MAKING A NOISE
Unbound
Sacrifice
In The Blood
Take Your Partner By The Hand

Robbie Robertson Any Given Sunday Volume 11....
Amazing Grace
Out Of The Blue
Carry Me
Ghost Dance (Saber Remix)

Robbie Robertson Phenomenon....
Crazy Love

Posted on Sat Jun 23 06:00:11 CEST 2001 from atpm3-6-8.enter.net (208.137.244.18)

KZR

John Rocker has just been traded to the Cleveland Indians. I can't wait to see the Yankees rough him up. It'll be interesting to see him in front of the New York fans again.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 05:44:43 CEST 2001 from spider-we071.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.51)

Dave Z

Rude & Lil': I am jealous... jealous... jealous... savor the music for us all... oh well, after this summer solstice stuff I got winter to look forward to now in MN... but at least no snakes... hey Peter: how was your U.S. trip?... Did you get to Pittsburgh or just Chicago?... Stonehedge lately?... My geography is pretty bad so I don't even know if it's near you... but in a daydream I could see you sneaking on the grounds of Stonehedge later this summer in loincloth, boom box, new Garth CD... and cranking it for the stars...

Posted on Sat Jun 23 05:27:15 CEST 2001 from ts1-15.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.15)

Cupid

Rest easy John Lee Hooker.Blues IS a healer. Thanx for the laughs Carrol O'Conner, we'll miss you too [always loved you in "The Devils Brigade"].

A favorite Band song from each album...naa I ain't even gonna try.

I saw "Shrek" the other night... get a sitter and take the wife/husband...this one's for big kids [although the little ones would dig it to] A great date flick. There's just something about refering to Snow White as "Living with seven guys but that doesn't make her loose" that makes me laugh....Peace Cupid

Posted on Sat Jun 23 04:17:49 CEST 2001 from hvc-24-164-175-110.hvc.rr.com (24.164.175.110)

Rude Mood

Hi Buds.... I saw Garth play with Professer Louie and The Crowmatix last night at Corning Preserve in Albany,NY..... Wow, talk about a kickass show, the Crowmatix were right on! They played Ophelia, and gave Garth a fantastic Genetic Method spot in front of Chest Fever ! ! ! All for free! The Crowmatix played lots of new material from their new JAM CD, and it rocked. Ya'll don't miss out on catching them this summer. See ya all in Bearsville in August ..... GO GARTH ! ! ! Cheers, Rudy

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:52:26 CEST 2001 from rash1-25.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.25)

SUGAR

Tommy: I saw the same show, only in Indianapolis...luckily you had the people who wouldn't shut up behind you, while I had the 300lb, stoned woman, who ate a blooming onion and was scared of heights...beside me...

Anyway, was EC the only person on Earth who can make "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" sound cool, or what?

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:50:05 CEST 2001 from dialin-1012-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.4.250)

Gene

Favorite John Lee Hooker Album: 'Endless Boogie'

Favorite Cover of a JLH song: "Maudie", The Animals.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:46:27 CEST 2001 from rash1-25.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.25)

SUGAR

Big Pink: In A Station/Chest Fever/Lonesome Suzie

Brown Album: King Harvest (Has Surely Come)/Rag Mama Rag

Stagefright: Daniel and The Sacred Harp/The Rumor

Cahoots: Volcano/River Hymn/When I Paint My Masterpiece

Moondog Matinee: Mystery Train/Saved

NLSC: It Makes No Difference/ Acadian Driftwood/Ophelia

TLW: Down South In New Orleans/Out Of The Blue

Islands: Georgia On My Mind/Knockin' Lost John/Streetwalker

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:29:16 CEST 2001 from pool-63.49.29.34.mmph.grid.net (63.49.29.34)

Dexy

Wow, LARGO live with Garth. That does sound tasty. Lil, do you have any further info? Will the Hooters guys be there? Would, of course, be terrific if Levon was participating too. Unfortunately, it's a few thousand miles too far East for me these days, but will be very interested in reading about it.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:27:01 CEST 2001 from spider-tl024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.184)

Tommy

(Man, sometimes I have no class.)

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:25:56 CEST 2001 from spider-tl024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.184)

Tommy

Here's my list without much though (if I thought about it too much, I'd never decide, know what I mean?);

Big Pink:We Can Talk.(The Weight is too obvious)

"brown abum":Rockin' Chair

Stagefright:Sleeping

Cahoots:Last Of The Blacksmiths

NL-SC:It Makes No Difference

Jericho:Caves Of Jericho/Atlantic City

High/Hog:Stand Up

Jubilation:Don't Wait.

I didn't wanna list the live albums, and I don't have the other yet.Remember friends, this is off the cuff here..If I REALLY had to decide, I don't think I'd be able to!!!Just thinking of deciding is making my head hurt!!!

BWNWITennessee.....Had a little boner there, eh?Hahaha.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:18:52 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp183.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.183)

Diamond Lil

I am very excited to announce that our own Garth Hudson will be appearing in a musical theatre performance of LARGO, at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie NY, July 6 through July 8! I can't wait to see this!

"Some of rock music's premiere talents meet some of the theatre's brightest lights to conjure an exciting meditation on America's musical heritage. Inspired by Dvorak's "New World Symphony", LARGO mixes folk, blues, rock, and the voices of our musical ancestors into a groundbreaking new theatrical adventure."

Seats are very limited. For info: Call (845) 437-7645 or www.vassar.edu/powerhouse/membership.html

Hope to see some of you there!

Posted on Sat Jun 23 03:10:57 CEST 2001 from 026.c.001.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.131.26)

Erin

Hey Mike: nice list.

I'm sure its been done before, but I haven't read any past one, and its interesting to see which elements of the Band get to which people.

I should have posted a list myself given that I asked the question - but its so difficult. They did so much good stuff - trying to do a list reminds you of just how much good stuff. Anyway...

FAvourite song of all: When you Awake.

BAsement Tapes: Ain't no more Cane.

Big Pink: Caledonia Mission

The Band: Rockin' Chair. Special mention: Rag, Mama, Rag and King Harvest.

Stagefright: Strawberry Wine (I know I'm in a minority of about one here but...)

Cahoots: The River Hymn

Moondog Matinee: Holy Cow

NL/SC: Acadian Driftwood

TLW: It makes no Difference.

Islands: Knockin' Lost John.

Jubilation:You See me.

whatever I left out I haven't got, or haven't heard enough to say yet. Listing them was even more difficult than I thought it would be - for every album, theres at least one other song that I think I should have nominated instead....

Posted on Sat Jun 23 02:26:05 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-117-19.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.19)

BWNWITennessee

Saw "Center Of The World" last night. Dad's "Rattlebone" is given a pretty high-profile position. The hooker pops in the CD, then does this striptease/lap dance that is clearly inspired by the Nicky Love website. But they play the song for probably a good two minutes, at least, and it's the only sound going on at the time (other than some moaning, of course). Probably the most obvious use of music in the film. I thought the movie was kind of interesting, not great, despite the rather disconcerting feeling that you were watching porno with 20 strangers (I normally prefer to watch it with only a few strangers). Anyone else see it? I didn't recognize Nicky Love's song in the movie, even though she's on the soundtrack. I didn't stay for the closing credits, though, because the thought of sitting there while everyone else left seemed to give too many implications of that "Cheers" episode where Sam can't leave the restaurant after Rebecca gets him all worked up, and I didn't want to give people any ideas.

Posted on Sat Jun 23 01:13:21 CEST 2001 from proxy2o.dpn.deere.com (192.43.65.245)

Mike

Oh boy! Jan, be careful! You'll have to dodge torpedoes in here!

Yes, Richard had an alcohol problem. But man, he could still sing! Check out the KB 1976 Washington DC bootleg for proof! Come to think of it, I found a Little Feat article from summer 94 in Mojo Magazine by Barney. Let me read it again so I can comment. Peace

Mike

Posted on Sat Jun 23 00:23:03 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Uh oh, now you've done it Jan de Wit.

Dive! Dive! Dive! Run silent. Run deep.

This could get ugly.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 23:03:37 CEST 2001 from ipd54b1a60.free.wxs.nl (213.75.26.96)

Jan de Wit

What's the truth about the alcohol problem of Richard? "As they toured through the summer of 1976, it became claer that Richard Manuel could barely function any longer as a profesional musican" (Barney Hoskyns, US editor of Mojo)

Posted on Fri Jun 22 22:09:32 CEST 2001 from (199.165.138.96)

Paul Schoninger

Jan: Saw the video "Sunset Strip" last night. Wasn't much of a movie, but RR was listed as executive producer of sountrack. Paul

Posted on Fri Jun 22 21:28:33 CEST 2001 from spider-tk071.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.206)

bob wigo

David,

The word from Sumlin's management is that the recordings are complete but never made it to actual production. A few majors, including Sony, have it under consideration.

I'm waiting as well.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 20:53:51 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The Hubert Sumlin CD, tentatively titled "Hubert Plays Muddy", featuring Levon, Clapton, Richards & others, was recorded last spring for the Mystic Music label. It was scheduled to be released late last June (2000), but I can't find it's actual release listed anywhere (including @www. hubertsumlin.com). Does anywone know what's up?

Posted on Fri Jun 22 20:04:14 CEST 2001 from (204.168.58.148)

Kicking Horse

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 6/24/01: The Brothers with Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks. This one will be good. See you on the lawn.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 20:03:48 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

From a thread in the newsgroup, I had the following thought. "Tears of Rage" was credited to Richard and Dylan. No one argues that Richard wrote the melody and harmonic structure and co-wrote the lyrics with Dylan. Yet, one of the most distinctive and indelible aspects of the song is RR's opening guitar line.

No one suggests RR should have a co-write on "Tears of Rage," rightfully - I don't think anyone would argue he SHOULD be considered co-composer of the song, least of all me. The "contribution" argument, however, seems (to me) to be applied somewhat inconsistently.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 19:50:33 CEST 2001 from ipc37971e9.dial.wxs.nl (195.121.113.233)

Frances

Love this site. I've been a Band/Robertson fan since 1975. Later I got to know Dylan better and got 'connected'. Best songs: The night they drove.., The Weight, It makes no difference, Wispering Pines (Manuel!). A question; Who in Europe, can help me getting (payment assured) the video 'Goin' down the road: Road songs, a portrait of R.R. Got a video from the US but can't play it on my dutch video. Or I can but I don't see much... greetings from a hardcore Band fan! Frances

Posted on Fri Jun 22 19:29:21 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-081.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.81)

Peter Viney

Nearly two weeks of GB takes some reading, especially with West to East jet lag. I enjoyed the “who did the cooking thread?” which gets to the root of the feud. Richard may have done the cooking and Garth the dishes, but Robbie claims to have written out all the recipes. I guess it was the seared tuna on a bed of noodles dressed with Extra Virgin olive oil with lightly steamed rocket (arugula) that caused Levon to first say that he’d “gone California”. A tasty dish nonetheless.

“Shrek” soundtrack album is a minor Watkins Glen job. I watched right through the movie credits, and Robbie isn’t mentioned. I bought the album right after seeing the film (which is a genuine 5-star animation, up there with Aladdin and Lion King). I particularly wanted the version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”in the film, and hadn’t noticed who it was by. I now see from this site that the film version was by John Cale. The album version is by Rufus Wainwright. So I guess that RR as the Executive Producer (who was one of three) decided what went on the album. And like Smith doing “The Weight” on Easy Rider it isn’t the real thing. But you do get “I’m A Believer” twice, and you will note that this was written by Neil Diamond, giving him another Band-link 25 years on, and indicating continuing loyalty. This album will be a solid earner too.

Another box set and an enhanced Last Waltz? Let’s not quibble but enjoy it. OK, I’ve spent out on the remasters this year, but I’d rather have every year costing me money for new Band material than have it all dry up. Wouldn’t you hate a year to go by without buying something by the Band or its members? Let it keep coming. I can’t wait to hear Garth’s new one, and eagerly await the Barn burners.

An experienceI haven’t had for a while. I had a few days in the USA with access to a CD player but no CDs. I usually buy a lot in the USA, but was not shopping, and for three days found myself with one album only. I’d bought Keb’ Mo’ “Big Wide Grin” because it was heavily discounted and I was curious to hear all the covers, and listened to it solidly (I must admit that now I feel a little bored with it). It was dismissed by one salesperson who said it didn’t deserve to be in the blues section. I then asked for info on the Hubert Sumlin release (with Keef and Levon) and he hadn’t heard of Sumlin. Real expertise on the blues, then. He then grabbed a passing younger salesperson and said, “Hey, who’s Hubert Sumlin?’ assuming that an African-American aged twenty might be likely to know, I think by virtue of his colour. Now as I explained more, it turned out the young guy hadn’t heard of Howlin’ Wolf either, but Muddy Waters rang a very slight bell. Anyway, Keb’ Mo’ took me back to having just one or two albums. I didn’t select tracks, just let it roll easily through every time. Now at home surrounded by CDs I can never decide and when I do, almost always use “program”. Think I might try simpler listening styles for a while!

On which, is the Hubert Sumlin released yet? It didn’t come up on the computer in any store I tried. Oh, and BTW (following a three week old thread on the expertise of Chicagoans on the blues) the above ignorance concerning Hubert Sumlin was in Chicago. Does having an unprecedented two apostrophes in your name (Keb’ Mo’) put you up there with the Wolf, who only had one?

Posted on Fri Jun 22 19:08:40 CEST 2001 from zorg227.revealed.net (208.243.237.227)

Mike

Erin: A thread about favorite Band songs? This may/may not have been done before. But I'll post my views anyhow :)

My all time favorite Band song has to be The Weight. It's the first song by The Band I had ever heard! It also has the Band trademark of 3 voices alternating verses and then coming together for the chorus. It's just one of those songs that is just really cool, especially for the 9 year old who heard it for the very first time! As for my fave songs on each album?

Big Pink: Tears Of Rage/I Shall Be Released/Chest Fever (the album practically belongs to Richard!)

Brown Album: Cripple Creek/Whispering Pines (a tie)

Stage Fright: The Shape I'm In/All La Glory (another tie)

Cahoots: Life Is A Carnival. Special mention: When I Paint My Masterpiece.

Rock Of Ages: Don't Do It. The Genetic Method musn't be ignored either!

Moondog Matinee: Share Your Love/Ain't Got No Home (a hard decision)

Northern Lights Southern Cross: It Makes No Difference (no contest!)

Islands: Georgia On My Mind (must you ask?! LOL)

Ok, so I am biased towards Richard :) The only Band cd I have a hard time letting play without skipping songs is Cahoots. So, I consider all of th albums to high points. Some have more than others and three of which don't have a weak link (Big Pink, ROA and Northern Lights) in my opinion!

I can't speak for the 3 post LW albums as I haven't heard them. Someday, hopefully. Peace

Mike

Posted on Fri Jun 22 16:56:42 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

Anybody going to the Towne Crier tonight to see Levon & Barnburners??? I am making the 3.5 hour trip to Pawling anyone from the GB from Pawling area I have only been to Pawling once back in Feb and Pawling seems kinda you know.... tried getting a cab no cab companys!! or at least no one knew of any. Does anyone in the gb know of any cause I don't want to be driving if I am drinking and the place I am staying at(Sharadu Bed & Breakfast) is not walking distance. I think I remembered back in Feb there was a cab outside of the Towne Creier but when I got my tickets the guy said he wasen't sure who the company was.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 16:52:47 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Sad, sad day -- another great one has gone on. John Lee Hooker, with his unique style of playing the blues; a hypnotic drone, set to a boogie beat, with vocals as rich & deep as the alluvial soil that washes down the Mississippi to the delta. Mr. Hooker, who grew up near Clarksdale, learned the basics that became this style from his stepfather, a musician himself hailing from Shreveport. This brand of simmering blues gumbo blended the deep blues of the delta with the rhythms of Louisianna. When Mr. Hooker later moved to Detroit his music was kicked-up with the high-octane fuel that powered the autos manufactered in that city. John Lee Hooker will be sorely missed.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 14:48:28 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td034.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.164)

bob wigo

Godspeed John Lee Hooker and Carroll O'Connor. We were blessed to share your art.

For anyone interested I've posted a wonderful JLH site above.

Inspired by hearing "I'm In The Mood" during this morning's commute I will now cross the hall and flirt with my favorite female coworker. Blame it on the blues!!

Posted on Fri Jun 22 13:42:48 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp73.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.73)

Lil Again

A link to a (not very good) photo of the statue in Norway: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010621/re/people_norway_dylan_dc_1.html

Posted on Fri Jun 22 13:22:39 CEST 2001 from pm453-23.dialip.mich.net (204.39.226.177)

twilight

Glad to hear some good news about Clapton - i think he could do a great show with just a guitar. peace to the memory of two great americans - John Lee Hooker and Carrol O'Conner (Archie Bunker) who used their amazing talents to inspire people and shook us up right when we needed it the most. Thank god for art and our freedom of expression.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 13:13:04 CEST 2001 from 209-23-55-99.ip.termserv.net (209.23.55.99)

Diamond Lil

Very interesting about the statue of an archangel modeled after Bob Dylan. I'd love to see it. Any chance Jan..or someone else from Norway could post us a photo? Thanks.

RIP John Lee Hooker and "Archie Bunker". Aww...

Have a good day everyone. TGIFFF :-)

Posted on Fri Jun 22 11:47:53 CEST 2001 from dial-152.bton.kiva.net (208.143.10.152)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hey y'all - rescued this from our wire service at the station a few minutes ago. The correspondent is Tonie Negrin of Metro Networks:

"The sculptor says his statue of an archangel atop a Gothic cathedral in Norway was modeled on rock legend Bob Dylan. Sculptor Krostofer Leirdal, who is 85, told a Norwegian newspaper that he was 'inspired by Bob Dylan and his features when I made St. Michael.' The comments ended years of speculation. Leirdal says he saw Dylan as a symbol of American opposition to the Vietnam War and thought it appropriate to have 'a great poet' on top of the tower."

Now if we can just add the heavenly host modeled after RM, RD, GH, LH and RR, it'll be damn near perfect.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 10:31:32 CEST 2001 from dial-374.bton.kiva.net (208.143.13.119)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Loved that Perlman story from the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. That...THAT is what it's all about. Re: TO KINGDOM COME - the notes mention that the "Back to Memphis" intro is from Watkins, but the song isn't. Then the same performance, including intro, is passed off as "the one" on the WATKINS GLEN album. Now it's out sans "sweetening" in its original version as part of a reissue. My head hurts.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 09:52:01 CEST 2001 from spider-wn081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.186)

Tommy

Erin!!!!!!!!!!

Hey friends,,,Tonight I had the privelege(and I don't use this word often) of seeing ERIC CLAPTON at Madison Square Garden.At first, I was very turned off cause my $85 (I know, I know..It's alot.But this is supposedly gonna be his last world tour.) were akin to nosebleed seats.THEN some hard-ons behind us wouldn't SHUT UP!(You know these people..these baby boomers that are just there to hear 'Layla' and couldn't care less about shutting the fuck up and listening to the other songs, so they are massively inconsiderate to the people around them?Pricks!)

Anyway....EC came out with his acoustic and did a solo version of 'Key To The Highway'...I was floored.Amazing!The band came out and they did quite a few newer numbers.Great band, including Billy Preston on organ.They all sang great harmonies, too.The sound was fantastic and everything was crisp (unlike other stadium shows I've seen.).The jumbo-trons even showed EC's fingers as he played...Nice touch, especially for guitar players who like to SEE what's being played(Know what I mean fellow guitaristas?)They did a GREAT version of 'Bell Bottom Blues', a favorite of mine and probably the highlight of the show for me.There weren't as many "hits" as the EC show I saw in '98.But the songs they did, mostly from his more recent albums, were solid tunes.(I mean, how many time's do you wanna hear him play 'white Room'?It's never gonna sound as good as when Cream played it anyway!)Clapton's voice is better then ever and his guitar playing was just AMAZING!!!If any of you guys wanna shell out the cash, I recommend!Anyone else from the GB there tonight....?Or going tomorrow.... or Saturday?Post and let us know what you think!

Well, that's about it for now , folks.See you soon.....

Posted on Fri Jun 22 09:06:49 CEST 2001 from spider-to053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.68)

Bayou Sam

Lil = are you sure? That sure sounds like Richard to me - right in the midlle of the first verse = "no,no. NO I did not call". It's two of them singing for sure, but on the "no" part it sounds like RM belting it out. I dunno.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 08:44:36 CEST 2001 from proxy.newmedia.no (212.71.66.13)

Jens Magnus

The article of Zimmie posing for archangel is to be found in the norwegian paper Aftenposten 22.6. Link to the english version here: http://rigg.aftenposten.no/english/local/d217759.htm

Posted on Fri Jun 22 07:30:01 CEST 2001 from hoiberg.hiof.no (158.36.51.55)

jh

Pat et. al,
Bowman's extended liner notes (aka. the Goldmine article) is available in the "History" section of this web site. With blessings from Dr.Rob and Krausse Publ. Co.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 05:41:28 CEST 2001 from 033.mel0209.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.25.33)

Erin

Anyone read Dylan's comments about Levon's book? He spoke about this wonderful language 'pouring off of every page.' Last time I heard him say that he was talking about Dante! (tangled up in blue.)

Posted on Fri Jun 22 05:02:52 CEST 2001 from 033.mel0209.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.25.33)

Erin

MattK: I hope someone can post the picture, I'd love to see a dylan archangel... everything Hank said about religious glows being around certain muscians seems to be born out!

Tommy:!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone interested in a thread on naming our FAVOURITE Band song? If that's too hard, maybe we should resort to a favourite on each album.

(God rest John Lee Hooker.)

Posted on Fri Jun 22 04:43:23 CEST 2001 from dialup-209.244.65.139.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (209.244.65.139)

Pat Brennan

rpence, the liner notes to TKC are by Rob Bowman and having just looked over them I wouldn't be hardpressed to say they were dominated by Robertson. However, everyone then alive except Levon, including John Simon, is quoted. The album was "compiled and sequenced" by the same Mr. Bowman. As far as Robertson's supposed involvement, the notes reveal the exact opposite. The only time RR's name appears in the credits/acknowledgements: "extra special thanks to Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson and John Simon." Again, my memory is that Robertson didn't revisit the Band catalog until the ATGD boxed set. Given Rick's public comments on WG, I still think the blame is equal.

As for my earlier post, I meant to say that the first time those songs were identified as Watkins Glen was on the boxed set which I believe preceeded the actual WG CD by a few months.

Bowman's article somewhat expanded appeared in the July 26, 1991 Goldmine issue.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 03:50:38 CEST 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

One of my gripes with the PLW Band is the extra musicians. I love hearing the original members play but on the 90's releases it's often someone else playing bass or drums and Rick and Levon are reduced to vocal duties. The Band is Back is a worse offender with the 4 extra musicians. I'm not really into watching Rick strum an acoustic guitar like he's Neil Diamond. I sort of get the impression that he's there just to do his own songs.

I've never seen any articiles where the OQ talk about the WG release. There was a Guitar Player article where Robbie talks about the into to Memphis but this was when the box set came out.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 03:34:03 CEST 2001 from (129.237.210.187)

RPence

Regarding the "Watkins Glen" album: the first time the supposedly live versions of "Memphis" and "Endless Highway," and the "Rock of Ages" outtake "Loving You" showed up on an official release was not the "Across the Great Divide" set, but on "To Kingdom Come," the two-CD 1989 set. That package, marketed as "The Definitive Collection," had liner notes by Rob Bowman that I haven't got with me now, but I seem to recall Bowman writing that the Bill Graham intro to "Memphis" was from the Watkins Glen show, but that the actual performance itself wasn't. As for "Endless Highway," Bowman wrote that no one knew where that was recorded, either, but he said it was a live performance. Now we know better.

Robbie was extensively involved in the compilation of "To Kingdom Come" and dominated the liner notes. If he didn't know damn well that two of those songs were studio outtakes and that another was a "Rock of Ages" outtake, then who did?

I would speculate that some of the other tracks on "Watkins Glen" were also taken from the "Rock of Ages" leftovers. In any case, it seems that Robbie, at least, must have known how people were being deceived with these songs on three different releases up to and including 1995, but did nothing to stop it.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 02:15:15 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-125-33.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.33)

BWNWITennessee

God Bless John Lee Hooker.

Posted on Fri Jun 22 02:13:27 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-125-33.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.33)

BWNWITennessee

Chris, I've heard said told that Paganini, hero to a generation of big-haired tasteless heavy metal guitarists, would cut down one of the strings on his violin before a performance, so that it would break onstage and he could then continue performing on three practiced strings, to the delight and admiration of the audience. Probably not true, but hey. Anyway, I'm sure RR was behind Itzhak's broken string somehow.

John, is that the Grateful Dead's "Dark Star?"

Posted on Fri Jun 22 00:00:34 CEST 2001 from m198214181246.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.246)

Pehr

looking forward to see "From the North" in a rekkid store near me soon!

Chris, thanks for the cool Perlman story. wonderful!

Posted on Thu Jun 21 23:59:14 CEST 2001 from spider-to012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.47)

Dave ~ (the drummer)

Chris from Chicago Thanks for posting the story about Itzhak Pearlman. It's one that Levon knows in his own right. Anyone who thinks he's bitter should try walking a mile in his shoes.

MattK: Wouldn't it be great if everyone shared your point of view (which is the same as mine) about the "feud." Maybe it's because we're both musicians and know what it's like to be in a band. A "feud" is nearly impossible to avoid. Let's get on with the music and let Levon & Robbie settle their "feud" themselves. Nothing anyone says in this GB will change a thing.

As far as the OQ vs. PLW....I've seen both of them and I love both of them. As long as at least one surviving member is involved, I'll be there to support 'em.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 23:12:55 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

It's day's like this that being a working journalist is wonderful. I just finished listening to Garth's Solo CD; which will be out soon. Too soon to post thought's; but I thought I would share the titles.
Cut 1, The Saga of Cyrus and Mulgrew.
Cut 2, The Sea To The North (Title Track)
Cut 3, The Breakers.
Cut 4, Third Order.
Cut 5, Dark Star.
Cut 6, Little Island.
And Yes Maude sounds wonderful and mystical. Produced by Garth and Aaron. Great ensemble of musicians; with credit to Levon Helm on track one for Percussion Explosion. On the Breeze Hill Label. Thank you Quentin.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 23:02:33 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

According to CNN, Shrek has just become Dream Works # 1 movie passing Saving Private Ryan.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 22:35:53 CEST 2001 from slip-32-100-73-88.ga.us.prserv.net (32.100.73.88)

Don Pugatch

Just received my email back from the Dunhams, yes Prof. Louie and the group will be here, in Atlanta on July 15, playing at the Brandy House at 9PM. Free, yes ,Free. The Brandy House is on Roswell Road, about 3 miles inside the perimeter, above the city of Atlanta. Anyone planning to go, please email me, I will be breaking my Sunday night rule and attending, just like I did when the BB were in town.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 21:41:56 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The Sundance film channel is showing "The Adventures of Sebastian Cole" this evening. Levon appears, albeit in a small role, in this movie. Consult your cable or satellite listings for the air time.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 21:36:16 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

There is a story that circulated through my office that really fits this discussion. It's an article written by Jack Reimer of The Houston Chronicle.

The author relates his experience at an Itzhak Perlman concert in which immediately upon starting the show Perlman broke a violin string. Obviously a problem compounded by the fact that Perlman wears leg braces and walks with crutches. So the idea of him getting up and putting the braces back on walking off with the crutches to find a new string or a new violin is a little daunting.

This is directly from the piece...

'Instead, he waited a moment, closed his eyes and signaled the conductor to begin again. The orchestra began, and he played from where he left off. And he played with such passion and such power and such purity as they had never heard before. Of course anyone knows that it is immpossible to play a symphonic work with just three strings. I know that, and you know that, but that night Itzhak Perlman refused to know that. You could see him modulating, changing, recomposing the piece in his head. At one point, it sounded like he was detuning the strings to get new sounds from them that they had never made before. When he finished there was an awesome silence in the room.

And then the people rose and cheered. There was an extraordinary outburst of applause from every corner of the auditorium. We were all on our feet, screaming and cheering, doing everything we could to show how much we appreciated what he had done. He smiled, wiped the sweat from his brow, raised his bow to quiet us, and then he said, not boastfully, but in a quiet pensive, reverent tone...

"You know, sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left."

Posted on Thu Jun 21 21:25:31 CEST 2001 from spider-wn031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.161)

Tommy

Erin;

A Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker???

...

(For those that don't get the reference, can those that do please explain.Thanks.)

Posted on Thu Jun 21 21:24:32 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9rk.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.116)

Pat Brennan

First, sorry for posting so much today.

Chris, not to be jumpy, but I was a bit obtuse with something I said earlier. With the PLW, the only difference was the absence of RR, along with doubling all the instruments, but that's another thing entirely. As a result, you got a pretty healthy dose of Band songs. Once Richard moved on, you lost all that, although I believe Rick started doing Shape I'm In. When they finally got around to recording however, you no longer had what many including Levon thought was the lead singer of The Band. That was the point I was trying to make.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 21:05:59 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Pat: I really like the question of what could replace a song from the first two. Honestly, I think once you get off the first two there isn't much of a challenge because there are some glaring weaknesses. Strawberry Wine comes to mind immediately. I like the idea of the comparison of all the recorded efforts. I also really welcome the point that we are really talking about two entirely different bands. Some of the cast are the same but they are entirely different.

Don't get jumpy about the ears question. It isn't directed at anyone, particularly not you, it's just in the same spirit as the "absolute sacrilege"/"guilty pleasure" thread. I think you would agree that it's possible. There are people who never saw another Dead show after Pigpen died, and some that never went again after Donna and Keith had been fired.

Of course I recognise that the recorded efforts are lacking both RR and RM. I think though that the divide for a lot of people is 1983, and that the band on the road then was quite different.

I personally have never been comfortable with anyone but Levon and Richard on the drum throne. Randy is a good drummer but really doesn't do it for me. I may take it to the extreme on that point given that I am sometimes found angrily cursing Neil Diamond and his drummer during his Last Waltz performance.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 19:51:10 CEST 2001 from user-33qt8pa.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.42)

Pat Brennan

Chris, in my mind the decision to take on two drummers was entirely wrong for the group. At the same time, its was entirely their right to do it. To me, and I might add many people like me, the rhythic dexterity of the OQ was sacrificed with this decision. I'd add too that having eight people onstage in that early incarnation was weird. Two basses, three keyboards, two drummers, I'm sorry it doesn't take ruined ears to find that a bit of overkill.

I'd also like to add here that it is impossible to quantify any of this. If you like the PLW better than the OQ, God bless you. Of course I did ask the question about the song substitution for a good reason. There wasn't one mention of a substitution that wasn't met with a heated response. Of course, saying that When You Awake or The Rumor could be replaced is almost assured of that sort of reaction. Now, I saw the Band at The Taste and I have a boot of the Dead opening, I believe the Sunday show. The latter is a pretty poor show. I again would ask: check the songlists from 1971 and the 90's shows. Would you rather hear Blues Stay Away From Me or We Can Talk?

As far as the 90's albumsb go--which I read Levon feels were less than satisfactory efforts--they have some good moments: Remedy, Caves of Jericho, Shine A Light, Book Faded Brown and Atlantic City are all nice. Again, without Richard (yeah, I know, Country Boy) I'm missing something really big there. Recall Chris that the PLW is missing both RR and Richard. If my ears are ruined by these losses, well, I still have fun.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 19:27:22 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

I'm surprised at some of the comments about the post Robbie band. I never saw the OQ so I don't have a first hand reference point. I have some great tapes though and they are hot. I saw the post Robbie lineup loads of times and they were terrific. Two of the best shows I saw were a free concert in Grant Park during Taste of Chicago and the Soldier Field shows in Chicago opening for the Dead. When I think back I wouldn't say the term "plodding" applies.

To each his own however.

I thought Jubilation was one of the best releases of 1998. Hands down. I have played it for those that have no familiarity with The Band. Invariably the question is always..."Who is that? They sound great."

Is it possible that for some here their ears are ruined for post RR efforts.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 19:23:59 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Purusing the news today, I read there is a statue in Oslo, Norway at the Trondheim Cathedral of an archangel. For years people have commented that it looks like Bob Dylan. Apparently the sculptor has finally come clean, and it is in fact modeled on dear Bob.

I've not been able to find a picture of the statue though. Could our friends in Norway help me out?

Posted on Thu Jun 21 19:06:56 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

One question (probley a dumb one for all you band experts) The Walkins Glen album where is that stuff taken from??? what concert is it really from???

Posted on Thu Jun 21 19:04:47 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Garth as a sideman?

I'm speechless.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 18:59:21 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9dv.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.191)

Pat Brennan

I don't recall anyone saying anything about WG when it was released. In fact, the CD seemed to appear out of the blue. Be that as it may, Memphis and Lovin' You came from that Across The Great Divide boxed set, which I recall had no input from anyone in the Band. I recall Robertson commenting that it was the first time he had revisited the material and that he really enjoyed it. I also recall Rick commenting that when he heard WG he was surprised how good is sounded. To me, it is a bad moment for all of them. If one was more involved than the others....

Todd, since Islands seems less of an album and more of an Odds & Sods type of thing, and since it also has two co-writes (and two cover songs), I don't know that your thread applies. However, I would easily take NLSC over any of the 90's stuff.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 18:42:20 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

While there's little doubt that Levon, Rick & Garth were not involved with Capitol's release of "Live at Watkins Glen", one has to wonder about Robertson's possible participation. Seeing as though he was signed to Capitol at the time, logic would dictate that he was at least aware of the release. Whether or not he approved is another matter, but one has to wonder since Captiol has apparently sought his input on other reissue projects. Can anyone recall reading or hearing any comments from Robertson about the Watkins Glen release?

Posted on Thu Jun 21 16:47:45 CEST 2001 from dial-489.bton.kiva.net (208.143.13.234)

Todd Berryman - 92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hi...sorry I'm a little late... My guilty pleasure would be the entire WATKINS GLEN album. I know that it's a sham, but through no fault of the guys, which is about the only reason I endure the fake concert concept at all. I assure you, when I see too many credits for post-production on a "live" album, I get concerned. Then I get rid of it. My absolute sacrilege: the entire WATKINS GLEN album. I haven't touched it at all since the reissue of MOONDOG MATINEE. Having said that...here's where I turn Pat Brennan's thread into a potential Molotov cocktail: to put things on an even footing, we have to assume that RR vs. the rest of the group as songwriters is the central issue. In other words, are they equally capable writers? To throw that question into the mix fairly, you have to take NORTHERN LIGHTS... and ISLANDS up against the Band albums post-LAST WALTZ. That is, when inspiration supposedly left the other writers and RR was "on his own". Those last two studio records with the original group are the only ones where RR is, effectively, the only member of the Band still contributing as a composer. Using the same criteria, are those recordings more...or less...solid on a track-for-track basis than the 90s Band material? (Incidentally, this is intended as a legitimate tangent, not as lighter fluid for the dreaded feud...no hate mail, please! And Pat...I apologize in advance...)

Posted on Thu Jun 21 16:10:47 CEST 2001 from dux4.tcd.ie (134.226.1.194)

King Trashcan

A fantastic website about a great group, very well done!

Posted on Thu Jun 21 16:09:13 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

Hank: Sorry, it's not the first time I read something or interpreted something wrong and shot off at the mouth - And I'm sure it won't be the last...,

I saw Journey when i was a senior in High School, it was the Escape tour, they were good.., it's not what i listen to now but tastes change..,And the song is called "Lights" which has now graduated to soft rock stations around the country.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 15:54:59 CEST 2001 from spider-tk032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.187)

bob wigo

I'm just glad he didn't mention anything about watching "F Troop".

Posted on Thu Jun 21 15:11:16 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

In this country (The USA), most people would prefer to listen to Journey rather than The Band. On the other hand, in this country (The USA), most people prefer to drink Budweiser rather than, say, Boddington's; the obvious point being most Americans are tasteless morons.

However, for a refreshing point of view on Journey, I would suggest picking up a copy of Dave Eggers' memoir "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius." It is a brilliant read. Peace out.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 13:34:54 CEST 2001 from (210.50.87.125)

Erin

Sorry about this, but I just want to clear up a typing mistake I made. Its 'yellow bellied black SNAKE.' I left out the crucial word. I read back over it, and realized that it sounded like a racist slur. (In fact, despite the fact I've never seen them, these snakes are often yellow and black, hence the name.)

I'm very embarrised, and I really hope no one was offended. My unconditional and deepest apologies to anyone who was.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 13:04:04 CEST 2001 from (210.50.87.125)

Erin

Me too, Lil.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 12:35:43 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp198.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.198)

Lil Again

Sam: Holy Cow! Far be it from me to be sure of what you're hearing, as I have only one funtioning ear, but I think the "no no NO" in "Thinkin out loud" is Rick..not Richard. Anyone?

Posted on Thu Jun 21 11:52:19 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp198.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.198)

Diamond Lil

In the 'Guilty Pleasure' department, I'd have to admit to listening to Rick's version of "Blue Tail Fly" (on the "American Children" cd) waaaay too often. Yeah..I know it's essentially a kids song, but it brings back that wonderfully fun and childlike trait that Rick had. I miss him, and this tune truly makes me smile.

As far as 'Sacrilege' goes, although I virtually love anything that Rick ever did, I absolutely can't stand "Streetwalker".The whole tune grates on my nerves. I also happen to really like "When the lights go down in the city" by Journey..which seems to grate on ol Ben Pike's nerves :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 05:42:28 CEST 2001 from 052.d.001.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.132.52)

Erin

Lil: loved your snake story - I certainly hope you find it soon and in an untraumatic way.

I don't know too many people who are good with snakes. I'm not and my Mum and Dad aren't - which is a pity because there are often snakes in their garden. Usually, the imaginatively named 'yellow bellied black' - (none that I've ever seen have been either yellow or black.) They're reasonably big but not really dangerous.

The only person I've ever known who was really relaxed about snakes was the headmistress at my primary school. It was a tiny school out in the bush and it had lots of the sort of scrub that snakes really love. The headmistress never spoke louder than a whisper and always really slowly. That meant that it usually took people a while to realize how tough she was. (I mean she actually BUILT the school herself - just her and a couple of brickies, and the odd teacher or student that would help out. I was in the 4th class through, so i saw most of the school get built.)

Anyway, she would just rope off the area where the snake had been seen, and when she had a minuet, take a spade and go off an catch it or kill it (if it was a dangerous one.) Which, now i come to think of it, was probably illegal.

(I also had a snake turn up in the middle of the floor during a university entrance exam - but that's another story.

OK..back to the band. Whenever, I try to list the Band songs that I don't like I am forced up against the fact that bascially, I like almost everything they've done. I picked on 'Time to Kill' because its easy to criticize it in objective terms. The melody is not particularly inspired, the lyrics are not sophisticated and its played in a choppy way which doesn't really help. But in the end, I love it anyway. I'd just got 'Stagefright' and 'Cahoots' when I was doing my VCE exams and i played them constantly: i love 'Where do we go from here,' 'Strawberry wine' and 'the moon struck one.' (Great singing and interesting narrative.) And i LOVE the Islands. Everytime i hear it, its better than i remembered.

If i have to name one (and I know I'm in a minority here), I think 'stagefright' is the least strong of their albums.

hmm... I was obviously in a 'here's my life story' mode today.. sorry about that folks...

Posted on Thu Jun 21 05:10:48 CEST 2001 from spider-wi064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.49)

Bashful Bill

I KNOW this is considered sacriligious to most people who hang around here, but...King Harvest, no matter which recorded version, or any of the numerous times I saw it played live by the OQ or the various 80's-90's groups, has always gotten on my nerves. There, I said it publicly! I have admitted this to only a few individuals over the years, but this thread lured me out. Good idea, Sam, think I'll get out BP and listen to Long Black Veil and head for bed, my body yearns for rest.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 05:09:23 CEST 2001 from spider-tf024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.184)

bob wigo

Before this day is gone.....

Happy Birthday Chet Atkins.

Thank you for the gift of your beautiful music.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 04:58:50 CEST 2001 from spider-we083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.58)

DZ Again

Rod: The Band's cover of Atlantic City seems "warm" to me... I always better connected to the "loneliness" of Bruce's echoy version... that whole album come to think of it...

I also have not yet been able to appreciate the greatness of Knockin' Lost John...

Posted on Thu Jun 21 04:50:40 CEST 2001 from spider-we083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.58)

Dave Z

Brown Eyed Girl: Robbie's 1st solo album blew me outta whatever funk I was in at the time and got me to re-listen to all my old Band LPs... And Native Americans freaked me because I didn't know he was one... I think I heard Skinwalker 1st on the radio... and I didn't know it was him but loved the song... and then when Contact came out... I had to pull my car over in a shopping center lot and listen to the whole thing... before going home... so I guess what I am saying is I luv the guy's music... I listen to stuff that moves me through whatever I'm doing and RR's solo CDs are just as fresh for me as the original and reformed Band ones... there's plenty of quality... Since visiting this site I've come to realize that I have two views of each of the guys (except Rick)... one view from TLW movie and listening to the music... and a second after reading all the good and bad things said on this site and links including books... To me Rick was the only really knowable one... who didn't change that much for me... and I identified mostly with his playfulness and coolness... The other guys have generated so much mysterious press or polar opposite sketches that it makes you realize you probably don't know your own spouse as much as you think... I'm a generally positive person though so when I am listening to the music... any thoughts I have about the players tend to also be a focus on what's positive about what they do...

Posted on Thu Jun 21 04:37:56 CEST 2001 from spider-wk072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.182)

Bayou Sam

What a wonderful thread of levity it's been. Although when one of you posted something about Garth and Richard (I think) rolling around in Big Pink in thier undies - it gave me a visual that I could have lived without.

Happy Birthday Brian Wilson. Who would have thought that he'd go this long, and this strong. God Bless him.

RE: songs people are willing to cut - am I the only one who likes "Thinking Out Loud"? I love when Richard sings "no, no, NO I did not call..." .... "Time To Kill - great tune. Don't ya just crank it up when you hear the guitar intro so you get hit with Levon's drums, and you catch that cute little cow-bell fill just before the singing starts?.........All La Glory. What I like so much about that tune is that Levon sings soooo sweetly. It's kind of a departure from the tunes we normally hear him sing. It seems like Richard would have gotten that vocal - but I'm so glad Levon sang it......and Long Black Veil - that song is UNTOUCHABLE, IMHO. When I saw Rick play live, shortly before he passed, I considered it a complete night when he did that tune. I can listen to him sing it all day - not to mention Richard harmonising on "nobody know's no, nobody sees......." - I'm gonna go listen to it now.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 04:11:15 CEST 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

I find Jubilation, with the exception of the last two tracks, unlistenable. I think I've only played it a hand full of times. The only 90's songs I would rate against the OQ's best efforts would be Atlantic City and Blind Willie Mc Tell. Stuff Ya Gotta Watch would have fitted in well on Moondog .Free Your Mind was an interesting experiment and a breath of fresh air in some ways (together with French Girls). It's a pity they didn't explore this avenue more and really unleashed Garth whose 90's role seemed to be to imitate his 60s/70s sounds. he's almost a sideman on Jubilation. I am looking forward to his solo effort,

Those of you who don't like Time to Kill should listen the the alternative mix on the RI StageFright. It sounds a lot rawer and powerful than the original mix. I like both versions.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 04:09:35 CEST 2001 from dialup-326.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.70)

Hank

OK MATTK.....yup, I hear ya.......

BRIAN SZ......if you check my original post you'll find I wrote "Souled out" Not "Soldout".....There's a difference, y'know?

PAT BRENNAN..........it's always great to go and hear Garth Hudson, tho'.......I was listening to Dylans Albert Hall (not) 1966 today and realized that, really, NO rock band EVER sounded like that EVER before......'cos of Garth and Dylan I figure.......

What's all this Guilty Pleasures and Absolute Sacrilege ...stuff...about? Oh, OK......

Guilty Pleasure: The Basement Tapes....can never get enuff of it....to this day..........

Absolute Sacrilege: I once thought RR solo album was better than John Prines "German Afternoons"......but I've been proved wrong......"O MY Stars! My Lindas gone to Mars!" Is that a sacreligous sin? To everyone else who responded to the whole live thing....THANK you.......I really love this place....thanks for sharing your memories....I woulda LOVED to have seen the 5 man outfit.....but I will awa to bed now.....and dream of 'em perhaps.........

Posted on Thu Jun 21 02:55:07 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Here are a couple of examples of the power of Robbie's post Band writing and music. A cyber buddy told me she was about to have an operation and that she kept on hearing a particular Robbie solo song......(It is interesting to note that she is probably more of a Levon fan....maybe because she has seen The Barnburners.......maybe not....) Anyway, she asked me to guess which song......At first I thought.......yikes! I have all of Robbie's work since they were made available (I know that I am not your "typical" Band fan because I get just as much enjoyment from his solo recordings)......

But then I thought......o.k. most fans that post in here or visit the chat room have at least Robbie's first solo recording......maybe his second one.......and probably only have the last two native influenced recordings if they found them in the sale bin.........or they don't have them at all if they have dismissed Robbie for leaving The Band in the first place................(It's sad that a lot of people who also really appreciate Robbie's solo work have emailed me in the last six months and told me that they don't feel comfortable to voice their opinions in the guestbook because of the personal attacks).........

Anyway.......I saw her question as a challenge and I looked on Robbie's first solo recording and guessed that she was probably listening over and over in her head anticipating the operation to.........."Hold Back The Dawn"..........I happened to be right........Vocal, Guitar, Solo.....Robbie.......Background Vocal......Rick Danko...........

Whenever I feel someone is trying to stop me from expressing myself......my opinions......and my opinions only........I want to listen to Robbie's "MAKING A NOISE".....very loudly..........you see when I hear that song........I hear Robbie's anger concerning the lack of Native rights and human dignity........but......I also hear anyone who is being silenced for a different perspective or a different vision.......

Posted on Thu Jun 21 02:17:29 CEST 2001 from 1cust110.tnt3.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.109.110)

HI

I saw the original group many times and the reformed group with the Cate bros. filling in '83 the RR spot but whatever the chemistry wasn't the same.....Jubilation is good but for me the first 2 were perfect......IMHO

Posted on Thu Jun 21 01:53:07 CEST 2001 from bgm-24-24-94-166.stny.rr.com (24.24.94.166)

Paddy B.

For what it's worth THIS is my correct e-mail address.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 01:26:22 CEST 2001 from rash1-194.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.194)

Sugar

You guys know how the lyrics to "Chest Fever" aren't supposed to mean anything?? I think I have them figured out. If anyone has any opinions about what you think it means, drop me a line and we'll compare notes.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 01:10:16 CEST 2001 from (12.78.161.63)

paul nadeau

i am 49 years old. when i was a kid, my favorite band was the band. i had the pleasure of seeing them many times over the years. i was very sadden by rick`s death and richard manuel`s. they made my life better, richer.they changed my world. big pink forever changed my life.i wish everyone could experience the joy they brought me. i thank you for this web sight. i stumbled across it. i will be back. the music never stops nor the joy of the band`s music. god bless and peace.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 01:07:13 CEST 2001 from (146.178.26.8)

Michael

John D, thank you, love this site.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 01:00:45 CEST 2001 from bgm-24-24-94-166.stny.rr.com (24.24.94.166)

Paddy B.

I noticed the discussion on which post RR songs could knock cuts off the first three albums. My two favorites are "Spirit of the Dance" and "Blind Will McTell". But the most critical error The Band ever made was not using "Don't Do It", "Loving You Is Sweeter" and "Get Up Jake" studio cuts instead of "Whistle Stop" and especially "Strawberry Wine" (tremendous mistake leading of an album with easily the worst cut - and by the way, Levon IS my favorite.) Those two songs made for a very uneven album. Using two or three of the songs I mentioned would have qualified "Stage Fright" as a masterpiece in the same league as the first two albums. Sure, they did release them, but by that time they already were viewed as having put out a somewhat weaker album,which hurt their careers... On a totally different subject, I've had the "Genuine Basement Tapes" for a few years and I wonder sometimes exactly how many fans think the officially released version is close to the real thing. Not turning music fans onto "I'm Not There (1956), "I Am Your Teenage Prayer" and "Quit Kickin' My Dog Around" when one knows about them should be considered a capital offense. It's shocking to me that I made it to age 30 without ever hearing about the genuine version, (and I live for music.) I just never heard about them. Oh well, better late than never! ....D.J.: Butch and all the guys (and gal) in the BB are perfect gentlemen and for anyone to call Chris a derogatory name over and over again is asinine. So what if he did mention he was a Marine? His songs were great, and had real nice melody lines for the guitar. And at the show I went to his Marine buddies were there having a great time so he mentioned them.... I've heard some mention about Robbie and the girl singers he's had a hand with. I for one, think Nelly Furtado is sensational(especially on the first track of the album ("Hey Man"). Her and her producers have a great sound and she's wonderful at phrasing lyrics just right... Lastly, I just recently quit driving taxi in a college town and I used to put "Chest Fever" on my stereo LOUD!! and I would have a group of five or six college kids GETTING DOWN!!! on the way to the clubs. Little did they know! In my opinion, Rick sort of developed the first disco sound with his pulsating, repeated bass line. GOTTA RUN....

Posted on Thu Jun 21 00:44:14 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Ben, RE: not liking "Jemima Surrenders."

The whole point of the exercise is to name a song that others like that you don't (as well as the inverse). I'm not making an objective statement regarding Jemima.

Subjectively, I just don't like the song for the very reasons I stated. I made no comparisons between it and songs from other albums (though I did compare it to Rag Mama Rag, which I feel has a similair emotional vibe, but is less playful).

Strictly speaking, I did not "rip" the song (i.e. I didn't say the song "sucked"). I simply said I did not care for it, despite the fact that many (most?) would find it a mortal sin to have anything but adoration for every song on the first two albums.

Posted on Thu Jun 21 00:38:32 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Having been a teenager in the early 80s, the subject of Journey is a source of bad flashbacks for me. I never cared for that band, even when they were the biggest thing on the planet for awhile.

Having said that, I will offer that Steve Smith was an outstanding drummer, having made a name for himself in jazz fusion during the 1970s, recording with Jean Luc Ponty and the Brecker Brothers. After leaving Journey in the mid-80s he went on to a very successful studio career. He was recently voted one of the "Top 25 Drummers of All-Time" by the readers of "Modern Drummer."

Posted on Thu Jun 21 00:07:42 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tg032.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.162)

Ben Turkel

I read an article in 'Spin' a year or two ago about the reformed Lynyrd Skynyrd. Apparently in recent years they have become a major summer concert attraction, grossing millions of dollars each year. It'sad to me that the reformed Band never came close to that level of success either in the 80's when they initially reformed or in the 90's when they began releasing new albums.

The first time I saw them was in '95 they were third billed behind The marshall Tucker Band and Kansas. How could the Band be billed below Marshall Tucker?, it just didn't seem right.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 23:41:11 CEST 2001 from spider-ta032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.57)

Ben Pike

Once a certain person in this GB was raving about "When The Lights Go Down In The City" by Journey. I pointed out, rather delicately the said band sucks and shouldn't even be mentioned in The Band GB, said person got all bent out of shape. NOW said person is bad rapping "Moon Stuck One". Well, let me put it in somewhat plainer terms: No one from Jounrney is fit to change the toliet roll despencer in the Men's Room of the Studio during the recording of "Cahoots" and the fact that you would praise them shows you are in NO POSISTION to dislike the excellent MOON STUCK ONE. Pat B is completely accurate, if you saw the oringial line up and the later group both (as I did) their is no comparison. And NO song from the post Band Band could get near knocking ANYTHING off the first three. "Moon Struck One" is used to absorbing the blows, but now great songs like "Time To Kill" "Jupiter Hollow" and fan fingtastic "Jemima Surrender"? The least you could do is start with Islands and beat up on "Streetwalker" and "Let The Night Fall."

Posted on Wed Jun 20 23:00:28 CEST 2001 from spider-te051.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.196)

Tommy

Johnny Flippo;...The Moon Struck One's lyrics, I think, are quite good as a story and they also convey an innocence and simple bliss of the characters.I think what you refer to as "abysmal" isn't that at all, but rather an attempt to capture a simple,non poetic,time and the trials of the three characters involved.In that way, I think the lyrics are fantastic and fit just right.(I know I'm one of the only people here that really love that song...To each their own, I guess.)Also, musically, the song is quite complex.Nice chords.One or Richard's best vocal performances too, for my money!

Hello friends..I have returned.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 22:34:26 CEST 2001 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

Brien, well said.

Here's an absolute sacrilege of sorts, and a question I've wondered about for some time: I don't like the studio version of Rag Mama Rag nearly as much as most of the available live versions. I love the piano, horns etc on the studio version but something about Levon's vocal sounds flat and cold to me...I almost wouldn't know it was him singing. To me, his vocals have much more character in the live versions. Is he purposely keeping his southern accent neutral on the studio Rag Mama Rag, or is it something in the way the track is mixed, or am I just hearing things?

Posted on Wed Jun 20 22:11:08 CEST 2001 from atpm3-9-30.enter.net (208.137.244.178)

Crusher

If Richard did the cooking and Garth did the dishes, what did Rick do, besides getting free cigarettes for the others.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 22:07:53 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

GUILTY PLEASURE:

"The Moon Struck One" Yeah the lyrics are abysmal, but the singing is first-rate and the organ solo never ceases to thrill me.

ABSOLUT SACRILEGE:

"Book Faded Brown" About as good as Kermit the Frog singing "Rainbow Connection" which it strongly resembles. Mea Culpa.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 21:18:13 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

MattK get testy and in-your-face? I just can't believe that! ;)

Posted on Wed Jun 20 21:16:01 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9od.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.13)

Pat Brennan

I was fortunate enough to see the original quintet a number of times and I saw the post-LW group probably as much, perhaps more. There was little comparison.

For starters, the original quintet had a rhythmic sense that the post-LW group--with its two drummers--simply couldn't duplicate. The OQ almost sounded like a jazz band with they way they skittered the rhythm. To me, the PLW plodded.

Now I've posted before that I found the Danko-Manuel duo shows more satisfying simply because they had a cooler set list. Richard would do the Rumor in the duo form where he didn't with the PLW. Shoot everyone, look here on the site. Compare the setlist from, oh let's say Royal Albert Hall in 1971 with any of the PLW setlists. Which one would you rather see?

The loss of Richard Manuel was monumental, no matter how well Richard Bell plays piano or how well Randy sings. Sorry. There are those here who felt the Band really ended when Richard left.

Jim Wieder is a great player. Still, I always liked Robertson's sense of anarchy when he soloed. To be honest, I would have liked to see Weider in the OQ. But then, it is impossible to consider the OQ without RR and the obvious elements he brought to the table.

Remember too that The OQ had great historical significance. They were a crucial moment in the history of rock music and left an indelible print on the era. Those first three albums shook the whole rock cogniscienti (?) and redirected the efforts of some of rock's heaviest characters. Can we say that the PLW group did the same?

Given that, I still loved seeing the PLW aggregates, but once Richard left I always saw a huge hole on the stage, and that's something I wouldn't say about Robertson. RR's influence on stage was in the guitar playing, which Weider or someone like him could have covered. But RR's missing influence offstage was obviously felt.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 21:09:43 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

Selling Out! How i love that! To me selling out (generally) is a saying used by folks as an excuse for either their own shortcomings or are bitter their music(art, whatever)isn't a hit. Exactly what is selling out? Is it that if one knows how to write pop and is good at it, that's selling out? Is Britney a sell out or is she sold out of the gate. Does Lou Reed sell out when he happens upon a hit? Did Dylan sell out when he stayed electric? Did the Beatles sell out? Did Sting sell out or Elton John, or Phil Collins or maybe they realized that aging rock stars are better served elsewhere or possibly they want to take on new adventures that just happen to be attached to a wad of cash!

I don't think RR sold out, i think he's a talented writer who's also a smart business man. He makes a wad of cash working for Dreamworks, supervising movie sound tracks and at the same time explores his own musical musings. Seems he has the best of both worlds..., You can't begrudge a man for being succesful.., I can only hope i realize half my goals, both artistically and financially. I Love Levon and I love RR, whatever beef they have with each other is theirs and plays no bearing on my appreciation for their music, solo, et al.., Their squabblings over money and people's preoccupation with it is just noise to me..,

Posted on Wed Jun 20 20:56:32 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

I dunno Hank, I can't make the same generalization. Most musicians I know that are familiar with the Band usually just ignore the feud - or they have a view similair to my own that it's too damn easy to judge someone you don't know.

Besides, like most musicians, I've been in way too many situations where it turned sour and two guys who were good friends now hate each other. In these cases, it's usually the case that both guys are acting like assholes, and choosing sides is a dicey game, even when you're INTIMATELY familiar with what went down.

As is the case here, when "feuds" erupt in my personal world, I refrain from talking shit, and I don't like it when other people try to talk to me about how so-in-so is a &$%##^$. When that happens, I tend to get testy and in-your-face with whoever is trying to dish dirt.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 20:15:47 CEST 2001 from dialup-101.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.101)

Hank

Great Reply......BOB WIGO!....Thanks!

OK folks......here's viewing the so-called Feud from a side angle......most of the musicians I know...not ALL, mind you.....are Levonistas......and I know for a fact that none of 'em come here to post.....but it's interesting that most of them think RR is a big bollix who's souled out to Corporate Music INC........and there's NO talking to 'em about how it MAY have been what RR needed for self preservation.....OR that they was all strung out on drugs 'n' drink blah blah blah....in THEIR view....RR let the side down.....any Robertsonians wanna tackle the issue of WHY this is the case?........I would remind y'all that I myself am an Orthodox RickDankoian

Posted on Wed Jun 20 20:14:12 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

Pehr

I like your take MattK. my guilty pleasure is the aforementioned "Time to Kill", which I shamelessy Love, Lyrics, guitar solo, (Oh and those diminished 7th's!), everything, most of all Rick n' Richard singing like a pack of wolves...

Absolved Sacriledge: Folks, when Ala Glory comes on I gotta skip out! mind ya its not a bad song, I'm not much into lullabies though and it sure dont ROCK the degenerate in me. Its like "Auld Lang Syne"- special occasions only, a couple listens a year.

I'd rather go to Crabby's website with my Flash player and watch Nikki crawl around in those hot pink panties.

is there a connection between those panties and the Band's first record?

Posted on Wed Jun 20 20:12:39 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Just checked out International Blues Fest, Windsor, Ontario site!!! Barnburners, Jeff Healy, and the Fabulous T-Birds!!! I don't want to disagree with Bob Wigo because I never saw the pre-TLW Band live!! However, I did see the post TLW line-up three times!!! Just seemed that that crew was awesome--less strained,less uptight, and really rocked!!! Richard's singing was special, that's a fact! However, Richard Bell was tops on the keys!! Rando added a great third voice; he and Levon drumming really added hard drive to the group!!! Garth--Garth as always was is GREAT!!! Rick was always a crowd pleaser!! Robbie was a great player but Jim Weider, each time I saw him live, matched Robbie-stride for stride!! Well, can't call it a draw but--most recent lineup gets my vote for group to see live!!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 20:12:07 CEST 2001 from (32.97.182.48)

Kent Holcomb

Over the years I've become a huge fan of Robbie Robertson. My favorite CDs are "Music for the Native Americans" and "Contact from the Underworld of Red Boy". These CDs are monumental. I give them out as gifts to my best friends because I know they will love them. While I know the music must change, I hope there will be frequent visits back to Native American roots. Thank you Robbie!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:49:28 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Pat: I'm not making anything more out of it than face value. The robertsonian hand grenade thing just sounded good. Lets not use the word "feud" again. It sets off a nasty chain reaction.

I liked the question. I believe that Jubilation at least, maybe not the other two, stands up to the scrutiny. It is true though that the first two are a hard act to follow.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:39:49 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Don't Wait in place of To Kingdom Come.

Book Faded Brown in place of When You Awake.

Pehr is right about pacing. I would argue that I wouldn't want to take anything from the first two albums to replace anything on Jubilation. The album just hangs together really well. Just like the first two.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:37:00 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

While the post-pre song replacement game is interesting, I'd like to offer an alternative for those wishing to dodge the hand grenades and just have a good old fashioned argument.

Inspired by Pehr (I dunno, Pehr, I like Time to Kill quite a bit myself too), pick one guilty pleasure (i.e. something you like that everyone else seems to hate) and one absolved sacrilege (i.e. pick a song that you hate that everyone else seems to like).

GUILTY PLEASURE:
Dry Your Eyes (TLW version)
Yeah, yeah, I know, but Neil has a certain nostalgia for me - as a kid my parents were obsessed with "Stones" and "Hot August Night." Once you get past the Diamond cheese, it's not that bad a song, really, and with the Band backing him up...let's just say there are other songs I skip over during TLW, but I usually let Neil sing away.

ABSOLVED SACRILEGE
Jemima Surrender
I know it's heresy to 'dis anything on the first two records, but I just really really hate this song. I don't like the lyrics (I feel like it's Rag Mama Rag, but the salaciousness is lacking "Rag's" humor); I don't like the way Levon sings it (I dunno, just a bit too brittle for me), I don't like the chorus (same issue as with the lead vocal - somehow, even with the harmonization, the vox sound REALLY overbright to me).

I do find the groove and melody on the verses to be pretty gutty and cool, but as a whole, I find the song more consistent with the backside of Stagefright and the mix more in keeping with Cahoots than the warmth of the "Brown Album."

Ok, let the rock throwing begin. Be gentle, I'm still a sensitive guy ; )

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:36:43 CEST 2001 from user-33qt8ti.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.178)

Pat Brennan

Chris, you are welcome to interpret the question however you want. If giving it a "feud" spin helps, so be it. I like to think that in the face of all this songwriting discussion, it might be worthwhile to sit back and realistically compare the pre-LW versus the post-LW output, just to remind ourselves how extraordinary those first three albums were and are. And perhaps to realize the standard that even they could never duplicate.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:19:42 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

Pehr

I dont know, maybe I'm nuts but I dont think the post LW records have that much in common with the records from the 70's. I have nothing against the 90's records but to me they would stick out like a sore thumb. the attitude to me is different, the pace , the attack, the production, everything.

heathens! this is a terrible, depressing! Dont give anyone at Dreamworks any ideas!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:11:05 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Well...The question from Pat Brennan "What post RR song could replace any from the first two albums?" is clearly a thinly veiled robertsonian hand grenade.

I of course think that anyone who hasn't listened to a post RR album should be conservative with sharing their opinions.

Jubilation is a fine album. They had really gelled in the studio by that time. There are a handful of songs that could easily replace tunes on the first two albums. It's a little unfair to try to pick out the tunes which would be replaced because the albums flow so well. But here are some that work.

French Girls could replace almost any tune. Spirit of the Dance is a great replacement for Jemima Surrender. High Cotton or If I Should Fail could replace Long Black Veil. Book Faded Brown is a great song.

The whole album is terrific. If you ask me it is the third best The Band album. The hand of Honeyboy is absolutely all over it. I am always surprised when people say they haven't heard it yet.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 19:08:07 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

Pehr

this talk about replacing cuts on pre LW records with stuff from post LW is Sacriledge! dont do it, heathens!

"Time to Kill" has been getting slammed alot in here in recent months...whatsup wid' dat? y'all got holes in your souls or what?

Posted on Wed Jun 20 18:39:18 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

Book Faded Brown - you can add to Stage Fright since it's such a short cd/lp

Posted on Wed Jun 20 18:35:41 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Sorry for the mistake-Jupiter Hollow from NLSC. I also think that Don't Wait fits best on Brown.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 18:34:56 CEST 2001 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

The Rumor? Well, everyone's entitled to an opinion, I suppose. But if I were culling songs from Stage Fright, that would be the last to go. (End of grumble.)

Posted on Wed Jun 20 18:27:37 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

OK- Don't Wait IMHO can replace nothing from Big Pink

Jemima Surrender from Brown

The Rumor from Stage Freight

Thinkin Out Loud from Cahoots

Jupiter Hollow from Stage Freight.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 17:46:49 CEST 2001 from user-33qta6k.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.212)

Pat Brennan

Please follow David Powell's track and identify the song you'd knock off.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 17:42:23 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

I think the best track from Jubilation is Levon's Don't Wait. This song in my opinion could have been on any original BAND release. I also think that many of the cuts from Rick's 1st solo release and RR's first 2 equal much of what was done post Brown.

Matt K no hard feelings and Best Regards to all!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 17:16:50 CEST 2001 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

From Eric Andersen's web site: "There are plans underway to have the DFA One More Shot double album released in the US, Canada, Japan, Europe and the rest of the world this coming summer." Nice!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 17:13:54 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

In answer to Pat's challenge, I would substitute "High Cotton" from "Jubilation" in place of "Time To Kill" on "Stage Fright" any day.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:57:44 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp202.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.202)

Diamond Lil

DaveZ: Somehow my friend, the idea of that snake surfacing in the toilet does _not_ make me feel any better :-)

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:49:38 CEST 2001 from bob42.revealed.net (208.16.227.45)

Mike

Interesting thread about who did the cooking? Levon's book says that Richard did most of the cooking and Garth did most of the dishes, If I rememebr correctly. Just think, Big Pink could have become a backwoods greasy spoon! Just kidding :)

A song from the psot LW albums that could knock off anything from te first three albums? I don't know if that's possible. I've not heard the Post RR albums. I'll bet that some of the material from Cahoots could get knocked off though, such as Where Do We Go From Here. I'll probably get it but I gotta disagree with Lil on The Moon Struck One. I must be one of the very few who actually likes that song. I had a thought...Imagine if The Band continued in 1976 WITHOUT Robbie for touring purposes...Let's say they picked up Roy Buchanan? I just dug up his "Live Stock" album last night...some smokin' guitar on that album...Just a thought. Gotta run...Peace Mike

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:37:51 CEST 2001 from spider-tj062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.202)

Dave Z

So you are a snake charmer Lil'... Don't worry about the ceiling... it's the toliets where they sometimes hide... my Dad had a snake growing up in a boarding house... needless to say some guests left aweful abruptly one day...

When you are younger you sometimes don't know what you miss... I myself passed on the Band twice, but I never liked crowds... I probably wouldn't have fully appreciated it anyway at the time... but I fully enjoyed seeing the Crowmatix... and look forward to the BBs in July... and the Gurus down the line somewhere...

"The Moon Struck One" sounds like a good movie to me... maybe starring Cher...

I was driving home from my painting class yesterday, a frustrating one where I wasn't quite on... but I found myself really enjoying the sights around Lake Minnetonka... I probably looked like a driver just done with Sunday church who comes barreling outta the parking lot... you know the kind, not slow... but rather wildly so full of something of faith that you fail to maybe notice the other drivers... anyway, it just hit me that no matter how poor of a painter I may be, the act of doing it... makes seeing the rest of the world just afterwards real interesting... and I must say, I feel this way also after listening to the Band and relateds... after repeatedly listening to The Bayou Song... I find myself hearing more crickets and tree frogs... Is anybody still with me... gabye... I'm seeing lightning bugs too...:^)

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:34:00 CEST 2001 from p3e9bb846.dip.t-dialin.net (62.155.184.70)

Wolle

Hallo The Band&Fans, Eric Andersen Concert-Germany:20.6.2001 ,20:00Uhr,"Music Star",Marktplatz 11,Norderstedt(bei Hamburg) New CD:Danko,Fjeld,Andersen "One More Shout"(BMG-Norway) Live from Molde Jazzfestival 1991.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:30:29 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti034.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.164)

bob wigo

Hank,

I was blessed to have seen both and both were wonderful but...

The magic of The Band in 1974 was not to be duplicated. The presence of Robbie's razor sharp leads and Richard's magnificent vocal gift and all they brought to that performance cannot be underestimated. Levon and Rick were as finely tuned as a great heavyweight boxer, circling, jabbing, body punching the arrangements with boundless energy. Garth's keyboards swirled above the melodies and took the music, and all there to hear it, to a place none of us had been before. That was an energy that would never be recaptured by subsequent incarnations. The power of time and place, the "heat of the moment" if I may, could never be duplicated. They were as dynamic a band as I have ever witnessed. The chemistry was magnificent and it filled the room with a charge that lifted the hair on your neck like a fast approaching electrical storm.I can clearly recall it twenty seven years later.

By no means is this meant to say that subsequent versions of The Band were not special in their own right. I was fortunate to have seen most of the lineups and there were some fabulous musical moments in those shows. The musicianship was always there and the material clearly stood ( and stands ) the test of time. Comparison is inevitable but clearly difficult at best.

The Band in all its splendor was the crystallization of time and place, hard work and good fortune, shrewd plannning and fortuitous circumstance, technical brilliance and honed musical sensibilities, heartfelt dedication and clear direction. Each and every member of The Band was an alchemist in the truest sense of the word. The enchantment they created so many years ago, the spell they cast upon us, can never be denied.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 16:00:07 CEST 2001 from 1cust95.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.28.242.95)

rollie

Hey Pat Brennan!-Post RR songs?"The Remedy" rules!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 15:38:02 CEST 2001 from proxy3.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.35)

John D

Michael, I just realized that the link I just posted takes you to the CDNow search engine only. You can still hit the link and type in, Buddy Holly Tribute, and it will take you to more information.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 15:35:47 CEST 2001 from proxy3.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.35)

John D

Michael....The above Web page link will take you to more information on the Not Fade Away tribute to Buddy Holly, of a few years back.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 14:39:03 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-te071.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.181)

Ben Pike

Allright, I feel "not as good as Cahoots II" coming on...and it's not going to be pretty....

Posted on Wed Jun 20 14:37:11 CEST 2001 from dialup-117.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.117)

Hank

yer all talking about records...OK......howsaboot this?........How do The Post LW/Jericho Band w/ Jim Weider and Randy compare as a live experience to the pre Last Waltz Band live experience........I only ever saw the post LW line up.....and folks, it was mighty fine......more rock'n'roll than Limp Bizcuit or Marilyn Manson........seriously.......my point is; IS there any comparison? Like, were the pre LW Band so Holy and so Sancrosanct that it is a Mortal Sin and a shameful thing to suggest that the post LW/Jericho Band were actually THE thing to see?....I dunno......I woulda loved to have seen Richard and RR gig....but hey! I woulda like to have seen Jimi, too.......

Posted on Wed Jun 20 13:05:55 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp201.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.201)

Diamond Lil

Pat: I don't know about the first 3 albums, but anything from 'Jericho' or 'Jubilation' could knock out alot of the 'Cahoots' album, in my opinion (especially 'The Moon Struck One' and 'Chinatown'). I do think however, that what the post RR efforts were mostly missing..was not RR... but Richard...

And speaking of snakes (which I kind of was, what with mentioning the dreaded 'Moon Struck One'), I had quite an experience the other day at work. There was a snake.. a _huuuge_ snake...that somehow got up behind the flourescent light panel on the ceiling. It was coiled..and had to be at least 2 and a half feet long. My boss, who is terrified of snakes..looked to me to help him. Yeah right. Just because I once saved him from a small little 8 incher didn't mean I was brave enough to tangle with this thing. So..we left it there...and now...it's gone.. and of course, we don't know where it went...so we both go about our workdays now, with eyes on the ceiling, and bumping into each other alot. What a way to make a buck, hm?

I have a bumper sticker on my car that reads "How's your sax life?" :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 12:28:06 CEST 2001 from 033.b.002.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.134.33)

Erin

Pat: I guess that's really a rhetorical question. But... myself, I think quite a lot of the stuff on Jubilation is better than 'Time to Kill' on Stagefright. But I take the point. There are not a lot of songs on the first three albums, or even I think, any of their other albums, that you could say that about.

But, its also worth turning the question around. I don't think that there are too many songs from RR's solo career that would knock a song off the first three albums, either.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 11:24:22 CEST 2001 from (203.122.15.67)

tony

‘Face Down’ by Tungston Coil sucks. Face down means ass up. Don’t vote for them. Vote for ‘Lonely’ by Blaq lily at http://www.beer.com/jamwithpam/us/6pack/6pack.cgi

Posted on Wed Jun 20 10:05:18 CEST 2001 from fa0.dc1-cache2.mel.dav.net.au (202.53.33.10)

Michael

Dear all, would appreciate some help, heard what was unmistakeably levon sing 'not fade away' on the radio driving home, unfortunately the signal 'faded away', the jock was mentioning a Buddy Holly tribute album but I lost the signal completely, also thought I heard Ricks voice in the harmony, anyone heard this and know what the cut was off. Thanks & regards

Posted on Wed Jun 20 08:53:20 CEST 2001 from adsl-63-212-181.jax.bellsouth.net (208.63.212.181)

JIM ESSERY

HEY, I THOUGHT I WAS ON THIS ALBUM????? PLEASE REPLY

Posted on Wed Jun 20 07:34:45 CEST 2001 from 3cust71.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.56.71)

Crabgrass

Why not make it the first four?

Posted on Wed Jun 20 06:33:28 CEST 2001 from dialup-166.90.69.213.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.69.213)

Pat Brennan

Since things turn in circles and old saws get all shinyed up, I guess it doesn't hurt to ask again: please give me one song from the post-Robertson Band albums that could knock a song off any of the first three albums.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 06:10:30 CEST 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Well, I enjoy the karosene that this guestbook has to offer so I'll jump in the fire again!

Reading Rod's post made me think of something. No. I wasn't there but hey, I get the same information that everybody else believes in......the books. Seriously that quote in Hoskyns' book makes me think back to what somebody told me who kept tabs on what was going on in '93 for the Jericho sessions. From what I've heard, things weren't so peachy during sessions for the making of the album. I'm not fully sure if it was members vs. engineers or members vs. members but there was conflict.

I'm wondering after hearing about the Modern Drummer article that somebody posted a little while ago, and it's not the stuff from the Dylan book, but again it made me wonder. Levon said he he liked going to Japan at the time. What I'm curious to know is after Rick's "incident" in Japan, did this create conflict between the two or was this something simply swept under the rug and forgotten about? Were Levon and Rick on good terms before Rick's passing?

AHROOO!!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 05:20:53 CEST 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

...and was it RR or Albert Grossman who sliced that watermelon?

"I've lost my harmonica, Albert!"

Posted on Wed Jun 20 04:30:34 CEST 2001 from maxtnt-2-17.enter.net (208.137.244.211)

KZR10

Just listened to the "Basement Tapes" today. I have a few questions? Were there any overdubs, or was everything recorded live? Which songs did Levon play on? RR was credited for playing drums on a few songs. Did he really play the drums?

Posted on Wed Jun 20 03:55:22 CEST 2001 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Levon got a lot of song writing credits on Jubilation but so did a lot of people. I don't know how important his contributions were but there is not enough to establish him as a songwriter of any note.In his book Levon writes that he and Rick spent some time working on the groove to Carnival but this is the only song I can remember him being specific about. He goes on to say that Richard came up with the hook "two bit's a shot" but Richard doesn't get a credit so obviously it wasn't a big enough contribution. Even Rick's best momments have been as a co-writer.

Somewhere in Barney Hoskyn's book in the section on the reformed Band there is a comment that goes something like "it didn't take long for the old gripes and complaints to resurface - like he's spending too long in the spotlight". I always thought this was interesting in that it suggests that the bickering wasn't all between Robbie and Levon.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 03:55:46 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-125-196.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.196)

BWNWITennessee

That was one of the finest comedy bits I've seen in some time!

Posted on Wed Jun 20 03:37:20 CEST 2001 from 022.a.004.mel.iprimus.net.au (210.50.36.22)

Erin

It certainly is surreal in here this morning - you got that levity you were after, Bayou Sam, bless you! :-)

Bob Wigo - as a good feminist, i think who did the cooking is EXTREMLY important, and until now it really hasn't been looked at enough...

Now I'm going to lower the tone by responding seriously to Bones' question.

I always took it that everyone did contribute equally and that RR doing quite a bit of the writing and producing was to make up for the fact that the others did so much musically. That is, that RR didn't do much of the singing, and although he swapped over to bass occasionally, he mainly just played one instrument while the others were able to move round and bring lots of different sounds in. (I think the others brought some amazing and varied musical traditions and a lot of stories too.) I thought it was a fair swap.

RR's a great guitarist (well, dah...) my favourite guitarist of all time, but i think that we just happen to be in an historicial period which puts a lot of emphasis on guitar over other instruments. The whole guitar hero thing. In jazz and blues bands of the 20's and 30's (and, at least in jazz for a while longer too) no one cares about the guitarist much. RR makes the same point in relation to songwriters on TLW.

I think The Band is a great band because each of them could do things the other couldn't - the sum of the parts argument - I think they should have got equal money.

Posted on Wed Jun 20 03:27:15 CEST 2001 from syr-24-24-5-34.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.34)

Dr Pepper

Free concert in Syracuse this weekend: Nevilles, Dr. John, Pete Fountain, etc. etc. also later in the summer:www.nysbluesfest.com Where are the barnburners? also: www.geocities.com/GreatNorthestBluesFest

Posted on Wed Jun 20 02:04:22 CEST 2001 from (146.178.26.8)

Michael

Bayou Sam, re Dylan 1966, saw both shows in Melbourne, I also have a boot of 4 songs from the concerts which helps the memory, the shows were chaotic, Bob was off his bean and people were booing and fighting and the music as was Bob said "play it f'ing loud', Mickey Jones was probably the approriate drummer as he belted the shit out of the drums, unfortunatly I never saw the guys in full, next time I saw them was post '76 minus Robbie. Regards

Posted on Wed Jun 20 01:48:23 CEST 2001 from 1cust6.tnt8.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.15.114.6)

HI

I love sax too, Hi

Posted on Tue Jun 19 23:01:10 CEST 2001 from (209.171.221.56)

Carol Penfound

Hi, I am a distance cousin and would like to say hello and find some of your music. I LOVE the sax and have heard you are great.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 22:52:57 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-te052.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.172)

bob wigo

BAM !!

Posted on Tue Jun 19 22:45:35 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Look Chris...I used to be a chef. I think I would know who that apron belonged to.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 22:25:54 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

Wait a second...Robbie might have bought the apron but he couldn't figure out what to do with it until Levon showed him how. Then, sure as I'm born, he copied the way Levon tied his knots and never gave him credit.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 22:08:11 CEST 2001 from st-catherines-ppp112391.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.20)

Richard Patterson

Isn't it true that the boys in the Band could barely boil water until Garth was brought in as cooking instructor?

Posted on Tue Jun 19 21:55:11 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Come on Chris...you know Robbie bought the apron. Levon probably used it a time or two but I believe that apron belonged to Robbie.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 21:38:24 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

The truth is that Levon and Robbie used to share the cooking duties until a bitter argument over who was going to wear the apron.

I think that was when Danko, determined to take matters into his own hands, made a desperate move to procur venison for a barbecue.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 21:32:26 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

That's right, Matt, Richard did the cooking and Garth washed the dishes, as borne out by this quote (actually an outtake) from The Last Waltz:

Garth: "There's a feeling that Joy is evil because it's manuafactured by evil people. But the truth is that the cleanest dishes in the restaurants on 42nd street and the streets of New York came from the dishwashers. They knew how to use Joy and a sponge that would cut through grease and make dishes feel good. That, and it leaves my hands silky smooth."

Posted on Tue Jun 19 21:04:25 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td082.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.187)

bob wigo

EGGZACTLY.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 21:00:45 CEST 2001 from 222.good.net (209.54.25.222)

MattK

Actually, Bob, Richard did most of the cooking, particularly desserts. Most don't realize that "Marshmellow Overcoat" and "Chocolate Subway" were NOT prospective names for the group, but the two favorite treats for the guys after a long night with the 4-track in the basement.

Editor's Note: The preceding was a smart-ass remark intended to bring levity to the GB and perhaps bring a chuckle to those who enjoy such banter. Any resemblance to condescension inferred by reading said banter is the responsibility of the reader and purely coincidental. This disclaimer SHOULD, however, itself be considered a gentle jibe at those who are tempted to take things a bit too personal (you know who you are).

In otherwords: IT'S JUST A JOKE.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 20:47:17 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td082.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.187)

bob wigo

I can't help but wonder who did most of the cooking. Or do you think they did alot of take-out. And who paid?

Please put away your microscopes and return your specimens to the ice box folks.Anybody here been to one of Clapton's recent shows? I'm hearing good things and would like to hear some opinions from the GB.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 20:32:32 CEST 2001 from user-33qt94o.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.152)

Pat Brennan

Levon also got co-writing creditswith the original quintet, one each on The Brown Album, Stage Fright, and Cahoots. Of his solo albums, Levon co-wrote two of the 39 songs he recorded.

For those interested in songwriting credits, a cursory glance at the reissues is somewhat revealing. Big Pink, for instance, had three co-written songs, three Richard Manuel songs, and four Robertson songs. The Brown album had three co-written songs and nine Robertson songs. Stage Fright has three co-written songs and seven Robertson songs. Cahoots has three co-written songs and eight Robertson songs. The co-writing shows various configs: Danko-Robertson, Danko-Helm-Robertson, Helm-Robertson (!!!), Dylan-Manuel, etc.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 18:32:16 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I have a question for this group, and don't attack me because I truly do not know the answer. Should have all five members been paid evenly over the years?

Because it was a group of equals, I can easily see how we would think that way. However, even in the beginning, Robbie was putting in more time, whether it was writing, playing at the mixing board or whatever. Even John Simon acknowledged that it was Robbie who clearly was the visionary of the Band. Because of these reasons, I have never begrudged Robbie of his monetary take (nor have I really cared). Having said that, one of the main reasons I fell in love with this group was that it had NO leader. Five members with equal roles is rare in rock and roll. I love Booker T and the MGs for similar reasons.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 18:21:01 CEST 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Chris: I agree with your post regarding Levon's songwriting--not only does he get co-writing credits on 8 of Jubilation's tracks, but he also had 3 songs on Jericho & 1 on High on the hog credited to him as well...and they all sound very much in style & spirit like the origional Band--so perhaps he is right--he might have had a lot more to do with those classic Band tracks than we've been lead to believe

Posted on Tue Jun 19 16:37:05 CEST 2001 from staten.nbcbano.com (208.132.152.30)

Brien Sz

In the clearest terms possible, an Executive Producer is the Boss! He/She has final say!

On another note, I've purchased several new cd's I'd like to share;
Mike Bloomfield, Live at the Old Warhoff(?)Some really great blues playing, some of the cd is really tight while other parts get loose (I like that quality)It jams!
Train, Drops of Jupiter, in the realm of new music today, this is my speed, rock pop with some pop. Best thing about this cd, they actually have more than 3 good songs on it.
Black Crows, Lions, not nearly as good as their previous outing, By My Side (their best effort IMO), some songs just linger on for no rhyme or reason, lots of mindless screaming/shouting, there are a few gems but not enough to make it a must buy.
Jeff Beck's latest effort, i can't recall the title but the cover has the dirty hands of a black man on it. Like his work of the past decade, this stab at modern rock/jazz/funk, works great in parts and snoozes in others. At least he kept the cd to ten songs.
Ben Folds 5 - i think it's a self titled cd. If you mix Billy Joel piano, Bare Naked Ladies fun, with a splash of the Specials, that's this cd. Interesting, fun, with dash of funky.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 16:00:12 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

David Powell: What am I to do now. Maybe Planet Waves.

No comment from anyone on the Jubilation credits. Well then...I DECREE that Levon shall, now and forever, be considered a songwriter.

I think I love Nicky Love. Or at least those little pink panties.

By the way...I understand that the alternative to the Elliot Landy Brown Album cover was a shot of Richard and Garth in tighty whiteys rolling around the floor of Big Pink.

Robbie nixed the idea because Richard wouldn't let him write a poem on his ass, claiming that there was no way Robbie was gonna take credit for such a fine cheeky display.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 15:01:52 CEST 2001 from 1cust166.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.57.166)

Crabgrass

I think that was inspired by one of the Spinal Tap covers but they left off the dog collar.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 12:45:58 CEST 2001 from dialup-304.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.48)

Hank

Yes, Bayou Sam, I miss Levon on that 1966 Albert Hall live album BUT....I just came across Clinton Heylins book on Bob and he points out , quite correctly, that Dylans live show, in 1966, was WAY more happening than either The Beatles or The Stones in terms of what was going on onstage.....

Posted on Tue Jun 19 07:05:57 CEST 2001 from 1cust115.tnt1.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.28.242.115)

rollie

Great web site Crabby! Not hard to see why Robbie gets BEHIND ole Nicky so to speak! A talented artist, obviously!But, does she have a drinking problem? Why is she crawling all over the place on that site? It's that damn entertainment business isn't it? Down on all fours before you can get any recognition. But hey, the Hawk never pandered to such cheap tricks eh!? No sir! A handful of christmas trees, a couple of back flips, and off he went. Don't make em like that anymore! Of course, I haven't been checking out the heavy metal shows lately. I understand the talent runs deep.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 07:04:09 CEST 2001 from dialup-63.208.68.157.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.208.68.157)

Pat Brennan

Let's see. Off the top, Richard with a singing credit for Between Trains and Garth with incidental music in Raging Bull. I trust there's more....

Posted on Tue Jun 19 06:01:59 CEST 2001 from (146.178.26.8)

Michael

Hi Erin, nice to know there is someone else in town who likes the music, when I first heard the brown album you would have been about -5, always believed good taste in music had nothing to do with age. Enjoy the air up there, I have forgotten what it's like without a lead content. Regards

Posted on Tue Jun 19 05:31:21 CEST 2001 from spider-wb052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.172)

Bayou Sam

Erin = I didn't mean to suggest that your songwriting question was stupid. I'm sorry if I came off that way. I just found it amusing that a songwriting question was asked in the midst of all this "who wrote what" discussion. I was just attempting to throw a little levity into the 'ol GB.

RE: Dylan live 1966 - As great and historical as this recording is - it just loses something for me because of the fact that it isn't Levon behind the skins. I don't know why. Anyone else?

Posted on Tue Jun 19 03:45:17 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I thought payola was illegal????

What is an executive producer?? didn’t realize RR had anything to do with the soundtrack of Shrek. I really enjoyed the sound track while I was watching the film. It was good sing along fun But I just looked at an online music retailer and I see the CD has some artist I never heard of covering I don’t give a damn about my bad reputation though they had the origninal version in the film. And it doesn't have the Robin Hood song on it:( Is Robbie to blame for this??

Actually while I’m on the subject I’m generally tired of being disappointed by cd releases of soundtracks I really enjoyed while watching the film. So often they seem to be padded out with mediocre “songs inspired by the film” by artists I never heard of while they leave off the songs I like. I’m still disappointed the Big Lebowski cd doesn’t have the Tumbling Tumbleweeds song and Viva Las Vegas. I do have those songs elsewhere but they were musical highpoints in the film as far as I’m concerned and when I listen to the soundtrack I want to be reminded of the film. Its just as well they didn’t leave off I just dropped in to see what condition my condition is in I would have been _really_ annoyed.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 03:01:37 CEST 2001 from 1cust148.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.57.148)

Crabgrass

It's good to know that Robbie is looking after Nicky's interests. She'll probably earn more money in royalties for that one soundtrack song than, Levon, Rick, Richard, and Garth earned for all their writing efforts put together.

Someone mentioned a new radio airplay marketing concept called "back announcing" a few months ago where the record company pays for the DJ to announce the name of the song and the artist after it's been played. So if a company buys 100 "back announces" from a radio station it seems that the song has to be played 100 times in order to fulfill the agreement, right? I mean this couldn't possibly affect what's on the station's playlist, right? If there's something I'm missing about this concept maybe someone could enlighten me.

Posted on Tue Jun 19 00:49:19 CEST 2001 from pool-63.49.29.58.mmph.grid.net (63.49.29.58)

Dexy

Thanks Jan and Robyn for the Levon interview from Modern Drummer. I'm amazed that the mag is from '84 -- the photo looks much later. Anyway, very interesting comments from Levon about all sorts of things. Ahh, you know.... On another topic, I picked up a Hooters retrospective CD the other day at a used CD store. My wife and I are big big LARGO fans, and I didn't have any Hooters stuff. It's interesting, and some of it is similar to LARGO. However, outside of the instrumentation (lots of Garthian keyboards and Levonish mandolins), I don't hear a lot of The Band. Interesting music, though. Same trip -- REVOLVER, WHITE ALBUM and BLOOD ON THE TRACKS. Love those used CDs stores.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 23:52:34 CEST 2001 from spider-tj032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.187)

Richard M

The Spirit Of Rick Danko Is in My house. The other day I was in My rehearsal Room, Writing a letter to my estranged Girl friend, I had My discman plugged into my P.A, and I was listening to big pink, I Had A My Rick Danko Autograph sitting on the piano, which I was sitting behind. The Disc Came to its end and I continued writing. A few minutes Later I got up to change the Cd, But when I pushed Play, Nothing happend, I looked Down at the extention cord that I had plugged it into, and The Cd Player was Unplugged, BUT THE BASS AMP WAS PLUGGED IN. I am 100% positive that I unplugged the bass amp so I could use the Cd player, Weird Stuff man, I am just glad That Its Rick Danko in My house instead of Keith Moon or Jim Morrison,

Posted on Mon Jun 18 22:55:39 CEST 2001 from 2cust79.tnt59.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.42.170.79)

King Whistle

The latest (July-August 2001) issue of No Depression contains a review of the Harry Smith Project, April 26, 2001. A couple of nuggets:

"...it was a rendition of the Carter Family's "No Depression In Heaven" that proved to be the night's most captivating performance. While The Band's Garth Hudson masterfully alternated between a trio of keyboards, his wife Maude sang the song with such unadorned elegance that it hushed the packed hall."

"...as the clock approached 1:30a.m. and the house lights went up, concertgoers and participants listened to Hudson play, on a floor-level pipe organ, a rambling but energetic recessional that seemed to capture the eccentric, disheveled spirit of both Harry Smith and this tribute concert."

The issue also includes reviews of the latest reissues.

For those who have not sampled No Depression, I recommend it unconditionally. It contains some of the most eclectic musical discussions this side of...um....the GB when we are not being silly.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 20:50:28 CEST 2001 from dialup-293.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.37)

HANK

When Quinn The Eskimo gets here....The Pigeons are gonna run to HIM!! WOOOAHHHH!!!!!

Posted on Mon Jun 18 20:48:50 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Chris: If I'm not mistaken, isn't Robertson credited with additional lyrics on "Mystery Train"?

Mike: If you have a turntable there are some great new Dylan LP reissues available. The Sundazed label has reissued both "Bringing It All Back Home" and "Highway 61 Revisited" on 180-gram vinyl featuring all-analog mastering from the original mono versions. "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is reportedly next up for release in this on-going project of Dylan reissues from Sundazed. This just in -- Sundazed will soon be reissuing the Butterfield Blues Band's classic "East-West" on 180-gram vinyl also!

Posted on Mon Jun 18 20:13:28 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Re: Soundtracks

Jan: Robbie is a part of two new soundtracks that are out now. The Center Of The World has a Robbie solo track on it. Crabgrass would like it because it also has a track by Nicky Love. Also, Robbie is the Executive Producer for the soundtrack to Shrek which has been the summer's big blockbuster movie.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 19:37:18 CEST 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

WOW!!!!!!

Sometimes it just tickles me that we can rehash things like the feud over and over and over. I don't think there has been any new information on what actually went down since like 1993. Even that was stuff we had heard before.

What is left to discuss. Some people think that Levon is whining...others think that Robbie is a thief (and he digs it).

Rick seemed to suggest that he would rather not discuss it anymore. I don't think Richard is on record saying one thing or another. Garth has made comments that indicate he is not interested in discussing it.

So what's there to say. The best idea is to crank Moondog Matinee...nobody can argue that any of the guys wrote anything on there. Now until Robertson credits show up on Moondog Matinee I think you will be safe.

For the record...I have a copy of Jubilation in my hand. There are eleven songs. Levon Helm is credited on 6. In fact on two of those credited to Levon it is Levon Helm and The Band. And I have to say that the way the credits are listed on Jubilation it is clear that a very democratic environment existed.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 18:43:57 CEST 2001 from zorg135.revealed.net (208.243.237.135)

Mike

I forget who mentioned it earlier, but I don't think The Band/Robbie situation with touring was even remotely the same as The Beach Boys/Brian Wilson dilemna. Brian never left The Beach Boys. He just quit touring. Though after the demise of the legendary and ill-fated Smile project, Brian seemed to lose the plot. But still some good music came afterwards. I don't think it would've worked had Robbie quit touring while he still remained for studio work. It just doesn't seem right. But, The Band DID reform without Robbie in 1983 so that could very well discount that theory. Maybe it could have worked. We'll never know. Levon might not have liked it though. For some reason. I put on Dylan Live 1966 this morning. I haven't heard it for some time now. It's refreshing to hear such music. I forgot just how great Dylan really is. Speaking of Bobby D., wasn't there a plan to remaster his entire catalog? So far, I have only seen Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol 2. remastered while Street Legal has been remixed. Does anyone knpw what the deal is? I'd like to see his catalog remastered! Look at what Columbia did with The Byrds' catalog. They could do a masterful job with Dylan's too! Enough rambling. Peace.

Mike

Posted on Mon Jun 18 17:56:14 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

It's my understanding that on "One Too Many Mornings," Rick is singing "bee-bee-ba-dee-bee" - under the assumption that Bob was, in fact, singing "ma-na-ma-na." Of course, Bob changed the words at the last minute, causing great confusion and consternation.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 17:44:41 CEST 2001 from cm.med.3284842146.kabelnet.net (195.202.182.162)

DJ CHAMELEON

DJ CHAMELEON & Friends had prepared great "ignitions" for their MUSIC FANS - let you impress :-) From the hights of the viennese skyscrapers to the glens of the TUBE - a pleasure trip for the EARS and an excitement for your SOUL ...

Posted on Mon Jun 18 17:27:20 CEST 2001 from dial235.jgora.dialog.net.pl (217.30.148.235)

adam chrobok

The Band is the best ROCK group in the world.Unfortunately in Poland they are not so famous as the deserve it.I am one of the few who care about their magnificient efforts and works of great meaning.Even - as you can resume - my e-mail is taken from the title of their masterpiece. "theband.hiof.no" is great site.I visit it regullary. Congratullations.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 17:02:02 CEST 2001 from spider-to074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.79)

Dan

The Last Waltz is unbelievable.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 16:54:31 CEST 2001 from (209.202.100.68)

Bill

Ben: I don't think Robbie broke up the Band so he didn't have to tour. They were famous for not touring much - even when they were hot. More likely, it seems to me, that it seemed smarter to go out with a bang than with a whimper. Probably correct too, as there are lots of people - possibly some of them reading this - who weren't really aware of the Band prior to TLW.

Another point to keep in mind in thinking of the Band as immutable: Al Kooper's book says something like, "Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm joined Dylan, effectively breaking up the Hawks." Of course as it transpired, Kooper and Harvey Brooks from Dylan's group at the Forest Hills and Hollywood Bowl concerts decided not to continue, thereby opening up spots for Danko, Hudson and Manuel. But I frankly doubt that Helm and Robertson would have looked back had Kooper and Brooks been willing and had - in Levon's case - the booing not started.

Finally - and this in another thing you won't read in the books - is that Levon wasn't even going to leave Hawkins with the rest of the guys at first. As I undertand it, he was going to stick around and manage/mentor Hawkins' new musicians. My guess is the price of his fraternity was the "Levon and" part of the new group's name.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 16:39:42 CEST 2001 from spider-wc073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.53)

butch

Just a friendly reminder that Levon & The Barn Burners ,,, Marines included,,,, will be tearin it up this FRIDAY @ The Towne Crier,,,,Pawling N.Y.,,,,,, Smilin Phil Ciganer's fine establishment always sells out for Levon & The B.B.'s so come early,,,,& stay late,,,

No B.S.,,,no frills, no smoke, no mirrors,,, just good-time blues,,, get up & dancin music,, done RIGHT by the Barn Burners,,,, I WILL SEE YOU THERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! good to get back in the saddle,,,, friday,,,,,,,,,,,,,, butch

Posted on Mon Jun 18 16:09:28 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

I got Dylan Live 1966 for Fathers Day. I really like One Too Many Mornings. Can anyone tell me what Rick is singing? I can not make it out. Thanks!

Posted on Mon Jun 18 14:25:03 CEST 2001 from wstisp1c01.ml.com (199.43.48.21)

Ben Turkel

Pat Brennan, why don't you go back and re-read my post from yesterday. My point regarding the Beach Boys is that the group continued to peform and record during the absence of Brian Wilson. Obviously the cicumstances were very different to the Band's. I think it's unfortunate that RR's decision to leave the Band had the effect of breaking them up for 6 or 7 years. Instead of ending things with TLW maybe Steve Cropper or Amos Garrett among other possible replacements could have been recruited after the '76 tour to perform with the other 4 members. Of course this is pure speculation, but that's much of what's posted here.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 12:27:17 CEST 2001 from grmn-189ppp175.dialup.valstar.net (216.37.189.175)

Diamond Lil

Congratulations to EB (and of course..to Mrs. EB!) on the birth of your very first baby. A very special Father's Day I'm sure!

John Donabie: I somehow deleted your other e-mail address. Please contact me when you have a moment. Thanks.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 11:00:36 CEST 2001 from 083.mel0406.mel.iprimus.net.au (203.134.53.83)

Erin

I've just got two kittens - I meant to get one, but they both looked so miserable at the animal shelter I couldn't leave either. Anyway, they both jumped up on my desk and across to my shoulders as I was writing this and they're watching me type. So I kinda remind myself of Dylan's diplomat, even though I have the wrong number of cats on my shoulders and even though they're not siamese.

A post from a Band fan from Melbourne, which is close enough to being my home town, or city anyway (Michael), and a post from a fan in my age bracket (Hangover) - what an excellent day!

Bayou Sam - sorry. I went back and read my question and it sounds either stupid, or like I'm picking a fight, and probably both. I didn't mean that at all. (I guess no one ever actually MEANS to be stupid...) I have always assumed that the BT were communally written and that more specific credits would not make much sense. But I read that 'Orange Juice Blues' is credited to Manuel. And I remembered reading that 'Bessie Smith' is credited to RR and Rick. And so I was just wondering. Really, I was just interested to know which of them put together which kind of songs.

Brown Eyed Girl - I've read RR say that on one occasion no one turned up. I didn't know that he had said that it was more than just once. Anyway, whatever, I've often thought that it was an interesting comment because I've read five or six people say, independantly that Rick in particular was extremely consciencious about practise, and that he was first there and last to leave. I've always thought that their comments were reliable too, not just because of many different people in many different situations saying it, but also because often those people were telling a story, in which the hard work of someone like Danko was incidental to the story. In other words, they were not setting out to convince anyone about how hard anyone practised, they were actually trying to convey something else. As a rule of thumb, thats usually good evidence. (Also, these examples I'm thinking of go right up to TLW and beyond.)

About the feud, there are actually a lot of good primary sources on the issues both by interested and disinterested parties. Somewhere along the line, an injustice has been done to someone. If the issue really matters to you, you are not really in a position where you have to say 'I wasn't there, I wouldn't know' or that you have to choose between two biased accounts.

Pasta's burning I've gotta run... That's right, I'm actually capable of burning pasta - now you all know if i ever invite you to dinner to refuse...

P.S. Sorry for the long and rambling post.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 10:48:46 CEST 2001 from as1-130.blm.bluemarble.net (63.87.46.131)

Todd Berryman/92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hi all...I was out for the weekend and away from the computer, so sorry I'm a little late. Tommy - Be well. When it happened to me, I discovered a balm in "When You Awake" and "When I Paint My Masterpiece" alternating for about two hours straight. My sympathies are with you. Peace, out. - Todd.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 09:59:39 CEST 2001 from spider-ntc-td023.proxy.aol.com (198.81.17.158)

Mike

Time to move on, but Pat, maybe moral isn't even the right term. I don't know. All I meant was that it would've been cool if the Three Musketeer/Brotherhood/Clubhouse mentality, which was so evident in the collaborative/creative recording process (at least early on), was also there on the money end of things. I have no doubt in my mind that JRR probably penned both lyrics and music for most of the songs credited to him. It just would've been nice if they all shared equally. (And without the other's important contributions as a vehicle, who knows what would've happened to those songs? We probably would never have even heard them in the first place, meaning there wouldn't have been any money if the songs never even got recorded by the guys in the first place...) Anyway, time to move on. (Thanks to those of you who e-mailed me privately. You gave me food for thought.)

Posted on Mon Jun 18 09:00:37 CEST 2001 from spider-tk074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.209)

Ben Pike

O.K., I think at this point it's fair to ask: Have the people in this room taken apart the major crossroads and leave takings in THERE OWN LIVES with the tenacity with which they have dissected the break up of "THE BAND?" It was twenty five years ago, it was played out, they were only going to get deminishing returns.... LET'S MOVE ON!!!!!!

Posted on Mon Jun 18 08:05:32 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-117-7.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.7)

BWNWITennessee

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers! (Doesn't sound quite as good as "Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers")

Mike, the quote you mentioned comes from "Levon's" book; a dubious statement from a source of extremely dubious authorship (Levon, or more likely Stephen Davis, basically plagiarised the entire thing, with the possible exception of the deer shit story, then asked the fans to buy what amounts to a bunch of excerpts from old interviews. His book's about as authentic as The Band's Watkins Glen CD).

Posted on Mon Jun 18 07:12:18 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BILLY from AUSTRALIA!

CONGRATULATIONS to EB.....proud papa......new BAND and ROOTS REGGAE fan has joined us.

Brooke......I agree with you......Although I really like Jeff Beck as a guitarist I like Robbie's version of "Amazing Grace" even better.......sheer elegance!

Don P........I emailed Hiatt and will let you know if I hear anything....

My recollection of the Robbie and Pamela Wallin interview......Robbie was against touring but was not against working together.......He said that it eventually got to the point where no one was showing up for rehearsals anymore........

Posted on Mon Jun 18 07:02:03 CEST 2001 from spider-ta031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.56)

Dave Z

The heck with prayers... I got a GB challenge... a reality thread... here it is... Can anybody write up a good brief piece for like the "History" section that summarizes "only" the positive highlights of the Band's musical contribution to society... and here's the catch... it's got to buck the popular conception that the group declined after the 2nd album?... Make it some kinda piece you would give to your best friend to politely inform them why they should be obsessed with this music... Oh, and you have to believe what you write is true... I think the trick is to focus on each individual and their unique contributions maybe on a single song basis instead of an entire album... I think I'll try...

Posted on Mon Jun 18 06:45:07 CEST 2001 from spider-ta031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.56)

Dave Z

Hey Fred, I think a prayer vigil is a good ideal... I been doing some lately anyway so one more won't hurt... why don't we start off first hoping the remaining 3 keep their health for a while to come... then 2nd we can as fans get selfish... and hope they keep cranking out the music, which I think is pretty darn good right now via Crowmatix, Gurus and definitely RR too (I'll add the BBs after I hear them)... and then, what the heck, I can get ideaistic... let's pray for a patching up of the Band legacy on the heals of the forthcoming success... I'd like to see the three do one more CD... as a challenge of sorts... blow us all away... if that's possible... and call it "The Band: Helm, Hudson and Robertson"... maybe have Daniel Lanois referee... it just seems to me you should be able to re-write a better ending... In a weird sorta way, I would think that the post RR version of the Band would somehow get a deservidly better shake in the historical review arena if such a reunion could be pulled off... and then coming back to a more practical approach of betting on a horse that's in the race, I'd settle for a new Lanois CD... after listening to all he has done with Emmylou, Dylan, Neville, Willie, Gord, U2 and RR... I think maybe he's got some of the Band's voodoo juice from the same jar Prof. Louie evidently has...

Posted on Mon Jun 18 05:59:25 CEST 2001 from (146.178.26.8)

Michael

My experience is much the same as Lils,for a long time thought no one in this country knew who the Band were, I could not beleive this astonishing music wasn't the biggest thing in popular music, from the moment I heard Ricks bass line in "Across the Great Divide'I was a fan, I think everything they did was good and does not need to be dissected, the beauty of their music was their lack of ego and ability to chop and change to produce the best song they could. I saw Little Milton being interviewed last night and when asked if he was satisfied with his career thus far he said "I am grateful of all Gods blessings", I think all music is a blessing especially the Bands. This is,as I might have said before, is a fabulous site and I do enjoy the good feeling that is reflected here. Ps, Brooke, I could agree more, well said. Regards

Posted on Mon Jun 18 05:55:55 CEST 2001 from fw04.nirai.ne.jp (202.239.129.37)

Fred

Ah, the day after Father's Day (it's Monday in my part of the world). Spent part of a very hot Sunday afternoon digging up dirt and planting Japanese sweet potatoes in a 1 TSUBO plot ( 1 TSUBO = 1 square metre I think..it could be 3...I don't remember!!) courtesy of our neighbourhood community centre and my wife and daughter who entered our names to participate in this %#"&#%"& event!! The harvest will be in December and there will be some sort of get together with the other 20 families who participated. connection to the Band...obvious...while I was digging away sweat dripping from my pores like Niagara Falls, I began singing, between expelitives, KING HARVEST!!

Now as I recover from heat exaustion/sunstroke/sunburn I got to thinking instead of focusing on this feud thing, why don't we all channel our energies into something more positive...my wife is always on my case for being too much of a pessimist (I say I'm more of a realist..)She's a Buddhist and her particular sect (brand?!?) are very much into the power of positive prayer. So taking a page from her book, why don't we all hold some sort of prayer vigil (in groups, alone, whatever) so that Messrs. Helm, Hudson and Robertson get together and cut an album (CD). All NEW material (HOWEVER all songs attributed to Helm, Hudson, Robertson, MANUEL & DANK0), with guest vocalists and muscians (e.g. of the top of my head.. Dylan, Bruce Hornsby Hank from Cork..), call the core trio HRH and then we'll all go out and buy the CD. Perhaps it may be theraputic, this feud will end and we, the fans, would benefit, too!!

Posted on Mon Jun 18 05:01:07 CEST 2001 from h0000f8718e9a.ne.mediaone.net (24.218.187.47)

Hey Hey My My

Anybody else think Dave Marsh sucks?

Posted on Mon Jun 18 04:44:41 CEST 2001 from dialup-166.90.84.102.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.84.102)

Pat Brennan

Mike, trying to make the songwriting thing into a moral issue can be very dangerous. Let's say for a moment a member of a group works for years honing a song--trust me, that happens. He consults poetry books, history books, rewrites the lyrics a million times, plays it over and over, literally puts hundreds of hours into it. Finally, the writer brings it to the group. The structure is surprisingly simple: three chords, obvious harmonies, little soloing, but dang is it good. The group records it in three hours. The singer in the group changes a phrase during the recording but otherwise sticks almost exactly to the melody the writer developed. The song hits big and everybody makes a bunch of dough from the sales. They tour on the strength of the song and make tons more. Does the singer for his/her phrase change get a percentage of the publishing? Should the songwriter make more money than everyone else for all that extra work? Wouldn't "morality" demand that the person who does the most work make the most money?

There was a post earlier deriding Robertson for "only" putting out four albums in the last 25 years. You sound like the owner of a label with typical expectations from your artists, you know, gimme the tunes whether you feel like it or not. You also ignore Robertson's movie work which could double the output.

And whoever hoped that Robertson could end up like Brian Wilson's relationship to the Beach Boys, well let's hope not. Seriously, it was well-reported at the time that The Band expected to continue to record together. They just never did, at least not in that configuration.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 03:55:09 CEST 2001 from spider-we043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.38)

Bayou Sam

Erin = songwriting credits for the Basement Tapes? That's a tough one. It could have been Robbie, or Levon. Maybe Bob Zimmereman, or Richard. Maybe Rick and Garth wrote them all and never wanted credit. I hear it was a guy who came to read the gas meter one day at Big Pink :-)

Speaking of songwriters - June 18 = Happy Birthday Paul McCartney.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 02:18:09 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp67.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.67)

Diamond Lil

Mike: I just read your post about Garth's "Genetic Method" and I can assure you that Robbie Robertson did _not_ in any way compose it. I don't have the cd where he's given credit for it, but it's obviously a typo. The tune came about with Garth kind of playing around with bits and pieces of tunes.. and I don't think he's ever played it exactly the same way twice. And although it includes bits of other tunes, it is, for all intents and purposes, a Garth original.

Have a good night everyone.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 02:10:26 CEST 2001 from del-pm3-1-3.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.18)

Ann

Isn't Radney Foster a country singer...in a country band? Foster and Lloyd rings a bell...

Posted on Mon Jun 18 01:51:54 CEST 2001 from 033.mel0501.mel.iprimus.net.au (202.138.37.33)

Erin

Can anyone tell me where I can find a list of writing credits for The BAsement Tapes? I've looked on this site and not found them but that doesn't necessarily mean they're not here because this site is so big. Failing a list anywhere, can anyone tell me what the credits are? Thanks.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 01:36:52 CEST 2001 from dialin-1116-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.5.100)

Gene

That was a joke. Anyhow, the important thing, to me, is that those guys left a legacy of excellent music, so let's enjoy that.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 01:32:18 CEST 2001 from spider-ntc-td071.proxy.aol.com (198.81.17.181)

Mike

Bayou Sam...Both Genetic Method and Chest Fever are listed separately on both the album and the CD reissue.

I've gotten some private e-mails regarding my previous post about Genetic Method. One said the new reissue credit was a typo, like "Baby, Don't Do It." Possible, but I doubt it. With this controversy boiling for more than a few years now, I would think the listing of the credits was probably checked and double checked, especially the ones that weren't covers. One fella suggested maybe Garth sold partial credit to Robbie. He went on to mention Genetic Method having about eight different pieces of songs written by other people, so...? Another reminded me that I don't know all the facts, which is true. Another asked if this is true, why would the other members put up with what amounted to fraud for so many years. I don't think it's a legal issue at all. It's a moral issue. Peter Viney pointed out quite a while ago that there were two schools of thought regarding songwriting credits, both entirely legal. The first one is where all the credit goes to the "songwriter," i.e., the lyrics and the music. The second one is where the credit goes to the "group" as a collaborative effort. Robbie COULD have done it the second way, but he chose not to. Legal, yes. Moral, I don't think so. My opinion, of course.

I've asked this before and didn't get an answer, so here it goes again. I have heard that at the time when it was abundantly clear that the guys were breaking up, the subject came up about them continuing as The Band WITHOUT Robbie, and Robbie (allegedly) said, "We could stop it." Does anyone know anything about that statement? If so, can you shed some light?

Someone mentioned a while ago that "The Band is Back" (reunion) video was pathetic. How so? I've got that one on a tape right before the Japan concert and think they're great. There's precious little footage of the guys in action and I'll take anything I can get. What comes across to me is the pure joy of playing. A little bit of history that we're privvy to. Rick doing his happy dance is a blast. Same thing with the NOJF show from '95. Do you think that pathetic too? Gee, I'll get all I can and can all I get...There's not a lot out there that rings my bell these days.

Loser...If I couldn't write at least at a 5th Grade level I'd give it up...

Posted on Mon Jun 18 01:31:45 CEST 2001 from del-pm3-1-3.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.18)

Ann

Thanks Cupid for the answer to the royalties question.

Posted on Mon Jun 18 01:23:40 CEST 2001 from dialin-1116-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.5.100)

Gene

You know what? What's done is done, and we have no way of knowing what happened. I don't know if Jaime wrote, "I'm a thief and I dig it", or if he stole it. I don't really care. However, I think careful attention should be paid as to who takes credit for songs that Nicki writes. ha ha

Posted on Mon Jun 18 00:11:19 CEST 2001 from 1cust178.tnt3.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.109.178)

Hi

OK i stop making records you rite.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 23:57:13 CEST 2001 from macjdw2.chem.upenn.edu (130.91.64.93)

Colin

hello everyone, Could anyone tell me where one could buy Band T-shirts, please? Its getting mighty hot in Philly!

Posted on Sun Jun 17 23:31:18 CEST 2001 from atpm3-7-13.enter.net (208.137.244.69)

Hangover

This website is probably the best website I've seen for a music group. There is so much valuable info in here. I've never even seen everything that is contained in here. Almost anything you want to know about the Band is right here. I started listening to the Band 3 years ago. Now, I listened to them almost every day. The first Band CD I bought 3 years ago was "The Best of the Band." Then last year they released the "Band's Greatest Hits" which has most of the songs on "The Best of the Band" plus alot more. Basically "The Best of the Band" is a waste of money now, unless you want to hear "Twilight." I also have TLW and ROA. The Band is so unique. I'm 26 years old and I don't even listen to today's music. The Band is what moves me.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 21:46:39 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp176.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.176)

Diamond Lil

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Have a good evening.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 21:25:59 CEST 2001 from atpm3-8-1.enter.net (208.137.244.103)

KZR10

I am delighted to hear that the "The Last Waltz" will be released on DVD next year. I hope there's alot of additional footage. I think the original movie's a dissapointment. Too many songs are left out of it, and several of the songs that did make it are edited. Why couldn't they contain "Cripple Creek" in its entirety. Also, I think the cameras didn't focus on the right spots at the right time. They should've focused more on Garth when he was doing solos. The CD is great though. I hope they rerelease the soundtrack with additional songs. I can't wait.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 20:46:59 CEST 2001 from a156097.upc-a.chello.nl (62.163.156.97)

wat zijn jullie mega slecht

HEEEEEJZZ GUYS i THINK YOUR MUSIC SUCKS WHEN i LISTEN TO YOUR SHIT i BECOME A HEADACHE I HOPE YOU GUYS STOP MAKING ANY RECORDS NOW LOZERSSSSSSSSS

Posted on Sun Jun 17 20:44:19 CEST 2001 from proxy03.wxs.nl (195.121.6.100)

Loser

You're just a bunch of old losers quite your band because it sucks ass

Posted on Sun Jun 17 20:32:05 CEST 2001 from spider-te042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.192)

Ben Turkel

I don't think it's fair to compate Levon leaving the Hawks in '65 and RR putting together 'the last waltz'. At the time of Levon's departure, they had recorded a few singles, they were nowhere near the level of success thwy were in '76. Did Levon try to break up the Hawks or prevent the other guys from touring with Dylan? RR's decision to put together the last waltz broke up the Band primarily because he wanted to stop touring.

Since apparently he was the only one to feel that way, it's too bad that they didn't recruite another guitatist and continue performing as the Beach Boys did when Brian Wilson left in the 60's. I wonder to what extent this possibility was discussed at the time. Maybe RR could have taken on a role like Robert Hunter with the Dead and continue to write songs and work on albums with the Band (as he said would happen in interviews at this time)

I don't want to rehash the songwriting arguments, I don't think Levon has ever claimed to be a writer, but when people keep bringing up the fact that RR is the only one to continue writing in his career,this may be true but the fact is he took nearly ten years to release his first album after TLW and has released 3 more in the last 14 years, this roughly equals his songwriting output from 1968-71 from Big Pink to Cahoots. I have no doubt that closeness of the Band during the late 60's inspired many of these songs. For example I can't imagine 'Dixie', 'Rag mama rag' or 'Up on cripple creek' being written without Levon's prescence in the Band. RR made a comment about Richard's writing drying up after the first few band albums, the fact is that RR's writing while not stopping has certainly decreased in quantity over the last 30 years and I don't think it'a a coincidence that this began when the Band began drifting apart.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 19:32:17 CEST 2001 from 24-159-102-250.hsacorp.net (24.159.102.250)

Don Pugatch

Couple of weekend comments, first went to the WRFG Back Porch Blues Festival, it was smokin, only stayed for about 5 hours, got to get my beauty sleep, but was wearing my Garth T Shirt and the guy pouring beer stops, in the middle of the cup, and says to me, Hey, I love that guy, and we started to talk about Garth, The Last Waltz, The Band and finally filled my cup and and walked away.

I could not stop people watching, lots of White people, Black people,Hispanic people, kids, teens, adults, Alta Cockers(is the spelling right, Butch), but the Blues brought us all together. It would have been a great venue to see the Barn Burners, but this was a local thang. As I always say, live music can cure whatever ails ya, and if the world would just be a little "Bluer" it may be a better place.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 19:21:25 CEST 2001 from 1cust62.tnt7.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.15.112.62)

RocketMann

All this talk about songwriting and who did what is tiresome. John Fogerty is someone who really got screwed over, although He has credit for the songs he's written, all the money goes right into Saul Zaentz's pocket. I have no doubt that all the members of The Band made (& squandered) extraordinary sums of money over the years. Yeah, I'm sure it was a group effort, but the fact is that only one former member has continued to write and record songs in the decades since they disbanded. All of the "post RR" work shows that the other members are extremely good at reinterpreting other people's material, even to the point of making their own versions definitive (Atlantic City and Blind Willie come to mind). They should have made a better deal back in the day, but they didn't. Let's all take a deep breath and quit whinning about mistakes and missed opportunities and move on to something more constructive.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 18:45:29 CEST 2001 from spider-tr042.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.192)

Bashful Bill

Well, I asked for a report on the Newtown show, and I got a good one.Just wish I could have been there this year. Thanks Rick S, and I hope yer enjoying yer Father's Day.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 18:04:59 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tg022.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.157)

Bayou Sam

"block your ass from my in-box" - wasn't that a lyric from a Marshmallow Overcoat tune?

Mike = I don't have the ROA re-CD yet,so Ihaven't seen it. But are you sure that the Robertson part of the credit isn't for Chest Fever? - are the songs listed as Genetic Method/Chest Fever?

I'm thinking out loud again. It's 1976 and the Band is a run-away train wreck. Robbie realizes that things have peaked and he's not into being a bar band again, which the rest of the guys are happy to be. There's nothing wrong with either one of those feelings - but they will split up a band. So RR orchestrates this huge farewell event - will little support from his buds. Levon and Rick put out albums right away. Richard was probably at a loss. Garth probably could have had lots of studio work with a couple of phone calls. RR went into film stuff like he wanted too. Levon even worked with RR after this. Sso WHAT HAPPENED? Maybe after years of bar gigs Levon decided that it sucked having to do that to survive. I dunno. It just seems to me that Levon is the kind of guy that, as soon as Big Pink was released, and he saw unfairness in the writing credits, would have pinned RR against the wall and said "what's this shit?".

Hey - Levon left in '66 and came back. RR left in '76, and if I'm remembering correctly, offered to work with the guys later and was told to go suck an egg - right?. Interesting.

Remember - I'm a fan who's thinking out loud. I wasn't there. Don't yell at me.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 17:50:27 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-te044.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.169)

Friend Indeed

If anyone's looking for ROOSEVELT STADIUM on the Deep Six label, I have an unplayed duplicate copy.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 15:35:04 CEST 2001 from spider-ntc-tc062.proxy.aol.com (198.81.17.47)

Mike

Let's leave Levon and royalties out of the feud for a minute...Let's talk about Garth. Everyone who's ever met him says he's one of the sweetest, most humble guys ever. He's been pretty quiet about things and hasn't said much publicly, except for saying that he thinks what Robbie said about the road (TLW) was ridiculous. (I'd LOVE to get his take on things, but that's up to him.) Anyway, I just checked my old vinyl Rock of Ages and it gives writing credit for "Genetic Method" to G. Hudson. On the new ROA CD reissue, lo and behold the song is credited to Robertson-Hudson. What, did JRR write the words? There WEREN'T any! Did he write the music? Then what was Garth doing? See, to me it's never been so much about the money as in the principle of the matter. If the truth be known, they probably all had plenty of money at one time or another. If some of them squandered it and weren't smart with it, well I guess that's just how it goes. But right is right and this particular example isn't about Levon at all.

Ronnie Hawkins once said that the guys shouldn't get too upset because Robbie took care of business. Yup. He sure did. He left his hick friends in the dust and never looked back. And almost thirty years after the fact he's given himself co-credit on a Garth standard, and getting paid for it. Nice piece of work...

Posted on Sun Jun 17 14:42:33 CEST 2001 from spider-ta073.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.78)

Rick S.

I attended the excellent benefit concert at Edmonton Town Hall in Newtown, Ct. Thursday night. Thanks to Prof. Louie for putting it all together. .... This was Tom Pacheco's second year at the WPKN event. I enjoyed his performance of his song about Jenny Butterfly Hill who sat protesting atop a redwood for two years. My favorite was his prayer song about his younger sister Patti. .... Graham Parker creates a wonderful sound with just his voice and guitar. His patter is very funny and self-effacing. .... The Gurus came out smoking in their 10 song set. Jimmy Weider was exceptional as ever, particularly on "Deepest Cut." This is the first time I saw Jerry DeWitt, the human voltage meter. She and Randy Ciarlante were trading vocals on "Blues Condition" in a seemingly competitive deathmatch. I wonder if they had to fight for one mic if Randy would drop a drumstick to claw for it. Randy dedicated " Sliding Home" to my Pat (who's doing very well). Jeremy Baum was the coolest (literally) in the auditorium- wearing a bright red flowered shirt and shorts; playing great keyboards; and when he finished and walked thru the auditorium he gave his economical wave to some lady fans. I tell you, the ladies love this man. Randy and Jimmy joined the Crowmatix in the encores which included "Hand Jive," "Ophelia," and the Crowmatix CD version of "Rock and Roll Music." Randy said the Gurus are lining up dates in Clinton, N.J.; Danbury, Ct.; and Newport, R.I. Check it out further on "JimWeider.com" later. .... The Crowmatix with the great Garth Hudson closed the show with an excellent set, mostly from their new CD. Miss Marie was stunning in her long red coat and her traditional black "blues" sunglasses. She looked like she was having such a good time. She sings the way my wife Pat fantasizes about singing- belting the songs out with great voice, spirit and joy. Some favorites- "Tear of the Clouds," Bayou Blues," and "Mr. Luck (featuring drummer Gary Burke)". Garth was fantastic all night on synthesizer, accordion and sax. He was the funniest I've seen him - there should have been time-lapse photograhy covering his cap position thru the night; and culminating in the now-famous "fanning duel" with Jim Weider at the end of the night. .... The highlight of the entire show was Garth's intro solo to "Twilight" and the Crowmatix' rendition honoring Rick Danko. They captured the room. They played with such focus and inspiration taking it to another level. There wasn't a sound from the audience. .... Thanks to all the performers who contributed to a great night.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 06:36:06 CEST 2001 from hyp01-207-97-142-48.i-2000.net (207.97.142.48)

BK

Tommy, My condolances on the loss of your grandmother. I lost mine a few years back, but she's still with me. Yours is still watching over you, too, believe it. - Bill

Posted on Sun Jun 17 05:27:37 CEST 2001 from dialup-307.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.51)

Hank

TOMMY....I'm sorry to hear you've lost your Grandmother....You'll find her in you hearts golden memories.......peace be with you.............

Have any of you heard about the latest Phenomena in Cork?........Two Killer Whales swam into Cork Harbour last week and proceeded up the river to Cork Ctiy Center...I kid you not.......Last night these Orcas were hunting mackeral in the River Lee.....huge crowds watching them.....Astounding, to say the least....I'm gonna check 'em out tommorrow if I can......completely unprecendented......

ajr.......religious, if only for Scorceses cinematic treatment of the fellas in The Band........right or wrong, my perception of these fellas after seeing TLW is that they were some kinda Holy Men.....making music........despite all I've learned about them, seen them, met them and mourned them in the meantime....I STILL kinda believe that about them.........I mean, Rick was one magical dude....

Posted on Sun Jun 17 04:13:17 CEST 2001 from spider-wl051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.41)

Dave Z

Hey Brooke, I wanna see the tatoo... put on your Garth shirt... and post a scan... :^)...

Posted on Sun Jun 17 03:53:29 CEST 2001 from spider-we052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.42)

Bayou Sam

Tommy = my condolances to you and yours

Pat Brennan = nice post

Everyone else - smile, have a great day.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 01:18:09 CEST 2001 from rash1-85.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.85)

Brooke

Mike D: STOP E-MAILING ME! It's obvious we don't like one another, so why bother? Next time you e-mail me, I'm going to send you a picture of my Robbie Robertson tattoo and then block your ass from my inbox.

Posted on Sun Jun 17 01:11:52 CEST 2001 from cf3k-3.lqy.tsnz.net (203.98.21.43)

ajr

Hank- Dunno about quasi religious erotic glow of TLW. Where does the religious part come in? One thing TLW gave me which I will be eternally grateful for was an introduction to the music of Dr John and if Such a Night isn't sexy well... Also I will admit, as I may have before, it really surprised me reading Levon's complaints that Robbie hogged the limelight in TLW because the young Levon completely mesmerised me & was the star of it as far as I could see. He was so charismatic and his voice…but I refuse to get any more personal or girlishly effusive.

Tenessee- I've listened a couple of times now to Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby and I really can't tell whether it’s a saw or a theremin in the background. It could be a saw but I'm relying on vague memories of the sound of a busker I saw playing one a couple of years ago. I've tried to find something on the internet like a complete list of who played what on each song to no avail. Its very annoying that they don't seem to have made this information publically available. They are showing no consideration for those of us who care about the pursuit of trivia!!

Posted on Sat Jun 16 23:56:59 CEST 2001 from spider-tm044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.64)

Tommy

Bob Wigo,Ahroo!(Tracy),AJR(Amanda),Crabby, Butch, Javalina,Molly Z,Cupid,Lil,Donna...

...Thanks.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 20:38:39 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.lndn1.on.wave.home.com (24.112.158.247)

kerrilyn

I haven't been in here in ages, probably close to a year. And maybe this info has already been posted here previously (but I don't have time to go through the archives). I heard on the radio yesterday that Levon and the Barnburners are playing the Bluesfest in London Ontario on July 15 (9.45-11pm). More details on other artists schedules here http://www.TheBluesFest.com/london/schedule.htm ....yeah....I've been hoping they would come up this way!!!

Posted on Sat Jun 16 19:40:07 CEST 2001 from spider-wi083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.58)

Richard M

Has anyone else noticed the Ultra pissed off expression on Robbies face after Van Morrison walks off the stage on the last waltz,, I was just wondering

Posted on Sat Jun 16 19:38:59 CEST 2001 from 1cust118.tnt2.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.108.118)

Hi

A public thanks to Pat B. for answers to some of the questions I posted

Posted on Sat Jun 16 19:30:24 CEST 2001 from spider-wo033.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.33)

Donna

Being that school is out for the summer, I missed the last couple of days in here. Having the children home for the summer has brought a whole new meaning to the word "hectic." I am so happy to be able to come in here and find some sanity. heh-heh..

Charlie Young & Tommy: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is the memories that will help carry you both through the pain. My thoughts are with you both

To the nice & pleasant one: I missed seeing Jesse Colin Young, when he was playing here at The Point. Thank you for posting his website for us.

I was unable to make it to the Newtown, CT show, and I was wondering if someone could post more about this show. What songs did Tom Pacheco play? Javalina: I heard that the encore was really hot, so much so that Garth took off his red baseball cap to fan Jim Weider while he got down on the guitar.

As far as best guitar players that Levon played with, my vote goes to Herbert Sumlin, Fred Carter Jr. and Jim Weider.

Lastly, a Very Happy Father's Day to all the dad's in the house!

Posted on Sat Jun 16 18:17:16 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I finished the Sounes book on Dylan this week and it was interesting that even Garth was quoted as saying: "We went from a bar band to the Albert Hall because of Bob.....Any exaggeration would be an understatement when it comes to the help we got from Bob Dylan."

As far as the solo and the reformed Band music........I still find Robbie's solo work the most satisfying in relation to original songwriting and guitar playing.........It is one thing to say that you don't care for Robbie's native influenced music.......It is another thing to not acknowledge that he is creative, experimental, brilliant and continues to beat to his own drum whether you approve or not...........I hope he will continue to make some noise.........his way........and still continue to hope that one day he will play with Levon and Garth again (in the same room of course!).......but only if they really want to connect again musically.......not because there is a demand for it to happen......

Posted on Sat Jun 16 17:43:17 CEST 2001 from dialup-209.244.65.194.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (209.244.65.194)

Pat Brennan

Craig, as someone else pointed out, this whole musical family thing you reference has some problems. Levon left the group when he got fed up with the booing at Dylan shows. After the motorcycle accident, the remaining four repaired to the Woodstock area where they began the fabled Basement Tapes with Dylan. I would guess most observers pinpoint this moment as the beginning of The Band. About 150 songs later, Levon finally did show up and found a completely different group to which he added his unique and enormous talent. But that history belies your family theory.

Since you know the Canadian music scene, you must know that Ronnie Hawkins hired Robertson and brought him to New York as much for his songwriting ability as anything else. That's years before The Band.

Since the Band's breakup, Robertson has released four albums of original songs. You discount this for some reason, saying that there are no classics in this part of his library. I disagree completely but that's not the question. What is germane is that he has continued to write songs which people search out, both other writers and the public. His first album had a number of collaborations on it, and he has written a number of soundtrack songs which also are collaborations. He has also written tons of songs on his own. You like a certain period of his writing which is common, but the fact remains that he has continued to write songs his entire life, something which-with the occasional exception of Rick--no one else in The Band did.

If Garth, Richard, and Rick felt so ill-used, why did they continue to work with him?

Since I agree this whole subject is fraught with ill-will, I'd like to say something here. At the risk of sounding self-aware, I've written a number of footnoted histories. I like the pursuit of facts. Be that as it may, I am not convinced that Robertson is without guilt on this subject, but I also find little to support assertions that he is an inveterate thief. He has continued to display enormous skill in his songwriting, whether his writing appeals to you or not. People continue to post these personal attacks on the guy but give little real reason for their antipathy, mostly the reiterations of Levon on the subject.

BTW, according to the new Sounes book on Dylan, Bob continues to own the songs from MFBP. He made a half a million when Coke used The Weight, which he split with "the members of The Band." Rick commented that that money was a godsend at the time. Also, you will find many Band references in this book, many of which are painful to read. But consider this: are you privy to exactly how much money the members of the Band made during their peak? Unless you are, there is little to discuss.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 16:05:46 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp216.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.216)

Lil Again

(Should've read before I posted).
Tommy: Condolences on the loss of your grandmother. Find your peace of mind with the thought that she is now at peace.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 16:01:47 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp216.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.216)

Diamond Lil

Each time I come to this site (and especially this guestbook), it still boggles my mind to realize how many people there are..all over the world..whose lives have been touched by the music of this Band of ours.

I remember back when I was in high school ( back in the "olden" days) there were very few people who knew who The Band even was. I graduated from a large high school (1100 in my class).. so I guess I was always just under the impression that The Band was just some obscure group that I happened to love.. and not many others did. Well.. imagine my surprise and delight when I stumbled upon this site several years ago! I couldn't believe there were so many others who knew and loved The Band as I did. And the number of visitors to this site keeps growing.. it still really amazes me. I remember asking Jan a few years ago _why_ he started this site.. and I'll never forget his answer: "Somebody had to". Amen.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 15:58:22 CEST 2001 from spider-wn014.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.154)

Amanda

Tommy: I am sorry to hear about the loss of your grandma. I lost mine in January. Just look back to all the wonderful memories and all the beautiful things she taught you. You will find comfort there. Take care.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 15:14:36 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb022.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.27)

JTullFan

Just what we need: an expanded Last Waltz DVD with all the lost Robbie Robertson clips we didn't get to see: Robbie writing the Last Waltz theme, Robbie singing into an unplugged mic, Robbie picking his nose, Martin Scorsese and Robbie's male bonding, etc.etc. Thank-God we don't have to see any more of Richard Manuel, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, and Garth Hudson. They totally got way too much attention in the original. I also can't wait to hear the bonus tracks. Perhaps they can isolate the overdubs so we can appreciate the effort it takes to change an honest live performance into a fabrication.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 13:50:47 CEST 2001 from spider-wl011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.21)

javalina

First off Tommy, sorry to hear of your loss.The sun rises and clears away the darkness of the world without prejudice or favoritism,time will cure. For those fans of the Gurus and Crowmatics with Garth, their thrus. show in Conn was well attended, I believe it was sold out. All the performers were great. The highlight of the evening, IMO, was the all out jam session at the end with Jim and Randy from the Gurus joining Garth and the Crowmatics in a spirited 3 song encore that tore it up. Garth, Demicco, and Weider trading off some heavy fire, and some really great double drumming from Gary and Randy on Chest Fever and Hand Jive. thanks for the great show. Javalina

Posted on Sat Jun 16 13:30:10 CEST 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Craig

Pat- Thankfully the last post on this subject from me anyway.I have never avoided an answer in my life, in fact i'm guilty of sometimes answering UNASKED questions. I also didnt think I implied that EVERY song was a total collaboration. That's why Richard got some of his ideas to evolve into songs with just one credit. I believe that RR went Hollywood, got better advice, got better control of his emotions and habits.. all things that aren't bad. I also think he looks out for only himself when in fact he was part of a band that was more like a musical fraternity or family than almost any other I can think of. We all have heard stories, countless times, where someone will add a lyrical line or an arrangement twist etc and will get included in the songwriting credit. None of this type of thing happened on ANY of the many songs that RR took credit for? Garth, regarded by much of the music industry as a resident genius, who only got the ok from his parents to play with these guys because he convinced them he was being paid to give them music lessons, he never had any ideas for any of these songs? RR never sought out Garth for input?. Never got over a writing hurdle thru Garth (or Richard or fill name in here)which had to happen since RR never really had the same musical background? I saw them go from the toughest R&B band I had seen to generating this country'ish twangy type sound with unique twists and turns. Do you think that mainly came from RR? I can assure you we dont have that type of sound in Southwestern Ontario. I have always thought that Levon's influence was never fully recognized by many. He never got involved in the birth of some of the "solo" writing sessions? Where did that sound come from? RR simply outgrew the hicks from Ontario plus Levon, at least in his mind and looked out for #1. What helped him is that the others left the door open for it, were out of control, dying or whatever. Explains the how it could happen but doesn't make it right. And there are a lot of fans who believe this, not just me, Pat. Finally since you wanted my answer, I wont ask you to name one instantly familiar classic that RR has written in his solo career. You may think there have been some. The best support of my argument that there was much more song collaboration than RR ever gave credit to is ..... the writing he's done since he left the boyz.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 09:21:55 CEST 2001 from ip-190.dial.webperception.com (64.7.64.190)

Molly Z.

I'm sorry to hear about your grandma Tommy. My sympathies go out to you tonight. Hugs.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 08:59:14 CEST 2001 from (207.34.146.46)

Cupid

Tommy: My sympathies. Take it easy brother...Peace Cupid

Posted on Sat Jun 16 08:40:21 CEST 2001 from spider-wa073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.53)

Tommy

Well folks, I've been coming here long enough and I feel like I kinda know some of you now, so I'm gonna share a piece of my personal life with you(other than posting when I'm drunk and telling everyone about it..like I often do here)...

Today I lost my grandmother.Not like I misplaced her and can't remember where I put her, but like she died this afternoon.I don't know why I'm telling you all this,I know it's not something people wanna hear, but maybe it's a kinda therapy for me...like I'm getting it off my chest.

I'm sure there are people here who lost their grandparents or ARE grandparents and could imagine how THIER grandkids would feel if they died.I guess I want...well... I don't know what I want...Or WHY I posted this.I'm in a bad way right now.This sucks.

Anyway, I'll "talk" to you all soon.The waiting is over and now something else begins.Have a good weekend, friends.

~Tommy

Posted on Sat Jun 16 06:28:22 CEST 2001 from dialup-272.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.16)

Hank

I have to agree with Bayou Sam....This place is fun!.....I mean, I loved the French Girls post recently......and I love the fact that I MET people from here just recently......Come on without! Come on within! I can only conclude that if The Band inspire great love and desire.......they also fuel great hatreds and resentments.......they are also a great sound to listen to when trying to convince a person to go to bed with you for the first time.....uh, anyone else here find that?......in fact I'd go so far as to say that the people who write nasty stuff in here are people who lost their virginity and innocence to The Sound of The Band and are resentful of the band.......There's shrinks and priests for that folks, y'know......in fact, in fact, in fact....I 'd go so far as to say that many people were turned on by a late night showing of TLW and were so charged up by it's quasi-religious erotic glow of 5 gorgeous young men and their play-mates that they willingly gave their bodies to the guy/gal who showed it to them......ya ever find THAT, folks?........

quasi-religious erotic glow?

Dy'reckon ANYONE will get laid on the back of the forth-coming TLW DVD?......

Posted on Sat Jun 16 04:58:44 CEST 2001 from spider-tj074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.209)

Bayou Sam

Why do people who don't like the discussion in here insist on yelling at us? Why not go to another website for a while, and then come back when the subject of discussion pleases them?

I'm sick of getting told to get a new life by people who's happiness is shattered by a fun, fan website.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 04:51:21 CEST 2001 from spider-tj074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.209)

Bayou Sam

I was just thinking about The Beatles, and the Lennon - McCartney bitterness that occured right after the split. I don't think the fans were split like they are with this Robbie - Levon thing. I guess it was because John and Paul weren't accusing one or the other with ripping them off. I don't know what my point is. I'm just thinking out loud - talking to myself.

I'm gonna think out loud some more, if it's OK.........I'm picturing late 1967, and The Band is kind of forming up in Big Pink. The guys have gone from a rock-a-billy act, to hanging with one of the best songwriters or our time. This helped changed thier sound, and seemed to turn Robbie and Richard into trying a hand at songwriting. Levon and Rick were into the making of the music, and into setting land speed records between Woodstock and Big Pink - Richard too. Garth was into "sounds" (God bless him)...... We've all wondered why Richard slowed down after he came charging out of the gate as a writer........ Do you think that Robbie was somehow plotting, around this time, to screw the other guys. Did the Brown album come out with lots of RR songwriting credits, and the other guys didn't care? Levon seems like a pretty shrewd cat to me - did he decide to stay in a band with Robbie for all those years even though RR was ripping him off - or did it just take Levon years to come to this conclusion?

I've also wondered this out loud in here before. Picture the day that the guys were together and RR says, "hey, I think we've run this gig dry, and we need to put a big last concert together and call it a day. What did the other guys think? Levon could have said "kiss my ass" and not done it. Did the other guys think that maybe it would come together again?

I just think that to hold RR to blame at ALL for the fate of any of his Band-mates is cruel and horrendous.

Remember in TLW when Rick talked about having too much fun. Maybe the guys reached a point where thier individual ideas of fun was much more diverse among them than is was in 1963 or so. I get the feeling sometimes that Robbie could tell some real interesting stories but has held off because he's acually a guy with feelings. I don't know exactly what I mean by that either, but I think it.

Of course - I wasn't there so I'm just blabbing on as a fan.

We'll never know the facts unless Garth spills his guts.

I gotta go - I'm tired.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 04:47:00 CEST 2001 from 1cust233.tnt10.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.61.39.233)

HI

You got a point. And no one's answering any of my questions....except some deadhead who wants to get tapes from me no one responded..

Posted on Sat Jun 16 04:44:31 CEST 2001 from dialup-166.90.69.205.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (166.90.69.205)

Pat Brennan

Craig, re: Richards' songwriting credits, why avoid the answer? Did Richard rip off the group by claiming sole authorship? Did Rick and Dylan rip off the group by claiming authorship of those songs credited to them? Same with Rick and Dylan? I'm assuming those songs developed the same way you claim Robertson's songs did. Please, explain the difference.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 04:12:47 CEST 2001 from rash1-190.upland.in.hypervine.net (216.117.91.190)

Brooke

I've been visiting this guestbook since 1997, since I was 19-years-old. I am so sick of this Levon vs. Robbie crap. You guys keep fueling this ridiculous display. How many of you were there when The Band originally broke up? How many of you know the REAL story? As fans, all we know is what Levon and Robbie said. As the years pass, the bullshit gets thicker. None of you know the truth, I don't know everything and I don't care, it's none of my damn business and it's none of yours. I love The Band for what they were. I love the music. I've never seen so much negative crap in my life. That's the truth. What I read on this guestbook (which was probably created by Jan to share meaningful words about The Band and their music and not Robbie vs. Levon) is pathetic. Don't you guys have lives and real problems, instead of worrying about why Levon is bitching and Robbie is a millionaire? I do. I'm more concerned with why I didn't get child support this week and why I can't find heavier guitar strings than 11s. All I want to do is come home from work, spend time with my little boy, work on my screenplay collaboration and visit a web site about my favorite band. Hell no, it's more negative in here than what it is in real life and that's sad. Jan needs to shut this damn guestbook down before you guys kill each other over Levon and Robbie. If you guys really believe that Robbie Robertson is somehow responsible for the deaths of Richard Manuel and Rick Danko, then you have weird problems. Leave The Band's memory alone guys, you'll destroy it all. Sorry Jan, I've had my fill. You've created a great site here and it's too bad there's a war over two people most of these guys don't know personally.

BTW, don't bother e-mailing me with your petty comments. I'll delete them before I read them.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 03:35:47 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

I have always loooooved "The Weight" with The Staple Singers the most.......everytime I listen to this song I can hear Robbie saying......."We had their records even before they did.".......Lately I have been listening to Levon with Hiatt, Radney Foster and Mark Collie performing this song and............it's become my other favourite version of "The Weight"!!......Levon's Southern singing is even more pronounced.......

By the way.......who is Radney Foster?.........He also plays with Hiatt on "Not Fade Away" as well........(Although I have heard better versions). I also really like Levon with David Forman in "Gimme A Stone".......Little Feat's version is great too......and y'all thought I only listened to Robbie......... :-D I still wished Levon a Happy Birthday.........it will be interesting to see how many posters who claim to be neutral will wish Robbie the same on July 5...........

I'm now going to listen and compare Robbie's version of "Amazing Grace" to Jeff Beck's...........love them both!

Posted on Sat Jun 16 03:36:23 CEST 2001 from (207.34.146.4)

Cupid

Ann:Yes Robbie got paid royalties after he left. As long as he holds the copyright he'll get paid. In fact if I went out tonight and played The Weight and did my SOCAN paperwork [that's ASCAP or BMI to my American friends and APRA to those of you in OZ. I could go on but I shant] he'd get paid for that too.He gets paid for radio play [provided the spin was logged. In Europe they have a system of recording everything that's played so get your music played in Europe..I am] use of Band songs in movies [Syncronization] and sales of cd's or tapes[Mechanicals]. Robbie's doing alright and that's the crux of the feud between him and Levon[As I've stated before I'm a Manuelairian so don't go off on me you Levonites and Robbistas]....Peace Cupid

Posted on Sat Jun 16 03:23:01 CEST 2001 from 1cust75.tnt4.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.110.75)

Hi

I never read Levon's book......just curious but does it say anything about the RCO ALLstars break up?......I saw them several times and the last time was New Years' Eve in NYC.......the surprise intro was by John Belushi....the next thing you know most of the group was with the Blues Brothers....but Booker T already left earlier....and what about Mac and Levon...(new feud thread).....

Posted on Sat Jun 16 02:32:51 CEST 2001 from dialin-728-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net (216.179.3.220)

Gene

Speaking of David Sanborn, he is REALLY good on Butterfields, "In My Own Dream" lp, imho. (I love that STUFF!!!)

Posted on Sat Jun 16 01:42:09 CEST 2001 from mix-amiens-112-3-35.abo.wanadoo.fr (193.248.182.35)

NORY Christine

I'm french so first, I'm sorry for my language! Somebody robbed me the video from "The Last Waltz". I'm looking for every where on the net to find this video. No site in Europe!I've found a site in USA but they don't sell in France! What can I do? Do you know sites where I can buy this video? Do you know somebody who can sell me this video? Help me if you can, it's very important for me! My mail is : christine.nory@wanadoo.fr Thanks for all and kisses from France

Posted on Sat Jun 16 01:05:24 CEST 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Craig

Bill - I defer to your vast knowledge but when I met him the 1st time my recollection is I was told he was up from the States and that he did have the hit. At our age the mind is the 2nd thing to go! Matt K- I agree with Cropper and Roy B. Classics, in fact giants. Omar is my favourite drummer. I loved him in the house band of that late Saturday night TV show hosted by David Sanborn. I have a bunch of clips from it and he has a ball as he plays rings around people. Pat Brennan- Why does Richard get so much songwriting credit on Music from Big Pink?...RR's lawyers must have been on holidays. Bobby Jones- great question. Ahroo - I always mix up the chronology of the events but I was just wondering when RR got "fed" up with the antics of the others as you infer, was this before , after or during the time he holed up in Scorses's mansion coking it up with the movie projector for weeks (months?)

Posted on Sat Jun 16 00:41:30 CEST 2001 from mat-3-40.enter.net (207.16.155.142)

Little Brøther

-- I just assumed that the "LM" in "LMMF" stood for "loud mouth."

-- Ray Suarez, a Senior Correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, occasionally fills in as news anchor. Whenever I see him on the screen, I sing:
When you're lost in the rain, Ray Suarez, and it's Eastertime too..."

-- My point? Only, I suppose, that Everybody Must Get Stoned.

Posted on Sat Jun 16 00:20:53 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Anybody know if Robbie was paid royalties from the band after he left and they kept performing his songs?

Posted on Sat Jun 16 00:08:41 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

"Great spirits
will always face
violent opposition
from mediocre minds"

Guess Who?........no.......not the Canadian group who wrote "American Woman"........putting down the USA Government......."I don't need your war machines......I don't need your ghetto scenes......Go ahead and sparkle someone else's eyes".......... (Bachman-Cummings-Kale-Peterson)......Neil Young and Bachman have collaborated together......how about Bachman and Robbie?........

Posted on Fri Jun 15 23:44:02 CEST 2001 from proxy04.wxs.nl (195.121.6.105)

Jan de Wit

A few years ago, i saw the Last Waltz on Dutch TV. Since that day i am very interrested in the music of the Band. This website of the Band is a very good one. I haven't found such a good site of any other popgroup. Wonderful.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 23:34:54 CEST 2001 from 1cust232.tnt3.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.109.232)

HI

I'll come clean.I was a Band fan(atic) from 1968 to roughly 1980.or so.....after '80, I don't know squat although I saw various combinations of the group except Robbie who didn't play around here..My questions are these: after learning here that at least part of the Watkins Glen release is bogus,is any of it legit? A friend gave me excerpts of his audience tape. It included a duo of Rick with Garcia on two tunes..our Rick started solo in front of 600,000 followed by Richard joining him then Garcia ...is this on boots?..I'm looking for better quality...thanks.....

Posted on Fri Jun 15 23:21:40 CEST 2001 from syr-24-24-5-34.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.34)

Dr Pepper

Just to clarify something "LMMF" stands for Long Winded Mother F-er. Sideways Dyslexia I guess, on the M/W switheroo. Now here is a scary thought - Bill "Furn" Lang was a day late and a dollar short on buying the Joyous Lake. Apparently someone picked it up for a very nice price. That is a very scary thought - another Lang in the mix! The bartenders would all be busy sorting through bins of undeveloped film instead of serving drinks. Not even Gizmo could stand for that! My opinion on the feud? I think that Robbie has money that doesn't belong to him and it should be returned. As far as saying life is too short, the other guys should get over it, thats a bunch of shit. They deserve some money that belongs to them and it should be returned.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 22:19:23 CEST 2001 from hvc-24-164-172-134.hvc.rr.com (24.164.172.134)

Dennis

GOOD NEWS FROM BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK:

I'm workin' on this project for 911 (dialing emergencies in the USA) and was just cruising through downtown Woodstock and, as reported earlier in the Woodstock Times (www.woodstocktimes.com), there appears to be a new owner for the Joyous Lake and re-construction (back to the old floor plan) has commenced. Word was it could open as soon as July.

As many of you know, the Joyous Lake has been the site of many, MANY great shows over the years, not the least of which was the Barn Burners Wednesday night "home" from December '99 until the Subway Series last fall, a run of aproximately 30 Wednesday nights....

Now if we could only get the gang for a couple of return engagements.... Keep y'all posted.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 21:43:36 CEST 2001 from dialup-365.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.109)

Hank

Folks, I've got a BIG problem.....I keep rewinding and listening to "Quinn the Eskimo" from "Self Portrait".....is there a help-line or support group I can contact for this sorta thing?......I'm telling you where it hurts....can you tell me who to call?

MATTK....yer wrong about that, pal.....Mel C aka Sporty....is the only musical Spice Girl...

w/regards to the "Feud".....I still maintain this revamped LW/DVD thing MIGHT feature Levon and Garth and Robbie all working together.......how would ANYONE here know whether or which? Just 'cos RR mentions how much work he's got to do for it DOESN'T mean an exclusion of the other surviving members.....I mean...yes, maybe, it'll be a RR fest...... but who knows?......who HERE in The GB knows?....not ONE of you, I say...so let's keep cool until we hear or see more for sure.......

Posted on Fri Jun 15 21:30:34 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

The mysterious tale of Robbie Robertson continues! Just read VH1 interview re. new DVD of Last Waltz! Readin between the lines and doin some detective work, I do believe Robbie's middle name is "I"!!!!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 21:21:12 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td083.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.188)

bob wigo

Cue the Temptations' "Ball of Confusion"......

To what other site are you referring ?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 20:59:04 CEST 2001 from pm703-41.dialip.mich.net (204.39.231.147)

twilight

My last post was not directed toward this site. This site offers everything a fan of The Band could want in a very balanced forum. The site I was referring too offers a very worshipful slant on one member of the group, covers no new ground, and the person who runs it seems to know an awful lot for someone who wasn't there.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 20:26:59 CEST 2001 from sid29.revealed.net (208.23.178.172)

Mike

To David and Bill...thank you for the info about ABB! Warren is back! And with Derek Trucks! if only Dickey were there too! I guess he needs his time. I swear that Gregg Allman and Richard Maunuel are 2 of the best white soul/blues singers of all time. And solid musicians too! When all else fails, Richard's songs from Big Pink or Gregg's Laid Back album can help me get thru a rough day! I need to go see The ABB's! I hope they play here in or near Iowa! Gotta run...Peace Mike

Posted on Fri Jun 15 20:09:42 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

By the way.....I think we need a group hug!

The posts for the last couple of days have been ridiculous. The Band-related news lately has been wonderful. We should all be very happy. Garth's new cd, Last Waltz DVD, Last Waltz reissue, new box set, and a possible Levon and the BBs release. People........this is a good thing! Remember that we are here because of the music.

Jan: Thanks again for everything.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 19:55:15 CEST 2001 from user-33qt90h.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.17)

Pat Brennan

Craig, I'll ask again: why does Richard Manuel get so many songwriting credits on Big Pink?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 19:32:31 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

To the list of guitarists with Levon I would add Muddy Waters and Jim Weider. With the list of drummers with Robertson I would add the funky Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 19:08:35 CEST 2001 from spider-wo081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.56)

Richard M

Steve Cropper is at the top of anybodys list who played with him, and so Levon , as far as R&b and rock n roll goes, you cannot get any better then those 2 guys

Posted on Fri Jun 15 18:44:08 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Bobby Jones, terrific question!

The trouble with that question, for me, is both men have worked with guys who are markedly different, and tough to compare. To avoid argument, I'll leave Levon off Robbie's list and Robbie off Levon's list, as that seems obvious.

Levon's best guitarists:

Steve Cropper
Fred Carter Jr.
Roy Buchanan

Each of these guys get the nod over Nils Lofgren, who I think is terrific, and somewhat under-rated. However, Cropper, Carter and Buchanan are revelotionary guitarists who changed the way the instrument was played (as did Robbie).

Robbie's best drummers:

Terry Bozzio
Manu Katche
Ginger Baker

Again, I these are very different drummers, stylistically. Bozzio and Katche are among my all-time favorite drummers (along with Levon and Omar Hakim).

I can't rank 'em though. I'm too big a wuss.

Matt

Posted on Fri Jun 15 18:26:29 CEST 2001 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

jh

Interesting to read that this is "a website that basically worships one member of the group." If you take the time to look around a bit here, you may find that this is _not_ true. At least I hope it's not. I have my own views on the issues discussed here and on the careers of Band members, but I try to be neutral _and_ focus on the music and the _positive_ things when working with the site.

Opinions posted in the guestbook may or may not be shared by the webmaster, ok? I am just happy and honoured that so many of you use my humble site as a meeting point and discussion forum for the music that brought us together. John D., Lil, ragtime, DJ, ahroo, and y'all, thanks for the friendship and for helping keep the torch burning. (and now... back to the BBQ and the cold brew and aquavit).

Posted on Fri Jun 15 18:10:26 CEST 2001 from dhcp58148.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.148)

Kicking Horse

To: The Good Doctor P: It is quite a relief to see that your posts have gotten shorter.. This is a good sign. Rick would be delighted with the progress you are making.. Your stay at the clinic for LMMF's syndrome has apparently proved beneficial.. I will always remember Rick repeating : "Doc the trouble with you is that yor a LMMF er and I can help you with that problem" Although Rick never did make it clear as to what he would do to help you with the problem I do think he had the best intentions of doing something.. The guy was really quite fond of you.. As to my need for a "support group". Well, all I can say is that after having spent 50 years on this convuluted planet I am happy to say that I would only be a candidate for one or maybe two support groups and thats alot better than many people I know.. Anyway, after you see me on my slalom ski cutting across both wakes at breakneck speed catching good air off both wakes I am quite confident that you that you will come to the opinion that " this guy is in pretty damn good shape for a 50 year old drunk with a very treatable condition (at least for the time being) HUGs by Cracky LIL

Posted on Fri Jun 15 18:06:24 CEST 2001 from paalto-apx-1-147-192.penn.com (64.91.147.192)

Crazy Chester

I'm not on anybodys side when it comes to this Robbie vs. The Band thing but from a songwriters perspective, the song makes it for me and without Robbie writing such unique songs there would be no Band as we've known it. Now,without the other members and their unique vocal/instrumental abilities there would certainly be no Band as we know it either. That's why they needed each other and fed off of each other. It's one thing to write a great song but to hear and feel it come to life with the voices and playing of Richard, Garth, Rick and Levon(Robbie too don't forget) was the real magic. Robbie's songs are great as songs,the musicanship was great on it's own but together is where the magic happened. So, to me it's pointless to discuss or bicker about how things should be or should have been. If you like living in the past and re-hashing that crap you'll be bitter not better. Jealousy,greed,envy,strife...it's all so familiar isn't it. One of the other posters is right...get over it! Enjoy the magic that these guys created in music but for God's sake move on. We've got people on here attacking Robbie's way of singing and his new music. Well, OK, what are you doing with your talents? Let the man be. If he's still using his talent ,on or off the road, great,that's his choice and what he was born to do. And all this talk about money,I don't get it. Being part of one of the best, if not the best, bands of their generation and playing with the most influential musician of the 20th century,Bob Dylan,and having the respect of your peers and countless younger musicians who've followed isn't enough I guess. I guess my high school baseball coach was right, you can't eat the trophys.Money...that's what I want,he got more than me,he's better off financially than me, I could a,should a....blah,blah,blah makes me sick. Of course, none of us were in their shoes and I reckon it's like a soldier in battle, unless you've been there yourself you'll never know. I see the members of The Band just like that...war veterans of the Rock-n-Roll highway with battle scars and wounds that I wish would be left to heal. You know the line from Open The Door Richard....remember when you're out there trying to heal the sick that you must always first forgive them. Amen

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:58:30 CEST 2001 from pool-63.52.224.44.ipls.grid.net (63.52.224.44)

Bobby Jones

You know there can be no winners, only losers when visiting the pain of the past. It seems Albert, the record companys and promoters all got their money. There is no denying Robbie did the best with what he got. My question has always been, "Did Robbie prosper at his so called brothers expense".

I have a question:

Who in your opinion is the best guitar player Levon played with to date? Who's the best drummer Robbie's ever played with to date? Bob

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:52:40 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Dickey Betts is touring this summer with his own band, playing many dates as part of the Charlie Daniels "Volunteer Jam Tour". For those who haven't heard, Warren Haynes has rejoined the Allman Brothers for their summer tour which kicks off tonight at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Pelham, Alabama. Butch's nephew, Derek Trucks, is still playing with ABB, so the prospect of hearing two fine slide guitarists together is promising. Warren's group Gov't Mule is still in the picture despite the tragic death of Allen Woody. Since Phil Walden's Atlanta-based Capricorn label (once home to Gov't Mule & others)is once again in "transition", Warren's presence in the ABB is no longer a source of speculation. So, in this one instance, the power of the music has overcome outside obstacles.

I'm not going to say anything about Dickey's situation with the ABB, other than, in my opinion, maybe it's a good thing that for now at least he's free to pursue his own musical ideas. Word is that he will have a solo album coming out soon.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:44:41 CEST 2001 from (206.191.15.194)

Bill

Craig: Kelly Jay of Crowbar hails from Oakville, Ontario, not the US. He did lead a group called Kelly Jay and the Jamies for several years in the early '60s (after leaving Larry Lee and the Leesures), but they had nothing to do with the Jamies of "Summertime, Summertime" fame (though Kelly told me they did trade on the confusion of names to some extent).

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:29:15 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

Mike do yourself a favor go see the Allman Brothers don't wait for Betts. I saw one of the greatest shows back in March at the Beacon Theatre The Allmans had Warren Haynes playin in the band (who is with them now I think for good) John Popper blowin Harp, Chuck Levell on Keys just thinking of it gets me pumped up, what a show!! I might get crucified for saying this but I have seen the Allman Brothers 12 times (including next Sundays 6-24 show at SPAC I will be 7 rows from stage) I think the Allmans are better with Warren he plays better slide and sings much better and without Betts Gregg Allman does alot more singing and I probley am more of a Gregg Allman fan seeing his Greg Allman & Freinds tour twice just my opinion but go see the Brothers I think you will be surprized.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:25:43 CEST 2001 from spider-wd014.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.154)

Bashful Bill

Mike-I believe the problems within the ABB are more between Dickie and Butch Trucks, who of course is also an original member.I, too, have had a real hard time accepting an ABB without Dickie Betts. Like the Dead without Garcia, the Stones without Jagger, etc. I have to agree with you on the threads that would occur around here if Levon and RR ever did, dare I say, "patched" things up. BTW, you are a Beach Boys, or at least a Brian Wilson fan, correct? Any reports from last night's Newtown show, anyone? I was at last years show,a memory I treasure for a variety of reasons,not just the music. Just couldn't make it this time. "Funny how time slips away..."

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:19:51 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

But we all know Ginger Spice wrote all the songs. I don't care what Posh says.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 17:04:48 CEST 2001 from pm456-15.dialip.mich.net (204.39.227.73)

twilight

How about that? Someone who has never met anyone in the group, wasn't there for any of the sessions or tours, has absolutely no first hand knowledge of anything that went down, but do to the fact that they have a website that basically worships one member of the group, they feel that "their" "opinions" should be taken seriously. We've all read the books, the articles and so on - it's no big deal. As for all of the talk about positive/negative, personal attacks/flaming, ying/yang, - say what you have to say and be prepared to defend yourself. In the big picture - the music and everything other than food, clothing and shelter is a luxury. Things I like about Garth: He is humble; He doesn't feel like he has to explain anything; He pursues his passions vigourously; He puts substance before image; He likes to sleep.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 16:34:15 CEST 2001 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

Just a reminder: Professor Louie & the Cromatix, tonight at 9, Tribeca Blues, NYC. I unfortunately can't make it...hope some other folks will be able to. While they will apparently be Garth-less tonight, these guys never fail to deliver with passion, energy & love for music...the last two times I saw them, they played until 1:30-2:00 in the morning! Thanks all.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 16:21:58 CEST 2001 from abby16.revealed.net (208.16.227.207)

Mike

I got to thinking about this feud between Robbie and Levon. As bitter as it is (coming from Levon from what I've read!), it's nothing compared to the one between Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. Almost thirty years have passed since Duane Allman and Berry Oakley passed away. Ever since, those guys have have been battling and then reconciled only to battle again! They're still at it! Drink and drugs had a LOT to do with things too. Now, he's oout of the band. I don't fathom the ABB without Dickey at all! I'm still waiting to see them and won't do so until he comes back. SSomeone ought to tell these guys, as well as Levon to let go and get ovet it! Life is short. Shake hands and work things out or whatever! To act in such a manner at their ages is not only childish but very shallow and pathetic. You can't grab them by the scruffs of their necks and bang their heads together and make them work it out. A shame as that could be what Levon needs. I am no taking sides here but screw the money and all that stuff Levon bitches about! has any of his bitterness benefitted him yet?! Most likely, NOT! But you know, he'll never get over it. He can't let go of things. You don't hear Robbie blasting his former bandmates do you? Nope! A shame. I think he's afraid to let go of the "feud" and be friends with Robbie. A shame. It's the members and the music that made The Band so great, not the problems and the feud. Maybe someday Levon can let go and "reunite" with Robbie. Imagine the thread of posts we'd have in here if THAT happened! Peace

Mike

Posted on Fri Jun 15 15:53:11 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Is it safe to assume that every member of that band by 1980 had earned $1,000,000,000? I am guessing that it is. The same old argument that Robbie should have been there financially is in my opinion a poor argument. These guys had plenty of opportunity to set themselves up for the rest of their lives. I am not holding judgement on any of them, they are free to do what they want with their own money. I am not sure but I think Garth is financially sound and how many songs did he write! Every day the bucket goes to the well. One day the bottom of the bucket drops out!

Regarding songwriting credits, there is no evidence that RR did not write the songs. Most posters can't stand the Watkins Glen Fraud and the overdubs on TLW, would it be acceptable if RR gave those who did not write credit for writing. To me this would be as big a fraud.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 15:45:26 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

If any GBers live near Rutland Vermont Proffesor Louie & Crowmatix will be playing Saturday 6-16 at Jilly's Bar on Merchants Row downtown Rutland VT any questions call 802-775-6919 admission is free I beleive!!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 14:47:39 CEST 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

This Band feud is truly something. Somebody tell me how did Robbie exactly break up the "Band family?" I thought that happened when Levon left The Hawks when they got hired by Dylan between '65 - '66. Levon only told Robbie he was leaving and never told the others. That's closeness for you. I never really thought of them as 'brothers.' I think The Band went through a lot of turmoil that Robbie just got tired of....but I'm sure he'll be blamed for that too. There were numerous accidents in vehicles, there were hospital stays, some were getting stoned or drinking a lot. How do you expect to be creative during a time when nobody else wants to be productive? Wouldn't you get fed up with the antics of others who are supposed to take what they do seriously? I know I would.

I read an article a little while ago about Aerosmith, and if you want to talk about brotherhood among musicians they really are. They've stuck it through the good times and the bad times. At one point in the mid- '90's their drummer Joey Kramer had fallen into a deep state of depression. The other guys didn't call upon another drummer. They only used the songs that included Joey and had enough material. They refused to get anybody else. As anyone saw on the RRHOF, they even give statements of such about their brotherhood.

These Band talks about songwriting are really humorous. Tell me how many songs were contributed wholey by each member for the three post TLW projects? Just give me a rough estimate. I really need to know where their writing talents lay.

All of these opinions seem to be said as such but then if somebody else has something to say, then another should go along with the other's opinion? Is that the way it works? An opinion is an opinion. You know like any critic, it's just a public opinion of a writer who gets paid to criticize but probably knows very little about how to create the subject matter which they analyze.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 14:09:36 CEST 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Craig

Jens- man are you ever into RR. The rest of the guys without him would be a "coverband"!A unique viewpoint to be sure. On a Board that never disappoints for supplying somewhat surprising statements regularly, that one HAS to spark a rebuttal or three or a hundred. Has anyone out there seen Levon with The Cate Brothers? When I saw them the guitar playing bro, never can remember if it's Earl or Ernie..I think it's Earl, generated more than a few comments from pro players in TO that he "cut" RR and that is something never heard in TO. It's pretty safe to say, IMHO, that with no RR there would have been no Band, BUT there would have been another group of very talented and bonded musicians who would treated each other fairly and equally. I find RR's solo work weak and self serving although it is quite a difference from the Band. His voice or better said, his way of talking the lyrics as if he has sucked on a Hall's for a month to get it up to a minimum volume is not one of any note, in fact it has no character nor does it leave any impression on the listener. Certainly not comments that can be directed at say Levon's or Richard's voice. So Jens I applaud your loyalty but your comment demoting the rest of the guys to unimportant support players for RR is ridiculous and misguided, IMHO, of course. Craig

Posted on Fri Jun 15 13:17:09 CEST 2001 from nortron-gw.online.no (194.248.167.10)

Tanja

Hello. looooong time nooo see. hm... I've been away for a long time now, very looong time. I don't know what have happened at this website at all. hmmm... I have to admit that I check out catstevens.com more often that this one. sorry. But, I still love The Band, they are still one of my favourites. Have a nice summer all:)

Posted on Fri Jun 15 10:29:30 CEST 2001 from 167.mel0507.mel.iprimus.net.au (202.138.38.167)

Erin

I read the review of the Band's first concert - the guy who wrote it talks about the Band as having four singers and four songwriters. When you look at the credits on Big Pink that must have been how it seemed.

Also I read the interview with Jimmy and Randy about songwriting in the post- RR band. OK, so there are probably agendas there - but what they described sounds like the way a band like The Band would work. Its certainly not the sort of songwriting that went on it Motown music - its a bit more communal than that. (John Simons talks about RR having a 50's or motown idea of what songwriting is.) 'Sides which you can hear expressions and phrases which are particularly typical of the various members of the Band in the songs. And the harmonies Rick sings... I don't believe anyone but Rick wrote them, because I've never heard anyone else sing anything like them and they are always there on whatever he does. And I guess there was a similar musical imput from the others. So it all comes down to what exactly you call writing a song. (Anyway, I agree with Tommy, a lot of the best stuff on BP is written by Richard.)

Thanks everyone for the information on 'haints.' Its a great word, apart from anything else. I forget who said it, but I thought the comment about the relationship between haints and saints was really true - just like the best puns have opposite, not just plural meanings.

Hank- interesting theory about TLW - I've always wondered, why come back to the site of such a diaster?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 10:12:23 CEST 2001 from dial-453.bton.kiva.net (208.143.13.198)

Todd Berryman/92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Tommy - it looks like you might've taken the county roads rather than the interstates...but more power to you...it sure made sense to me. How else are you gonna get to Big Pink?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 10:01:16 CEST 2001 from proxy.newmedia.no (212.71.66.13)

Jens Magnus

The songwriter is a songwriter and musicians are musicians. Robbie did not have to tell the other members how to perform his songs. They were extremely talented musicians and singers, and they had their fees for that from the concerts and record sales.

Robbie put the songs together and made them anthems and soundtracks to our generation. Without him the Band would have been a very talented coverband with an occasional song of their own. Robbies talent gave the Band their enormous impact.

Of course he could easily have given the other boys credit for ideas and stories, but that is another issue. Perhaps he is not like that. Perhaps he belongs to "the other people".

I'm looking forward to TLW reissue, Robbie or not.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 09:45:36 CEST 2001 from spider-tl033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.188)

Tommy again

Did that make any sense?I got a little jumbled there.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 09:44:35 CEST 2001 from spider-tl033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.188)

Tommy

As far as writing credit goes....The Band's later songs (NLSC, ISLANDS, even some of Cahoots) aren't, for the most part, as good as the earlier albums, I'm sure we can all agree on that.This is due, I'm certain, to a lack of participation (writing-wise) from other members of The Band at those times.So as much as people wanna shower Robbie with kudos (and I'm not saying he doesn't deserve)for his great songs, it is obvious that Levon isn't totally wrong when he says , and is upset, that the other fellas didn't get the credit and (possibly)monetary compensation they deserve.I believe it.I believe that the other fellas might've done more than they got credit for.I'm not taking sides here folks, without Levon there would be no Robbie...and without Robbie there would be no Levon(as far as The Band goes).Without no Levon, Richard, Rick, Garth and Robbie there would be NO BAND!

Robbie's solo albums are further proof that the rest of The Band MADE those sounds and songs special.If you like Robbie's solo stuff, and I do though I don't think it's exceptional,that's fine.But you must admit that Rick, Levon, Garth and The Beak MUST'VE given more then thay got credit for.At least at the begining.

Hell, The best songs on Big Pink aren't even Robbies(besides The Weight)!They're Richard's, Rick's and Dylan's (Co-credit-wise).Robbie deserves the credit he got, but maybe the others deserve some too.When they weren't involved in the writing as much, the songs suffered.So if Levon (who I'm a GIANT fan of) wants the credit, he should also take credit for not trying to make a change in the band's democracy when it counted all those years ago.Now doesn't help.I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly what the deal was then.Nor do any of us.

That quote from the Hawk that someone posted earlier made a whole lotta sense.But Levon's arguements make sense too(not the stuff about Robbie "killing" Richard and Rick though.That just sounds like a hurt friend, missing his partners.)

Posted on Fri Jun 15 07:40:07 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-118-217.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.118.217)

BWNWITennessee

AJR - I haven't paid that much attention, and it's too late right now to listen to it, but do you think the Theremin on "Didn't Leave Nobody But The Baby" (or whatever) could be a saw? I'll have to listen to it tomorrow. Anyone else have an opinion? I saw this avant-garde musician playing a saw once, with an accompani- accompan- accomp- person playing atonal guitar parts along with him, it was really cool. I actually went out and bought one myself, but my saw won't sing (is that getting too personal?).

Re. Lucinda Williams, they ran two simultaneous reviews of her new CD in the Tennessean, one good and one bad. I have to say, I think that she's highly overrated. The bad review mentioned one song, "Lonely Girls", maybe, consisting of a total of 22 words, mainly just the title line being repeated over and over. And "I Envy The Rain" is the same thing, just a litany of meteorological phenomenon. Peter V. once said he thought Richard Thompson tried a little too hard at the English Troubadour thing, I kind of feel the same way about LW. Especially on Car Wheels, the whole Southern Gothic thing was just way too overdone and contrived. And I wasn't too knocked out by her live performance. That voice!

All the concern shown for me today is making me verklempft!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 07:08:02 CEST 2001 from 1cust59.tnt2.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.25.9.59)

rollie

Sam, I know you think I'm pulling your leg about RR on the Grassy Knoll, but hey, he did have connections with Jack Ruby, who was also seen in Dealey Plaza that day.Any body wanna guess where the Hawks were playing on Nov22,1963?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 05:29:39 CEST 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Craig Webb

My sincere apologies to Don P for mixing his post up with the one I really was referring to and that was Richard M's. "The mind is a terrible thing to waste!"

Posted on Fri Jun 15 04:44:04 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td033.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.163)

Mike

Does anyone know where I can get the Japan Tour 1983 video? I e-mailed the person suggested on this site, but they just deleted my mail without answering my question. Thanks.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 04:02:35 CEST 2001 from dialup-209.244.66.134.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (209.244.66.134)

Pat Brennan

Craig Webb and Richard M, check out the songwriting credits on Music From Big Pink and get back to us.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 04:01:26 CEST 2001 from cf3k-3.lqy.tsnz.net (203.98.21.43)

Rod

We have Robbie bashers, Levon bashers and now feud bashers. Too be honest the feud arguments in the GB aren't going to stop as long as we read interviews like the ones Levon keeps giving and the I I I type interviews Robbie churns out. We're sort of caught in the middle and it's OK to express an opinion.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 03:52:55 CEST 2001 from spider-we021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.26)

Bayou Sam encore

Richard Patterson = LOL - remember when I said that about you? Let me take this opportunity to apologise - and you were knocked out of that spot long ago by a parade of knuckleheads that have passed through.

Thanks for the laugh :-)

Posted on Fri Jun 15 03:47:06 CEST 2001 from spider-we021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.26)

Bayou Sam

Tommy = I was gonna be the first to react - but it's gettin' old already. Robbie's a horrible human being I guess. He was on the grassy knoll, he sunk the Titanic, he bombed Pearl Harbor, blah, blah, blah............

Hey! - whatever happened to that Tenn. guy?

I check in to the GB everyday also - just to see if rollie's name is in here.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 03:34:52 CEST 2001 from ottawa-ppp3517268.sympatico.ca (206.172.191.139)

Richard Patterson

David Powell: Been listening a lot to Lucinda Williams 'Essence' myself. Sure is a moody, dark record. Not what I was expecting at all. Sounds beautiful though.

Bayou Sam : I'm gonna take it real personal if you don't say that Richard M just made the stupidest post ever in the guest book : )

John D.: Drop me a line before the Barnburners hit Toronto. Let's try and meet there OK?

Posted on Fri Jun 15 03:01:24 CEST 2001 from spider-tl044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.194)

Tommy

Man, I can't wait till the responses to Richard M.s post start rollin' in!!!...

...Whooooooopppeeeeeee!!!LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!!!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 02:57:18 CEST 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Craig Webb

Phew, Don P. really let the steam off on that one, didnt he? I dont' post very often but I watch the comings and goings closely as I watched some or all these boys since about '61 or so. It seems that feelings are getting a little raw and to the observer they seem to be born from way too much analysis. Now, I feel the same way about my favourite band, Tower of Power- 31 yrs young now, and their Board gets quite involved from time to time but it's the tunes and the personalities we're celebrating ..or should be. Now,to be fair to Don P, and as I said from someone who knew these guys musically ( and Hawkins a bit personally)long BEFORE the Band and Dylan were ever thought of, there is one sore point with me too that just doesn't sit really well. Robbie grew from amp lugger to a very respected guitarist on the Toronto scene at a time when there were some really great string benders developing. Toronto was blessed with Roy Buchanan and Fred Carter on the scene and knew all about James Burton, according to US born Kelly Jay ( of the Jaymees with their early hit Summertime, Summertime and of the Canadian Hall of Fame band Crowbar)the father of The Toronto Sound guitarist. Blonde Teles, flashing fingerpicks etc and Robbie took it to the next level. I heard many stories back then about Hall of Famer Domenic Troiano and southpaw Freddie Keeler ( ex David Clayton Thomas & The Shays and recently on the Blues Bros 2000 soundtrack and also in the movie)skipping school during afternoons when the Hawks practiced at the Coq D'or with each one pulling up a chair only feet from their Guitar God watching every bend and lick. He had that effect on all the players in TO. But one could easily see that the strength in the band, other than Ronnie's slave driving mentality to be perfect& and to keep them out of trouble, was the way they ALL contributed to each song, to each arrangement etc. The Band just magnified this. Why did they rotate singers around in practice? To see how the feel was with each voice until they got it right. Why did they go off by themselves and virtually live together for months to create and perfect? Then later as the years pass we are under the propaganda that in this atmosphere of total sincerity and commitment and sharing, ONE man stood out, strong and tall and wrote almost everything for a period of time. Take it from a TO veteran, IMHO, the chances of that being so, in the world that was The Band is nil. The rest of them have a beef, IMHO, as do I who loved these guys and who know knows self serving mis-education when I see it. So Don P- a little strong for a friendly Board, but dead as it relates to Mr. R. Craig P.S. John Donabie- you're a Toronto legend and rather than go for good, why not surf in and out for awhile and see if and when the mood gets back to the tunes? Then we all can benefit from your experience and class. Just a thought.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 02:30:42 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

WOW!! I had no idea, thought I was just passing on useful info by posting the Last Waltz DVD link yesterday. Sorry Jan!

Laughed at Little Brother's comment that I was 'tossing a bowl of ice cubes into a Fryolator.' I've tossed ice cubes on a BBQ. What the heck is a Fryolator?

It is the music of THE best Band of all time that brought us here. I am having a beer and listening to the Genuine Basement Tapes playing right now. Enjoy the music folks.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 02:27:23 CEST 2001 from (24.159.102.250)

Don Pugatch

On a musical note, this weekend, at Darwin's in Marietta, Ga, about a mile before the 120 Loop,on Roswell Road (rt 120) if you coming from the east, is 10 hours of Blues, BBQ and BEER, sponsored by the local commercial free radio station WRFG. Music starts at 1 PM and goes till about 11. Cannot remember all the acts, but Forest McDonald, Little Joey's Jumping Jive just come to mind. It ain't the WC Handy awards, but close.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 01:51:51 CEST 2001 from spider-wg052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.196.42)

Richard M

How Many shows do you think rhe individual members of the band played apiece, after the break up? Out of the surving members, how many more do you think Garth and Levon have played then Robbie? Do you think that it could have anything to do with fact that he is being paid for 16 years of 4 other mens lives, not just Ordinary Men, or Ordinary Years, But The peak Years of 4 Uncommonly talented Musicians. They grew together , they lived together, they played together. For each other. And Robbie may have came up the words and the changes, But The reason the songs are listenable has Everything to do with the arrangements and Individual Musical talent of each member and the group as a whole. Do you think robbie sat down and taught each individual his part in every song? I would say not. Every Member of the band had a distinct personna on their instruments, and Each Member is Easily recognizable when They play with anybody else. The fact is, The arrangements and the individuals involved made the songs. Rick and Richard Both Died on the road. what was robbie doing when the Men that made him where out playing in bars? I'll tell you where he was, spending the money that their god given talent made for him. To think That 1 month before he died , Rick Danko Was playing to 45 people in a bar, it really makes me sick in my heart. it makes Me want to puke when I hear Robbie saying on the last waltz, that he didn't even want to discuse 20 years on the road, and that 16 was enough, and that maybe it was superstition, but "the road has taken alot of great ones" The fact is , The Great ones Had To Leave it out on the road , Because Robbie left them out in the cold.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 01:08:51 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

Sorry about the typos in my previous post!! Not that you care but the IT guy was standing waiting to install something/fix something on my computer and I didn't think making him wait while I finished my post to the Band GB would really go down well.

Posted on Fri Jun 15 01:05:44 CEST 2001 from m198214181246.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.246)

Pehr

Here's my "Haint" reference: I grew up with that song being one of my favorite of favorites by my favorite. I didn't know what a "Haint' was I liked the way the words went together and not always the most curious sort left it at that.

About ten years later I went to this exhibition of Paintings and Sculpture by self taught black artists from the deep south. It still is one of the greatest, most inspiring exhibits I've ever seen. Like the music of the Band, the images and stories marked my life.

There was a painter who drew "Haints" in the show. He had been put away in prison when he was a kid for murder as I remember it. All he really knew was prison. Before he went off his Momma told him he could see spirits and demons because he had a veil of skin over one eye. In prison he had lots of time to reflect on his "demons", or haints. He couldn't read or write, but he got a job in the gym issuing athletic equiptment like basketballs and stuff the prisoners would sign out. he had a pencil with red lead on one end and blue on the other end, and ledger sheets and not much else to do.

He started doing these drawings of demon houses because there wasn't much going on, and they became more and more complex and philosophical. The red was fire and the blue was smoke. The houses had more and more floors and rooms and the houses he drew would be congested with these smiling faces he drew everywhere- these were the "Haints", they would befriend and seduce you into thinking thay were freindly, benign, then they'd sink into you and make your life hell until you were in hell and wonder how you got there. his drawings had clocks in them. sometimes no hands on the clock, sometimes no numbers, or out of order(he couldn't read or write) but these drawings were really involved and amazing.

in the beginning the people at the prison thought it was funny that this outcast "nutcase" was doing these childish drawings of "Haints" for hours everyday on the ledger pads. One of the guards entered him in a show as a joke, and he win the contest and was eventually sought out by collectors of "Outsider" art because his work was so original and committed and came from a real and honest perspective, what with all that had happened. His name was Frank Jones. He died in the 60's. I dont know if there is any on the web. great work though. oh well that's my "Haint" story. thanks for listening.

PS. If you guys all leave then I'm leaving too!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 00:37:58 CEST 2001 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

G-man: You mite try http://www.bluesfestinternational.com/

Posted on Fri Jun 15 00:32:33 CEST 2001 from (206.191.15.194)

Bill

When I think of 'hain't", I think of Jethro and Ellie Mae "arguing" back and forth - "has to" - "hain't" - "has to" - "hain't" - ad nauseum.

I'm glad to say that discussion here has almost never devolved to that level, but I must say that I - after scrolling back through the recent postings - that the source of this quarter's BIG argument was a tad anticlimactic. Sheesh.

Mattk: I eventually figured out why your BVDs were in a bunch, but at first I thought you were talking about how you store your bigital video disks!

Posted on Fri Jun 15 00:32:11 CEST 2001 from syr-24-24-5-34.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.34)

Dr. Pepper

Not really, no. I don't think anyone was that night. The night went well (you weren't invited). Steve Webster says hello...something about a support group you should be attending. I'd be VERY glad to elaborate on this if you'd like!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 23:51:32 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I totally agree with RPence. A theatrical release of TLW would be fab. Some of us never got to see it on a big screen.

David Powell's already answered the haints question much more definitively than I could. But I as well mention I do remember seeing the word in to kill a Mocking Bird. I got the impression it meant ghosts/bad spirits as per David Powell.

BTW a few people have mentioned Oh Brother Where Art Thou recently and I wondered if anyone else had noticed there is definitely a theremin in the background of the wonderfully creepy "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby"?

Hi Amanda, I hope that Tenessee person post something today and regards to all.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 22:56:26 CEST 2001 from spider-tf022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.182)

Amanda

Thanks Tommy!! I feel so much better..really a part of the gang...ya' know what I mean???

Posted on Thu Jun 14 22:11:34 CEST 2001 from spider-wk053.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.173)

Dave Z

Quentin: Thanks for the Breeze Hill update!!!! I wish the Barn Burners would join you guys too...

Hank: Got my first listen to "Time Out Of Mind" 2 days ago on my little driving adventure... actually got caught in one of the midwest storms passing through... had to pull over and experience some hail damage and high winds to my car... all the while listening to "It's Not Dark Yet"... The green clouds were just beautiful on my unavoidable approach... but it scared the shit outta me... and renewed my faith... like a hung over person swearing he'll never drink again if God will just let this moment pass... the next night I enjoyed the hilarious "Highlands" as I was passing by Paisley Park in time to see all the tents for Prince's open house this week... big thunder & lightning storm that night too... kept my kids up til 2 AM...

I think the Band was made up of 5 Genius's on a winning team... I've played on some good sports teams that won their league every year, and let me tell ya, when you are winning... everything is hunky doorie... and of course each player is confident in his contribution... and maybe thinks he's the best in a certain way... or at least has his own slant to the story... and this is justified I think and quite normal (take a look at any resume on "Monster.com" if you will)... but once life changes on that dime... all hell can break loose... so God Bless 'em all for the music... 5 Genius's...

As far as the reissues and future waltzes and boxes... I personally love a little marketing... especially if the product yields something like "What Am I Living For" off of Moondog... and even Ferdinand... bring it on baby... I like my syrup real thick Robbie... and I don't mind a fighting spirit Levon... you guys deserve all the accolades of being the best band... hell, you guys are still contribting at 60ish when most bands are lucky these days to be a one hit wonder...

David P & John D: Let me congratulate you for being the last two regulars to finally say something you maybe regreted on this site... I don't know how you keep it together for so long... peace to ya...

Posted on Thu Jun 14 22:07:28 CEST 2001 from spider-wl044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.39)

Tommy

Amanda..I love you.AMANDA AMANDA AMANDA!!!!!!!

***

(How's that for some attention, baby?)

Posted on Thu Jun 14 21:16:44 CEST 2001 from (129.237.210.185)

RPence

In the past I have posted to the guestbook to defend Robbie, or at least to make the point that the history of the Band is complicated (and still being written), and that one person did not, could not, make up and break up the Band. I also like his solo work.

This latest news about the DVD and box set does bother me, however, and make me wonder if we're being conned. I didn't buy the "1st" box set because I though I already had the "Definitive Collection" in "To Kingdom Come," which was where the Watkins Glen tomfoolery first started. Unless the "new" box set consists entirely of genuinely previously unreleased material, I will not touch it. But at this point, it's so hard to be sure of authenticity, whether of the music itself or of the comments of Robbie in the recent article.

As for the DVD, I don't have a player and won't be buying one just to look at the film. What I'd rather see is a theatrical rerelease of the original film, which is just fine as it is. Interview outtakes that will just rehash what most of us already know, and that gets rehashed yet again in the Rob Bowman essays, are a waste of time.

If the DVD has outtakes of actual Last Waltz performances, and I'm sure there are some excellent ones, that would be more than worthwhile.

To be honest, this talk of a new, improved box set and the DVD leads me to speculate that with the attention given to the remasters, and to the success of this website, that it's time to put some old wine into new bottles and make a mint. I don't like it. It really cheapens what should be priceless. The best place to find the Band is on their original work, and on tape trading sites.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 19:47:07 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Thanks for info from ??? !!! Booked and waitin!!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 19:31:27 CEST 2001 from citrix2.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.7)

John Cass

I was just thinking who we all sound like...... THE BAND!!! maybe everyone loves them so much we all need to disagree on everything that pertains to them just like the Band members do especially Levon and Robbie to keep the Bands spirit alive by all the fighting lets not let this GB turn into a mini Band disaster with constant argueing and name calling. I love reading this GB although I don't know as much as most in here when it comes to all the small details I love reading the post from all regardless if I agree with people or not its fun to hear all sides of issues. Why don't we all agree on one thing The Band is the greatest and all shake hands and keep on the memory of the fellas!!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 18:29:01 CEST 2001 from spider-wb051.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.171)

Amanda

Greetings Everyone! I have been checking out all the posts...Wow...we have some really intense people around here. But, does it really matter if The Band is rereleased, reissued, boxed, reboxed or whatever??? The Band is so unique and powerful and there is nobody that compares...never has been and probably never will be. They had something so special...I mean look how we are still celebrating them TODAY! Who cares if they are huggin' and kissin' each other or kickin' and scratchin'. Let's just remember Richard and Rick always and keep checkin' out everything that Levon, Garth and Robbie are doing...for as long as we can. PLEASE....nobody leave....because I learn so much from all of you everyday and I really appreciate that. (Even though ya'll usually ignore me...that is okay...I get lots of attention at home.) Someone should really write a novel about The Band Guestbook. I think it would be way intriguing. Have a happy day!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 18:08:12 CEST 2001 from spider-wi023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.28)

bob wigo

We should consider ourselves fortunate to have this venue and the varied opinions it allows. My visits here are a daily requirement and that will not be changing any time soon. The information provided by so many has proven invaluable and has broadened my musical scope immeasurably. This "place", those who contribute ( information, humor, ice cubes for the Fryolator ), and the solid link to today's Band related musical ventures was a primary catalyst in my decision to finally pursue a lifelong dream to play music of my own. I can not imagine that having happened without the inspiration provided by all of you and the strong connections established here.

Opinions are nothing more than that. I have mine and you have yours. If they are expressed without animosity and with a measure of respect for the subject(s) where is the harm? When they are cast upon us like the splash of boiling oil those ice cubes create we feel the burn. It's all in the natural order of things.

I cannot fathom anyone here having a true dislike for his GB neighbor as it is seemingly impossible to develop enough familiarity to breed a real contempt. Short of posting personal attacks, home addresses, SAT results, divorce hearing transcripts or copies of income tax returns ( yes there's at least a few more items to round out the list and please feel free to augment ), it's all fair game. Taking a particular side or slant does not discredit nor validate anyone here or elsewhere. Expression of opinion, be it on Robbie or Levon, John or Paul, Crabby's alter ego, Donald's decrees, etc. is what tosses this marvelous salad. A little dressing on your tie is a small price to pay for such an opulent feast.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 17:44:01 CEST 2001 from ts1-40.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.40)

Cupid

After a nights sleep [ended this Am by my dog holding his Shnoozle an inch from my face and staring at me until his dog breath woke me up in a fit of gasps]I have figured out what the GB feud reminds me of...it reminds me of the bickering that goes on between brothers and sisters.MattK touched on it a bit. My hypothsis has been confirmed by the fence mending going on in here this morning. I'm glad to see it and Mom[ Hi Lil] didn't even have to put anybody across her knee. People vented and then said sorry just like my sister's used to[ My Brother and I...well he's 7 years my senior so I didn't have a prayer he ALWAYS won]I'm glad to see it..Peace Brothers and Sisters have a great day...Cupid

Posted on Thu Jun 14 17:19:35 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Ok...now your all getting a little sappy! (just kidding) I don't post much on this guestbook but I check it out every day. You've turned me on to some great music...stuff I probably never would have checked out otherwise. So thanks guys & gals...keep up the interesting discussions...just let the fued be.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 17:06:40 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Just as the weather has turned hot down here in Georgia, things heated-up in the guestbook. My comments yesterday were just my own personal opinion and I think some may have read more into them than I intended. No, they weren't specifically about the MUSIC, but rather about my thoughts on Robertson's recent comments in which he talks about The Last Waltz centered around his own involvement without seeming to acknowledge that there were others who performed the music with him. But that's just my own take on the matter. I'm a thick-skinned person and I don't take it as a personal affront when someone disagrees with my opinions. That's all I'm gonna say about this subject.

Moving onto to something that Erin brought up -- Down here in the South, "haint" is another word for a ghost or evil spirit. Some of you may remember the song "Haunted House" that was both a hit in the pop charts for Gene Simmons and in the country charts for the Compton Brothers back in the '60s. Roy Buchanan also recorded a version on his eponymous 1972 album. The song humorously tells the story of moving into a haunted house and contains the line, "ain't no haint gonna run me off." In reference to the word's use in "To Kingdom Come", the juxtaposition of "haints and saints" is perfect in that, although the two words fit together perfectly in rhyme, they're opposite in meaning. The use of "haint" also fits well following the line containing "cast an evil eye." As you can see, I can be very complimentary about Robertson's talents when it come to the subject of MUSIC (:-). Stay cool and have a nice day everyone.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:55:00 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

John,,,I luv you man!!! It soo cool you came back and posted your feelings,,,it makes you a better man for sure,,IMO hehe!!! Geez,,,do you remember the s**t I took when I posted Ricks beautiful pictures??? Wow,,,what a mess this GB was. After Rick died everyone felt as if they had to attack someone, and it was me everyone attack because of the way Rick l@@ked in the pictures. The pictures were shown two days (I think) before his passing, and after his passing was when it started. The main reason for the attacks was cuz I posted the pictures with each post that I posted and people didn't like it and felt it wasn't a good thing to do. I left for a while, but I came back cuz losing Rick was bad enough,,,losing all of you was a death sentence to me...

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:37:06 CEST 2001 from zorg222.revealed.net (208.243.237.222)

Mike

Hopefully all of my spelling errors are fixed! Gee whiz! Yes, this bitterness is silly. The feud is one of those things that exists. But I wonder how much Robbie knows or cares about it?! Levon needs to let go! I mean, these guys were great friends. I see no reason for Levon to keep letting hairs grow within his arse! Life is short and it'd really be nice to see them kiss and make up, or however you may phrase it. Yes, robbie let things go to his head. Hell, you're only human. I'm neutral in the Robbie/Levon thing. So, when Levon blasts Robbie for what he did he proves he is no better. Why?! It's not exactly a shining example that bad mouths a friend and carries a bitterness and hatred. I think Levon's problem started back when Robbie didn't show up to deliver the eulogy at Richard's funeral. I'm sure there was a good reason why he didn't attend. I I don't fathom him as being so cold hearted that he just wouldn't attend. I'm almost certain that he was upset to hear about Richard's death too! I think Levon has acted a bit selfish from time to time. But I shouldn't really point fingers. I'm not perfect either.

I got hooked on The Band six years ago and for me, it's all about the music. It's meant to make you feel good, in my opinion. Sometimes the musicians go thru hell in order to create their "art" but if you can still enjoy it, that's great!

About The Last Waltz, I'd love to see it digitally remastered with a 3rd disc of bonus tracks. Even better (wishful sinful here!) would be to remaster the album. THEN, mix the entire show (no overdubs) onto 4 cd's so we can truly hear the differences. It may be rough or not as good but it'd be an invaluable document. I know there's already a bootleg out there. I have it too! But, to hear everything in clear sound would be awesome. Maybe someday Robbie will do that...even to hear the poets on cd would be neat. That's down to historical value too. It's certainly a plausible idea I think. The soundtrack that you love/hate remastered (don't remix!). And then a mix of the entire show but undoctored! From Doctor Robert(son), lol! Sure, there are rough spots. But I'll take the music, warts and all.

As for the box set...I'll wait for that. I can't be a bad thing...I just hope that more outtakes can be dug up. Look at the Jimi Hendrix box set that came out last year! 4 cd's of mostly outtakes and some rarities. That set was worth it! But there's a bigger vault there than for The Band. I'd propose a set documenting The Band from Big Pink up through Jubilation. After all, it's still The Band. Include outtakes and unreleased live stuff as well. With a lot of hard work, it could be a definitive box set. My wish is that someday the complete Washington DC show from 76 will be released on cd! maybe?! My fingers are tired...Gotta run...Peace. Mike

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:33:10 CEST 2001 from zorg222.revealed.net (208.243.237.222)

Mike

Yes, this bitterness is silly. The feud is one of those things that exists. But I wonder how much Robbie knows or cares about it?! Levon needs to let go! I mean, these guys were great friends. I see no reason for Levon to keep letting hairs grow within his arse! Life is short and it'd really be nice to see them kiss and make up, or however you may phrase it. yes, robbie let things go to his head. Hell, you're only human. I'm neutral in the Robbie/Levon thing. So, when Levon blasts Robbie for what he did he proves he is no better. Why?! It's not exactly a shining example that bad mouths a friend and carries a bitterness and hatred. I think Levon's problem started back when Robbie didn't show up to deliver the eulogy at Richard's funeral. I'm sure there was a good reason why he didn't attend. I I don't fathom him as being so cold hearted that he just wouldn't attend. I'm almost certain that he was upset to hear about Richard's death too! I think Levon has acted a bit selfish from time to time. But I shouldn't really point fingers. I'm not perfect either.

I got hooked on The Band six years ago and for me, it's all about the music. It's meant to make you feel good, in my opinion. Sometimes the musicians go thru hell in order to create their "art" but if you can still enjoy it, that's great!

About The Last Waltz, I'd love to see it digitally remastered with a 3rd disc of bonus tracks. Even better (wishful sinful here!) would be to remaster the album. THEN, mix the entire show (no overdubs) onto 4 cd's so we can truly hear the differences. It may be rough or not as good but it'd be an invaluable document. I know there's already a bootleg out there. I have it too! But, to hear everything in clear sound would be awesome. Maybe someday Robbie will do that...even to hear the poets on cd would be neat. That's down to historical value too. It's certainly a plausible idea I think. The soundtrack that you love/hate remastered (don't remix!). And then a mix of the entire show but undoctored! From Doctor Robert(son), lol! Sure, there are rough spots. But I'll take the music, warts and all.

As for the box set...I'll wait for that. I can't be a bad thing...I just hope that more outtakes can be dug up. Look at the Jimi Hendrix box set that came out last year! $ cd's oof mostly outtakes and some raities. That set was worth it! But there's a bigger vault there than for The Band. I'd propose a set documenting The Band from Big Pink up through Jubilation. After all, it's still The Band. Include outtakes and unreleased live stuff as well. With a lot of hard work, it could be a definitive box set. My wish is that someday the complete Washington DC show from 76 will be released on cd! maybe?! My fingers are tired...Gotta run...Peace. Mike

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:15:56 CEST 2001 from dial-453.bton.kiva.net (208.143.13.198)

Todd Berryman/92.3 WTTS, Bloomington/Indianapolis

Hey gang...good to see yer all still here. I've seen "haints" used interchangeably with "haunts", i.e. "stomping grounds" (meaning, as a noun, not a verb). The usage that comes to my mind is Lester Bangs in his review of Van's ASTRAL WEEKS in the STRANDED anthology. I'm considering checking an online dictionary... We all shine on; peace out! - Todd.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:12:51 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Any of our neighbors to the north have info. re. place/time for the Barnburners show at the Windsor International Blues Fest?? Thanks!!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 16:05:09 CEST 2001 from (210.50.84.73)

Erin

A couple of people have wondered if we have nothing left to talk about. I've learnt stacks and there's a lot more i want to ask questions about, so obviously, I'm not in that category, but then again i am a gb novice. I think there are some pretty amazing people who write on this page, who i would never have got to meet any other way. I'm really grateful for it. Besides, people have been talking about the Homeric lyrics, odes and epics for a couple of thousand years now - largely without repeating themselves - there's something wrong if the Band can't stand a couple of decades. I think Homeric literature and The Band have more in common than might be immediatly obvious, but if that's too...whatever, then you can certainly put them next to the Troubadours, Trouveres and Minnesingers,(who have also been discussed for centuries) and who, I, at least, think, they out- rank on both literary and musical grounds.

BWNWIT - its lovely to have you back... we were just about to send out a search party!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 15:45:47 CEST 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Crabgrass: I caught Jesse Colin Young with his son and godson the other night while on the road in Philly and loved it myself. May he stay forever young...

Erin: my theory on "haints" in "To Kingdom Come" is that it is simply the way a Southern US accent may be interpreted by Northern (or Canadian) ears while hearing the words "I ain't," as in "Hain't gonna get caught up in no feud--feets don't fail me now!" On the other hand, a better authority, called the RANDOM HOUSE UNABRIDGED DICTIONARY, actually acknowledges the word "hain't" as "nonstandard" American English dating back to around the 1830s, as a shortened form of "have not" or "has not."

Posted on Thu Jun 14 15:41:22 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

John, I'd send an e-mail, but both of your last posts list yahoo accounts for e-mail. I'm not sure which is the one that is no longer working (or both). If you would, please shoot me a not as I'd like to chat off-GB with you.

No apology is really necessary, John, but I appreciate what you said. A first-timer sent me an e-mail this a.m. calling me self-involved, which perhaps is true. However, like everyone here, I really love this music, and have come to care about people I don't even really know, such as yourself.

I'm sorry if anything I've written over the last few days upset you or anyone else here. My fondest wish is that someday we can discuss this group, ALL it's members and their music without deriding anyone or taking up sides. There are no sides. We're just fans.

Take care of yourself, John, and I hope to see you soon.

Matt

Posted on Thu Jun 14 14:51:56 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

Geez. Perhaps we should rename the guestbook "The Band's whine and cheese party!"

Posted on Thu Jun 14 14:43:39 CEST 2001 from nrwl-sh4-port181.snet.net (204.60.216.181)

Quentin Ryan

ON A POSITIVE NOTE THE PRE-RELEASES OF "SEA TO THE NORTH" HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO THE CRITICS ETC. AND THE CD'S FOR DISTRIBUTION ARE BEING MADE AS WE SPEAK. A COUPLE OF WEEKS AWAY. LOOK FOR THE ARTWORK TO BE POSTED IN A FEW DAYS ON BREEZE HILL. AND IF YOU'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING TONIGHT COME TO NEWTOWN CT. TO HEAR SOME GREAT MUSIC. THE BAND DOES LIVE ON JUST IN A DIFFERENT FORM.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 14:40:11 CEST 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Could it be that the recent flare-up of "in fighting" on the guest book is a symptom of the fact that basically we've run out of things to talk about ?? I mean, how many more different ways can you talk about the Last Waltz, or the Brown album, or Robbie-Levon ?? I mean maybe things have just run their course-- unless something new comes along soon, its just a continual re-hash over & over again. Garth hopefully releases his disc soon, I wish Levon would get his Barnburners project together and release something, but it seems like he's missing the boat-- from what I understand, there are a number of tracks recorded, but NO labels have even been contacted yet, so dont hold your breath on seeing a Barnburners CD anytime soon-- and Robbie doesnt seem to have anything in the works-- so its just the same topics over & over-- not that I mind tho-- I always find the Guest book a good read-- but maybe thats why there is so much dissention ---

Posted on Thu Jun 14 14:25:58 CEST 2001 from (24.101.160.143)

John Donabie

I am very disappointed in myself for losing my temper yesterday and I apologize to Matt K. Like Matt I have been going through some tough times much like Matt stated; began getting too emotionally involved in this guestbook and for some reason "vented" it all at Matt. I have always enjoyed his posts and over reacted. My apologies for my anger....it's not in my personality really and I wish there was a "take back" button on the internet. One of the things about the internet that is both fabulous and frightning, is it's immediacy. Sometimes you wish it did have a "take back" button....much like we have at work with the "First Class" system. Again apologies to anyone I have offended by blowing off steam. Other normal conditions it would never have happened. Have a great day everyone.

By the way the e-mail address above was just for signing on today. I have dropped my Yahoo account so anyone sending e-mail there......don't be offended when I don't respond. The yahoo system doesn't "bounce back" mail. I'll be back, if that's OK at another time.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 14:13:26 CEST 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

The feud goes on... the feud goes on...

la-dee-da-dee-dee... la-dee-da-dee-da...

Posted on Thu Jun 14 12:38:03 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp71.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.71)

Diamond Lil

As someone who's always listened to the music simply because I _like_ it..I sometimes find it hard to understand the bickering that goes on in here. I know that the love of this Band and this music can bring out a great passion in some people, but since when did it become wrong to like something because you like it..or not like something simply because you don't? I'm not sure that there's a 'wrong' or right' when it comes to music. It's very disheartening when respected, intelligent people start making a personal issue out of it all. For what it's worth, there's a tremendous amount of knowledge in the persons of Mr. Donabie, Mr. Powell, and MattK..and I inevitably take something with me whenever I read one of their posts (which is not to take away from so many other posters that I also respect and enjoy reading). I just hope that personal attacks stop. They're not warranted..and they serve no purpose. Why end up with bad feelings over music that makes us feel good?

Thanks for listening. Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 11:26:22 CEST 2001 from (210.50.35.73)

Erin

I read 'haints,' as in 'haints and saints don't bother me' from 'to Kingdom Come' is a dialect word. Anyone know which dialect?

Thanks Brown eyed girl for the Etta James tip- I've never given her the time i should have. I will make amends now.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 10:18:13 CEST 2001 from ts1-30.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.30)

Cupid

Just read a few of the recent posts. While I admire the passion on display in these posts,like most gb folks I'm a tad fed up with the feud and at this point feel it's just gotten silly. Can the Robbie boosters and Levon supporters not just shake hands and agree to disagree. I suspect if they did and then sat down and listened to the Brown Album they'd all feel like a right bunch of charlies by the time they got to "Dixie". Go back friends,listen to the music and forget the damn feud.Channel the energy you waste on the feud into something positive, like introducing the young folks you know to The Band .Bring them into the light, pull them from the abyss that is Boy bands and teen queens.Frankly the feud looks like a bunch of alleged adults screaming "I know you are but what am I " at each other and seems to be less about RR and Levon and more about one GB'er taking shots at another.The fact that the music brings out such passion in you,my fellow GB'ers,only proves the strength of the songs. Go back,listen,learn something and then share your enthusiasim with the young en's. Be strong now...Peace Cupid

Posted on Thu Jun 14 09:59:12 CEST 2001 from 1cust71.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.71)

Crabgrass

Gee, looks like I missed all the fun!! I should've stayed home instead of catching Jesse Colin Young & Sons' (1 son + 1 godson) great show at the Village Underground. Jesse's voice is still beautiful - played for almost 2 hours, did some gutsy lead work, and played harp and slide guitar (which he's only learned in the past few years) - great show - thanks guys!! (Click Web Page for Jesse's site.)

Posted on Thu Jun 14 09:28:58 CEST 2001 from spider-wn043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.168)

Ben Pike

Gosh, I leave for a little while, and you kids can't play nice. I have not heard about the Last Waltz on DVD, but as it hasn't been issued in said format yet, isn't it kind of a minor rip-off as these things go? Hey, sell your video now on ebay for twenty bucks and it won't hurt so bad. The fact that after ALL the Band stuff issued I had to get the last of the pre Band singles off of Napster seems a lot worse to me. Also, what the hell should LEVON have to say about it? After ripping off The Last Waltz himself( the pathetic "Band is Back" lazordisc) he dissed the movie in his book. I would also note for the record, however one might dislike "Dry Your Eyes" Neil Dimond was and is considered a formatable early rocker as both singer and writer, before becoming a schlockmeister of the first order, but hey, you could certainly say that about Rod Stewart and a few others. By the way, what we REALLY need is a re-issued LAST WALTZ CD, with more songs and a decent mix, however overdubbed. And remember, whatever you have to say about this DVD, at least we don't have to buy Godfather III to get it!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 09:18:48 CEST 2001 from spider-tl061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.201)

Tommy

Hey folks...I got my Levon Helm on Drums and Drumming Video today in the mail.Good times, indeed! In Levon's own unique way, he explains all his little drum tricks.It's funny , too..levon being a natural, funny kinda guy.There are also some performances by The Band (post Robbie and Richard)too.I can't wait to get behind the kit this Tuesday (studio day) and put some of my newly aquired drum knowledge to work!

On a more inquisitive note......I wanna get some dixieland jazz Cds.Original,old recordings (early 20s and so on), but I have no idea what to look for!Aside from Louis armstrong, I don't really know any other performers names.Im also mainly interested in southern,hymns, and the like.Can anyone here suggest a CD set, or artist,or company name that puts this kinda music out?It'd be much appreciated.Thanks, friends.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 07:15:30 CEST 2001 from spider-ntc-tb011.proxy.aol.com (198.81.16.151)

Mike

Well…some things never change…Been gone from the GB for a while. No particular reason, just busy. Same old same old when I check in. The feud’s back…or did it ever leave? It has always seemed to me that a silent poll might settle things. (I say silent because I think some people would freak out if they knew for sure which side certain folks were on.) Why don’t we just vote and get it over with once and for all? Have it set up where we could cast a vote for either Levon or Robbie and be done with it? Then we would know where the majority stood. (I really don’t know what all the fuss is about. I have my views too, just like most of you. If a poll revealed that the majority sided with Robbie, so what. No skin off my nose. I wouldn’t sulk in my room. I’d still want to come out and play! (My gut feeling though, is that the vote would go the other way and that would just about kill some folks. I’ve often thought that if Robbie himself came out and admitted he did this and that, some in here would try and talk him out of it!) C’mon guys! Who really gives a rat’s ass one-way or the other? It’s NOT that important.

John Donabie and David Powell – PLEASE DON’T GO!!! I have been coming to this GB since 1996 (?) and your posts have been extremely enlightening. I have learned so much from both of you. Even Lil came back! :)

Posted on Thu Jun 14 07:04:13 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Maybe it's silly for me to jump in, but I had a few thoughts.

I agree that the GB has entered yet another phase of negativity, which often happens when there isn't any new music to discuss and a new article or interview surfaces to add more fuel to the feud fire. Just as surely, we'll snap out of it for a while when (for example) Garth Hudson's album comes out. However, I think Mattk was very perceptive in noting that the demise of "The Band" as such after Rick Danko's death has not helped matters in general; as much as any of us might enjoy and wish to discuss the Barn Burners, Crowmatix, etc. (not to mention Robertson's solo career), these spinoff bands don't replace *The* Band in importance for us. There's a lot of down time, and unfortunately that's the way it's going to be from now on.

I have enormous respect for the musical talents of both Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm; their many artistic achievements have provided me with uncounted hours of pleasure and fulfillment. Having said that, I wouldn't be unhappy for a moment if neither man granted another press interview from now to eternity. Robertson too often comes across as smug or condescending and as the self-appointed visionary behind The Band. Helm too often comes across as an angry, bitter man who can't let go of events now twenty-plus years past. I'm not even necessarily blaming these guys, because I'm sure that a certain amount of this is media distortion, but every time one of these damn things comes out it provokes some nastiness in the Guestbook -- and, more importantly, it damages the legacy of The Band. I really wish it would stop.

I'm not "taking sides" in any feud. I wasn't there when the contracts were signed, I wasn't there when the songs were written, I wasn't there when film footage was edited, and I wasn't there when anybody's microphone was turned off. I would guess that probably everyone involved made some mistakes and didn't behave as well as they could have. I'm not trying to knock anyone here who feels differently; some people here know things that I don't, and they're of course entitled to their opinions too. But I have to admit that I feel a little frustrated when so much time is spent dwelling on personalities rather than on the art itself. Many of my favorite musicians are people who have by all accounts acted less than honorably at various points in their career: Dylan, Lennon, Jagger, Young, Van Morrison, Miles, Mingus, etc. etc. (surely you can make up your own list if ya want.) I probably wouldn't want to have a beer with them, but I admire their music. Hell, for all I know there's a correlation there...

I hope nobody leaves permanently over this. I have greatly appreciated the contributions of Messrs. Donabie, Powell, and Mattk (among many others) over the time I've been a regular reader of the Guestbook. I really believe that this latest wrinkle is a misunderstanding that can be worked out. And if I could be so bold as to make a request of anyone reading this post, it would be this: Don't just listen to what Robbie or Levon or whoever says about the reissues, or the Last Waltz DVD, or the box set, or whatever...make up your *own* mind about them. I, for one, care much more about the opinions of the true-like-blue, right-as-rain Band fans in this Guestbook on these subjects than I do about anyone else's...but without even knowing exactly what the DVD or box set will include at this point, much less being able to watch/listen to the damn things, I would hope that we could all keep open minds for now.

Thanks for your time. I'll go back to reading quietly, as usual...

Posted on Thu Jun 14 06:56:15 CEST 2001 from 1cust181.tnt2.idaho-falls.id.da.uu.net (63.25.9.181)

rollie

Just thought I'd sign in since I hadn't seen my name posted in a day or so!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 06:36:09 CEST 2001 from dialup-094.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.94)

HANK

Oh Dear!........and to think that just yesterday, the hottest subject here was whether or not you could hear Richard playing the organ on "The Weight"!!!!!......My, oh My!

People......This DVD/TLW/Box Set thing should NOT be criticised until is available..........MAYBE.....just MAYBE.....Levon WILL be involved somehow......Maybe, just MAYBE Garth will recollect things....How the hell are WE supposed to know what exactly is going on?......MAYBE this will mark the end of the feud.....MAYBE RR will jam with The BBs one night in Cali......Who (here) knows? What'cha reckon BUTCH?.......just 'cos RR said he was getting it together DOESN'T mean anything....until we see it for ourselves

Although, having said THAT........it's interesting to see RR all keyed up about working with Band material again.........what about all these girly pop stars he's got to make famous?....it MIGHT get him into playing guitar and writing songs again as oppsed to getting the right sounds in the studio for 2001...........maybe not...........

RR is an interesting case.......it would seem that he's spent his whole career trying to make up for the disasterous performance of their first gig in 'Frisco in '69........he lost control that night.....onstage.... and TLW is the EPITOME of him being completely in control by the end of it.......onstage

Of course, you could argue, like RR, it was'nt always on the stage

Even 'tho they WERE on the stage....

Even 'tho they WERE on the stage.......

Don't forget folks........it would seem that RR is finally taking The Hawks advice yet again!!!!!

Something along the lines of "AW that movie'd be alright IF THERE WERE ONLY MORE SHOTS OF ROBBIE IN IT!!!!!! HAW! HAW!"

Posted on Thu Jun 14 06:29:55 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-115-13.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.13)

Back with no wife in Tennessee

Geez, I'm away from the GB for a little while and when I return find that all this fighting has erupted. (I always wanted to say that. I've just never been away from the GB.) But I was disappointed to find that no one asked, "whatever happened to that Tennessee person?"

Thanks for the quote from Ronnie Hawkins' book, Ahroo(!!!). I didn't realize before that it's another quote that was ripped off almost word-for-word in "Levon's" book. I wonder if Ronnie bitches about that?

Is any of the New York contingent going to the "O Brother" show at Carnegie Hall? I missed the premere at the Nashville Independent Film Festival this weekend (not to mention every other damn movie there) because I was moving to the lovely (and beautiful) West End/Hillsboro Village neighborhood. I missed Billy Bob and Lara Croft, too, because apparently they were there. Although missing those two might not be a bad thing.

It was good to see the TLW DVD release info, after the innumerable discussions about how they need to do it. Now, I would imagine that there is some music that was originally rerecorded at the time that wasn't actually in the official movie, that could be used as bonus footage. I would imagine they had a rough idea of songs to use, and overdubbed them, them took whatever worked together best and put it in the movie. I wouldn't imagine that the only music that was overdubbed was just the songs that ended up in the movie. I mean, they show a bit of Chest Fever, so they probably redid the whole thing, then decided not to use it all. But now, whenever a stranger shows up here asking about if the Last Waltz is available on DVD, we'll know what to tell 'em.

But see what happens? I go away for a few days, and we get TLW on DVD. Maybe I should leave more often (no snide comments, please).

Posted on Thu Jun 14 06:09:22 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

Personally I’m a big fan of ethnomusicology style posts in the GB. On the days when the GB is not really my scene I just click, click, click away somewhere else.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 05:33:52 CEST 2001 from dialup-354.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.98)

HANK

Well, just got home.......logged on to The GB....as I scrolled down I smelt a shit storm.......so I just got as far as BLIND WILLIE McTELLS post and link to The article on TLW DVD....just read that before I wrote this......uh-oh....I'll write again after I read the rest of the posts........looks pretty nasty out there!......

Posted on Thu Jun 14 05:27:44 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ta011.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.21)

kevin ransom

I've been scrolling thru the guest book, and I see some mention of another Box set. Can anyone fill me in on what this will contain? Does anyone know anything about this?

Posted on Thu Jun 14 05:22:26 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ta011.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.21)

kevin ransom

I've been perusing the listinggs of CDs and videos listed on this site. I'm interesting in getting a hold of the Levon solo albums, and the Video collection--the one that features the performances from Saturday Night Live, etc. Plus, the 1994 New Orleans concert video. Does anyone know how I can find these on the 'net or elsewhere?

Posted on Thu Jun 14 05:13:21 CEST 2001 from spider-we081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.56)

Bayou Sam

Holy smokes! - everyone chill out. It's all about the music. There's too much over-analyzing going on again. One guy comes in and yells at everybody like a school teacher - and another guy is gonna leave because the first guy is being mean. I think if the concearned parties step back and take a breath - they'll see that alot of sillyness has gone down.

We're a whole bunch of different individuals here - so there are bound to be occasional differences of opinion. I think the medical term for it is, "being human".

The damn fued is a HUGE part of the history of out beloved Band. It will come up now and then. It's a fact. It can be interesting to talk about. Accept it and you'll sleep better..... I happen to be right in the middle. I like Levon and Robbie - or Robbie and Levon if you like.

AHROOO = that part you posted from The Hawk's book was great and gives a hell of a look into things in the Band. It should cool off the Robbie bashers a bit.

BTW - I don't have a DVD player, so TLW on DVD dosen't get me excited at all. I'll get one eventually.

BTW - I don't necassarily know what I'm talking about. As usual, it's just me reacting to having just waded through the latest load of postings.

So remember - All You Need is Love.

"at all costs, let's laugh" - Levon Helm

Posted on Thu Jun 14 04:25:57 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Incidentally, I never said I was disappointed in David. I said I was "surprised."

Posted on Thu Jun 14 04:11:26 CEST 2001 from 1cust169.tnt9.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.10.13.169)

Hi

Mattk and all, sorry for the lapse and poor attempt at humor....I really don't care about the feud or favor Levon or Robbie....that's why I gave the Dylan quote attributing RR as the sole writer of the Weight after the goof on him...the real personal lives and problems of any of them is irrelevant to me....now....

Posted on Thu Jun 14 04:10:36 CEST 2001 from 64-211-6-213.nas3.mon.gblx.net (64.211.6.213)

Lars Pedersen

Tomorrow night (June 14th) in Newtown, Ct. there will be a concert at the Edmund Town Hall. Just zip over to the "concerts" page and you'll get all the information you need. The Honky Tonk Gurus, Garth Hudson, the Crowmatix, and Tom Pacheco. These people, along with Levon and the Barnburners (who unfortunately won't be there) are what's left of the Woodstock Band. They will be playing their music, maybe with some Band songs thrown in. They aren't the Band, but this is as good as it gets.

All I want is to go listen to them and I'll leave the debates/feuds/character analyses for you to quarrel over. To me, this whole love of the Band has always been about the music, not the musicians.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 03:56:08 CEST 2001 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Goodness! The news of these new releases has sure stirred things up. It has to be good news but in the end I guess we'll end up buying the same product again with a few new bits bolted on. Maybe they could set up a scheme where you could trade in your old copies as part payment!

Some backstage shots would make a great addition to the movie and well as some extra shots from Shangri La. There must have been a whole lot more than was in the movie. The problem is how to present them without them looking like a bloopers show. Maybe Robbie could link them!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 03:47:22 CEST 2001 from spider-tl033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.188)

Tommy

ahrooo.....I only said i wanna see Richard, drunk or not, cause someone before me said that they didn't wanna see more footage of him from TLW if he was gonna be drunk in it.I just wish there was more footage of him in the film, and if there is , I'd like to see it on the DVD (if he's drunk or not.Get it?).I don't wanna see the guy drunk cause I think it's funny or cool...sorry if that's what you thought I meant.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 03:29:57 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Geez John,,,calm down a bit,,,IMO, its Matt's opinion on what he says,,and nobody not even you should dictate just becuz you don't feel hes on your level or degree of statements regarding The Band. Go ahead now and flame me. I like you too,,,but ain't you overreacting a bit?!?

Posted on Thu Jun 14 03:15:42 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Well, then...

First, I'll say that I'm sorry if John has decided that my comments have put him over the top such that he will stop posting. John Donabie is a valuable and gracious member of this community, and I feel badly that my words have been misinterpreted in such a way as to drive him off. By and large, I'll leave further discussion between John and I offline and in my e-mail. However, I do need to respond to a few things in his post as well as others that followed mine.

I do not believe I've ever been guilty of "put downs of Levon Helm especially..." I have expressed dismay regarding Levon's negativity and his virolence on the topic of RR. I feel it does tremendous damage to the Band's fan community and inhibits others from discovering this great music. I believe the bad feeling we've seen recently is evidence of this fact.

For everyone's edification, and as anyone who traded e-mails with me at the time can attest, my decision a couple years back to take a break from the GB was NOT because I "felt people were picking on me." At the time, I was going through a difficult time, emotionally, and found I was taking the GB too personally and internalizing much of what I read here. I was not the first, nor the last person to make that mistake. I will refrain from viewing misrepresentation as an attack, however, and chalk it up to, perhaps, someone else having similair issues at this time.

I thank everyone who checked in on me during that period, and I'm sorry if I'm no longer perceived as "sensitive," though I would appreciate being shown precisely where I was insensitive on this point.

Second, I've never ever ever ever taken "shots at Richard’s problems, Rick’s weight etc." In my earlier posts today, I commented that if outtake interviews from Shangra La are included that I hope we do not see much more of Richard if he is in the same state we see in the current cut of the film. Richard was a beautiful musician, and by all accounts a beautiful man. Seeing him in what is documented as a bad and difficult state detracts from that fact and takes focus away from his musicianship and does little to help us understand him as a musician or a person. I wish him the dignity he deserves, and don't think that's fair.

There are regular and infrequent posters who HAVE made disparaging comments about Richard and his tragic death (Donald Joseph). To group me in with such comments is inaccurate and unfair, and I challenge anyone to support that accusation.

Third, I've never purported to "explain" the blues to anyone. I HAVE taken time to provide my take on various factors influenced and created the blues, per my recent comments regarding the role of race or lack thereof. I don't think that was unfair.

If saying the BB's are not in Muddy's league is an insult, then there are a LOT of brilliant blues musicians who wish they could be so insulted. If saying that Caldonia was a weak cut is an insult, so be it. It was. TLW was not a brilliant concert front to back. The best cuts made the original record, IMHO. If you disagree, that's great. That's one more song you enjoy that I do not. So be it. That's your right.

The ethnomusicological criticism applies to many here, including David Powell. Many of us find it tremendously valuable and pleasurable to examine the Band's music and lyrics from a perspective on influences, some of it speculatory. How is this disrespectful or "negative," exactly?

Are those who criticize those of us who partake in such exploration ready to apply that criticism equally? If you attack myself or Peter Viney (another gracious contributor), than will you levy the same attack on Pat Brennan? David Powell? Pehr? To do otherwise makes your criticism specious and personal, NOT substantive.

David Powell. I cannot say how much I respect and admire your posts and your knowledge. I believe your steadfast desire to "keep it about the music" is a paragon of acceptable and rewarding commentary as you find here. In this case, however, as is your right, you made a comment that was not based in the music. And I respect that.

My "disappointment" was that the one time you broke from your usual approach, it was to make a point that I felt was patently and demonstrably untrue. My response was not an attack, at least I hope you don't see it that way, nor was it a "flame," which would imply name-calling and insult, neither of which I engaged in. You made an assertion, and I refuted it point by point. If there is disagreement or misunderstanding as to what you meant, I apologize. It was not a "shot" in my view, and I hope you do not perceive it as such.

Regarding your rebuttal, I understand your point, but I do think it's reaching to read into his comments what you are asserting. I did not say there was anything wrong with taking the other member's feelings into consideration. However, in reality, it's not feasible.

Sadly, two members are no longer with us, one wouldn't be caught dead near the project (and wanted nothing to do with it at the time). I'd love to see him get Garth's input, but that seems unlikely as Garth is not looking back, by his own words. As far as Scorcese is concerned, there is no evidence in Scorses' own comments or the album notes or anything I've ever read to suggest he played an important role in the engineering of the soundtrack.

Richard, it was not my intention to generalize the entire readership. I thought my post was pretty clear in addressing those who posted today with complaints upon hearing that a re-release was forthcoming along with a new boxset. If anyone feels unfairly grouped in that criticism, I apologize. I suspect, though, that unless you ARE griping about the re-releases, then you probably wouldn't recognize yourself in my comments. At least I hope that's the case.

Donna - Believe or not, I AM in the middle ground. I've never claimed that Levon, Rick, Richard or Garth were not Robbie's equals. My pain comes from objecting to these off-the-cuff remarks implying that RR was somehow LESS than equal as a person - a person who the vast majority of us do not know (the few that have met RR, btw, have described him as gracious, at least to me). Barring personal knowledge, attacking ANY member of the Band, for me, is childish.

Just because I object to the RR bashing does not mean I am his apologist or lack issues with the guy. I just don't know him, and I don't think his comment warrant the anger they bring out here. Not hating RR does not equate to kissing his ass, despite what some would believe.

HI - your comment makes my point for me. Thank you. I was unaware that you possesed the unedited interview. For those who feel I've been unfair and negative, I submit HI's last post as support for my weariness and objection to being branded negative. Comments like this are PRECISELY why my BVDs are in a bunch. Am I the only one tired of it?

Finally, I do agree the GB has been a bit out of sorts for awhile. I suspect the recent vigor of the RR attacks comes out of frustration. Up until a couple years ago, those who hate RR had the luxury of pointing out (rightfully) that three of the originals were carrying on, at least partially, the original spirit and substance of the original five. The legacy of The Band was firmly held by Levon, Rick and Garth. Robbie was off doing very different things and was viewed as someone on the sidelines or some sort of ghost from the past that could not be completely shaken. Now, sadly, there is no Band in any form, and it's legacy rests with RR via his ownership (dubious or not) of the publishing, and his singular desire (for money or history) to coordinate and direct anything Band related that is issued. I understand how irratating and frustrating this must be for those that feel they know enough to despise him. My sincerest wish, as it always has been, is that for ONCE, something like a reissue could be greated with joy instead of digging at scabs that aren't even ours, examining wounds from battles we did not witness and will never understand.

Matt

Posted on Thu Jun 14 02:34:32 CEST 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Why are people still bringing up this feud? Is it that interesting or is it out of boredom? What really gets me is it sounds like those who don't like Robbie, it's because of something that was said in '93. I'm talking about Levon Helm's book in particular. I've been a Band fan for sometime and as a collector I've discovered new friends but once this book came about all of a sudden an invisible line was drawn. Either for Levon or for Robbie. This analyzing and putting down is nuts! People who have said they've met Levon have said he's a perfect gentleman. Those who have met Robbie have said he's a perfect gentleman. So, why is this happening?

If you really look at this, both the remastered and additional footage for TLW and also a new box set, who is going to satisfy The Band's needs? Is arguing and analyzing going to bring back the memories or bring you sweet music that you've longed for, for what seems like ages? Let's be serious. Somebody has to keep The Band alive. Obviously if somebody has a hatred for what they do and the companies and the industry which they work for, then for sure they won't want anything to do with us as fans of their past music. It's shameful when this attitude is taken because who does it hurt the most? The fans. So, somebody has to tend to the fans' needs. Somebody is listening. I guess helping in paying for somebody's house and car and giving them the good life doesn't matter, even if they blew it away for their own needs and addictions. One person saved their money and spent it wisely. To the victor goes the spoils.

I think it's amazingly sad to hear statements of "I want to see Richard whether he was sober or not." What kind of statement is that? This guy had a serious alcoholic dependancy. Just like Jane Manuel said, "People thought it was funny to see this guy suffer." For fans to say something similar to those Jane disliked is truly sad and disheartening. Richard had an absolute brilliance and greatness when he was well. Why would anybody want to see him when he was suffering? A bandmate putting blame on another for his passing is sinister at best and only placing somebody like Richard who did suffer makes it look like a joke. Richard wanted to get better but being placed on the road with somebody so fragile doesn't help. Nobody wanted to listen to their own bandmate when he was trying to reach out for help, so why should they reach out to the fans? I had a friend who almost became an alcoholic, but luckily she's well now and away from those who laughed when she was trying to get her barings and not fall on a table. Alcoholism is no laughing matter and it's not a way to remember somebody by.

I'm going to read a passage from Ronnie Hawkins' own biography. This is from page 133 out of Last Of The Good Ole Boys, "I was on their case for years, but of course they wouldn't listen. I saw a lot of money wasted, a lot of money they wish they had now. I think they lost control. They had too much money, too much fun and not enough work. Sometimes now they get mad at Robbie, because he's done all right. But they shouldn't. He took care of business. He was rough and tough when he started out but he was the one who most wanted to learn. I kept pushing Robbie, making him work harder and still harder, because he had the spirit. It's paid off for him. He probably has only one-tenth of what he should have. But still, that's enough."

For those who want to analyze one member, you can say plenty about the others. They had their problems even worse so. Rick's weight and Richard's substance problem is a fact of life. It's not something you can sweep under the rug and say it never happened. Nobody is perfect. If you're not allowed to say something about either of these subjects, what are you to say that everything was simply "hunky dory?" I don't think it's a terrible thing to mention but it was probably more terrible for them to go through that pain. It's not 1968 anymore and hasn't for a long time for those who choose to remember either Rick or Richard the way they once were. Lift up the blinds in your mind and realize they did have problems.

Then again if people are so against The Band and all this reissue stuff, you could always turn to something better such as the sweet vapid songs of boy bands and the likes of Brittany Pickle Spears and Christina Uhhhguilara.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Thu Jun 14 02:25:40 CEST 2001 from 1cust62.tnt10.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.61.39.62)

Hi

On a more positive note concerning RR.My '68 SingOut was found and I quote Bob Dylan re: "The Weight"...."My good friend Jaime Robbie Robertson composed this fine song." So there.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 01:54:33 CEST 2001 from spider-wm082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.187)

Dave Z

John D & David P: Never go away!!! I love your input, insight, sharing... and positiveness... I know I learn a lot from you guys... and that goes for you too Donald Joe from Chicago... please keep the stories coming...

And hey, since it's so hot in here... why doesn't somebody grab a couple of cold ones... and turn up JAM!... I'm real interested in what others have to say about the Crowmatix latest effort... full of Garth interviews, if ya know what I mean...

Posted on Thu Jun 14 01:15:38 CEST 2001 from spider-wn083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.188)

Ben Turkel

It's very encouraging that Capital is finally paying some attention to the Band's catalog. Hopefully some live shows will also be released, 'Rosevelt stadium' and either the Paladium or KBFH shows from '76 would be nice for starters. I would also love for some 80's & 90's shows to be released. It's always struck me as odd that 3 concerts of the reformed Band were released on video/dvd but none were ever released on lp/cd.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 00:53:00 CEST 2001 from 1cust214.tnt1.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.107.214)

Hi

Yea when I read this Robertson piece, the choice of words seemed unbelievable.....interviewing himself etc....he needs a better advisor or something...maybe an enema.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 00:31:45 CEST 2001 from stcatherines-ppp109145.sympatico.ca (216.209.112.76)

Richard Patterson

Hi folks… I don’t know how many of you here might have read the new Robert Christgau book (Consumer Guide: Albums of the ‘90s), but since we’ve been talking about rock critics and Robbie lately, this should add fuel to both of those threads…

Robbie Robertson : Storyville
Robertson’s unctuous undertone is the voice of a two bit hustler who’s discovered the big lie - the good and the beautiful, rapture and immortality, my BMW’s in the shop, of course I’m not married, I can’t wait to go down on you. It’s disheartening that people whose age and wisdom approach my own are fussing over his New Orleans "concept" - a posse of LA studio hacks augmented by a few ringers and the kind of second-line once removed horn charts the Band was hiring 20 years ago. The 70’s are over, gang. Now let’s dispense with the ‘80s. Graded C (turkey).

MATTK: I generally love your posts… but don’t you think it’s a little dangerous to generalize regarding the readership of the GB? There sure are a lot of different people with a lot of different opinions that hang out here. It’s been my experience that the most vociferous posters do not necessarily represent the majority of visitors…

Posted on Thu Jun 14 00:25:46 CEST 2001 from raindel.jvlnet.com (216.145.200.249)

Ann

Sheesh you guys. I feel like a child of divorced parents. Actually I am a child of ... never mind. Can't I like both Robbie and Levon and let the fued be between them? Would you rather not have any of this stuff...the re-issues, the DVD, etc.? Don't buy it if you feel "big bad Robbie" is ripping you off.

Posted on Thu Jun 14 00:11:45 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I guess I should have held my tongue so to speak regarding Robertson's comments. But what's so inappropriate Matt with Robertson taking into consideration what the other people (who were up there on the stage performing with him) thought of the sound of the recording. For that matter, he also seem to give short shrift to the role Martin Scorsese played.

As far as not being satisfied with the way the album version was engineered & mixed -- the concert was held on Thanksgiving 1976 and the Warner Bros. 3-record set wasn't released until 1978. It seems to me that there was plenty of time to correct the mix, if HE didn't like it.

That said -- I am looking forward to the release of "TLW" finally on DVD. I have always recognized Robertson's talents & contributions. You can go back in the guestbook archives and read that I gave his "Contact..." CD a favorable review when it was first released and believe me I got "flamed" a bit for that. The thing is that what made The Band great was the contributions of everyone in the group and I'm fed up with reading comments from Robertson regarding THE BAND that are inevitably couched in the perspective of "I" this and "I" that. That's just my feelings on that subject, and as you know who once sang, "You're right from your side, I'm right from mine. We're just one too many mornings and a thousand miles behind." I not tryin' to start a pissin' contest with anyone, but as Lyndon Baines Johnson once said of J. Edgar Hoover, "I'd rather have him on the inside pissin' out, than on the outside pissin' in."

Posted on Thu Jun 14 00:09:05 CEST 2001 from mat-7-34.enter.net (207.16.156.90)

Little Brøther

Whining is in the ear of the beholder. To other mosquitoes, mosquitoes sound like nightingales. Or Neil Diamond, or even Robbie maybe.

Thanks, Blind Willie, even if sharing the TLW/Robbie article WAS like tossing a bowl of ice cubes into a Fryolator.

My feelings aren't that deep-seated, but I can understand how reports of "New! Improved!" products that may duplicate or overlap with previously marketed stuff provoke howls. It is a double-barrelled situation, so I think it's quite natural to express either horn of the dilemma: Wow! New and desirable releases, like missing fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls! On the other hand, how long are those weaselly bastards gonna nickel and dime us? It's worse than Dick Clark and Ed McMahon promising that YOU may already be a WINNER! Perhaps the ass-showers (and some of us have a ton of ass to show) will reflect further and either think better of their initial anguish, or sulk forever in their tents like Saul.

(Personally, not having dragged myself kicking and screaming into the 21st Century appliance store, I lack a DVD player. So I'm in the enviable position of waiting until the holographic version is released, the one where little action-figure sized Band members shimmer on your tabletop.)

The "There he goes again!" aspect of Robbie's comments is likewise neither black nor white, in my opinion. (And don't dare say "red?"; you know who you are.) It's true enough that Robbie has become the exclusive proprietor of the Band's material by hook or by crook-- probably both. He's opted in where the others have opted out. It would be so nice and satisfying to fans if the surviving members of the original Band were like the Beatles, where Robbie might be able to take a McCartneyesque lead role with the cooperation or at least tacit approval of the others. Since that mutual respect and conviviality isn't there, regardless of why, circumstances put Robbie in the driver's seat.

Notwithstanding the above, and regardless of the narrow parsing of his comments, Robbie's habitual egocentrisms rub me the wrong way, albeit in a smiling, head-shaking way. There was no "I" in The Band, but there's one now. I agree that this seeming narcissism may be a fluke of editing, like an unflattering photo caused by weird lighting or the guy sneezing when the shutter was snapped. Still, it's a bit creepy.

I have a solution: Since Robbie is clearly an "if you want something done right, do it yourself" kind of guy, maybe from now on he should interview HIMSELF so he isn't subject to unflattering distortions.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 23:48:40 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.52)

Ben Turkel

I'm very pleased to read about an expanded 'Last Waltz' on cd and dvd. I'm a bit more cautiously optimistic about a new box set. How much unreleased studio material is left? I would think that most of the worthwhile material made it onto the re-releases as bonus tracks. I would propose a box set covering the entire career of the Hawks/Band from the 50's through the 90's, including solo & live material, but I strongly doubt that RR would allow anything from after the last waltz to be included.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 23:36:18 CEST 2001 from spider-tf023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.183)

Donna

MattK: Sounds like your having a Bad Day At Black Rock. I am looking forward to the new revised Last Waltz on DVD. It is difficult when one choose's the middle ground on this topic, as I have often done. Reason being, that I feel that I am just happy that this is going to be released!Robbie, Levon, Rick, Garth, and Richard, have/had so much talent, each in different area's. That is what made, The Band so great! As far as where the money should go or any other dispute in here goes, that is not my place to judge or place blame. This of course is just my opinion! I am still trying to get a copy of "Going Home." I am also happy and excited to be seeing Levon, play with The BarnBurner's in July!

As far as whining is concerned, you will hear me whine if the 76'ers lose another game. Has anyone noticed that Mutombo, talks just like Cookie Monster? :0)

Posted on Wed Jun 13 23:34:59 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

THE LAST POST

Matt's 2nd last post finally broke the camel's back for me; which has been coming for awhile.

Well, now that I've read Matt's take on The Last Waltz I would say “why bother re-releasing it at all.” Matt doesn't like Levon's demeanor. Matt doesn’t want a peep out of the late Richard Manuel unless he’s sober. He finds the other tracks unreleased, "weak.” Hell Matt, it's too bad you didn't help Robbie in the first place, years ago and maybe none of it would have been released; after you dissected it. I can hear it now, “You know Robbie, I’m just not happy with these weak tunes.” “Your right Matt”, says Robbie, “I don’t know what we were all thinking.”

I'm getting really tired of the negativity and the put downs of Levon Helm especially, the shots at Richard’s problems, Rick’s weight etc. This guestbook is turning into a very negative scene. No I didn’t say that a difference of opinion is wrong. I’m saying negativity doesn’t get you anywhere. \And who in the hell do you think you are Matt, taking a shot at David Powell who is like the "Switzerland" of this site. David is always positive and brings people back to the music. Your disappointed in David!!!!! Wow! I’ll bet David doesn’t sleep for nights. Matt I remember when you seemed like a sensitive sort. You once left the book because you thought people were picking on you. Well you don't have to worry about leaving now that you are the picker! It’s really too bad that Muddy Waters isn’t still alive so you could explain the blues to him and why you would drop his other tunes from the film. By the way, it's not just Matt pissing me off. I love The Band and I love their Music. Too many would-be ethnomusiclolgists for me. Someone drop me a line when there’s a Barnburners site. Serge was right. God Bless The Memory of The Band. I'm tuning out of here to keep those memories positive and enjoyable. I came for the music; not the put downs.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 23:25:06 CEST 2001 from spider-tl032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.187)

Tommy

Matt and Pat....You guys make some good points.I was just bitching cause I always wanna see more Richard footage, drunk or not.

I understand that Robbie is in the forefront (weather he puts himself there or not) cause he is the one interested in ,and contributing/working to get The Band products out.I know it can be frustrating cause we, as fans, sometimes have to buy stuff we already have.But ,like it's been said before, don't buy it.If you can't afford it and you really REALLY need it, steal it!Just don't get caught.

I want The Last Waltz on DVD cause sooner or later my tape is gonna warp or ruin itself..or get caught in the VCR.I don't have the last ('94) box-set,so the new one, especially if it offers other stuff then was on the reissues,is OK by me.It's just hard to look at Robbie sometimes with that jet black hair.Creepy.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 23:01:22 CEST 2001 from ts1-22.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.22)

cupid

P.S. I cocked up the e-mail address on my last post, this is the proper one. Also, I read MattK's post and Matt I for on am looking forward to the new Box set [I never bought the first one, already had "Anthology" and "Best Of"] I think I will grab the new one. I hope they leave some of the rough edges on any new material they add to a TLW DVD just to give us some idea what the real deal sounded like.Even if it did sound like someone backing over a trash can full of cats [a phrase I generally reserve for Opera] it would be interesting from a historical point of view.

As for the feud... there will be peace in the middle east before the Robertsinians and Levonarians agree on anything.So what do I consider myself?..well I reside in the camp over yonder..I'm a Manuelite....Peace Cupid

Posted on Wed Jun 13 22:39:51 CEST 2001 from ts1-22.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.22)

Cupid

Had a bit of a shock today...well...a couple.I found myself singing that Neil Diamond tune from TLW, the wife asked who's tune and I told her who's and where I'd heard it and how it was pissing me off becouse I really don't like it and can't understand why RR had to include him just becouse he'd produced Diamond's [then] latest record.At this point I took a breath. While I was breathing, Mrs cupid says "Oh..I didn't know RR was in The Band"...so for the next half hour I gave her the whole run down about the feud and all the other Band related stuff the whole tragic Richard story, how they cleaned up TLW and of course I did a diatribe on the whole RR/Scorcese/TLW love fest. So now she is all up to speed and understands why it's important that I buy the reissues and why a DVD player would be a really good investment.You'll have to excuse Mrs Cupid,she's a wonderfull woman but her musical tastes leave a bit to be desired...she wanted me to buy her a Survivor[ya know them "Eye of the tiger" guys} disc fer Christ sake!!!

Shock number two came a couple of days ago, After wishing my Mom a happy birthday we got to chatting about our boys, she wasn't too familiar with them until I mentioned The Hawk. "Oh" she says your Aunt and I saw him when we were in Nashville" Cool! thinks I, I got me a Band connection right here in the family! then she said "oh no that's right, our cab driver told us not to" alas, on the advice of this music city cabbie they ended up seeing Boots Randolph[!!!]. This cabbie thought The Hawk's show too raunchy for Mom and Aunt Agnes so they took his advise and went elsewhere...so close and yet so far....Peace Cupid

Posted on Wed Jun 13 22:30:09 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

I just wish I was as concise as Pat. Amen.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 22:19:23 CEST 2001 from user-33qt91o.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.56)

Pat Brennan

Well, we know Levon won't want anything to do with it so that rules him out. Garth is a wild card, but he seems busy with other things. So that leaves Robertson to push this particular project. The Scorsese interviews we've seen already when VH-1 broadcast the movie last year. It sounds to me like the DVD isn't gonna have much extra, but we've all been bellyaching for it so that's fine. The album--which to me at least never sounded very good--promises to be very exciting, although the ragged performances from the actual will answer the quality questions. Perhaps some of the evenings songs were overdubbed but never released.

I might remind all that the RR interview was probably much longer but the two writers picked out what highlights they though relevant and published them. Also, for all of you upset with the proposals, don't buy them.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 22:13:18 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Y'all caught me during a bad spate. I'm feeling a bit acidic my ownself lately, so I find it hard to hold my tongue. Sorry, but I gotta say this.

You guys really take the cake.

All I've read for the last two years is "I want a TLW DVD," "I hope they use outtakes," "Wouldn't it be great if they would remaster TLW," whine whine whine.

Now, you finally get what we've been demanding, and what do you have to say?

"It's all about money," "They're trying to rip us off," "It's all about Robbie," whine whine whine.

Doesn't anything make you folks happy? You bitched about the quality of the Capitol CDs. They remaster them, you buy them. You complain that somehow it's a rip off, even though everyone gives the quality of the new CDs a big thumbs up.

Everyone complains that the original box set was not very good, not enough rarities, not enough upgrades in sound quality, not a good song selection.

So the first thing out of your "mouths" upon learning that a new set is forthcoming, this time with actual input by at least one of the guys in the Band, and what happens? Whine whine whine. It'll be too expensive. It will have too many radio commercials. Robbie's the only one involved.

Ok folks, here it is. Robbie's the only guy who's working on this stuff. Levon ain't gonna do it. Rick and Richard cannot. Garth wants to look forward. That leaves Robbie.

David, frankly I'm surprised by your comment. Looking at that interview with your comment in mind, I struggle to see where the pronoun "we" would be accurate. You're reaching, my friend.

The pronoun "I" is used in reference to the following:

First:

"I was happy with the movie's sound but I was never happy with the album because I couldn't do it myself...The movie was so demanding that I told somebody I worked with, 'While I'm mixing the movie, you can engineer and mix the record,' and it just wasn't done properly."

"We" does not fit. Levon, Rick, Richard and/or Garth are not commenting on the quality of the sound. WE did not mix the movie. Robertsonians and Levonistas agree on one thing. TLW was Robbie's production.

Certainly the concert itself was the group, the performances, the music itself, plus Rick, Richard and Garth contributed overdubs after the fact. But we're not talking about playing the concert. We're talking post-production, which was a Robertson-led effort, to the chagrin of Levonistas and the delight of Robertonsians.

Second:

Regarding "Across the Great Divide: "I didn't like the way it was laid out. It was uninteresting...etc"

Again, the interview is with Robbie. There is no appropriate WE to be used here. Levon, Rick, Richard and/or Garth are not being asked the question. It's not Robbie's place to speak for them.

Third:

Again regarding discoveries during the most-recent remastering efforts: "The more material they found, the more I thought to myself, 'Now I want to do the definitive Band collection with lots of surprises and things I didn't even know existed.'"

Again, no WE would be appropriate here. "We thought to ourselves?" Well, no, not unless RR is both psychic and conducting seances.

Perhaps he could say "We want to do the definitive..." but that would be inaccurate. Levon isn't interested. Garth may or may not be, but the interview isn't with Garth. Unfortunately, Rick and Richard have no opinion, at least that we would be able to divine.

I fully appreciate RR is an image conscious dude, and Crabby certainly has cornered the market on harping on the inconsequential at the sake of the substantive. But really, the rest of you guys are showing your asses a bit by reading so much into an innocuous interview. This SHOULD be good news to everyone. Why not enjoy it.

And here's a clue. If you think it's a rip off. Don't buy them. Don't buy anything from Capitol or Warners. As far as I'm concerned, Lil's the only one in here who can take the moral highground on this one as she refrained from buying the remasters. Last time I checked, as Bob astutely pointed out, the rest of us are snapping them up as soon as we have $15 in out pocket.

How come it's so easy to create controversy in every nuance of RR's interviews, but most of these same folks defend Levon for his overt vitriol. It's inconsistent, it's disengenious, and it's getting old.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 22:04:20 CEST 2001 from spider-wc073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.53)

bob wigo

So what are the chances of a statement from RR regarding an even split of all royalties from a the new boxed set as well as the revised Last Waltz on DVD ? The estates of Rick and Richard, along with Levon, Garth and Robbie taking equal shares sounds fair to me and would possibly go a long way towards resolving the issues with which we are all too familiar. Or not. Any opinions?

P.S. Maybe wondering about all of this is the wrong way to go. We could just have it decreed !

Posted on Wed Jun 13 21:25:37 CEST 2001 from spider-wc072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.52)

bob wigo

David,

The addition of Randy Newman opening the show with "It's Money That Matters" should give it away.

Ah hell, who are we kidding? We'll be among the first to buck up.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 21:08:49 CEST 2001 from 1cust243.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.243)

Crabgrass

Sure, added RR interview footage is great but I hope the DVD release of TLW also includes more close-ups of him singing. And that the new box set includes more radio commercial promos.

BTW Robbie's teeth look terrific!! Is that some new miracle tooth whitener he's been using or is my monitor not adjusted properly?

Posted on Wed Jun 13 20:56:05 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Regarding the Robertson quote on the DVD reissue of "The Last Waltz" -- The group The Band was comprised of five individuals, up until after "TLW". Why is it that Robertson repeatedly uses the word "I" and never once uses the collective reference of "we" in talking about this project? The answer my friends is obvious.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 20:46:35 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

MattK

Yeah, I'm sure Levon will sign a release to use any leftover interviews. Heck, I bet he's first in line to do a follow up interview.

Personally, I'd like to see the other guys too, but it doesn't seem like there's much more they could have gotten that was useful from the night at Shangri La. Levon sure wasn't into it -- he looks like he's at a dentist getting a root canal. Perhaps there's some left over Rick stuff.

I'd love to hear more from Garth. Frankly, I don't want to see anymore of Richard, unless he's sober, which in that time period, seems unlikely. \Personally, I'm not interested in any of the left over performances from the night itself, at least from the star turn stuff. Caldonia (no E, on this one, KLJ, we're talking Louis Jordan) is not that great, the extra Joni/Neil stuff is very weak, the extra Clapton is pretty awful. I'd like to see Video of Tura Lura Lura, but that's about it.

If I remember right, other than Georgia (which seems overrated to me after seeing/hearing the SNL version), King Harvest and Walcott seemed pretty inspired.

Of course, the real question is how useable are the masters from the actual concert? Given the amount of "correction" that was needed in the first place, I'm guessing concert tape will need some work, and I'd be bothered with anyone other than Rick overdubbing the bass parts, which (sadly) is impossible.

That said, the most exciting thing from that link was RR hinting about using material from the rehersal. Every account I've read indicates the rehersal stuff is wayyyy superior to the actual event, musically (I suspect most of us with the Complete LW would agree it's pretty messy and underwhelming minus the sweetening that occured later). Personally, a disk of rehersal outtakes, complete with patter, would make me a very happy man.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 20:32:55 CEST 2001 from spider-tl052.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.197)

Tommy

why doesn't Robbie just release a DVD all about himself???as much as I love his musicianship (mostly before the 80s),I'm really not interested in seeing more of HIM in a rereleased Last Waltz.More Richard, Garth,Levon,Rick!!!at least when you see these guys in interviews, they don't look like they're ACTING!

I already have the 'Robbie Robertson;Going Home' DVD.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 20:25:35 CEST 2001 from dhcp58148.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.148)

KICKING HORSE (chief of the Fakowees)

DOCTOR PEPPER?? Thnak you for relating yet another one of your up close and personal experiences with the band. Its takes my breath away. I hope and pray that this doesn't mean your battle with LMMFer syndrome is rearing its ugly head again.. Keep on fighting it man; your goona win this battle. As a point of interest, were you by any chance shit faced at the Carniege Hall concert? Did AP have to help you down or up any stairs or anything? And yes Sredni was there; Rick once told me.. You were just too blasted to notice. How else do you explain sitting in a dressing room while the great JJ Cale was workin the big room?

Posted on Wed Jun 13 20:14:29 CEST 2001 from dax30.revealed.net (208.16.227.173)

Mike

Willie, thank you very much for that link. Upon reading, it's hard to NOT get excited! I can only hope that Robbie adds more Band performances to the soundtrack album. And as for the proposed Band box set, there should be a LOT of unrealeased stuff added. I hope they don't use the outtakes already on the reissues. That'd be a waste. Lots of unreleased live material would be a bonus. (ROA rehearsals, Woodstock, St. Louis 1970, Watkins Glen, Dylan 74 tour, 76 tour in D.C., etc...) Also, in Levon's book he makes mention of an alternate take of "I Shall Be Released". It's a version in which Richard sings in normal voice instead of falsetto. That'd be interesting to hear. I'm sure there are more outtakes as well...Maybe the box set should be 2 or 3 discs of unrealeased stuff. That would make a great companion to the reissues. The few gems on "Across The Great Divide" should be added so that box will be obsolete. Only sections of the 3rd disc had any value to begin with! I think I may ramble a bit but the prospect of more Band stuff is exciting. Don't you think?!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 19:58:19 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Blind Willie McTell: Thanks for the web link about The Last Waltz on DVD. I think it sounds great! I just wish I didn't have to wait a year for the release. My only suggestion is don't mess with the original movie. Add the additional footage as "bonus" or "deleted" scenes instead of placing them in the original film.

The new box set also sounds great. 2002 is starting to sound like a great Band. Hopefully, Levon and the BBs will release their cd as the icing on the cake. However, I'm not looking forward to journalists asking Levon about what he thinks of the new Last Waltz DVD.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 19:57:09 CEST 2001 from housinguni1.usi.edu (192.206.9.72)

Knockin' Lost John

Oh boy, more interviews with Robbie.

Anyway, it will be nice to see and hear TLW w/ extra footage.

I hope they include Muddy Waters doing "Caledonia". The article at the website that Blind Willie provided (thanks, by the way) also hints at another boxed set from capitol.

Tom Brokaw should do a "Fleecing Of America" on this company! Jesus! It sounds like they're gonna put more rarities on this boxed set, so that we'll all run out and buy it, probably for $65.00 or more!

(Wow, I sounded like Levon there for a minute).

As for TLW, seems like there should be more interviews with Garth and Levon too, or even Rick and Richard if any old footage can be located.

MORE ROBBIE doesn't seem fair.

Later,

John

Posted on Wed Jun 13 19:55:34 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Jan,,,thanks for posting Prof. "Louie" & The Crowmatix on your "Whats New" page!!!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 19:53:29 CEST 2001 from (216.173.39.230)

Deric

This DVD news is ridiculous. How many times can the same material be rereleased? Why weren't the alternate takes Robertson says will come out in the box set released in the recent set of remasters? He wants to release a "definitive Band collection". What about the eight discs he just released, which cost over $100; shouldn't that have been the definitive collection?

I have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on Band discs, bootlegs, books, videos and everything else; I have purchased Robertson's crappy solo albums, that Danko live disc that sounded like it was recorded from a microphone two miles from the stage and even "Man Outside," that awful film starring Levon as a sheriff. But I'll be damned if I'm going to lay out another penny. This is really an outrage. Capitol is ripping off Band fans and Robertson is willing and able to help them do it.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 18:47:03 CEST 2001 from (216.191.187.38)

Blind Willie McTell

It looks like there will be a DVD of The Last Waltz next year with additional footage. See Web Page link above for more info.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 18:27:57 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

David Powel-I was at the Kristin Carr benefit show by Bruce a few years back. Bruce donated 100% from 2 shows to the foundation you mentioned in your post.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 18:03:27 CEST 2001 from dt074n57.maine.rr.com (24.93.136.87)

Dan

Does anyone here know who it is Dylan sees in the audience during the Last Waltz, during Forever Young, that prompts him to break into Baby Let Me Take YOu Home (probably the wrong song title) thanks Dan

Posted on Wed Jun 13 17:23:14 CEST 2001 from ga85081335.ts.mah.se (195.178.226.195)

Michael

!Thanks for all the great information!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 16:52:43 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Just a few words about Dave Marsh -- Before he wrote for Rolling Stone, Playboy and other magazines Mr. Marsh co-founded the radical Creem magazine in the late '60s. With writers like Mr. Marsh, the late Lester Bangs and others, Creem pioneered a certain visceral approach to reviewing music. They wrote about music because they truly loved the subject and identified with its power. I truly miss writers of this ilk, in this day & age where the "People Magazine / Entertainment Tonight" style permeates music criticism, even in Rolling Stone. Sure Mr. Marsh may get his facts wrong or rub some the wrong way on occasion, but I believe that deep down inside his love of music is an over-riding factor in his viewpoint.

Several years ago, Mr. Marsh's daughter, Kristen Ann Carr, succumbed to cancer at the age of 21 (Mr. Marsh's wife, Barbara Carr, is part of Bruce Springsteen's management team). Mr. Marsh has devoted a lot effort to raising awareness, as well as funds, to fighting the war against cancer. Through their contacts in the music industry, Kristen's parents have been able get many musicians to help raise money for various causes in the fight against cancer. This is ultimate example of how the power of music can be used as a positive force.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 16:19:18 CEST 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

Pehr

Java: Coming from you that opinion means absolutely nothing to me. Ditto for Ronnie H. is a "Lousey" singer!

But I really dig what you are trying to do!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 15:38:37 CEST 2001 from (143.60.28.137)

Jennifer moore

wonderful website. beautiful pictures of "the band" (ha)! jennifer

Posted on Wed Jun 13 14:40:13 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ti012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.152)

bob wigo

Got them Java Blues.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 14:23:22 CEST 2001 from 088.mel0502.mel.iprimus.net.au (202.138.37.88)

Erin

Looks like we've got someone else who got lost on the way to the Spice Girls page.

Thanks to everyone who answered my questions. I've always wondered whether 'ophelia' should be taken as some kind of Hamlet re-write. Unlike Stoppard's though, it doesn't really work (I guess because its not actually a hamlet re-write.) Partly I thought it might be because of the dog Hamlet (as dodgey fundation for lit. crit. as you're ever likley to find), but mainly because I would really love Opheila to just pack up and leave Hamlet to ruin his OWN life. Yeah, yeah, i know, I'm such a philistine.(sp?)

Also, finally, i sent that Modern Drummer Levon Helm interview into Jan. Sadly, the copy of the interview that i have is edited, but its still quite interesting.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 13:49:05 CEST 2001 from nbsjcvx04ip142166142122.nbnet.nb.ca (142.166.142.122)

Java

You people are pathetic, talking about album cover art and reissue ripoffs of Band material. The Band are dead, Dylan is washed up. Let it go, get over it. Get on with your pathetic lives and go kicking and screaming into the 21st century.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 12:48:42 CEST 2001 from spider-tk082.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.212)

Mike

Has anyone noticed how telling the cover of "Moondog Matinee" is? Robbie on the inside and the others on the outside looking in. Even on the cover of an album Robbie was separated from the group.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 12:04:17 CEST 2001 from a046153.ap.plala.or.jp (210.153.46.153)

Tokyo Driftwood

Nice to meet you all.

One of the mysteries about the Band is their debut album,"Music From Big Pink." Before releasing the album, they were the Hawks, a top rhythm and bulues band which backed lousey rock'n roller Ronnie Hawkins and hepled Dylan transform from his folk era to rock with their noisy sound. The Hawks were one of the best white bules bands I ever heard. So it wasn't weird at all to assume that the Hawks would release a rythm-and-bules album.

However, they didn't, but they released a super melting pot album of all kinds of American ethnic music. What helped them make that incredible metamorphosis? Atmospher of Woodstock, where they decided to reside or the break from the day-to-day road changed their lifestyle and music?

I listened to their bootleg "Genuine Basement Tpaes" from ‡Tto‡X as well as official "Basement Tapes." Nontheless, I can't still figure out the reasons why they gave up on releasing another "Cream" album.

Answering an interwiew, Robbie once said that the debut album was a rebel against the rebel of the hippie culture in the 60s. However the reasons may be, unlike Dylan, the Band flowed backward to their roots. What a big risk they took upon making their musical debut! The stakes were high, but they were sure worth paying. God blessed the Band!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 09:16:12 CEST 2001 from 1cust247.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.247)

Crabgrass

Hey, I admit I'm no Tom Moon - but I do know what I like!!

Personally, I believe I have more than enough information to form an opinion about Nicky Love's music based on the lyrics and sound samples (which used to be) available on her DreamWorks website although I don't believe I've yet expressed it. But I'll let the pros and semi-pros go first.

My track by track analysis of Honeyvision will appear about 4 months from now when it reaches the bargain CD bins and sells for $1.99 or less - I'm currently on kind of a tight budget. Of course by then - probably no one will be interested in reading it - except for laughs - as Nicky will have become the new international "Rock Goddess" (just as she predicted) with at least 8 smash hit singles in the Top Ten.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 07:12:27 CEST 2001 from dialup-096.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.96)

HANK

I'm still laughing at JOHNNY FLIPPOS last post!!!.....sick, dude, sick!

I heard "The Weight" on the radio yesterday on my way to Dublin to see Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Dublins Point Theatre last night.......Neil and his noiseniks were GREAT! ....and I swear, even tho' I 've heard it so many times and played it so many times, I got chills hearing the intro to "The Weight" .......Beautiful.... to quote a Staple.......

Hey folks!....D'y'know That Van Morrison refused to go on stage at a concert in Macroom Co. Cork in 1980 (Approx.) until the crowd stopped chanting "VAN THE MAN!!!!!" ......If Rock'n'Roll stars were The Seven Dwarfs....Van would be Grumpy...no doubt....

Now THERE'S an idea for a thread........Which one of the Seven Dwarfs would Bob Dylan be?....or who would Kurt Cobain be or Madonna or YOU choose!!!!.......I'm anticipating some interesting candidates for Sneezy and Snow White.......

OK OK I'll go to bed!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 05:48:22 CEST 2001 from proxy5.mtmc1.on.home.com (24.66.127.37)

John Donabie

DAVID POWELL: Thank you so much for all the "Oh Brother" information. I bought the DVD today. I am looking forward to the release of the DVD and CD of the Ryman concert. Our own Colin Linden will be in New York Wednesday night (Tomorrow) (Tonight) for the concert as he sings a tune and plays guitar in the film.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 05:03:37 CEST 2001 from dialup-63.208.68.2.dial1.chicago1.level3.net (63.208.68.2)

Pat Brennan

When The Band was The Band and not The Band Is Back, Garth would move over to the piano and Richard would play the organ during The Weight. Richard played piano on Stage Fright, both in the studio and live. Garth played a lot of piano with The Band and did some really wild piano stuff on The Basement Tapes. As I recall, for his part, Richard played Hammond organ on Ophelia, which may be the only time the Hammond made an appearance on a Band album.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 04:50:36 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.152)

Dave Z

Thanks Hank, Pehr and the brown eyed girl... geez, I feel like I just named three characters in a Dylan song... Let's hope Robbie does some real nice soloing for the Dylan CD due out this fall... Oh well, picked up my BB ticket for the Mpls show today... really siked!!! Also wondering when the media ramp up for Garth's effort starts?... gotta be pretty soon?... ga nite yall...

Posted on Wed Jun 13 04:21:35 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Bayou Sam: I'm once again relying on memory, but I believe you can see Richard play the piano intro to "Stage Fright" in The Last Waltz.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 03:28:10 CEST 2001 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

ROD

On the Band is Back video Garth and Richard stay behind there own rigs. I'm not sure what Garth is doing but his normal piano parts are nowhere to be heard which is a shame. I guess the reason for not switching is that Richard sings a verse so needed to be at his own mike. Generally I find this version a bit overblown and sentimental and my favourite take is still the one with the Staples.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 02:33:13 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

All of the Dylan biographies that I have read confirm that Dylan was the closest to Robbie while playing with The Band......."The two stood face-to-face onstage, weaving sound patterns like strands of friendship."........The so called absurdist metaphor: "He's the only mathematical guitar genius I've ever run into who does not offend my intestinal nervousness with his rear-guard sound"........Shelton presumes it refers to Robbie being as strong on technique as he was on a gut sound..........I agree, but it's all the emotions that he lets loose while playing that distinguishes him from other players for me...........I am still blown away by Robbie's solo guitar on "Crazy Love" (Aaron Neville singing).........his playing simply has the most BEAUTIFUL and HEARTFELT licks I have ever heard.............He continues to tease us with his emotional playing in "Unbound", "In the Blood", "Making A Noise", "Carry Me" "Amazing Grace", and the instrumental version of "Out Of The Blue"......Daniel Lanois was right......

Sounes mentions this quote in his book as well........He also confirmed for me that "Just Like A Woman" and "Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat" were mostly about Edie Sedgwick........

Ilkka.........Norbert has discovered Van the Man big time in France.......he especially plays over and over again.........."Tupelo Honey" with Dylan and "Reminds Me Of You"............guess who burned the Van CDS for him? :-D

Erin.........If you like KoKo Taylor.........check out Etta James as well......she's not as raunchy.........but she gets the job done! I listen a lot to her "Life, Love and The Blues" recording.

Molly........I knew you were a reggae gal........:-D

For all the insominacs out there........the book "Sleep" by Robert Peacock and Roger Gorman has great photos and bedtime reading.......poems by........Laurie Anderson, Herman Brood, Patti Smith, Allen Ginsberg, Jules Shear, Jane Siberry, Louuuuuuu Reed and Graham Parker.......as well as other contemporary literary writers........which reminds me.........Dylan really liked Graham Parker..........and The Clash.........just like me.........Sounes confirmed for me again........

Posted on Wed Jun 13 01:33:14 CEST 2001 from spider-tj064.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.204)

Bayou Sam

I asked a question once that was similar to Tommy's question - when The Band did Stagefright live, did Richard play the piano intro, or did Garth do it and just spin around to the organ at the right moment? Just curious.

Posted on Wed Jun 13 01:11:22 CEST 2001 from md469282b.utfors.se (212.105.40.43)

Torsten Arpi

Posted on Wed Jun 13 00:57:51 CEST 2001 from syr-24-24-5-34.twcny.rr.com (24.24.5.34)

Dr Pepper

I'd like to hear more about the JJ Cale LIVE CD. I sort of saw him live at Carnegie Hall. I was sitting backstage in the "Juniors" Dressing room looking at posters of Leonard Bernstein and Caruso and listening to JJ Cale open up for The Band on speakers on the wall back there. I tell you the people in the "Juniors" dressing room were no slouches: Jimmy Weider, Randy Ciarlante, Richard Bell, Howard Johnson. Lenny Pickett, Tom "Bones" Malone, another horn player who played that night (used to play with the Rochester Philarmonic I remember). The only guy missing was Sredni Vollmer! And of course Al "AP" Pearse was there banging down the coffees. Great night!

Posted on Wed Jun 13 00:38:01 CEST 2001 from m198214181246.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.246)

Pehr

Saw RR on the Comedy Channel this morning while getting ready to go to work. It looked like an early 90's thing.they were playing the Weight and throwing the vocals around the circle like a Dave Marsh all night Who Rave party! but who are those guys in the back with the pink feathery getups and head dresses? I didn't recognize them. I may be robbie's biggest fan but the gett ups didn't do much for me. I hope Chris and Pat dont dress like that when the BB's do SNL!

speaking of Cable TV and the Band, VH1 just did the 100 most shocking moments in Rock and roll. Anyone know where "Dylan Goes Electric" fit in? (Or did it?)

Dave Z: I never thought of RR as a "Mathmatical" guitar player, thats for sure. Dylan said alot of inscrutable things before his motorcyle accident. RR to me is a guitarist who is very aware of what's going on in the big picture: very expressive but very methodical, the best of both worlds.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 23:16:10 CEST 2001 from (206.191.15.194)

Bill

I'd say that Dave Marsh's Top 1000 Singles book is generally well written, if terribly pompous at times. It also seems well researched and tremendously informative when it comes to black R&B - but is too often stunningly wrong when it comes to what ought to be basic rock-critic knowledge. Imagine giving Gregg Allman credit for his soulful vocal work on "Ramblin' Man"!!!

My theory, which I've held since I first bought the book, is that Dave wrote a Top 500 R&B Singles book, but that the editors/publishers insisted that he open it up. So he scraped up what he could from the obvious sources - Beatles, Beach Boys, Dylan, Stones, Who, Byrds - ransacked the Nuggets comp and his own memories of obscure radio hits from his youth in the Detroit area, jotted down a few of friend Greil Marcus's punk favourites (which Dave clearly detests), and added a few C&W things to show how openminded he is.

The fact that his next book was all about "Louie Louie", by now the greatest song of all time, but one that didn't come anywhere near the top 10 in the book of 1000 would suggest that he is, well, conflicted.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 22:57:37 CEST 2001 from 1cust12.tnt10.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.61.39.12)

HI

Richard always switched to organ in concert as already noted by Pat...initially it seemed cool the way they switched instruments all the time like Richard doing drums or organ etc. but after a few times of seeing it always the same it would seem too predictable.. now in retrospect it was my favorite time of seeing them...later ROA was a special show and at Roosevelt Stadium they were much looser but those early shows were it...the Big Pink material,and the newness and uniqueness of it.....Robbie even got to sing "To kingdom Come"....which wasn't too good , given he had to follow Richard or Levon.....I liked his first solo record though........Oh but I ramble.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 22:11:34 CEST 2001 from 1cust28.tnt3.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.109.28)

HI

Forgive me if you all already know this.www.rootsandrhythm.com has the double cd of Ronnie Hawkins and the hawks' Roulette recordings issued on Sequel which includes demos by members of his band..for $14.98 and a DVD of Muddy Waters live stuff from "68 to "78.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 21:38:23 CEST 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

Thanks Mike. The mental picture of "Richard seated at Garth's organ" is too much, even for a Band diehard like myself.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 21:04:08 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.44)

Elly

Just a quick hello and an early VERY HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the wonderful, paternal DAD's and friends out there-musical and otherwise. Hope you all have great music on that blessed day. Steve Evans- best to Jasper. Happy Belated Father's Day from a zillion years ago. Love the song, "Green Tambourine" and "Nassau's gone funky, Nassau's got soul" And to the person who loves singing those '60's songs and sines like the '60's fabric, like Eric Burdon with that great voice sings, ".... In Monterey..." ..Luv, LE

Posted on Tue Jun 12 20:22:20 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The wonderful Coen brothers film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", is now available here in the states on home video (including a DVD version with bonus material). Next month, Lost Highway Records is releasing a CD entitled "Down From The Mountain", containing live performances by the artists featured in the movie soundtrack, recorded last May at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. D.A. Pennebaker's documentary film chronicle of these performances premiered recently. If that isn't enough, many of the same artists will be presenting another live concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City tomorrow night. Sadly, one of the performers, John Hartford, passed away last week. Mr. Hartford devoted his life to performing & preserving this rich form of traditional American music.

Speaking of Lost Highway -- I highly recommend two new releases on this label: "Pneumonia", the last album from the group Whiskeytown (featuring Ryan Adams, who is now persuing a solo career). The critics have hailed Whiskeytown as "the Nirvana of alternative country", but this CD proves that there was more depth to this group than that tag belied.

Also available from Lost Highway is "Essence" from Lucinda Williams, the much anticipated follow-up to her acclaimed album "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road. This sparse, moody album may not suit everyone's taste, but its spent a lot of time in my CD players since its release last week. On "Essence", Ms. Williams paints a forlorn landscape with songs simmering with so much emotional force that they threaten to boil over at the drop of a guitar pick. The CD features the stellar production work of two fine guitarists, Bo Ramsey (a long-time collaborator of Greg Brown) and Charlie Sexton (a current member of Dylan's touring band. Along with these two guitarists, Ms. Williams is backed by an all-star group of musicians, anchored by the rhythm section of Jim Keltner and Dylan's bassist Tony Garnier.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 20:07:05 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9ks.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.166.156)

Pat Brennan

Steve, when Marsh misidentifies Al Kooper and Paul Griffin as Garth and Richard, then compounds it with his "Song as Band Fountainhead" stupidity, he's proving the inadequacy of the form. He feels no compunction to lay out this line with absolutely no source material backing him up, and with a wealth of material proving him wrong. And with a group like The Band who was well known for instrumental exchange, a critic should be sure of himself before he identifies the musicians's various roles in the songs. If someone's gonna pay you to write it down, you should get it right.

I admit I've never read much, if any, of his writing. His rip on RR's first album is lame.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 19:55:12 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Last Waltz reissue: I listened to the Complete Last Waltz recently, and there are a number of tunes that I think could be cleaned up for bonus tracks. You could use the entire Dylan set, Acadian Driftwood, Georgia On My Mind, etc. Heck, put out a version of the entire concert. I think it stands up really well.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 19:50:58 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.176)

bob wigo

Please correct by:

A) Dropping the "s" or

B) Omitting the "will" or

C) Just leave it all be and enjoy that down home flavor !!

Posted on Tue Jun 12 19:44:14 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.176)

bob wigo

Crabby,
I sure hope you're right. We Philadelphians have been wallowing in the mire ever since Dick Clark loaded up his truck and moved to Beverly.....

Steve,
Agreed.Although I stand by initial comments, Dave Marsh has been consistently above the norm when it comes to pointing his readers towards good music.

Bassmanlee,
Tom Moon has improved with age.His early reviews were heavily jaded with that "critic looking down his nose" slant on just about everything. (Thankfully, we have none of that here.)He has, over the last few years, allowed himself to share a little more of his enjoyment and a little less of his disappointment. By the way, he will usually responds to your emails if you care to express your own opinion on a show or one of his columns. He seems like a pretty nice guy.

By the way, that NYC Blues Cruise on 7/10 looks it might be one hell of a nice night with the Barnburners. Anyone here planning to attend?

Posted on Tue Jun 12 19:02:33 CEST 2001 from host-172.subnet-79.med.umich.edu (141.214.79.172)

Steve Knowlton

In defense of Dave Marsh:

Regardless of how well he writes, he does have good taste in music. I read this book dozens of times when I was young and impressionable, and it turned me on to a lot of great music I never would have thought to listen to.

Also, if you're not a Band pedant, I think it's reasonable to assume that the piano player is playing the piano part. Calling a verse a bridge is pretty shoddy work, though.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 18:47:32 CEST 2001 from citrix4.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.6)

John Cass

Has anyone heard JJ Cale's new Live album and if you have how is it?? I heard his version of After Midnight on the radio and it sounded great, whats the rest of it sound like??

Posted on Tue Jun 12 18:23:48 CEST 2001 from mat-7-28.enter.net (207.16.156.84)

Little Brøther

My guess is that the organ fills were mixed out of the studio version of "The Weight" as an inspired instance of the "less is more" esthetic. It's not that there's anything wrong with the organ fills, but the (almost) disorganized version is surely definitive, and a classic.

The same genius(es) who advised Bob Dylan that "John Wesley Harding" tracks didn't need overdubbing were right on the money here. The term "spare" instrumentation seems wrong when the result is so rich, though.

Of course, with the Band, less is more but sometimes more is more too. (E.g., ROA)

I also think that there's a kind of latent grief that makes us wish that we could hear every note the departed musicians laid down, not just the ghostly echoes...

Posted on Tue Jun 12 18:19:37 CEST 2001 from user-33qt8cn.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.151)

Pat Brennan

The faint whispers of the organ on The Weight occur around 3:33 when the boys double up the descending line that separates the chorus from the verse. However, the use of the term "mixed out" doesn't quite apply here. As Mike points out, the song was recorded on a four track machine, and the group basically captured a live performance of the song in stereo on two tracks then overdubbed vocals on the remaining tracks. Now it is possible that the version of The Weight from Big Pink is a single performance with no overdubs. Possible. I think the vocals are overdubbed. No matter. But given the stricture of the four track medium, whatever performance was recorded on those first two tracks was in essence etched in stone and not subject to later mixing. Once that performance was recorded, that performance stood. They could not remove an instrument that was present on that those two tracks. If they wanted an instrument gone, they would have to re-record the whole track. So we must assume one of two things: the organ wasn't recorded on the initial two-track stereo performance; or Richard was playing, but, for some reason, the decision was made at the time of the recording not to commit his playing to tape. The former seems more likely.

Now, if it was an overdub--let's say Garth decided to try to fill those holes just for laughs, so he does a pass onto the third track, they listen, and decide they don't like it for whatever reason. Well, they would simply at the time of the mix not bring that track up, and that track would not be in the mix. However, we can hear the vestige of the track for some reason. One thought may be that the track was cut off from the final mix but still managed to leak into the reverb of the overdubbed vocals. Some cord in some patch bay was connected when it wasn't supposed to be. That can happen, more often than you might think. It's certainly possible they didn't even hear the subtle bleed-through during the final mix. What is known is that Richard ended up performing that part live.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 18:20:23 CEST 2001 from (12.33.178.128)

twilight

Another box set? Hopefully they will consult Levon on this one - Garth as well. They can't be to hard to find. It's hard to imagine them driving around LA in beemers with tinted windows and vanity plates. I'm wondering what else there is in the vault - hopefully plenty. Last day of school....

Posted on Tue Jun 12 17:07:04 CEST 2001 from jed42.revealed.net (208.23.178.137)

Mike

Tommy, Richard is seated at Garth's organ during "The Weight" in The Last Waltz. On the studio version, I don't know why the transitional part was mixed out (faintly heard though). Perhaps they wanted it that way, it was buried on the multi-track (remember that Big Pink was recorded on 4 track!) or maybe an oversight. I'm not sure.

To Rod: As for Last Waltz outtakes, the 4 cd bootleg is evience of what might be used. Persoanlly, i'd like to have the rest of The Band's set as bonus tracks (This Wheel's On Fire, The W.S. Walcott's Medecine Show, Georgia On My Mind, King Harvest, Rag Mama Rag, The Genetic Method/Chest Fever, The Weight and Don't Do It).

As for the possible DVD, I have no clue but there must be some great stuff that didn't make the final print. Like Richard singing "Georgia". That'd be a thrill to see! And another box set? Perhaps! I'm skeptical! But I think a 2 disc set of rarities and outtakes would be a much better idea instead of a box set.A great example being The Beach Boys' "Hawthorne California" set. Maybe start issuing live recordings like Woodstock, Watkins Glen (the TRUE performance, no matter how good or bad) and Washington D.C. 1976. All were professionally recorded...Just my thoughts. Peace.

Mike

Posted on Tue Jun 12 16:26:27 CEST 2001 from 222.good.net (209.54.25.222)

MattK

Crabby, one question. Have you actually heard Nicky Love's CD or are you knee-jerking based on looks and the RR factor alone? If you have actually spent some time listening to the CD, perhaps you could give us a track-by-track review? Given the amount of pixel space your Nicky Love posts are taking up on my screen, surely you've spent some time to develop an INFORMED opinion of her? Other than the samples on her site, I've not heard enough to develop my own opinion, and unless DJ or you tells me what to think and what to like, I'm completely lost.

Please, do grace us with your keen ear and open mind on this subject.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 10:18:39 CEST 2001 from spider-tk023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.183)

Tommy

Thanks Dave....Richard is sitting at SOMTHING (electric piano maybe?) during the performance of 'The Weight' in The Last Waltz,but you don't see him long enough to tell WHAT it is!

Does anyone know WHY his organ part was mixed out?His licks during the instrumental transitional chords in the live versions of 'the Weight' are pretty cool!

Posted on Tue Jun 12 09:50:04 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Tommy: Garth played the piano on the studio version of "The Weight," and Richard played an organ part which was mixed out of the track (though you can hear it, faintly, as a bleed-through on the tape during the instrumental transitions from chorus to verse). Richard played a similar organ part during live performances; if memory serves, he can be seen at the organ in the Last Waltz version with the Staples.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 08:44:19 CEST 2001 from 1cust218.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.218)

Crabgrass

I predict that Nicky's tour WILL start in Philly and put it back on the map as one of the America's great Rock 'n' Roll towns!! After all Dick Clark's American Bandstand was born there and all the 50's legends appeared on that show.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 07:56:35 CEST 2001 from spider-tk033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.188)

Tommy

speaking of 'The Weight'...

On the album /studio version...If Garth's playing the piano...then what is Richard doing besides vocal harmonies?Anything?

Also, does Richard play the piano or the organ on the live versions of the song?The piano fills sound like they are Garth, but so do some of the organ fills.Does anyone know the deal?Let us know, ok?Thanks.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 07:43:10 CEST 2001 from mxusw5x162.chesco.com (209.195.228.162)

bassmanlee

Crab - not only is Tom Moon a longstanding (and credible) critic for Philly Inquirer but also contributes audio reviews to NPR program "Fresh Air with Teri Gross", which also originates in the City of Brotherly Love (no relation to Nicky). But seriously, nobody would kick of a tour in Philly. Heck we don't get the BB's, Crowmatix, or Gurus either!

Long hours on the road here in the beautiful Shenandoah (sp?) Valley, where I have been trying to keep up with y'all, but don't have the energy to post. Got a weekend home to camp and attend the annual Appel Farm Music Fest in southern NJ. High point was killer set by Lucinda Williams, whose band included two excellent lead players (can't recall either name at the moment) and Dwight Yoakum's bass player. 2nd highlight was Tom Landa and the Paperboys, a band from Canada the I could not help thinking GBers would like. Mix of folk, Cajun, Celtic, and rock. Sort of like a folkier Dave Matthews Band with accordian and flute instead of sax and violin. They appear on "A Nod To Bob", covering "All Along the Watchtower". Picked up that disc, which is hit-and-miss.

Really tired, kids. Please excuse the spelling...

Posted on Tue Jun 12 06:23:51 CEST 2001 from 1cust85.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.57.85)

Crabgrass

I've been informed via e-mail that Tom Moon is not only REAL but is the main music critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer which probably means that Nicky Love will kick off her North American Tour in that city with Moon doing the intro. All you lucky PA people will have first crack at seeing her!! Now, if only the technical wizards running her DreamWorks site can get the audio samples working again for the mounting number of Nickymaniacs in the Band GB things could get really exciting!

A sure sign of pre-release hysteria - there are now a total of 6 (SIX) positive messages on Nicky's Message Board!! (One slightly negative message mentioning Levon has been deleted.) Maybe RR will show up to her debut concert and sit in the audience wearing dark sunglasses. Wow!! Which train do I catch to Philly?

Posted on Tue Jun 12 06:06:56 CEST 2001 from dialup-349.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.93)

Hank

Mathematical Guitarists........There ARE guitarists who know EXACTLY where notes can and will go if you play a sequence of chords......there are guitarists who just guess and feel.......Some mathematical guitarists are a pain in the ass.....some who guess and feel...suck..........RR knew and maybe still might know what notes could and could not go over a chord sequence but he was very loose and did not threaten Bobs tendency and ability to stretch it out if he felt like it.... Hot guitar players have a tendency to let you know how much shit they know and how fast or how difficult a piece is...RR went with his ears and played it well for Bob on stage........I think

Posted on Tue Jun 12 05:54:50 CEST 2001 from dialup-349.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.93)

Hank

Kick-ASS! PAT BRENNAN! KICK-ASS!!

Dave Marsh hung around Cork once....talking to Jackie "The Bell"......Irish Jack.....a great pal of Pete and The Who...the inspiration for "Happy Jack", apparently....or "Quadrophenia"....the original Mod'n'all that.....anyway.........Actually, Marshs only saving grace is that he digs The Who......Anyone here ever read his book on "The 1000 Bestest Singles of All Time.... ever....or something" Book?.....I bought that freakin' book expecting it to be good and....it is, kinda, but only 'cos you can do nothing but go....what a POMPOUS Git........Muso Journos.......don't get me started.........I sent him a vinyl single I made with a band called "Princes Street".......he never wrote back.....wot a bollix!!!

Thank You, DAVE HOPKINS.......Ah, but where's the applause?......I wonder what the guys in Mannfred Mann thought of that version when they heard it first?.....PETER VINEY?.....I heard that song first when I was a kid........about 9 years old......my Dad had "Greatest Hits 2"......and when I think of it....I remember it used to scare me.....'cos Bobs voice was so weirdly different......and the guitar solo semmed so harsh and outta control........but of course, today....I adore it!.......Levon belling it at the end of the solo is just magnificent.......and hey!......what I've seen and heard of The BBs, folks......Levon just KICKS it soooo hard......O! My Soul!!!!!......

DAVE Z!!!!!!.....bring "Self Portrait" for Light Relief.....or "Nashville Syline".....of course you could always play "John Wesley Harding" and turn THAT up real loud, like......

LITTLE BRO. ...UM.......NOW yer scarin' me!!!!!........This guy liked The Beatles alright....'cos Jason and me were just listening to "ABBEY ROAD" and watching The Anthology and we told him....he started getting weepy and said how much his mum loved The Beatles and had all their records.....I swear, it was the freakiest scene I 've seen...or at least, since a I saw a gangland victim dead on Bleecker Street...shot......and yes, PETER VINEY.....it's got that Father Ted vibe alright.......The psycho guy from Friday night also mentioned he was a Comanche Indian......Hmmmmmmn.......Craggy Island , indeed.......I reckon purposely turning up "Back To Memphis"...outtake or no....could seriously throw ANY potential lunatic in your life by the sheer authority of Levons voice....know what I mean?

DAN....Yep.........it's up there alright with Dylans Best......'cos it's got that Bright Metallic Sound which Dylan sez is his sound........All Bob's best albums have that Bright Metallic Sound.....Bob Dylan....inventor of Bright Metal Music?.....but Seriously, folks.........I bet your friend would LOVE "Oh Mercy"....as opposed to "Blood on The Tracks"........Here's something......"Cold Irons Bound" and "Yazoo Street Scandal" are from the same song tree.....no? ....Yeah?

TLW on DVD I say!!!!.......with added bits and back stage stuff.....nothing less I say!!!!!!

Posted on Tue Jun 12 05:00:49 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Hey now Mr. Donald Joseph,,,all I can say is,"You Rock Man":::):)!!!

Posted on Tue Jun 12 03:36:59 CEST 2001 from akcf1.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.202)

Rod

Another Band box set? The only reason I keep the last one is for is for a couple of tracks at the begining of the 3rd disk so if they expect me to buy the next one it better be a whole lot more than the remastered tracks of the recent releases. The possibilities are that there was some unreleased stuff held back and / or there may be some live recodings added. That could be interesting but the sort of people might buy it have probably just bought the entire set of re-releases anyway - so why buy those tracks again? The Last Waltz reissue could be a better prospect. I wonder if there are any outakes from TLW suite floating around?

Posted on Tue Jun 12 01:27:32 CEST 2001 from 56k-la-02-26.dial.qnet.com (209.221.212.137)

Dave the Phone Guy

Levon Helm and the Barnburners June 9th Piercy, California This concert was the 24th annual Redwood Run. The Redwood Run is a biker (Harley-Davidson) gathering in the redwood forest of northern California. The stage was backed by a bend in the Eel River. Sharing the bill for the weekend with the Barnburners were Norton Buffalo, Jeff Healy Band, Grand Funk Railroad, and Black Oak Arkansas along with a slew of local bands. It was a sold-out event with 6000 in attendance. Security backstage was incredibly tight and my statements to the guys guarding the gate that I was friends with the Barnburners were falling on deaf ears. Thanks to Pat, Chris, Frank, and A.P. for putting me to work I got the all-access pass I was hoping for. (it's great that after nine BB's shows the group recognizes me)I always enjoy helping with the gear and this time I wiped the drums down and set them up. (with a whole new top-of-the-line set of Yamaha drums, Levon still chooses to use an old, vintage Ludwig Speed-King bass drum pedal)My other duties were getting water and towels for the guys and packing the drums in the road cases after the show. Yeah, I'm a real big help when I stay outta the way.

Talk about true road warriors, these guys drove all the way from Salt Lake City where they had played the previous evening,arriving maybe two hours before show time. They opened with "The Grass Is Always Greener" about 9:00 and closed w/ Evan Shuffle 'bout 10:30. The audience got "Water Rising" "Wang Dang Doodle" "Dress Blues" (must a been quite a few ex-marines in the crowd judging by the reaction to this song) "Hound Dog/Sonny Boy riff/Hound Dog" medley "Make Love To You" Mr. Porter/Mystery Train" medley and other Barnburner favorites. Everyone was playin' and singin' good. Pat took a couple of really inspired solos. (the vintage Gibson amplifier is back on the road after being repaired)Pat uses this with the vintage Fender Twin Amp. Chris ripped on harmonica and pretty much slapped the crowd in the face w/ intensity. Amy received a big ovation during the group introductions. Frank, well what can I say. He is always on it and he and Levon locked-in early. By the end of the set had the crowd(and it was a BIG crowd)They called 'em back for more and the Barnburners gave 'em a long encore. Oh yeah, Frank is playin' through an Ampeg SVT amplifier this time around.

I feel so fortunate to have had the guys out to California twice already this year. I knew what I was in for going to a Barnburners show and I could just tell the audience knew they received a something special. A great set of blues music from a great band that seems to be peaking again!

Thank you Pat, Chris, Frank, Amy, A.P., and Levon for your incredible music and especially for being friends. I'll be there any time I can. You know if you come out west I'll bird-dog you down where ever you're playin'.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 01:01:43 CEST 2001 from max1-103.intellistar.net (206.105.68.103)

Dan

A friend of mine saw Dylan perform "Love Sick" at the Grammy Awards, purchased Time Out Of Mind, & was convinced it was the best thing Dylan ever did. My friend was somewhat ignorant, having only the Greatest Hits album & occasional radio airplay to justify the conclusion. I convinced him to get Blood on the Tracks, which he liked but which did not change his conclusion. Inspired by Rock of Ages, I have just sent a burned CD of Dylan with The Band: 1. Down in the Flood 2. Tell Me Momma 3. I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)4. Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues 5 Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat 6 You Ain't Goin' Nowhere 7. This Wheel's On Fire 8. Odds & Ends 9. Goin' to Acapulco 10. I Ain't Got No Home (Woody Guthrie) 11. Quinn the Eskimo 12. Never Say Goodbye 13. Most Likely You'll Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) 14. Like a Rolling Stone (Tour '74)15 Forever Young 16 Baby, Let Me Follow You Down 17. Too Much of Nothing 18. Tears of Rage. I wish I had included Apple Suckling Tree & Dear Mrs. Roosevelt.

Posted on Tue Jun 12 00:37:42 CEST 2001 from mat-12-15.enter.net (207.16.159.71)

Little Brøther

I've said it before, I'll say it again (like now), there are a few tracks from "Blonde on Blonde" that I would swear are the Band because of their proto-Band sound. Besides the ones mentioned, "Visions of Johanna", "Most Likely..." and "Leopard-Skin Pillbox Hat".

But having confessed to an inferior ear, I defer to the experts here and the listings on the "Bob Dylan: The Recording Sessions" web site (see Web page link; I think Viney turned me on to it-- thanks!) It coulda been the Band, it shoulda been the Band-- give or take a guy-- but 'taint.

On the other hand, Robbie is allegedly involved in "Just Like A Woman" and I don't really hear him there.

PS: Hank, can you rule out the possibility that your Motorpsycho Nightmarist has recently posted on this very site? Can your encounter really be a matter of blind chance? He seemed awfully familiar somehow...

Posted on Mon Jun 11 23:36:49 CEST 2001 from 1cust165.tnt8.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.15.114.165)

Hi

Pat, thanks.....what about "Obviously 5 believers".....that sounds like Robertson.....the old lp only listed him from the group. So I guess it's correct.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 23:22:45 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9mu.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.166.222)

Pat Brennan

HI, Al Kooper describes the "Sooner Or Later" session quite extensively in his autoboigraphy.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 23:15:01 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc043.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.168)

Bayou Sam

Erin = Minnie Pearl was the one who always wore a hat with a price tag hanging from it.

Molly = good to "see" you. I was just asking in the chat the other night if anyone knew if you'd been heard from. Nobody did.

A new Band box set is exciting - but at the same time it kind of pisses me off that I spent the money on the Across The Great Divide box.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 22:54:33 CEST 2001 from spider-wa014.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.24)

Dave Z

Re: Marsh... I have to say I like the phrase "told in crazy quilt time"... but then I got tired by reading "mathematical" at least twice... in fact maybe somebody can explain why the hell Dylan called Robbie's playing mathematical?... Did you touch on this in your prior piece Pehr?... because it sounds anything but mathematical to me... was this just a Dylan joke that once told by fifty billion critics becomes true?...

Hank, I loved your story... I'm getting ready for a little adventure myself, and hope I don't attract similar kinda attention on the road... Think I'll take "Time Out Of Mind" along just in case...

Posted on Mon Jun 11 22:20:38 CEST 2001 from 1cust253.tnt2.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.17.108.253)

HI

Are we sure "Sooner or Later" wasn't Garth,and Richard? I heard that back in the 60's. I had the 45..I think it was about the 5th single after "Rolling Stone." and a bomb as far as sales...likewise "Please Crawl out your Window" another sales bomb but brillant....the B side of "I want you" was live with the Band minus Levon.....maybe that's where the myth about "Sooner" being those guys also came from...

Posted on Mon Jun 11 21:52:08 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

I've never liked Dave Marsh's writing, and now I feel even more secure in my opinion. Numerous factual errors aside, he doesn't seem to be able to capture the essence of the music he's writing about. I love "The Weight" as much as anybody, but I sure don't hear any harmonies tossed around like a live grenade. Harmonies built up methodically piece-by-piece, only to tumble over as the group kicks back into each verse -- I hear those. Once again, precision and accuracy are sacrificed for the Big Attention-Getting Statement, which is (partially) what's wrong with music criticism these days.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 21:36:10 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Hank: The version of "Quinn" from Self-Portrait is from Isle of Wight '69. The version on Biograph is the original Basement Tapes track recorded in '67.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 21:19:57 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-td062.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.177)

bob wigo

Pat,

I had the same feelings when I read the piece this morning. I would think knowing the rudimentary elements of song arrangement would be a prerequisite for any so called music critic or essayist. Secondly, the research required to get those particular facts straight would not have been too taxing a task.

This sort of thing seems inherent with the voluminous lists with which we are inundated these days.With information providers outweighing need this is fast becoming a fact of life. Volume over substance.

Less will always be more.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 20:53:19 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9b5.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.101)

Pat Brennan

Dave Marsh's recent sterling contributions: "Reduced to paper "One of Us Must Know" doesn't look like much more than a nasty-tongued burst of arch hipster superiority. Who else but its composer would make this lyric, or the sketchy blues melody, seem worthwhile? It has to be The Band (or the Hawks, as they were then known - though without Levon Helm, who initially refused to become a sideman for a folksinger). Though they aren't credited, it's almost impossible to believe that the cathedral organ chords could be played by somebody other than Garth Hudson or that the mathematically inspired guitar licks might be wrung out by someone besides Robbie Robertson. This is the Band's first essay at the signature sound that made "The Weight" and "Chest Fever" instant classics." Well, Dave, it's Al Kooper on organ and Paul Griffin on piano. And there's not a lot of guitar work on the song. And the Band's first essay at their later sound is "The Stones I Throw."

"Yet if one would argue just whose triumph "The Weight" is, it would be foolish to argue that it isn't a triumphant piece of rock and roll. Opening with stately guitar and drum beats that lock in with the dead certainty of a firing squad, adding elegiac honky-tonk piano chords from Manuel, crowned by Helm's singing on the verse, Danko's vocal on the bridge, and harmonies tossed around like a live grenade, "The Weight" is as fine an example of rock and roll record-making as existed in the year of its birth and it has dated not a whit. You can already feel the constriction that led to the hollow pomposity of the Band's later years (in twenty years, to the monumental pomposity of Robertson's first solo album), but it works like the constrictions of the Motown formulas, establishing a framework out of which emotion and meaning may explode." Well, Dave, that's Garth on piano. And there's no bridge in the song. And I'd say the height of pomposity would be the publication of opinion so completely shot full of factual errors, errors which, by the way, undermine the salient points of his observations. Think about it, Dave. If it's Kooper and Griffin filling up the holes, with very little RR guitar joining in, it can't very well be The Band's "first essay" toward their signature sound, can it? Whoops.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 20:20:06 CEST 2001 from (206.14.153.198)

Joe

AmyJo; Thanks for your humble opinion regarding the Barn Burners. Unfortunately, I couldn't get to Piercy,CA this weekend to see 'em. I'd like to read a review of the show from anyone who was there. Anybody??? Fortunately, I was able to see the David Nelson Band do a greeeaaat show in Eugene,OR last Thursday nite. Lots of The Band connections there including a killer cover of "Rag Mama Rag" by Mookie Siegel. DNB's guitarist (Barry Sless) and Mookie (keyboards/accordian) are admittedly and passionately influenced by musician's including Robbie Robertson and Garth Hudson. Mookie and Barry both played on Prof. Louie's last CD on the cover of the Grateful Dead's "Scarlet Begonias." David Nelson Band also cover Jupiter Hallow and some Dylan tunes including "Appox.Sweet Marie". Lots of original stuff, too. David Nelson is probably best know for his work with New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS) and the Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band. David Nelson with NRPS covered Peter Rowan's "Panama Red"..."Bet your woman's up in bed with ol' Panama Red." Now, David and DNB sing and play the song backwards...music & lyrics!!! Aaron Hurvitz produced David Nelson Band albums Keeper of the Key and Visions Under the Moon. Super CDs. Check 'em out.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 20:02:30 CEST 2001 from cmldme-cmt1-c4-24-25-179-110.maine.rr.com (24.25.179.110)

mattk

Bob Wigo, amen to that brother.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 19:50:03 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Bob R: Thanks for posting about the reissue of The Last Waltz! That is the best news I've heard all day. Maybe your post and my post have some connection, for I heard last week that David Fincher was working on a documentary about the making of The Last Waltz. Maybe it will be on the DVD version. My mind is filled with bonus tracks, new footage ,etc.

You know I missed the whole Madonna thing, and I am currently missing the whole Brittany thing. Well, I am NOT going to miss the Nicky Love thing. If Robbie is a part of it, I may even find the music interesting.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 19:35:02 CEST 2001 from dialup-121.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.121)

HANK

Here's a question......as some of you know, I've been listening to "Time Out of Mind" on my car stereo lately......and, for light relief from THAT album, today I put on "Self Portrait"......I KNOW that's not EVERYBODYS fave Bob Dylan album but I love The Band tracks on it....so live and goofy and funky rock'n'roll in the midst of all this Nashville Strings and crooning and pyscho readings of "The Boxer"......anyway....can anyone tell me if "Quinn The Eskimo" is from The 1969 Isle of Wight gig or not? It certainly SOUNDS like it is but there's no tumultuos applause like there is on the other Isle of Wight songs...maybe they mixed the applause down.....maybe there was no applause!!!.......I read liner notes from Dylans Biograph that said it was recorded in '67.......no way, I say, Jose....anyway....anyone got the skinny on this?......It really does sound like Dylan and The Band at The Isle of Wight.....right down to the sound of Dylans voice to the feedback on RR's guitar during the solo.........

Posted on Mon Jun 11 19:27:29 CEST 2001 from spider-tl022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.182)

bob wigo

The proverbial horse may well indeed be dead but the horse's ass surely lives on.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 17:14:43 CEST 2001 from citrix1.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.5)

JOHN CASS

Is Bobby Keys going to be with the Barnburners on FRI 6-22 in Pawling NY????

Posted on Mon Jun 11 16:51:35 CEST 2001 from host-172.subnet-79.med.umich.edu (141.214.79.172)

Steve Knowlton

To Erin: Can't answer all your questions -- but here goes:

Minnie Pearl was a comedian (comedienne?) who did "country comedy" (remember Hee Haw?)

I just bought the "Cahoots" LP and there's no credit for Libby Titus. (This raises another question: Allen Toussaint is credited on "Life is a Carnival" but it doesn't say who played the horns. Was that all Garth? It sounds like all him on "Volcano", but the chops are a little tighter on "Carnival".)

Posted on Mon Jun 11 16:36:09 CEST 2001 from 3cust116.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.59.116)

Crabgrass

Well, it looks like there's at least one advance order for Honeyvision in the good old UK. I wonder where the launch party is gonna be and if Nicky will bring along any Spanish Royals to meet Robbie. This is getting exciting!!

Posted on Mon Jun 11 16:11:52 CEST 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Greetings-- heard some interesting Band-related news on the drive to work this morning--WZLX in Boston ran a short news brief in which Robbie Robertson was talking about how pleased he was with the way the new Band re-issues sound-- and that he was currently working on a re-mastered version of "the Last Waltz" which will include CD re-issue, DVD, and Theatrical release--- he also sais that he is working with Capitol on a "new" Band box set, which he said will be a "hundred times" better than the last one... Good news !

Posted on Mon Jun 11 15:57:36 CEST 2001 from (194.139.172.19)

Chrissie

Just want to say I hope you carry on without Ricky - although I don't know how. But you survived the Last Waltz and Richard.... Greetings, Chrissie

Posted on Mon Jun 11 15:10:15 CEST 2001 from host26.209.244.236.gis.net (209.244.236.26)

Across The Great Divide

New trading site for "Live" BAND shows. Stop in and take a look, we already have some great shows to offer. See you there...

Posted on Mon Jun 11 14:21:55 CEST 2001 from ukscsys.soundcraft.com (195.217.233.205)

DJMitchison

Hurrah for Rolling Stone's Nicky Love review. As far as hitting nails on the head goes, Tom Moon certainly struck one.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 10:42:44 CEST 2001 from 66-81-25-245-modem.o1.com (66.81.25.245)

Corrine

Hello. Actually I am trying to reach a real good friend of mine, Jani Reilly. Perhaps she can email me. I can't find her new number, and would really like to hear from her. Her husband, Mike Reilly, is of the band of the same name, and that is how I got this page. Thanks, Corrine.

Posted on Mon Jun 11 07:46:00 CEST 2001 from ip-198.dial.webperception.com (64.7.64.198)

Molly Z.

Hey Band peoples! It's been months since I've visited this site. I just happened to be digging thru my old floppy disks and had a few Band clips that I saved in there. It brings back memories of visitng this site many times in the past. I just want to thank jan once again for doing so much to this website. I don't know what I'd do if this site wasn't up or if I didn't know anything about it. Hope y'all have a good night. Peace out!

Posted on Mon Jun 11 04:34:37 CEST 2001 from 1cust184.tnt52.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.57.184)

Crabgrass

There have been some stories on TV lately about movie reviewers that only write positive reviews and get wined and dined at elaborate preview parties thrown by the companies who release the flicks. Also, SONY was recently discovered to have invented a movie critic who didn't really exist along with favorable "quotes" regarding a comedy film that was really a bomb.

One has to wonder if such shenanagans also go on in the recording industry. Will the real Tom Moon please stand up?

Posted on Sun Jun 10 21:38:56 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tg073.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.183)

Tommy

Ahhhhh...No hangover.Nice.

Posted on Sun Jun 10 18:54:49 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-175.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.175)

Peter Viney

Off to the USof A for ten days to two weeks. Will try and look in. Great story from Hank - looks like a potential "Father Ted" episode. Or is Father Ted actually a documentary?

Posted on Sun Jun 10 14:12:02 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp111.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.111)

Diamond Lil

Aah..Jackie Gleason aka Ralph Kramden. One of my favorite tv characters. How can you not love an always bumbling, male chauvenistic, screw-up everything he touches kind of guy? Yeah.. Ol Ralphie boy.. he's been making me laugh for years.

My kids and I had the chance to meet Governor Pataki yesterday. We knew before hand that this was going to happen, and my 10 year old son spent a long time 'rehearsing' saying his name. He rehearsed it at home, he rehearsed it in the car..and he had it down. Well.. when the moment came, my little guy shook the governor's hand and called him "Senator Pokey". Pataki smiled.. and I found myself trying not to laugh and half expecting to see Gumby :-)

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Sun Jun 10 11:59:15 CEST 2001 from (61.12.197.6)

Erin

Tommy - I like Jackie Gleason. Like everyone else I first saw him in 'The hustler.' And as for a Band connection: I read someone say that someone called Rick Danko the JAckie Gleason of the BAnd.

This has got to be a record number of posts in a day - I've got a major piece of work due and I'm putting off doing it.

Posted on Sun Jun 10 11:33:43 CEST 2001 from spider-te023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.183)

Tommy

Well friends....I am drunk right now.But here goes....

Erin baby...i always thought Emmy-Lou was beautiful (Look at 'The Last Waltz'),but recently, I taped some performances of her (promoting 'Red Dirt Girl') and she looks kinda weird.Skinny nose and pulled-back unnaturally, facial skin.It's not like she looked bad to begin with!Such is the case with Michael Jackson (who, growing up in the eighties, I am a fan of).What's the deal with these people and their unnescessary plastic surgeries???(Remember folks, this is but the ramblings of a drunk man here..trying to figure out the mysteries of life.)

Bayou Sam.....I do agree with you about Lennon.Maybe he was kinda pushed to be more political.I know his first love was the bare-bones Rock'N'Roll he grew up with(a la "Double Fantasy's style).And I really do believe , as much as I love Lennon and as much as he's had an impact on my life (and he REALLY did, along with the other Beatles) that he was put on a pedestal cause he was killed.When McCartney dies (and these things happen folks, though I hope not any time soon) you'll see all the people that knocked him come out and say what a genius he "was".What a buncha shit!!!I guess dying makes you more talented.There are so many examples of this.Hendrix included(and I LIKE Hendrix!).Also, Kurt Cobain(whom I also like).But, that's the way it's done , folks.Legends die young, right?That's what makes 'em legenda after all.

Anyway, I probably blabbed on enough in my drunken state.I'll talk to ya'll soon.

Any Jackie Gleason fans here???(Band connection;well, I'm sure there's one.I just wanted to see if there are any other Jackie Gleason fans, besides me, here.)

Posted on Sun Jun 10 09:36:29 CEST 2001 from (61.12.197.6)

Erin

Brown eyed girl - I LOVE Koko Taylor. Apart from the good people on the gb, I hardly even know anyone else who didn't need me to tell them who she was - and some of them are musicians who should know better. So happy to meet another Koko Taylor fan.

Iced tea - its all way to metaphysical for me to figure out. :-)

Posted on Sun Jun 10 09:18:57 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

That should be RS #871, for all us anal-retentive types who just like to sit around and talk about how writing credits got misspelled on old vinyl singles from the '50s. By the way, Jan, this *is* a great site. And if any of the rest of you have had similar problems with fawns munching on your tender spring buds, let me know -- I have a recipe for venison around here somewhere that I got from Rick and Levon. It came in handy back in Woodstock a time or two, if I remember!

Posted on Sun Jun 10 09:09:27 CEST 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

Crabgrass--as always, your wish is my command.

From RS #971 (6/21/01):

Nicky Love - Honeyvision - Dreamworks

*** 1/2

A Robbie Robertson discovery with energy to burn

By Tom Moon

On Track One, an enraptured Nicky Love talks about savoring experience. "Have you got a way to make it go slow-motion?/A minute with you is just a drop in the ocean." On Track Two, she's flashing major warning signals to a possessive lover. "If you put me in a box," Love sings slurrily, as though in a snake charmer's trance, "You might lose your Goldilocks/What an awful paradox."

Back and forth it goes: On Honeyvision, love is an idealized utopia, then it's the thing that turns the whole world sour ("Because of You"), then it's all sticky sensuality (on the title track). The Australian-born, Los Angeles-based Love -- Robbie Robertson's first discovery as in-house guru of DreamWorks Records -- brings super-human energy and a cache of unusual melodies to these accounts of relationships blooming, peaking and dissolving. It's an overworked subject, but just about every ode on this mesmerizing debut veers away from conventional song form in some ear-stretching way: Behind the strident vocal harmonies and atmospheric electro-funk is the sound of someone who refuses to settle for ordinary love, or ordinary anything else.

-----------

Sticky sensuality? Ear-stretching? *Strident* vocal harmonies (whatever harmonies those might be) and -- don't tell me -- atmospheric electro-funk? In-house guru? Robbie and his buddy Jann must be gettin' along just fine these days. But they *only* gave it 3 1/2 stars! (For reference: "Jubilation", if memory serves, got 3. What an awful paradox.)

Posted on Sun Jun 10 07:07:02 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.152)

Bayou Sam

I don't think Lennon's solo stuff has ever been all that highly rated by the general public. He was the last Beatle to go #1 (Whatever gets You Through The Night - 1974), and he didn't release anything for half of his post Beatle life. I think that Plastic Ono, Imagine, and Walls and Bridges were really good albums. The others had some nice tunes on them as well. Check out, "Out The Blue" from Mind Games - it's a hidden Lennon gem IMHO. Double Fantasy was getting good reaction before Dec. 8, 1980 - after that date everyone went out and bought the album. I think he gets put on a higher pedestal by some people because he was murdered - if that makes sense. John probably would have hated that.

Posted on Sun Jun 10 06:59:24 CEST 2001 from 1cust134.tnt48.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.46.54.134)

Crabgrass

Well, I can't top that one!! And I thought all the lunatics were here in NYC.

Jesse Colin Young here this Wednesday at 8 at the Village Underground on West 3rd St. Last time I saw him was in the mid-60s at one of the first Youngbloods gigs at the Gaslight around the corner on McDougal St. BTW anyone not familiar with Jesse's first two classic albums Soul of a City Boy and Youngblood are missing some of the best recorded music of the last century.

Posted on Sun Jun 10 05:33:58 CEST 2001 from dialup-360.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.104)

HANK

Funny....before I got home tonight, I watched a John Lennon interview at a friends house on video....from a 1974 UK TV program called "The Old Grey Whistle Test"......the man was HOUNDED by demons...It's very sad.....Lennon was pure voice.......I love him for it ....but many people HATE him for it.......like Elvis, he shoulda cleaned up and just got into producing records for other people.......great ears and great knowledge of music......unfortunately, there were too many people around him whose depended on him being a pop star......If Lennon were at TLW he woulda sang "Slippin' and Slidin' ", I figure.......

Bob Dylan saved my life last night.....true story....I was leaving a friends cottage by the seaside last night (where we go "Big Pinkin' ".....ie. rehearse, make demos and hang) at about 3:30 AM....I was saying goodbye to my friend Jason....drummer, singer, guitarist. songwriter.....said "I'll see you tommorow" when out of the bushes came a voice complaining he lost his cigarettes...I said "Jason, yer bushes are talking again" and all of a sudden out sprang this fuckin' lunatic with beads on his face who said he wanted no trouble but there were 5 guys after him and they chased his dog away and he was a Comanche and they were'nt gonna get him....he then flashed an axe and a big knife and said wanted no trouble again.........he then demanded a lift to Cork from me.......Then, his dog shows up, all excited in a doggie way........I got into my car, while Jason tried to talk calmly to him......the lunatic dude got into the car next to me and again demanded a lift to Cork.....I had "Time out of Mind" on tape ready to roll. I rewound side 2 and BLASTED out "Cold Irons Bound" ....VERY LOUD.....Jason got into the back seat and he and this guy had to shout to speak but I just rocked to the song in the drivers seat......I always find that, if faced with sheer lunacy, you should respond with greater lunacy.......the guy was threatening us, but he knew better than to demand that I turn the sound down....since he was looking for a lift.....Now, "Cold Irons Bound" is one fucked up, loud, Hard Rockin' song and, when it was over, I sang the first verse of "Feel my Love" to this guy while looking straight into his eyes......by this time, the guy was red in the face and panting and Jason was COMPLETELY freaked out.......Then a wonderful thing happened......because I had my stereo and my lights on for all this time...my car would'nt start!!....so lunatic-with-the-axe guy and Jason had to get out and push my car down the grassy hill we were on....after all this, thie guy was so exhausted and confused that Jason and I were able to convince him that he should go home....which he did and I drove back to Cork alone, thankfully......The guy needed alot of help and Jason, who lives down there, made some inquiries today......he's very troubled, but the matter is being dealt with

uh....thanks, Bob.....I WAS about twenty miles outta town

Posted on Sun Jun 10 05:21:46 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.152)

Bayou Sam