The Band Guestbook, May '99

Mon May 31 23:35:17 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Dimond LIL, If you bring up Journey on the Band cite again.... well, here's another Lyric....."I'd rather see you dead little girl......"

Mon May 31 23:31:29 CEST 1999

Bouch

We saw Levon play 2 weeks ago at Five Towns College in Long Island, NY. Althought he didn't sing, it was a great show & he looked great!! Don't stop, Levon!

Mon May 31 23:29:48 CEST 1999

catbalu

Tracy! Lil! what do you mean, talking about those sexy old men of the 70's top 40??? you are the woman that i always dreamed of i knew it from the start.... have you seen the sunlight fallin through her hair.... oh sherry you're the one.... ya'll must be about to go on vacation :) :) :)

:)

Mon May 31 23:04:22 CEST 1999

Tracy

".......I want to be there in my city.....ohhh, ohhh....." ah, that would be "Lights" from Journey, Lil.

Mon May 31 18:50:13 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Non-Band related...but driving me to incredible distraction here. Lyrics planted in my head this morning by a friend have hit a mental block on the name of the tune and who recorded it. First 2 lines go (I think) "When the lights got out in the city. And the moon shines on the bay". Anyone??? Mr Powell? Mr Donabie? Mr Viney? Thanks :-)

Mon May 31 18:35:24 CEST 1999

Catbalu

Mr. V. is in Amurica! no wonder the sun seemed to shine a little brighter... and Hello to Mike - good to hear from you!

Dave Z. - Have "Welcome to the Canteen" lp with 'Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave' - Capaldi, Mason, Winwood, Kwaku Baah, Gordon, Grech and friends. Just moved them - all the albums - to the living room. might just give it a spin... started back on the mural in the basement. next time you have a dream, think mermaids and silver... :)

Happy Memorial Day to all. we are so_fortunate_

Mon May 31 14:14:10 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Was grocery shopping yesterday and on the radio comes "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down" by Joan Baez. Made me wonder who the #*)% gave Joanie permission to wreck that song. Even double RR singin it is better! Sometimes a Band song should remain a Band song!

Mon May 31 00:40:27 CEST 1999

DankoGurl

Well I like the web site! My last name is Danko and maybe Rick is related to me! Me and my mom are doing extensive research to uncover if we are!

Sun May 30 16:43:05 CEST 1999

BigJim

I heard Rick Danko was going to be at the Freedom Concert at Buckeye Lake in Columbus, Oh. Is this true?

Sun May 30 16:35:19 CEST 1999

John Bocchino

This is a great website! I became a HUGE fan of THE BAND and of course Dylan, back in '73 when I was about 15 years young growing up in NY not too far from Woodstock. I have enjoyed their music, their shows, and their influence on my life for the past 26 years. God, I love these guys. Bo

Sun May 30 04:21:21 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

SPIDER JOHN: I know what you mean, being a Buffit fan, and its great that you go and support his music, cuz its great music, I personally love his song *PIRATE LOOKS AT FORTY*.

Sun May 30 00:47:13 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Pat, other AmazingGrace shows for me: Proctor and Bergman, John Hartford, and(gulp) Steve Goodman. One that got away: Steve Martin.

Sat May 29 21:32:23 CEST 1999

Lee

Roarin' Blind.

Noticed your post on the Dublin bootleg and as I was at both shows I'd be interested in hearing this. Can you email me? Thanks.

Sat May 29 20:23:40 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend..and take a moment to remember what it's all about.

Taps are sounded. The lights are out. The soldiers sleep.

Sat May 29 20:10:39 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

I used to work at Round Records in Rodgers Park, a Chicago neighborhood. Low pay (I was cooling from nearly a year on the road) but a great perk in that I got a free pass to every AmazingGrace show since we sold tickets for the venue. It was originally on Northwestern's campuse but it moved to the corner of Main and Chicago Avenues in Evanston. It's a White Hen Pantry now. Saw some great shows there for most of 77. Real early Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner. Randy Newman in 76 would have been too early for me, but anyone who went there remembers is fondly. Great sound, intimate setting. As to Sooner or Later, Al Kooper runs down the session in great detail in the Andy Gill "Don't Think Twice..." book. Kooper gives a huge nod to Paul Griffin as the piano player on the song and talks about how Valerie Simpson--his over and student--taught that particular style to Nick Ashford. From the sound of the song, I don't think it was Richard; he simply didn't play like that. And for all of you worried about Peter Viney, we (his son included) had a nice visit in downtown Chicago yesterday and are hoping to connect tonight. Traded Band stories for quite a while. My hats off to America's vets.

Sat May 29 19:38:04 CEST 1999

Roarin' Blind

I'm not new to The Band, but I am to the Net and I love this site. It's great to see in the guest book that a 16-year-old kid has got The Band bug. That's what it is all about - let the music live on and on and on. On the bootleg listings, there's a lousy quality one around from the 21/22 June, '96 gigs in Dublin (both nights but incomplete), it's, shall we say revelatory...

Sat May 29 18:04:57 CEST 1999

Spider John

Was among my fellow Parrotheads in NYC yesterday at the Today show concert with Jimmy Buffett. Not too many who I'd leave the comforts of bed for at 3 AM to go to see; Jimmy Buffett is one. If it meant tickets to see The Band, I'd be up then too. I was a ParrotDead on my feet without close friends besdide me. But Parrotheads being not so quiet & shy soon made me feel right at home. Missed ya Lil. Only Jimmy Buffett would leave in an ad-lib line such as "I think some people in this crowd got high" with the NYC Police Commissioner in attendance. The tunes he did from the new album were "Pacin the Cage" & I Will Play for Gumbo. Thanks for the heads-up Mr.Powell. Hope you all enjoy the long weekend but remember those who gave so that we can.

Sat May 29 15:41:32 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

DEBI SNOWDEN...Ya, I can't wait to see Bob Dylan and Paul Simon on THE 4TH OF JULY, and rumor has it that theres going to be a special guest! I just can't think of who it could be!!! Don't ya just love all the Summer Fests that are happening, and I live in Madison so I'm lucky to get to Chicago, Milwakee, and Madison, plus St. Paul Minn. Gee, its so hard to pick which ones to go to cuz alot of the concerts are on the same weekends, and thats a bummer, but Bob Dylan and any members of The Band get the ticket hands down!!!

Sat May 29 13:48:58 CEST 1999

Martin

DANNY; coincidentally I have just finished a list of who plays what on the basement tapes tracks. I am pretty confident that it is mostly correct although a few of the tracks are still causing confusion. Check out 'Banks of the Royal Canal' on vol. 5 for example. It has bass, organ, piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar and what sounds like some extra people playing what sounds like an autoharp and handclapping. Also a complete mystery is '900 miles' on vol.5, with double bass, violin, drums and mandolin. Anyway, I can get the list on the site if Jan can give me some instructions as to how to go about it.

Sat May 29 10:36:27 CEST 1999

Debi Snowden

I have been a fan for along while. The band that plays with Neil as top notch. I can't wait for the July concert here in San Diego.

Sat May 29 05:40:53 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Well, some bizness took me up to bad old LA again and while I was in town I saw that old charactor who the Band are rumored to have once covered, Randy Newman. I saw him at The Amazing Graze in Evanston Ill(Pat?) for five bucks in 76, so the price had only gone up 5 or 6 thousand percent, but it was still a great show by a brillent guy and you get two sets now. AND, he still did a big old chunk of "Good Old Boys", his most Bandlike album. He's got a new one out this week called "Bad Love", and if what I heard is right, it's a worthy follow up to "Land Of Dreams." And still, in some great universe somewhere, Richard is covering "Lousiiana 1927".

Sat May 29 04:00:31 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

David Powell - Don't forget the remastering of "Street Legal."

Sat May 29 03:24:26 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

To Just Wonderin': You've got the Wild Wolf production of The Genuine Basement Tapes set. I've got it too. Seems to be the one generally available now.

A Note in the Recommendation Box: I've been reading some material on Dylan lately, put together by some enterprising students at a little Iowa college. The point is this -- while it seems to be a unanimous opinion that the Hawks played on Sooner or Later One of Us Must Know, some sources say it's Bobby Gregg on piano, Konikoff on drums, and Al Kooper on organ, with RR and Danko. But then other sources say its Garth on organ. I know we've been through this before on this website, along with other lists of when particular songs were actually recorded (e.g., the official Basement Tapes tracks).

But since I have a short memory for some of this stuff, I was wondering if someone could take it upon their shoulders to detail the definitive list of who played what for each track and insert it, with Jan's blessing, in the Discography section after each song. That way one could have easy access when memory fails.

I was looking at a Dylan site the other day (I believe The Thin Man site) and it has a section on who played what, but it's woefully inaccurate. Even I know that Helms did not play drums on a track like Tiny Montgomery when there ain't no drums to be heard. So basically, this could be another important contribution of information from this site.

What do you think?

Sat May 29 01:54:11 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Something of interest: I just got a copy of Genuine Basement Tapes Vol 4. Momentarily I thought I'd been ripped off because the label on the disc has a pic of a wolf and says T-Bone Frank Waltzing with Sin. The label is red and white. But I played it and it's Bob and the boys. Anyone else seen this volume with a label like this? It's not a cdr.

Fri May 28 20:56:32 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Kind people, as you know, touring is not like going on a Sunday picnic. And its not like Levon gets up off the couch and drives to the clubs of his liking and starts performing. I'd be rich if that were the case. The only way your going to get Levon, Rick or any of the boys to come to your town is to contact their booking agents, and a small prayer wouldn't hurt either, times have changed. Most of the time, promoters, but up $5.000 or more, to give to (lets say levon) the artist. Thats *for sure money* for Levon to take home! Now if the hall, or theater holds 900 people, and tickets go for $30.00, and its a sell out, gross is $27.000. You take out taxs. Take out Levons $5.000, take out for the halls rental, take out for security personal, take out for sound man and soundboard ect, take out for flyers, newspaper adds, ect, take out for ticket fees, take out for insurance, and it goes on and on. After all that, Levon might walk out, after an hour and a half or so of performing, with maybe $6.500. If the hall only sells 300 tickets, Levon still gets that frick'n $5.000!!!! I just wanted to take you kind people on a little walk called SHO BIZZ. If you have a comment, or think I'm wrong, I'm more than happy to hear from you, or if you have a story of how an artist got screwed,I'd love to hear about it. Peace, Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran.

Fri May 28 19:46:03 CEST 1999

Dexy

RE: the Dylan tribute CD (Tangled Up In Blues) and The Band's involvement -- Weider's site mentions a recent Band recording of the song. He doesn't date his news notes, though, so not sure when it was done. Has this been mentioned here before? I take it The Band means at least Helm, Hudson, Danko (& Weider too).

Fri May 28 19:14:36 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

ICE magazine reports the track listing for Tangled Up in Blues: Songs of Bob Dylan, set for July 13 release on the House of Blues/Platinum Entertainment label, is: The Band - One Too Many Mornings;Larry McCray - All Along the Watchtower; Taj Mahal - It Takes Alot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry; Mavis Staples - Gotta Serve Somebody; R.L. Burnside - Everything Is Broken; Isaac Hayes - Lay Lady Lay; Alvin Youngblood Hart - Million Miles; Holmes Brothers - Wallflower; Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson - Pledging My Time; John Hammond - I'll Be Your Baby Tonight; James Solberg - Ballad of a Thin Man; and Leon Russell - Watching the River Flow. ICE says the tracks are "newly recorded."

Fri May 28 16:02:49 CEST 1999

David Powell

Glad to hear that Rick is headed back to the studio. There may be no cure for the summertime blues, but I've noticed that there's a lot of promising music scheduled to be released in the upcoming months. Here's just a few, with their tentative release dates:

On June 22 Columbia/Legacy is set to issue a remasterd version of Eric Andersen's wonderful "Blue River" album. Two bonus tracks, "Come To My Bedside" and a cover of Hank Williams's "Why Don't You Love Me (Like You Used To Do)," will be included. On July 20 Vanguard will release a series of its "Best of Vanguard Years." Remastered CDs of sessions from Eric Andersen, John Fahey and Mimi & Richard Farina will be issued separately. On June 8 Warner Bros./Rhino will release the "Gordon Lightfoot Songbbook," a 4-CD set. Los Lobos will release their new album "This Time" on July 20. After a long association with Slash & Warner Bros., Los Lobos has moved to Hollywood Records. On that same date, Columbia/Legacy is set to release remastered versions of Dylan's "Greatest Hits Vol. 1 & Vol. 2. Independent label Koch on June 22 will release "Johnny Cash Rockabilly Blues" and "Willis Alan Ramsey." As Spider John knows, Ramsey's album was originally issued on Leon Russell's Shelter label and featured Jim Keltner & Carl Radle in addition to Russell on backup. (Listen up Freddie Fishstick, Mobile Fidelity has recently issued a gold CD version of Jimmy Buffett's "White Sport Coat And A Pink Crustacean.") Last but not least, independent label Sundazed will release an expanded version of "The Complete Oar Sessions" from Skip Spence on June 22. Mr. Spence recorded this solo album in 1969 shortly after leaving Moby Grape. For all you vinyl fans like myself, word is Sundazed will be issuing 180 gram vinyl versions of albums from the Byrds catalog. I think I'm going back to the place...

Fri May 28 13:55:33 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Ilkka: Thanks for the "Irish Lullaby"! Reminds me of my Dad who used to sing that to me when I was a child.

Fri May 28 09:21:31 CEST 1999

Man.United fan

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer!!! Jan Hoiberg!!! Norwegians rule!!!

Fri May 28 08:10:14 CEST 1999

Ilkka

I'm sorry. The link was not right. Try again, please.

Fri May 28 08:06:49 CEST 1999

Ilkka

There is something I'd like to share with you, good ol' Band folks in the gb. - I have 'Irish Lullaby' on my Visit Card page (not THAT version, this is only simple MIDI music). There is a link, too, if you want to get your own copy legally.
If you know some Band related MIDI music it would be nice to hear about it!

Fri May 28 03:26:15 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thanks Spider John...nice livin and dyin with ya. TS..but persistance paid off. Very glad you shared your company. Will watch for you on your tv debut tomorrow morning. Don't worry..I'll find you in the crowd. All I gotta do is look for the LT&H one without the hat :-)

Fri May 28 01:34:29 CEST 1999

Dexy

LEVON -- Scott, Leah and Miss Xan (and her new brother Will) from Callahan's say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Fri May 28 00:19:36 CEST 1999

The Doctor of Dodges

How far is Brandon from Aberdeen?

Thu May 27 22:33:10 CEST 1999

Dave Z

I agree Bones on Rick's 1st album. I have been listening to it the last few days... I wonder what a Band version of Sip The Wine would have been like with the original lineup... I'm guessing it would have been pretty cool... Also, Java Blues is pretty good stuff, although I probably would relate more to Diet Coke Blues...

Thu May 27 22:30:11 CEST 1999

Bumbles

T.C.Bubba Emidy: If your pal Jesus Christ wants to 'be a part of this,' he could start by wishing Levon a happy birthday.

Thu May 27 21:46:44 CEST 1999

Rich Forbes

Levon - Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday! Thanks for all the good times, great music, and fantastic memories...Can't wait to get together again! Rock on my friend!!! Rich

Thu May 27 18:38:57 CEST 1999

Bones

Thanks for the info on Rick's new studio album. Is this the same album he's been working on since 1978? I think his first one was wonderful.

Thu May 27 16:22:21 CEST 1999

T.C.Bubba Emidy

I traded Iron Butterfly's "Heavy" and Steve Miller's "Brave New World" Album for The Band's Brown LP back in 1970 and have been glad ever since. I've been through a lot of life changes and still love their music dearly. Jesus Christ wants to be a part of this. Praise Him and watch things happen. Thanks for the many fond moments and memories. Glad ya'll are still making music. Bubba

Thu May 27 13:39:37 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Re: Astrological charts...I live with someone who shares a birthday with double R. From what I've read about the personality, personal likes, talents etc. the similarities are positivly BIZARRE! And I didn't used to believe in that stuff! Happy belated Levon from a longtime fan. Long may you run!

Thu May 27 10:31:16 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Happy Birthday to Herman Wouk author of "Don't Stop the Carnival", The Caine Mutiny, Marjorie Morningstar, Winds of War & War & Remembrance. Stay well and Don't Stop the Carnival.

A belated Happy Birthday to Levon, maybe I'm just early for number 60. I will never forget March 1997 @ Carnegie Hall when you started "Atlantic City" just as I stood up & yelled out the request. We are waiting for the boss to get out there with the boys & show everybody that The Band still got some magic left. :-)

Thu May 27 01:14:15 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Happy Birthday Levon; from John, Ala, Jimmy and Sam. I guess we jumped the gun a couple of days back; but what the hell. Give our love to Sandy and Baby May. And happy birthday to Buck as well.

Thu May 27 00:55:32 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Happy Birthday Levon...and a special hello to Sandy. Don & Dawn pass on best wishes too! All the best from Levon, Shannon, Julia and Paul. Shine On!

Thu May 27 00:21:25 CEST 1999

Gene

Happy Birthday, Levon. Hope you keep them drums dancin' for a long, long time.

Thu May 27 00:04:40 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

"HE WAS BORN A PAUPER TO A PAWN OF A CHRISTMAS DAY, WHEN THE NEW YORK TIMES SAID 'GOD IS DEAD' AND THE WARS BEG....Oh, never mind.......

Wed May 26 23:59:48 CEST 1999

Richard

Happy Birthday Levon, from the land of snow. I'm damn sure glad I read this guest page, or I would have missed it!

Wed May 26 23:39:24 CEST 1999

Stonework

MATT K: I am personally offended that you would deliberately plan to send a belated birthday wish to Levon when you know damn well that TODAY is his birthday and WHAT COULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT!!!

Relax, relax, Matt, just joshing.

Levon: get the Crowmatix together and do some gigs. Please. Elmo's foot is healed, Eppard needs to work on 300 Pounds of Joy, Randy needs a break from rocking, Marie is red hot, and Aaron is just waiting for the word. And Levon and his Chrome Addicts are truly missed.

Wed May 26 22:58:41 CEST 1999

pehr

happy birthday levon. you are a great artist and have been a tremendous inspiration for many years. i wish you and yours a great birthday with all the best. thanks for the music, stories and all the memories!

Wed May 26 20:22:30 CEST 1999

BOB REICHERS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEVON FROM CAPE COD ! KEEP ON ROCKIN' !

Wed May 26 20:05:46 CEST 1999

Kala

Happy Birthday Levon! Hope you and yours are happy and healthy. We all love you.

Thank you for the music.

Kala

Wed May 26 17:27:16 CEST 1999

CODY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEVON!!!THANX SO VERY MUCH! HOPE ALL IS WELL AT THE HELM'S CAMP P.S.ALL, NEVER PUT THE MUSIC UNDER A MICROSCOPE."HANG AROUND WILLIE BOY,DON'T THEY RAISE THE SAIL ANYMORE"... ....

Wed May 26 15:50:25 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

Here's one last footnote on the Cripple Creek discussion that Peter Viney compiled here a while back. I just bought a CD called 20 OLD-TIME FAVORITES by J.E.MAINER and the Mountaineers which includes an interesting version of the bluegrass standard called "Cripple Creek." I thought I remembered an old reference to Mainer in a Robbie Robertson quote and I finally found it. From the TIME cover story (January 12, 1970), Robbie points out the musical range of reference in The Band: "There are five guys involved and everybody has a little different thing. Like one guy in the group would remember very impressive horn lines by Cannonball Adderly. Somebody else would remember a singing harmony that J.E. Mainer and his Mountaineers did years ago."

Wed May 26 15:15:56 CEST 1999

mattk

Personally, I'm offended that Lil is wishing him a happy birthday on-time. I know she's only doing to make those of us who plan on wishing him a belated happy birthday look bad.

Stop rubbing my nose in my procratination!

; )

oh yes, and buenos b-day, Levon. Here's hoping peace of mind finds you soon...

Wed May 26 12:13:39 CEST 1999

Tanja

I'm a very big The Band fan and I want to chat with someone that loves The Band.... I am only 16 years old , but I'm keen on them!!! Please contact me by e-mail so we can discusse them....ok?

Wed May 26 10:55:27 CEST 1999

Tanja Flåan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY , LEVON HELM!!!!! I hope you'll have a really nice day!!!!

Wed May 26 10:33:16 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Levon: On your birthday, my sentiments can only be those same ones wished to you by everyone...any day of the year. Love, Health, and Happiness always.

JW: Heard about the shape you're in. Hope you're feeling better soon :-)

Wed May 26 03:45:39 CEST 1999

Giles

Sometimes it feels like there are only three people into the Band where I am but then I have so much trouble getting hold of the music. Thank God (Bill Gates, whoever) for the Net.Love you guys!

Wed May 26 02:53:35 CEST 1999

Catbalu

I swear, i had to take a break from typing in that long peaceful column to Ragtime. having FDSAJKL; nightmares all over again. then i come in here and see yet another birhtday of one of the boys being messed with. again. reminds me of how my jock son acts when i don't let him go smooching - i mean skating - on a fri. night because he hasn't done his chores. MAKES ME REAL AGRRAVATED THAT HE WOULD ALLOW HIMSELF TO BE LIKE A FISH ON A HOOK. thought i'd raised him smarter than that. real easy to get off that kind of hook....

happy birthday, Levon. (Lil, thanks for the reminder - gave me a good enough reason to ramble back through Jan's work of art here). Should the Blankenships or any of Lee's old friends be passing thru this GB just to see how their very own local hero is thought of, i for one would love to hear any memory or two you have to spare, as i genuinely appreciate your stories and your time - things so precious and personal to us all...

To Levon - a piece of work, a dinosaur, a southern ladies man (rarer than hen's teeth these days), here's to drinking whiskey and watching pigs eat, and buck-dancing beneath a 48-star flag ("we know there's fi'ty, that's what counts)" take care, handsome.

BTW, spent the morning watching the sun come up with my Dad. al la glory to ya'll.

Wed May 26 01:51:57 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

The time has arrived: Actually, it hasn't. It may be the 26th where our esteemed webmaster lives, but it's not quite the 26th where Levon is. Nice of you to wait around for my wishes though. Have a nice night :-)

Wed May 26 01:44:55 CEST 1999

J.Croce

To JW

My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, And I Don't Love Jesus By: Jimmy Buffett 1975 Chorus: My head hurts, my feet stink, and I don't love Jesus (oh my lordy it's that...) It's that kind of mornin' Really was that kind of night Tryin' to tell myself that my condition is improvin' And if I don't die by Thursday I'll be roarin' Friday night

Hope to see you manana. :-)

Wed May 26 01:30:56 CEST 1999

The time has arrived...

OK Lil, it's the 26th. Say Happy Birthday...

Wed May 26 01:12:01 CEST 1999

Phil

David Powell: I'd love to read that article. Any way we can get it posted here? If not, thanks for the info. I'll search it out.

Wed May 26 00:58:03 CEST 1999

Shyster P. Loophole

To Michiru S: My humble apologies. We have dropped you from the suit. If NYC Customs ever finds a problem with your packages I'll be glad to defend you gratis.

Wed May 26 00:19:50 CEST 1999

Mike

I was in New Orleans several weeks ago for the Jazz and Heritage fest and while there dropped by Levon's "CLASSIC AMERICAN CAFE", where I was treated to a double bill drum tour de force. The opening act was Levon and his house band(EXCELLENT).The headliner was Corky Laing,former drummer for the 70's power band Mountain. While the fest was great, the highlight of NOLA for me was seeing these guys at Levon's and meeting Levon prior to the show. The guy is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. If you are ever in NOLA,drop by and say hey to the greatest drummer in rock-n-roll! The oyster po' boy sandwich is good too! P.S. 2 quick questions... Who is that white woman prominantly displayed on the mural overlooking the stage @ Levon'S club? Also...does anyone know if the Cate Bros.(Levon's cousins)are currently touring/recording? They are good guys too!!!

Wed May 26 00:18:53 CEST 1999

Mike

I was in New Orleans several weeks ago for the Jazz and Heritage fest and while there dropped by Levon's "CLASSIC AMERICAN CAFE", where I was treated to a double bill drum tour de force. The opening act was Levon and his house band(EXCELLENT).The headliner was Corky Laing,former drummer for the 70's power band Mountain. While the fest was great, the highlight of NOLA for me was seeing these guys at Levon's and meeting Levon prior to the show. The guy is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. If you are ever in NOLA,drop by and say hey to the greatest drummer in rock-n-roll! The oyster po' boy sandwich is good too! P.S. 2 quick questions... Who is that white woman prominantly displayed on the mural overlooking the stage @ Levon'S club? Also...does anyone know if the Cate Bros.(Levon's cousins)are currently touring/recording? They are good guys too!!!

Tue May 25 21:40:07 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Hi Lil! - just want to say hello... looks like some kid with a gun is at large out there... no joke hey hey hey... so stay inside, have a cuppa coffe & listen to rags & bones... ragman your song of the streets keeps haunting my memory... :-)

Tue May 25 19:48:12 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Lil: I’m vintage July 2nd. But my oldest son is July 9th too. Good dates for positive people! Everyone take care - I won’t be reading any of this for a few days. Hope everyone stays pleasant.

Tue May 25 19:43:04 CEST 1999

David Powell

Last year, an interview with Robbie Robertson was published in the March issue of MIX magazine, a publication geared towards the professional recording & production industry. When asked about who he felt taught him the most about record making, Robertson strangely avoided any mention of John Simon. In commenting on the great sound of the "Brown Album," Robertson took credit for engineering, "pretty much" actually running the sessions, setting up the studio, and even choosing which microphones were used.

Tue May 25 18:37:10 CEST 1999

Ilkka

MICHIRU!
Ike o wataru soyokaze ni, hasu nohana ga, yurayura to yurete imasu. Aoao to shigetta kodachi kara, semi no koe ga kikoemasu.

Nice to meet You.

Tue May 25 17:51:47 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Diamond Lil...something told me I was a little bit ahead re: Lee's Birthday. Anyhow...keep posting. You are a wonderul mystery and maybe someday we will share a glass of wine and laugh at all the years that turned to "Days Gone By!" Shine On!......and on

Tue May 25 17:39:02 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Michiru: Everything you said was just fine. Nice to meet you too!

Thanks David Powell and Charlie Hawker. Now...how bout we get back to the music? :-)

Tue May 25 17:33:34 CEST 1999

Bones

Did anyone see the video to Robbie Robertson's "Take Your Partner By The Hand" ? I know it exists and played on some video channels, but I never saw it.

Tue May 25 16:56:08 CEST 1999

Michiru. S

I repent of my thoughtless words. I really do apologize. and I am not Mr. I am Ms.

Tue May 25 16:45:47 CEST 1999

Michiru. S

Tue May 25 15:18:18 CEST 1999

Charlie Hawker

Agreed, Mr.Powell! We all love ya', Lil, some of us quite a lot ... keep on posting here, please.

Tue May 25 15:12:46 CEST 1999

David Powell

It is unfortunate that Ms. Lil has become the target of abuse here in the guestbook. Her comments are always of a pleasant & positive nature. I for one enjoy reading what she has to say because she shares with us the perspective of one who not only has knowledge of the music, but of the human souls who make that music as well.

Tue May 25 13:32:15 CEST 1999

Donabie (One More Time)

I'm heading to Woodstock (The village not the concert) on the 4th of June. Anyone know if Jim Weider or The Crowmatix will be appearing that week-end? Thanks

Tue May 25 13:29:42 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Sorry.....It was "The Happenings" who did "See You In September." Carole King's was "It Might As Well Rain Until September." Too early in the morning.

Tue May 25 13:25:47 CEST 1999

John Donabie

My wife just back from New Orleans last night. She walked by Levon's Club and of course it was deserted. Inside she could see all kinds of T-shirts and caps. I wanted one; but there is no one around. There is a sign in the window that says, "see you in September." Hope it's not just the title of an old Carole King song.

Tue May 25 12:28:45 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Thanks Lars, Pat, Peter, and the esteemed, albeit semi-reliable Mr Loophole :-) Unprovoked personal attacks are not my thing, and I choose not to respond to stupidity.

Mr. Viney: Cancerian here too. Mine's July 9. When's yours? Have a good trip btw.

Jan: Thanks...always a nice way to start the day :-)

Tue May 25 11:47:11 CEST 1999

manuel

I need to speak with somebody who had been in a THE BAND concert

Tue May 25 11:27:53 CEST 1999

Shyster P. Loophole

My client one Diamond Lil has retained me this day to bring a defamation of character suit against Mr. Michiru Sukabigone etal. As we are unsure of all possible defendants pending further investigation, I am filing a global suit against all aholes who posted within the last 48 hours. You know who u r. My client is not now nor was never a groupy of The Band. The author of such libel might however inquire of his parents as to his true heritage. See you in court.

Tue May 25 09:25:49 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Diamond Lil: don’t take any of this stuff to heart. You’ve run into an old problem with someone who (a) doesn’t like being corrected (b) will immediately resort to pathetic abuse when they are. Oh, well. Anyway, I’ll raise my glass tomorrow - on the plane to the USA as it happens.

I mentioned astrological implications last year and it seemed a very touchy subject with some. Looking at Matt’s list again, some things seem to fit the signs particularly well. But then again, I’m a Cancer and we tend to believe in that sort of thing. Geminis do too, but only some of the time. The best story I heard is about one of the publishers of guides along the lines of “Your Year for … (whatever sign).” They do very small print runs for some signs, and very long ones for others. There are no zero print runs, but that’s because people like to read about their partners.

Tue May 25 06:06:40 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

This has no doubt be mentioned before, but if you get the Tom Petty boxed set, which I just did, the liner notes have a nice little account of the making of "The Best Of Everything", with a nice little tribute to Richard. Personaly, I wish Levon Happy Birthday once a day, EVERY day. But I'm nutty that way.......

Tue May 25 05:55:21 CEST 1999

Michiru Sakakibara

Hello! Nice to meet you. I'm a great fan of The Band's.I love The Band very very much.I'm starting to internet to see this site.Please let me say these words... "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! MR.HELM !" Year! I did it! I'm sorry but I can't understand English very well.But I don't have any problem,do I? I have a mind...a Rock'n Roll mind!

Tue May 25 05:25:14 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

WELL, ALL IS WELL HERE I SEE!!! HAPPY B-DAY LEVON-BOB-AND MICKEY, ALSO CHRIS ROBBERTSON OF THE BLACK CROWS!!!

Tue May 25 04:23:00 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Correcting facts is a legit function of this guestbook. Diamond Lil had every right to mention the birthday discrepancy. Accepting it as a personal attack makes you look thin-skinned. Chill.

Tue May 25 04:05:49 CEST 1999

Lars Pedersen

To Diamond Lil: DON'T give it a rest. I look forward to your entries, there's a certain calm in your voice that gives this guestbook stability. I like the way you present your views. You don't want or need anything, you just want to share.

As to why someone is upset with you because you corrected Levon's birthdate, you got me. Maybe just an ill wind.

Hang in there, Lil. We love ya.

Tue May 25 03:28:34 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil Writes...

Why anyone wouldn't be offended you ask???

The only reason you posted your comment was to show everyone that you know the correct date and are the Queen of The Band Groupies. "Look at me, look at me. I know Ricky and you don't." Give it a rest.

Tue May 25 03:20:13 CEST 1999

To Lil

You see! This is what is driving me crazy about anal retentive types on this site. People like you discourage one from making a comment about anything. GET A LIFE....& THERE ARE NO GOLD STARS FOR POINTING OUT THE 26TH, NO MATTER HOW SWEET IT COMES OUT!!!!

Tue May 25 01:39:33 CEST 1999

Eddie Hodel

Check out concert dates for JIM WEIDER AND THE HONKY TONK GURUS at his web site: jimweider.ulster-online.com/news.htm I have seen them live and they are excellent especially when RICHARD BELL plays. I also highly recommend their CD. Great web site Jan, thanks!

Tue May 25 00:12:04 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

"Work" for a living? What a concept. It may surprise you to know that I "work" for a living too. Couldn't really care less _when_ you wish Levon a Happy Birthday. Was just stating that he had a nice headstart on birthday wishes. Not quite sure why that would offend anyone.

Mon May 24 23:31:05 CEST 1999

To LIL ...

We are well aware that Levon's B'day is May 26th. But some of us "work" for a living and some of us will be out of town on that date, so we thought we'd send our wishes ahead of time. Ok ?

Mon May 24 22:36:46 CEST 1999

mattk

Ok, for the record, here are the birthdays (using Jan's "members" section as the definitive source):

Levon: May 26, 1940

Rick: Dec. 29, 1943

Garth: August 2, 1937

Richard: April 3, 1943

Robbie: July 5, 1943

Digging these out, I wondered what it would be like if someone did the astrology charts on these boys. I'm not particularly bent to believe in the stars (call me credulous), but I think the results could only be fascination ; )

My wife and I were watching this rather cheesy, but funny thing on MTV (or was it VH1, who can tell these days?), where they took a band in turmoil and sent them to relationship therapy--like a marraige councilor. We immediately wondered how our boys here would fair...

Hey wait a minute, that means that both Levon and I are Geminis...hmmmm....

Mon May 24 21:37:46 CEST 1999

David Powell

The Association For Indepedent Music just held their annual convention down here in Atlanta. Among those honored with awards this year was Emmylou Harris. Her album "Spyboy" (released by Eminent) received an "Indie", A.F.I.M.'s equivalent of a Grammy, in the best country category.

More & more great music is being released by independent labels. Now that a handful of conglomerates control the major labels, artistic merit takes a back seat to market-driven economics. Following the acquisition of the Polygram group by Seagram's / Universal, you will soon see a great number of artists, cut loose from the rosters of those big boys, appearing on independent labels. In addition, there is a growing list of artists, still under contract on big labels, who have turned in completed albums, only to have their labels refuse to release the material because it's not considered commercial enough. And so it goes.

I urge all of you to support independent music. Thanks again to all the folks at River North and Platinum for their efforts this past year in connection with the release of "Jubilation" by The Band.

Mon May 24 21:36:20 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Patric: dissent is what creates conversation. I hadn’t expected to start up another discussion on Cahoots. I’d agree with Matt that “Carnival” is better live. I just meant it was the best on “Cahoots” as it was - this seems to be a generally accepted truth (which probably means it’s wrong), as it’s the only one that ever gets performed. I agree that “Masterpiece” runs it close. Probably “Masterpiece” gets the edge on melody, but I’d give Robertson the points on lyrics. And Levon & Rick on feel. I’m assuming that’s how they split it. How can a Van fan such as I dismiss “4% Pantomime”? I love it, but in spite of the terrific feel and performance, it’s weak on melody. But don’t get me on to the lyrics elsewhere on the album. I had my say!

Wow. Rick’s birthday got disputed last year. Now it’s Levon’s. Whenever it is, the very best of wishes. Sorry I said “Masterpiece” was second, Bob. Especially on your birthday. I’ll go and listen to “Visions of Johanna”.

Mon May 24 19:52:25 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Looks like Levon has a good head start on birthday wishes. I'll save mine for the 26th however.

Welcome home professor! Guess who missed you? :-)

Mon May 24 19:46:03 CEST 1999

Bones

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEVON!!

Mon May 24 19:39:00 CEST 1999

Ahhh

Levon's birthday is the day after tomorrow. Today is Bob Dylan's.

Mon May 24 19:31:26 CEST 1999

Martin Molloy

Just wishing Levon a happy birthday. I'll be celebrating my 33rd on the same day!

Mon May 24 19:09:58 CEST 1999

John Donabie

Happy Birthday Lee from Jim, Sam, Ala & John. Give our love to Sandy.

Mon May 24 19:07:27 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Re: Cahoot's Carnival: I think it's up to each buddy to determine if he/she has bought a watch real cheap. I love the song, and even though I agree that the live versions are more exciting to listen to with Robbie's great guitar solos, I personally think the studio version fits that Band song-comes-first ideal with maybe some interesting rhythms or holes in the music (but I'm no musician). So, I don't think Levon shot his wad in vain.

Mon May 24 18:52:43 CEST 1999

mattk

Cahoots

I'd agree that "Carnival" is a great song, but I'd also agree that "Carnival" might not be at it's best on "Cahoots." For my money TLW provides the definitive version of "Carnival" (I'd make the same assertion about "Ophelia").

So I'd say that Carnival is the best song, but a secondary performance on Cahoots (I think it's that legendary "brittle" quality that RR has so often commented on).

For my money, even though it's a throwaway, Pantomime (silly song, great performance) is my fave on this album. I'd give Masterpiece (good song, good performance) a strong nod ahead of Carnival as well...

matt

Mon May 24 17:05:18 CEST 1999

Richard

Just saw Rick last night at the Icon in Niagara Falls and it was a great show. Thanks Rick for signing my lps. Didn't notice this show posted in any of your tour info but if last minute gigs is the only way to tour southern Ontario I'll just keep my head up. Night before was a gig in Buffalo opening for Comander Cody at the Tralf. I'm sorry I didn't see that one too. Good to see you close to home Rick. Yours and mine. Play more shows here!

Mon May 24 16:14:11 CEST 1999

Patric

Peter V. Yes, theres always one dissenter, I believe Life Is A Carnival is one of the Band's most overrated songs, lyrically weak and lacking the character of good Band tunes, if pressed for a best song on Cahoots[ their most disappointing album with the original line-up] I'd select Last Of The Blacksmiths.

Mon May 24 16:08:08 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Happy Birthday Levon, Hi Sandy from Levon, Shannon, Julia and Paul

Mon May 24 12:24:09 CEST 1999

The guys in London Ontario

Have a great birthday Levon. We wish continued recognition and success.

Mon May 24 11:10:48 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

In general I don’t know if changes to album sequence are a great surprise. I’m used to hearing this material rearranged on compilations and many live shows. Also I often play individual songs as well as albums and over the years have had a whole series of in-car tapes and CDRs in various orders. On the first three albums there is something inherently “right” about the order, and I don’t think it’s just familiarity. I agree that it makes less and less difference as you go on to later albums. In the CD era I’m not even sure it matters at all for new releases. At the time of the first two albums, a degree of thought was going into sequence, so that we get “Tears of Rage” opening an album in unprecedented style. The sequencing almost became a cliché - note that ‘I Shall Be released”, “King Harvest”. “The Rumor” and “The River Hymn” all occupy the same final position, and there’s a definite similarity of feel. As Ragtime says, there’s not that much evidence by “Islands”.

The sequence of all albums ever released has been chosen by someone with more or less care. Sometimes it might be choice of key that dictates the order, so things seem to flow harmoniously. Sometimes there’s the classic Fast/Slow/Fast/Slow order. Like live shows, there’s a tendency on many albums to have a slow, big number in the last-but-one place, followed by a rocker. Another pretty good idea is to put the best song first so that it will be noticed! On Cahoots The Band tried this, and put the next best second. On the early albums, the “best song” wasn’t obvious and would still be hotly disputed. I don’t know if anyone would disagree that “Life Is A Carnival” is the best track on Cahoots. This “best one first” policy is becoming more frequent in the CD era. I noted this at the time of release, but I think the Hoskyns compilation “The Shape I’m In: The Very Best of The Band” is that extreme rarity, an intelligent sequence for a compilation album. Instead of chronology dictating the order, it’s been done as an idealized live show, except that it would have been asking too much for Richard to do three successive vocals.

Mon May 24 09:40:11 CEST 1999

E.Jones

The site is excellent - particularly for those of us who get a shrug of the shoulders when we walk intoa record shop and ask for materil by The Band or by individual members. This is true for coutnries other than the USA where The Band are not as well known as I've found over the past 30 years as a fan and 'educating' people about one of the most brilliant group in rock music history. The photography section is also excellent as it would be difficult for those of us abroad to ever see them otherwise. Have just read the report about a second concert The Band gave in Dublin, when they were appartenly fantastic. What chance of them coming again as part of a tour of UK & Ireland?

Mon May 24 09:33:34 CEST 1999

E.Jones

The site is excellent - particularly for those of us who get a shrug of the shoulders when we walk intoa record shop and ask for materil by The Band or by individual members. This is true for coutnries other than the USA where The Band are not as well known as I've found over the past 30 years as a fan and 'educating' people about one of the most brilliant group in rock music history. The photography section is also excellent as it would be difficult for those of us abroad to ever see them otherwise.

Mon May 24 07:39:24 CEST 1999

Ragtime

P.S. the LP number is Capitol 5C 062-85100. If my memory serves me well, I must have bought it rightaway when it came out.

Mon May 24 07:28:39 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Re song running order: maybe it's not so important since "Islands" seems to be just an at-random selection of songs, but still... My original (Dutch?) LP is a rather sloppy affair...

It has the following order: Side One: 1. Street Walker 2. "The" Islands (sic!) 3. Right As Rain 4. Ain't That A Lot Of Love 5. "This Must Be Christmas" (sic sic!!). Side Two: 1. Let The Night Fall 2. "Pepote Rouge" (sic sic sic!!!) 3. Georgia On My Mind 4. Knockin' Lost John 5. Livin' In A Dream.

The sic(k)ening mistakes are on the s(t)ic(k)er in the middle of the record. But the record sleeve says otherwise: it has the correct song titles and the same sequence as on the CD. And... what I've never noticed before: nor the LP-sleeve, nor the CD-booklet list the line-up of The Band. Well, Garth is listed as one of the horn players...

Mon May 24 02:41:21 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Peter: Don't forget that the sequence on the back cover of the original LP was also not correct [as I recall, it was the same as that on the back of the Japanese reissue. As to why this happened, who knows. But given the emphasis on sequencing of an "album" rather than a collection of songs. Its interesting. I would try programming the various sequences if I had the time, but I think that it would be a failed experiment - we like what we are used to.

Don: The translation to Acadian Driftwood is on this site - check out the lyrics.

Mon May 24 01:07:47 CEST 1999

Don Pugatch

Two questions and one annoucement. Question #1, still not able to find any Band tunes on any MP3 sites, anyone find any? Question #2, at the end of Arcadian Driftwood, can anyone translate the final verse. Announcement, preforming live on the Taco circuit, with his campatriot Steve McElroy, will be The Telecaster magacian Mr. David Powell. Yes this is the same Mr. Powell of Band Web Site fame. The exact location is currently under raps, but rumor says, Alpharetta Georgia, near a Kroger Supermarket. More info to follow.

Mon May 24 00:15:44 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Rainy, dreary Sunday night...riding on the blinds with DFA and thinking about a friend.

Anyone here shuffle off to Buffalo to catch Rick's show last night? Would like to hear about it. Thanks.

Sun May 23 20:37:16 CEST 1999

Mark

Peter- Thanks for the info. I'll check the archives for your Big Pink reissue comments. If I come across another original BP that's in good shape I'll let you know.

Sun May 23 20:26:57 CEST 1999

M-J Milloy

Band Fans! I've started an email discussion list for the Band, where I hope we can all gather to discuss the group, the music, everything. To subscribe, surf on over to: http://www.egroups.com/group/basement-list/ or email me at milloy@voir.ca for more info.

Sun May 23 18:59:25 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

E Jones.... As I wrote this month in the book; Levon used to take GREAT care and pride in his onstage performance; your letter just reinforces that recent years have not be the happiest of times for him. Vinney, did anyone ever figure out how NLSC got the song order fudged up in the first place, on the original album? Which is the RIGHT running order, the one that ended up on the CD?(Not the one I "Grew up" on.....)

Sun May 23 18:52:49 CEST 1999

Lee

Re: E. Jones' comments on The Band in Dublin.

I was at both Dublin shows for The Band and I remember Hot Press had a scathing report on the first show...problem is they never reported on the 2nd night which was fantastic. A 2hr show, Danko came on waving the Irish flag and apologising for being sick on the 1st night. Tom Pacheco performed with them on that night and the crowd were going crazy.

It's a shame journalists fail to report on the second coming.

I have a few friends in Ireland who were at that 1st night and failed to see the second due to other commitments, they have told me they'd certainly travel to see The Band perform again even after a disappointing show.

Sun May 23 13:43:30 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Jonathan: NLSC - Good to see that Capitol corrected their cover error. My “NAMUEL” copy is also the 1990 US remaster CD. There was a 1989 “not remastered” Japanese release, and a mid-90s British release which is the same as the US one. And last year’s Toshiba one. The song sequence is a variable. I’ll copy some notes on this:

On the LP side two was Ring Your Bell / It Makes No Difference / Jupiter Hollow / Rags and Bones

The older Japanese CD follows the same order as the LP, BUT puts this order on the cover: Rags & Bones / Acadian Driftwood / Ophelia / Hobo Jungle / It Makes No Difference / Forbidden Fruit / Ring Your Bell / Jupiter Hollow

The 1990 CD has Ring Your Bell / Rags & Bones / It Makes No Difference / Jupiter Hollow in this sequence.

The 1998 remaster has the original LP running order, but has the same “wrong” running order on the cover as the earlier Japanese CD.

I guess it makes no difference. But I do wonder how and why it happened.

Sun May 23 10:16:56 CEST 1999

E. Jones

can anyone explain why The Band were allowed or allowed themselves to 'perform' in such a state of alcoholic haze the time they were in Ireland in 1995/96? I've just found this web site and remember being disappointed along with many other fans when their concert here was a minor disaster. Was it in character at that time amd are the concerts different now. Has Levon Helm learned that he once performed in Dublin and not in London where he thought he was when he staggered off the stage.

Sun May 23 10:15:25 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

BUT...... does anyone else have the single of "The Weight" were the group is refered to as "Music From The Big Pink?" I do. Peter Vinny, I noticed there are some other Sun Record Box sets, not too pricey, that have more two more Harmonica Frank songs. I think he only cut seven all told......

Sun May 23 10:09:56 CEST 1999

Patric

Concerning the Big Pink album discussion..In addition to the original I also have a copy of a curious one sleeve edition which was printed in Germany, sold in Japan[has some Japanese writing] and has a Bob Dylan painting on the back cover picturing 6 musicians and an elephant !!, also lyrics[ not all correct] and some photos I hadn't seen before.

Sun May 23 06:13:08 CEST 1999

Gene

I'd rather be burned up in Canada than to Freeze here in the South.

Sun May 23 06:11:38 CEST 1999

Gene

Sun May 23 05:16:07 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

I checked my CD version of NLSC and Richards name is not spelled wrong. BTW: the Capital [US] CD was remastered in Aug '90 [I don't know if Capital issued a non-remastered version prior to that. The Japanese version sounds good, but not noticably better, IMO. The song sequence is different on the two CDs: Ring Your Bell is 5th on the Capital CD and 2nd to last on the Japanese CD. [I can't remember the LP sequence - but I do remember that it was different from the listing on the back of the sleeve. That same listing is on the back of the Japanese sleeve.

Sat May 22 23:56:38 CEST 1999

Al Vacado

It's so goddamn cold it's gonna snow until June Yeah, they're freezin' up in Buffalo stuck in their cars And I'm lyin' here 'neath the sun and the stars.

Hope I can scalp me some tickets for the Rick show tonite. Was listening to the first album from 1977 with a good friend today. RD, you should do the whole album, its really good. Hat's off to you. :-)

Sat May 22 20:42:47 CEST 1999

Spider John

Listening to Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" with the ever present bassist Tim Drummond. I see Tim joined Levon, & Garth on Paul Butterfield's 1976 release- "Put it in Your Ear". Surprised not to see Rick Danko credited. Anybody heard the album? I don't think it was well reviewed.

Sat May 22 17:39:06 CEST 1999

Ilkka

This site is running under the LINUX operating system (see about_this_site.html). The guy behind Linux - Linus Torvalds - has became Phil Dr and got the Junior Scientist Award in Finland with motivation: . . . a rebel and genius in the computer world.
Congratulations!

Sat May 22 10:07:24 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Mark: I commented on the Big Pink LP sleeve reissue a couple of weeks back. Unfortunately it isn’t a reconstruction. What they will tell you is that it is the original British cover, as the LP is a British release, but this isn’t quite true either. The back cover notes are from the original British sleeve, which wasn’t a gatefold (and was glossy). However it wasn’t as crudely Photoshopped as this reissue! The horrible pink over-printing is definitely NOT on the original British release. I think the overprinting is either a European version or a late 70s / early-80s mid-price reissue. As I pointed out, if you look at the text hard you’ll see that the back cover is a photographic reproduction too. The thin paper etc was normal for a 1968 UK release (which is why we bought so many US imports). But this is how EMI regard the heritage of The Band. Glad you found the original for $7.98. I still don’t have an original US version (though the Toshiba-EMI remaster CD sleeve reproduces it perfectly).

Sat May 22 06:02:27 CEST 1999

Mark

I just bought a copy of the Millenium reissue & I am not satisfied at all with the album cover. First of all it is poorly constructed. In shipment the LP itself broke through the top of the cover where the strength is the weakest anyway, but even more so with the thinner paper they used to construct it. Another big disappointment is that the cover is not a fold-out design like the original was & because of this there is very little artwork. There is no 'next of kin' photo, group photo or BP house photo. The cover is basically true to the original (a little darker though) except for the fact that it is marred by by the album's title & group name in pink block lettering & there also is the EMI Capitol logo in the upper left hand corner. The back cover is totally different. There is 7 paragraphs of half-way decent liner notes but they are not credited to anyone. Speaking of credits, they failed to credit Richard Manuel for Tears of Rage & they also failed to credit Rick Danko for Wheels on Fire. Not to acknowledge Richard & Rick for their writing contributions on these songs is unforgivable just like this cover design & constuction is unforgivable. I was told before I purchased this reissue that it would be identical to the original & that is why I paid $30+ for it. I have not listened to the LP yet because I want to get a new stylus before I play it. I'm sure that if I wanted to spend some time on the phone & complain I could get my money back but it is not worth the effort to me. Fortunately, over the weekend, "Good luck had just stung me" & I found a near mint copy of the original Big Pink LP for $7.98 at a used record store. So now I don't feel so bad.

Sat May 22 03:31:39 CEST 1999

Stu Hruska

Just received a post card from Moon Haw Records with upcoming schedule for Jim Weider and the Honky Tonk Gurus (I'm posting this before it appears on Jim's own website) Thursday 6/17/99 - "Alive at 5" Tricentennial Park Albany, N.Y. at the Corning Preserve boat Launch under I-787 Bridge 5-8:30 P.M. Thursday 6/17/99- The Big House Brewery after 10PM Albany, New York 518-455-2739 Saturday 6/26/99 - Hogwash Grill Mamaroneck, New York 914-698-5802 Sunday 7/4/99 Newport Blues Cafe, Newport, R.I. 401-841-5510

Fri May 21 20:22:55 CEST 1999

Kevin Gilbertson

Some postings in the Dylan newsgroup indicate that Levon's club is closed.

Can anyone here confirm?

Fri May 21 18:02:35 CEST 1999

Ragtime

David: yes you can, provided you're able to eliminate the constant conditioning of your ears & mind by a fixed sequence that you've known for 30 years...

Fri May 21 17:07:24 CEST 1999

David Powell

Another tenet from the purist viewpoint in audio recording is the fewer the microphones used, the better. Also the type of microphones used and their placement should be carefully matched to the recording situation. Anything placed in the recording chain between the microphone and the recorder will also effect the nature of the sound.

As a follow-up to Ragtime's post, one can easily test whether or not sequence matters with CDs by using the random play feature found on most machines.

Fri May 21 15:55:49 CEST 1999

Les Thierolf

L.J.Tyler's entry on "Atlantic City" reminded me of a conversation on the Letterman show about 6 months ago. Dave was beginning a comedy bit about Atlantic City (Miss America?) and Paul and his band played a strange version of Donovan's "Atlantis". Dave gave his patented puzzeled look and asked Paul - "Why didn't you play Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City"? I liked the version Levon Helm played here one night." Paul responded "We couldn't remember how it went." ???

It seems to me that sometimes the singer takes over the song and it becomes his. Other examples - Danko doing "Twilight" especially on Danko-Fjeld-Anderson. Maybe he contibuted some of the lyrics? Danko on "Blind Wille McTell". Levon on "When I Paint My Masterpiece".

Les.

Fri May 21 15:36:28 CEST 1999

Ragtime

David P. referred earlier to classical song cycles, comparing them to albums as The Band. Important cycles like Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte, Schubert's Winterreise, Schumann's Dichterliebe or Frauenliebe und Leben tell a story, albeit not in an epic way. Changing (or rather: disturbing) the order of the songs would almost be an act of vandalism. And hence they even hardly pop up in compilations or recitals of "miscellaneous stuff". But there are lots of other song cycles wherein the order was only dictated by the choice the publisher made. Schubert's Schwanengesang consists of 14 "Lieder" by three different poets. Their order was fixed in our heads & we were used to it, only because we never heard them otherwise. But see... in the past decade many singers changed the order, each in their own way. Some even inserted other songs from Schubert's same (last) period. Why shouldn't they... since there was no factual reason to stick to the tradition. These versions of Schwanengesang sounded strange at first, but nowadays nobody objects to hearing these Lieder in other orders or combinations. Which brings me back to The Band's brownie. If you are used to a particular order (as we are for 30 years now) this seems to be perfect & sacrosanct. But change the order, insert other songs and after some time you will be as satisfied as ever with this wonderful music. This album doesn't tell a continuous story IMHO

BTW I don't care what Double R once said on this issue - he never objected to include these songs in compilations, didn't he...

Fri May 21 15:21:29 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Thanks for all the feedback on Jawbone and Look Out Cleveland... I definitely agree with the 50's feel of Jawbone, and also like the lyrics after re-reading... so I will return to the CD player with a different mindset...

Fri May 21 14:57:01 CEST 1999

David Powell

Martin makes an interesting point regarding the use of a large number of players in recording sessions. Too many cooks stirring the pot will often dilute the flavor of the recipe. Many bands & recording artists are falling into this trap lately. The state of recording technology today has advanced to the point where multi-track equipment is more affordable. Digital technology allows one to literally "phone in" an overdub. A prime example are the Sinatra duet sessions recorded several years ago where none of the collaborators actually stepped foot into the same studio with Mr. Sinatra.

More artists than ever now have their own home studios allowing them the freedom of almost unlimited studio time. In the past bands were encouraged to work out the material as much as they could before entering the studio, so as to avoid excessive recording costs. When you have your own studio you don't have to watch the clock, allowing one to over indulge in the process of recording rather than the process of creativity.

As a result, instead of honing down a song to it's basic essential ingredients, bands nowadays do the opposite; they continue to add on layers of sound. When you strip something down you're able to reveal its strength. If you take weak material and continue to add layer after layer, you can't really hide its weakness; you only compound it.

There is a philosophy of recording, that holds true for other art forms as well. Less is more. Fewer sounds, allowed to breathe, will sound smoother and more life-like. Too many instruments and sounds, in contrast, will produce a cluttered & cacophonous result.

Fri May 21 13:23:13 CEST 1999

medicine hat

you're right, mr. viney -- a misspelling as flagrant as "namuel" is unconscionable. but capitol's goof-ups don't end there. check out the book in the box set. ed ward's essay seems to have been edited heavily. indeed, if you dnew nothing of the band's history, the essay would leave you to believe that they played one concert at winterland and disappeared. and the discography -- yikes! if you believe the recording dates listted, then most of the albums were recorded in one day. it's sad that a group of this magnitude would be the subject of, at best, benign negligence on the part of the record company. now, my two cents on the band of the eighties/nineties. it would be far better (i think all agree) if the six members alone would woodshed, get some good songs together and play them by themselves. "the band" now seems to be as much as a conceptual group as lennon's plastic ono band. levon's esthetic has always seem to run along the lines of "more is better" (hence the cates performing with the four original members). sadly, i think this esthetic is misguided. as mr. viney said, part of the beauty of those early records was the breathing space between voices and instruments. when you heard them, you knew it was them. now when you hear them, it could be anybody. and now, evidence suggests that lee, rick and garth are through with one another. let's face it, the band is dead. long live the band.

Fri May 21 13:21:52 CEST 1999

medicine hat

you're right, mr. viney -- a misspelling as flagrant as "namuel" is unconscionable. but capitol's goof-ups don't end there. check out the book in the box set. ed ward's essay seems to have been edited heavily. indeed, if you dnew nothing of the band's history, the essay would leave you to believe that they played one concert at winterland and disappeared. and the discography -- yikes! if you believe the recording dates listted, then most of the albums were recorded in one day. it's sad that a group of this magnitude would be the subject of, at best, benign negligence on the part of the record company. now, my two cents on the band of the eighties/nineties. it would be far better (i think all agree) if the six members alone would woodshed, get some good songs together and play them by themselves. "the band" now seems to be as much as a conceptual group as lennon's plastic ono band. levon's esthetic has always seem to run along the lines of "more is better" (hence the cates performing with the four original members). sadly, i think this esthetic is misguided. as mr. viney said, part of the beauty of those early records was the breathing space between voices and instruments. when you heard them, you knew it was them. now when you hear them, it could be anybody. and now, evidence suggests that lee, rick and garth are through with one another. let's face it, the band is dead. long live the band.

Fri May 21 12:45:34 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Thought about the suggestions for deletions / additions from the brown album, but I’d conclude that you can’t improve on perfection, which I believe includes not only the track selection but the running order (as David P. pointed out, you just listen through). If “Get Up Jake” or “Don’t Do It” had fitted, they’d have been there. I think “Jawbone” has a pivotal role in fact.

I know what Martin means about “Jubilation”. The one fault for me is a busy-ness because there’s too much going on in some tracks. The Clapton guest choice is one I think they didn’t need. It wasn’t “organic” if the tapes were sent to England for overdubbing, as I believe someone pointed out here. It was a sales choice rather than a music choice. I’m 100% sure that Jim Weider would have acquitted himself just as well. One secret of those first two albums was the amount of space between instruments. They never felt the need to have all five playing all the time. In many bands this is an ego thing. You can’t tell (e.g.) the pianist not to play at all except on verse 3, because the guy wants to prove his worth. The Band had gone past that. They had enormous economy and they didn’t “over-play”. However, what we don’t know are the social forces that bind particular sessions together, inspire people, make the work enjoyable and so on. Very few bands make albums as the basic line-up after the first couple of albums, and even on Band classics there are additional musicians or singers like John Simon, Billy Mundi, Byron Berline, Van Morrison, Howard Johnson, Tom Malone, Jim Gordon, Larry Packard, Allan Toussaint, Libby Titus. And Ben Keith gets special thanks on “Moondog Matinee”. And those are just the ones we know about. In the 70s session sit-ins were often uncredited for contractual reasons.

I just glanced at “NLSC” to check Byron Berline, and was reminded that the back cover credits on the American CD say “RICHARD NAMUEL” in large letters. What is it with these record companies? Don’t they have anyone competent or concerned enough to do simple proof-reading?

Fri May 21 11:55:02 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Ragtime (Hi!): Good job on your choice of tunes. Sounds like you raised your daughter right. Love, independance, self esteem..and Band tunes :-)

Dean Bursar: Merci (hope that means thanks) for the grade change. I graciously accept the B. In fact..I think I'll wear it proudly and embroider it on my hat :-)

And to the _other_ dean: Will miss you. Have a safe trip and um..send me a postcard, ok :-)

Fri May 21 11:37:23 CEST 1999

Patric

David Powell &mattk..Mention of Los Lobos brings to mind an article I have which includes an interview with Sid Griffin[ formerly of The Long Ryders] in which he says that Los Lobos and himself were approached by representatives of The Band and asked to submit songs for the Jericho sessions.

Dave Z...I was surprised that you chose Jawbone as one to replace on The Band, that song to me has always epitomized the essential soul of the group, One of Richard's most heartfelt and heartrending perfomances ever, the piano is sublime and the lyrics evoke a time and place and a character that could be anytime, anyplace, anyone, but to me seems late 1950s, small town, late night, deserted main street...moving shadow....

Special Hi To Pedro...

Fri May 21 09:33:55 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Ha die Sjoukje: leuk dat je d'r bent...

Ilkka: no, it's not too personal. Since my daughter owns the compilation cd "The Shape I'm In" (The Very Best Of The Band) already, I could skip the most obvious songs. I picked out (not in that particular order) 1. Ain't No More Cane 2. Don't Ya Tell Henry 3. Bessie Smith. 4. To Kingdom Come 5. We Can Talk 6. Rockin' Chair (naturally) 7. Unfaithful Servant 8. Daniel & The Sacred Harp 9. All La Glory 10. The Rumor 11. 4% pantomime 12. Holy Cow 13. Mystery Train. 14. Rags & Bones 15. Jupiter Hollow 16. Ring Your Bell 17. Jawbone 18. The Well 19. Get Up Jake 20. Livin' In A Dream. No room left for W.S. Walcott, When You Awake, Lonesome Suzie & other favourites of mine. Actually she should buy Big Pink & Brownie herself... BTW she only wanted studio versions. Her old man will have to talk with her about that... She told me she'd bought Blonde On Blonde and said: well, not bad either...

Fri May 21 07:58:28 CEST 1999

Sjoukje Blackford

I really ejoyed browsing through your 'Band' homepage I shall visit it again.

Fri May 21 07:49:32 CEST 1999

Ilkka

RAGTIME WILLIE says that he has sent 'a compilation of his own choice'. Made me curious; what would that be? - Or is it too personal...
Haven't seen Sir Peter from Doghouseshire here in few days. Don't say that you have an English Lucas electrical system in your 'puter, too. (It is called 'The King of Darkness' in these woods.) - With these words I shall leave this debate as a winner!

Fri May 21 06:34:17 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Jan: standing by my window in, er, shame... thanks for cleaning up the mess... I thought I'd learnt, but HTML is a bridge too far from me... :-)

Dave Z: I'd like to add that Don't Do It wouldn't have fitted in the Brownie since it's a cover - Get Up Jake is another matter... 13th track?

Martin: I agree that it's a major change that the current Band employs lots of friends & helpers, where the old quintet was mostly sufficient in itself. But why is that irritating you? IMHO the "new Band" is a session group recording occasionally & inviting whoever they want to join in.

From the dutchman to the From the dutchman: nice to see you're back... love you too, pal & I hope your butt is well... ;--]

catbalu: still waiting for that famous email of yours... :-)

Fri May 21 04:28:46 CEST 1999

L. J. Tyler

Sorry, Martin. I meant Ragtime. But your opinions and fonts are welcome here as well.

Fri May 21 04:22:37 CEST 1999

L. J. Tyler

Sitting in the waiting room at the doctor's office today, I found the following in the the "Rant & Rave" column of the March 1999 issue of SPORT magazine:

"The Band's version of 'Atlantic City' blows away Bruce's version. Period.... Frankly we don't care if that had nothing to do with sports." Of course, we Guestbookers already knew that.

Martin: Ignore that blast of cold air from the north. Your opinions are always welcome here, as are your fonts (so long as you're careful with them!)

Fri May 21 02:59:04 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

Ms Lil

We have checked your transcripts and yes you did in fact fail French. However, by the power vested in me I have amended your grade to a gentlewoman's B. You can pick up your gown and Hat (did I say hat?) when next I see you. Until then, I was passing by the Berklee School and got to wonderin. You ever notice that there's Something So Feminine About A Mandolin?

Fri May 21 02:47:22 CEST 1999

Gene

You talkin to me?!!! Ain't no mo cane on de brazis...

Fri May 21 00:19:36 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Frenchman: Flunked french in high school myself....can however order beignets at the cafe du monde :-)

Just Wonderin: I'm with you. Jubilation is an incredible effort and I love it. "Don't Wait" alone is more than worth the price of the cd. Pretty proud of the guys here.

It's been a real pleasure reading and posting to this guestbook lately. Let's keep it that way, ok?

And lastly, and most importantly today... Georgia's on my mind.

Thu May 20 22:49:38 CEST 1999

To the dutchman

You are definitely a major pain in the butt. Where did you crawl out of anyways with your opinions and fonts? You don't talk about it, you just listen to it. Who cares what YOU think.! Go stick a finger in a dyke, and stay there.

Thu May 20 22:06:58 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Martin: I agree with most of what you said...however for my money Jubilation is as good an effort as Big Pink and The Band and I listen to these 2 religiously!

Thu May 20 20:43:28 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Sorry Jan... screwed up again...

Thu May 20 20:42:08 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Dave Z: Listen to Jawbone and notice the typical syncoping rhythm so characteristic for Richard Manuel's work (as in We Can Talk's middle section). Actually I find this one of their finest songs. Only The Band and The Band alone could do a thing like that.

Re Look Out Cleveland: one of the very few really up-tempo Band songs. And why not, for a change... It's only equal is Shine A Light, that underrated song from that other Band.

Thu May 20 20:20:00 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Martin: I can go with your flow...But why not include at least John Simon...And I would like to hear Garth sing or do a spoken word kind of thing...

Thu May 20 19:07:34 CEST 1999

Martin

Seem to be a bit short of stimulating chat in the GB lately so I'll try and stir up some debate on something thats been irritating me for a while.
On each of the 'new' band albums- Jericho, HOTH and Jubilation, there is a list of session musicians and 'guest appearances' as long as my arm. No wonder these albums have been so disappointing and have failed to equal previous work( admittedly Jericho comes closest in places). Surely the 6 core members are perfectly capable of playing all the instruments on their own a la the Band of old. The new albums will never even come close to the old ones in terms of cohesiveness if the instrumental line-up vaires so much between tracks. Why can't we have a proper 'new band' album instead of the current '3 band members and 15 of their friends' approach being favoured just now? The Rolling Stones also seem to be unable to cut an album these days without a posse of session guys behind them.
Okay, end of rant.
Comments?

Thu May 20 18:43:34 CEST 1999

Dave Z

After the recent desert island GB discussion favoring the Brown Album, I decided to take another listen -- and yes, all the way through.... And I noticed once again that I don't quite care for "Look Out, Cleveland" and "Jawbone", and left wondering if the album could have locked up the status as best rock album of all time if someone had just substituted in their place the outtakes "Get Up Jake" and "Baby, Don't You Do It"? Maybe some poor soul has already been flamed for such blasphemous comments in the past, but could someone please show me the error of my ways....I tried to search this site for any clues to better appreciate these two songs, but have yet to find any. Maybe I have to dig deeper back into the various biographs?

Thu May 20 18:21:55 CEST 1999

mattk

At the risk of sounding like David Powell's alter ego, amen again on Los Lobos. For my money, Kiko may be the finest album released in the 1990s, and should take its place as one of the seminal recordings by any band, anywhere, anytime.

Of course, that's just my opinion...

I suppose if there is "good" news to be found in Georgia this morning, it's in the fact that no one was killed this time. Perhaps it's time to rewrite the immortal lyrics to: "We don't know the shape we're in..."

peace

matt

Thu May 20 15:46:13 CEST 1999

David Powell

The weirdness in the world has hit close to home down here in Georgia this morning. Turning off the news reports, I'm seeking solace in music. The group Los Lobos is one of the finest in rock today. Back in 1990 Levon Helm appeared on their album "In The Neighborhood." Lately, several members of that group have been busy with side projects.

Members David Hildalgo & Louis Perez, along with Mitchell Froom & Tchad Blake have been recording under the name Latin Playboys. They've recently released an album entitled "Dose" (Atlantic 83173-2), a follow-up to their debut 1994 release. On this album they give us more doses of loud & dirty but finely honed rock, spiced with barrio seasonings. Imagine riding by an open garage in East L.A. in a Chevy on a hot summer night. You hear the loud slashing chords of a band practicing inside. This is raw stuff, pared down to the essentials.

Hildalgo and Perez are the song writing team responsible for many of songs recorded by Los Lobos. With the Latin Playboys they take a more experimental & spare approach to the art. Mitchell Froom and Tchad Blake are fine musicians in their own right, but are known primarily for their recording production work. They've worked on albums by Los Lobos, Richard Thompson, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and many others. Recently they were recruited by Randy Newman to produce his upcoming album "Bad Love," set to be released next month by DreamWorks. Here they help prove that less can mean more when it comes to production.

Another Los Lobos member, Cesar Rosas, has just released a solo album entitled "Soul Disguise" (Ryko RCD10459). On it he gives us some blues and R&B influenced stripped-down & nasty rock. On a couple of songs, legendary accordian player Flaco Jimenez joins Rosas to dig down into his Hispanic roots. All but two of the dozen songs are original. Included is a fine cover version of Ike Turner's "You've Got To Lose" (eat your heart out Elton John). Mr. Rosas displays a strong vocal style, often reminiscent of the late Lowell George. He also plays some of the most tasty & raucous guitar licks that you'll ever hear. One beautiful sounding song from the album, "Better Way," would make a great vehicle for Helm, Danko & Hudson et al. to display their talents.

If y'all are tired of the generic & lite substitutes masquerading as rock today, run out and pick up both of these new releases from the "wolves" out in L.A.

Thu May 20 02:38:14 CEST 1999

J.Croce

Brown Eyed Johnny

Couldn't find any apple juice how's about carrots? Tried to amend my carnivorous habits. Made it nearly seventy days, Losin' weight without speed, eatin' sunflower seeds, Drinkin' lots of carrot juice and soakin' up rays.

Hey Levon now that the Cafe is closed for summer vacation, how's about joining Ricky on tour? Man that would make us feel just fine! :-)

Wed May 19 21:42:11 CEST 1999

Bones

Greetings! Unfortunately, I have been away a few weeks, but it's great to be back. I noticed that Robbie is listed as Executive Soundtrack producer for Forces of Nature. Mr. Viney, I agree that taking the Brown album and side two of Stage Fright would be the way to go, but I would have to have the three gems from NLSC(Acadian Driftwood, It Makes No Difference, and Ophelia). Hope I never have to make that choice.

Wed May 19 19:51:38 CEST 1999

mattk

Ben Pike: YES! No doubt that Richard Thompson is the exception to that rule (which I generally hold as true when dealing with Rock era composers). Hell, if anything, RT seems to get more acidic with age!

Wed May 19 19:48:08 CEST 1999

David Powell

I agree with Ben Pike. Fairport Convention's 1969 album "Unhalfbricking" is perhaps one of their best with great covers of Dylan's "Percy's Song," "Si Tu Du Partir (If You Gotta Go)," and "Million Dollar Bash." Great originals too, including Richard Thompson's "Genesis Hall" and Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where The Time Goes."

Wed May 19 19:19:59 CEST 1999

Brown-Eyed Johnny

ICE magazine reports that the House of Blues label will release on July 13 "Tangled Up in Blues: Songs of Bob Dylan," comprising "newly recorded blues-leaning" BD songs by the Band, Taj Mahal, Mavis Staples, John Hammond, and others. I've e-mailed a request for the track listing. J. Croce: I can't confirm the rumor that JB will contribute a cover of "I Ain't Got No Use for Your Red Apple Juice." Lil: It was wonderful to meet you. Hope to see you again at the Brokerage in September to make a Little Stevie Orbit fan out of J. Croce.

Wed May 19 18:57:08 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

It's a myth I'm always ready to debunk: That Richard Thompson's music belongs in the "he's not like he used to be catagory." Thompson's music gets more adventursome; his songwriting gets richer and richer. He's WAY better now than in the Richard and Linda days. Link: Fairport did the best Bastment Tapes covers.

Wed May 19 15:35:36 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Resemble? ma? ton? Well, they teach French in Dutch classes, but I'd choose other words if I wanted to honour madame Lil... which I do, needless to say... :-).

And now... back to The Band with Uncle H. ;-)

YES! Finally I am a great succes as a dad. My 21-year old little girl, living in London, asked me for music by The Band. I sent her a compilation of my own choice. She says she loves it! Although they knew all the songs already (she HAD to, being my daughter), she reports that she's playing them all the time. Bringing up children is rewarding at the end... you all must be proud of me...

Wed May 19 15:31:58 CEST 1999

David Powell

For me, personally, one criterion for determining the strength of an album as a whole is whether or not I play it through from start to finish without skipping over any songs. Since the advent of the compact disc, of course, it's now very easy to program what cuts one wants to listen to when playing a recording. When I listen to The Band's first two albums, unless interrupted, I listen to the complete albums without skipping over any songs. The sequence is part of the overall enjoyment; for each song is not complete without hearing what comes before & after, unless it's the opening or closing cut, which contain their own significance due to their placement. How many albums can y'all think of that you usually listen to all the way through without skipping over any songs?

Wed May 19 13:13:57 CEST 1999

Bill

Frenchman FTN, I believe you should have referred to "ton chapeau".

Wed May 19 11:04:24 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Peter, Illkaa's VW must've been a '61 Karmann-Ghia, one of the most beautiful cars ever made. They converted to 12V systems in '67, btw. Now, back to the Band.

Wed May 19 10:49:46 CEST 1999

Frenchman for the Night

Madame Lil

I resemble zat remark! Ou est ma chapeau? Au revoir.

Wed May 19 02:26:24 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Just finished being serenaded here by a brutally loud frog and a very vocal wild turkey. Kinda sounded like the beginning of "Amazon" right here in my own backyard. Next on the bill is Book Faded Brown of course, solo by the frog ..as he wonders why there's a rainbow in the sky. And hey Marvin..whadda ya know? He's wearin a blue and white Band cap!

So that's my report tonight from small town America, frog capital of the world. Spring has surely sprung. Everybody in the pool Jan :-)

Wed May 19 00:43:59 CEST 1999

Julie

Re: Peter Viney's pick of 1970 I'll go along with that, but get rid of Chicago II and add New York Tendaberry and Christmas & the Beads of Sweat.

Tue May 18 23:01:30 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Illkka, apologies for the spelling error. Now if you'd said 1961 Minis instead of VWs … … …

Tue May 18 22:56:38 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Which year? Pre-66 (Pet Sounds / Revolver) won’t stand a chance as it was still a singles market. So, 1970 (forgive me if I’m a month or so out on releases): Stage Fright, Workingman’s Dead AND American Beauty, Moondance AND His Band & Street Choir, Deja Vu, Hot Rats, After the Goldrush, Untitled, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Woodstock, Morrison Hotel, Layla, New Morning, Chicago II, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Ladies of The Canyon. As they were Christmas 1969 releases (so essential listening for 1970) add The Band, Abbey Road, Let It Bleed, Volunteers.

1971 runs it close with Surf’s Up, What’s Going On, Loaded, Sticky Fingers, Pearl, Tapestry, Imagine, There’s A Riot Going On, Blue, Tumbleweed Connection, All Things Must pass, Sky’s The Limit, Hunky Dory

But I’d have to admit that 1970 & 1971 might be better because I was at the right age. I guess someone who was that age in 80 / 81 will find them better. Though the evidence does weigh in 70’s favour. Which is why I get Iilka’s point, though I can’t understand about 1961 VWs - these vehicles had 6 volt electrical systems, Illka!

Tue May 18 21:36:07 CEST 1999

David Powell

Of course in the world of classical music, the concept of song cycles has been around a while. In modern popular music, Brian Wilson (with the help of lyricists) and the Beatles revolutionized things by writing their own material. The Beatles, with a few exceptions, also carried things further by playing on their recordings, rather than relying on studio musicians. They proved that a modern group could become a sucessful, self-contained unit.

Other practioners of the thematic concept album in rock would soon follow, most notably Ray Davies and Peter Townsend. By the time that The Band began recording, the concept album was becoming very popular in rock. The challenge was to record & sequence an entire album's worth of songs that would seem to flow together as one. With "Music From Big Pink" and "The Band" Robertson, Manuel, Danko, Helm & Hudson showed us the ability to organize songs from an almost cinematic perspective, as a series of vignettes described from the viewpoints of various characters.

Tue May 18 21:22:20 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hallo Levon, wann kommst du Eigentlich mal mit The Band wieder nach Germany? Das letzte mal 1996 habt Ihr meines Wissens leider nur Ein einziges Concert in Deutschland gegeben. Habe ich vom WDR -TV auf Video aufgenommen.War ein Super Concert! Hoffentlich werden alle The Band Fans in Deutschland Euch noch mal Live zu sehen und hören bekommen. Meine Liebling Songs Heute sind: The Caves of Jericho /The Band Amazon(River of Dreams)/The Band Kentucky Downpour /The Band Move IT /Chuck Berry Dust My Broom /ZZTOP Palace Of The King /Popa Chubby By By sagt Wolle

Tue May 18 21:10:19 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Just found this article in the Bob Dylan newsgroup:

Tue, 18 May 1999 08:31:59
rec.music.dylan
Subject: Levon Helm's place here will close
From: ISIS at CyberGate, Inc.
Levon Helm's cafe here in New Orleans is closing. There have been failed attempts at gettting a piece of the French Quarter bar crowd but Levon says he's failed and will call it quits. It's a shame, it was a glimmer of hope in an otherwise drunken mob of college students and tourists. Oh well, maybe he'll open up another place sometime.
--JM

Tue May 18 20:33:22 CEST 1999

mattk

DOH!

"Most things I've spread the genesis of a conscious "Album" concept across three seperate releases, each of which was listed as a major influence on it's successor"

should be...

Most folks spread the genesis of a conscious "Album" concept across three seperate releases, each of which was listed as a major influence on it's successor

Tue May 18 20:24:29 CEST 1999

MattK

David Powell makes a great point. The idea of a cohesive album making a statement may have been new to Rock and Roll in the late 60s, but in the Jazz world, the LP had already revolutionized and changed the music.

By most folks estimation, the process of Rock groups moving from a collection of hits to an "Album" was somewhat gradual, with high-water marks occurring in the folk discographies of folks like Dylan or Paul Simon, and in the Pop field with performers like Bobby Darin.

Most things I've spread the genesis of a conscious "Album" concept across three seperate releases, each of which was listed as a major influence on it's successor:

Beach Boys "Pet Sounds"
Frank Zappa "Freak Out"
Beatles "Sgt. Pepper"

We could have a rather large debate about the validity of these vs. other candidates, but certainly, in the popular canon, these are the three great progentors of "concept albums," at least in Rock.

Jazz on the other hand, always existed in two universes: Short 3-5 minute "sides" where solos were succinct and forms somewhat shorter; and live sets where players would stretch out in long arching solos that could take 5-10 minutes themselves.

The LP, then, at least in Jazz, spurred a much quicker movement to the album as a long-form of music. Albums like Coltrane's "A Love Supreme," or Oliver Nelson's "Blues and the Abstract Truth," Ornette Coleman's "Free Jazz" function as albums first and foremost. Each includes songs that became part of the Jazz standard universe, but these albums, more than in any other contemporanius forms, where the standard bearers for what the Zappa, the Beach Boys, the Beatles and, eventually, The Band were able to do 5-6-7-9-10 years later (consider Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool" which predates Sgt. Pepper and Freak Out by 17 years).

Tue May 18 20:23:57 CEST 1999

Dave Z

David P: Thanks for the LP history lesson.

GBers: If you had to pick a year, and then you could have all the music from that year only to take to your desert island, which year would you select? Off the top of my head I would pick 1970 because I recollect a lot of my favorite groups put out great albums in that year. Any takers?

Tue May 18 20:20:21 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Presumably the drummer on Bus Stop was Bobby Elliott, as he was with the Hollies throughout their history and was so good that there wasn't much need for a session drummer. I doubt that he was capable of truly sucking, though we all have our off days. Try either side of Little Willie / Row That Boat Together.

On the Dave Mason topic, I always like him doing "Sundown Lady" on Merryweather's Word of Mouth LP (since reissued on CD). The Band connection here would be that Merryweather had evolved from Just Us, of which Richrd Bell was a member.

Tue May 18 19:43:00 CEST 1999

Gene

Damn! Garth is GOOD! He is such a mad genius organplayer. I heard Bus Stop by the Hollies on the car radio the other day. Does anyone know who the drummer was on that--he really sucked.

Tue May 18 18:58:58 CEST 1999

MattK

Desert Island: "The Band"

Stuck in the Car: "The Last Waltz" (hitting FF as soon as Mssr Diamond kicks in).

Stuck in My House (Spring Cleaning): "Live at Watkins Glen."

Ilkka: Such topics often require some delicacy hereabouts. Don't think of it as "cool and analytical" as much a "paranoid of stepping on broken glass." Unfortunately, given my relative Spring Chicken status (I was two years old when Big Pink was released), Big Pink and "The Band" have little impact on me as products of their era (late 60s).

It's hard for them to represent an era that I essentially have no memory of... However, the fact that both of us can point to "Rocking Chair" as a song that moves us greatly is a testament to the power of these songs, this band and these musicians.

peace

matt

Tue May 18 18:43:02 CEST 1999

David Powell

How does one judge the body of work of recording artists? Of course this involves matters of personal preference. In the early days of popular music, songs were released as singles with B-sides on 78 discs and later 45s. With the introduction of the 33 1/3 LP album in 1953, collections of songs, or entire classical works, could be presented on one disc. Early on, for popular recording artists, the LP was merely a collection individual singles & B-sides.

In 1955 Frank Sinatra released the album "In The Wee Small Hours." This album presented a series of songs, written by various songwriters, but all based around the theme of unrequited love. Mr. Sinatra, who had just been through the turmoil of a relationship with Ava Gardner, hand-picked the songs. Through his supreme ability as a vocalist, Mr. Sinatra was able to convey emotional vulnerability without displaying the weakness of seeming to be over-sentimental in his singing. Lending to the overall mood of the album were the great instrumental arrangements of Nelson Riddle. This collaboration proved to be an innovation in the manner in which popular music could be presented in the LP album form.

Tue May 18 18:10:03 CEST 1999

Dave Z

When I go to the desert island of my car for another round of rush hour, I need some live cohesion with a little punch so I make sure I leave Rock of Ages in the car all the time regardless of whatever else I bring back and forth.... but if I were dubbing a tape for someone who had never heard the Band before, and they were headed off for the desert island beaches of some quiet time, then I would agree with Peter and send along the Brown Album.

Tue May 18 17:49:55 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Peter and mattk. - Your analytical, cool and balanced attitude made me mad!!! Big Pink and The Band were for me a part of an ERA, an important part of my life. Like I nearly kiss every -61 rusty Volkswagen (my first car), my big tears fall into my boots every time I hear *Rocking Chair* or *Old Dixie*. Reasonable - absolutely not! But this is ROCK, nothing more, nothing less.

My choice to the desert island: The Band or Blonde on blonde? I'll choose Blonde. If I should meet Friday I could say: 'Stay for one more song, please...', and play Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands (29 minutes, isn't it).
Believe me, it works.

Tue May 18 17:35:59 CEST 1999

Revved

"...dreaming about just going in and doing...ah, and more than 90 percent of it useful, maybe. It rarely happens. I have done them. I did one that was really great." Garth Hudson

Tue May 18 17:30:36 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Re: Stage Fright. Robertson has said that when it first came out the reviewers asked if they'd lost their minds releasing it. It was badly slammed. Within a year though, the reviewers re-reviewed it. Robertson said that he'd never heard of an album being re-reviewed. Shows that first impressions are sometimes wrong.

Tue May 18 17:12:46 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

All Band albums contain their gems, even HOTH & Islands. If I could take only one album to a desert island, I’d take The Brown Album before any official greatest hits compilation. But as the late John Bauldie said, Side Two of “Stage Fright” is not excelled anywhere and is easily on a par with the first two. Matt is right about albums as a cohesive whole, with four excellent examples. Good to see Richard & Linda Thompson mentioned. Add “I Want to See The Bright lights tonight” to the list. Dylan’s best nine or ten albums hold together in the same way. Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” achieved this unity as well as any, and tied it together by having the sax player play right through the completed and compiled album as one track. This was faded up and down, but was one forty-five minute non-stop performance.

The greatest albums always have this cohesiveness - which is why Greatest Hits albums and live albums fail to satisfy in the same way. Sometimes it’s unbelievable how tracks from different eras manage to link well into a whole - Surf’s Up being an example. Go back to the days when we listened to sides, and Stage Fright Side 2 has all the hallmarks of a masterpiece. Doesn’t quite coher with side one. And side one fails to join up Strawberry Wine with Time To Kill / Whistle Stop and All la Glory / Sleeping in a satisfactory way. That’s the weakness, rather than any fault in individual tracks.

“Storyville” got knocked by a couple of reviewers for ‘sameness’ which in actuality was this cohesiveness. It’s a seamless listening experience, unlike the first RR solo where the U2 tracks jangle against the good stuff. That was a slip, but I’ll leave it, because I think it’s true!

Tue May 18 15:36:34 CEST 1999

Patric

Dave Z. I never saw the VH1 special [ news of the Band is non-existent here] but I hear what youre saying, Ive always thought Robertson was a freakish guitar player..one of the very best ever, he could play machine-gun speed or settle into a wonderful feel for a slower tempo, and he never once over-did his playing like most other guitarists

Diamond..Yes, youre right, I was too critical of Jubilation, there are some ok songs on there , to me it's history repeating..they made the milestone first two which proved hard to top and then on the comeback made Jericho which to me is another gem.As you said about them not getting any younger thats a valid point but I believe it's the choice of material that they are recording is the thing that's let them down on the last two..Hmm...might send them a couple of my songs..I'll share royalties ! .

Tue May 18 15:15:20 CEST 1999

mattk

The trouble with blanket statements is they tend to normalize the extremes, making the great merely good and the horrid somewhat acceptable.

As I wasy writing and pushing SUBMIT, I thought "gee, I bet the gets me in some hot water." But I figured I'd toss out that Marcus-ism, which I do believe has some truth, and see what we get.

That said, I would completely agree that The Band produced many great songs after "the brown album." Peter Viney's makes the great point in his essay on "Cahoots" that even that album, generally regarded as their weakest Robertson-era studio album (I'm not counting Islands since even the members of The Band barely consider this more than a throw away--on this RR and the boys seem to all agree), contains some of The Band's seminal work.

I think the distinction I draw is that Big Pink and The Band represent a seamless body of work. More than great songs, those two albums, like Sgt Peppers, Pet Sounds, Shoot Out the Lights (Richard and Linda Thompson), or Skylarkin (XTC), they are not merely a collection of songs, but statements as whole--a complete thought made of up of these epiphanies in the form of songs. To me, after The Brown album, you have albums that are either great performances of old material (ROA, LTW, and posthumously, Watkins Glen) or, they are less inspired ALBUMS which feature songs as brilliant as any thing previously released, but not sustained over the entire recording like the first two albums.

So I'm not "poo poo-ing" Stagefright, Cahoots, NLSC, or even Islands. Each of those albums contain some of my absolute favorite music by this or any group. But as an ALBUM do any of them really stack up to the first two? Ophelia, "Christmas Must Be Tonight," Acadian Driftwood, It Makes No Difference and so forth could stand shoulder to shoulder with anything on Big Pink in terms of quality, but our surrounded by inferior material compared to the first two albums which, to me, are seamless and purt-near perfect.

I'm not jumping into the Jericho, HOTH, Jubilation fray as I've made the personal distinction that those albums are recorded by a different group--kinda like Joy Division vs. New Order for you 80s kids. If someone wants to make the case that these albums belong in the same breath as the best pre-'76 material, go for it, I'll avert my eyes as contortions make me a bit "green in the gills" ; )

Cheers

Matt

Tue May 18 12:11:30 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Patric: Have to respectfully disagree with part of your last post. Although HOTH was a tremendous disappointment, the very last thing I would classify Jubilation as is "lame". I perceive it as an honest (and wonderful) effort by 3 incredibly talented men who just aren't as young as they used to be. But who of us is, right? And the host of others on the cd..including the 'junior' members, Tom Malone, John Hiatt....all helped to bring back some of the magic that had somehow gotten lost between Jericho and HOTH. I love the Jubilation cd personally..and am just happy that Rick, Levon, and Garth are still out there making music.

Tue May 18 10:34:49 CEST 1999

Patric

PeteRivard.. I must concur with your comment that too many people hold the opinion that Big Pink & The Band were the dizzy heights of musical bliss and from there it went rapidly downhill. Sure, they were landmark recordings and were always going to be difficult to better but the ensuing efforts all had their moments[ with the possible exception of Cahoots] .In fact when Jericho was released I was astonished at such a wonderful comeback effort, I was very optimistic about the re-born groups future but somewhere between Jericho and the release of HOTH they lost the map and the latest two releases ,taking into account the talent at their disposal , are to me very lame.

Tue May 18 04:06:52 CEST 1999

catbalu

Freddie - no sh**. my heart has broken the mirror...

Lil - i'm dancing.... with all my might. til kingdom come.

Tue May 18 04:01:00 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

I'm sorry to hear about Levon's place. On the other hand, the food and drink biz ain't a whole lot easier than the music biz. That Levon interview, let's face it, really hurt. When I think about Levon now, I remember back to the early eighties when I was stuck up in the Chicagoland area. The boys had already done the "Band is Back" cash in, and Levon and Rick were coming out to do these sets at a little bar in the suburbs. They were enjoyable little sets, and at the same time kinda sad, lets truge thru the oldies ONE MORE TIME. This was when Rick ran that "it's like playing in somebodies living room" line into the ground. And I was stuck by what a great guy Levon seemed to be, how young he still was, the pride he took in doing a good job banging out "Rag Mama Rag, " for the billionth time. None of the good old boy bravado he later(seemed to me to) put on. I don't even know where I'm going with this; except to say that I guess time catches up with everyone, and I hope they DO open up Levon's place again......

Tue May 18 03:49:35 CEST 1999

Wolfgang

Hallo The Band / Fans, hätte jemand Lust mit mir (bin 38) über The Band in Deutsch zu E-Mailen ? Würde mich sehr darüber freuen.

Tue May 18 02:54:26 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Just a "hi" to everyone out there. Dancing with my 9 year old daughter here and feeling pretty good. Yeah..it's 10pm....but what the hell, right? She's smiling, I'm smiling, and we'll both sleep good tonight. Maybe that's what it's about folks. Music...and the laughter of children. Coming down off of a very rough day here. Thanks JC. You are a very big part of my strength. Truly glad I found you :-)

Tue May 18 02:43:05 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

I don't agree with those that take the stance that, once the Brown Album was released, the Band pretty much coasted downhill. I think a lot of their best stuff was yet to come. I hold that side 2 of Stage Fright is as good as anything they'd done previously. And I also maintain that Northern Lights, Southern Cross is right up there with the rest. Throw in Rock of Ages as a live effort, and the odd gems from the other pieces such as "Life Is a Carnival", and covers like "When I Paint My Masterpiece", "Georgia" and "Atlantic City" and that's a solid body of post-Brown work. They'd lost the element of surprise after their second opus, and to some extent, the fickle musical critics were off promoting some other new thing. And Levon was right, a lot of stuff in my collection from the late 70's and 80's turned out not to be worth a pinch of shit.

Tue May 18 00:37:29 CEST 1999

Mitt Stampler

been gone awhile...but came home this afternoon to find my goddaughter and godson watching TLW. Now I like Neil Diamond as much as the next man (providing the next man's not Levon Helm, who --if I read his book right-- had some objections) but after a long afternoon of lecturing my younger colleagues that company policy forbids cruising porno websites during working hours, "Dry Your Eyes" is not my first choice of things to be greeted by. Then I started spinning a yarn about a friend of ours in England who'd met his future wife when he started crying during that song in an Oxford pub called the Red Goat or Red Dragon or Red Horse--been there once or twice, but lord knows I can't remember. The fellow's future wife came over and gave him a hug, and said something along the lines of "You know, I kind of preferred 'Kentucky Woman.'" And then my goddaughter looked at me strangely and said, "Just how many beers did he have?" Anyway, it reminded me how much I loved checking in here, so I thought I'd stop by and check the new stories, tidbits, etc....Sure missed everybody! As my friend in the Red Horse pub discovered...life does get ahead of you at times. Peace, Mitt

Tue May 18 00:31:02 CEST 1999

Al Vacado

Ticketmasters puts Rick in Buffalo on 5/22/99 @ The Tralf opening for Commander Cody.

Tue May 18 00:29:03 CEST 1999

L.G.

Mr David Powell,

Could you please email me?

Thanks.

Tue May 18 00:25:03 CEST 1999

Robert Lee

Mattk, Give yourself a break, pal.

Tue May 18 00:21:58 CEST 1999

Bumbles

Should read: "Shocking."

Tue May 18 00:19:33 CEST 1999

Bumbles

Certainly is schocking news about Chez Levon. The fellas have been on such a winning role lately.

Mon May 17 23:28:41 CEST 1999

Knock it off!

STOP all this idiotic speculating as to how and why. You'll get an official word on the matter in due time I'm sure.

Mon May 17 22:12:20 CEST 1999

mattk

Gene

The article is actually from Feb. 1999, so it's even more current than I realized. Here's the link:

The Great Divide: Levon Helm, the heart and soul of The Band, looks back in anger.

I almost hate to bring this thing up again as it engendered a lot of bad blood on the board. However, in light of today's revelations about Levon's Cafe, and the timing of the article, it's hard not to wonder if Levon's most recent missive (which was very much about money and recording/publishing rights) is not somehow due to Levon's heightened sensitivity if the Cafe was/is in some trouble.

I sure hope not. It's my honest and truest wish that whatever anger Levon has, regardless of it's basis in fact, might be alleviated by his newest venture. I have the utmost respect for Levon as a musician, drummer and force in The Band's music (all of which are undeniable). It must be very very difficult for him to have such alternate feelings of joy and hurt when thinking back to his life's output, which, regardless of relations with Robbie, is significant and has influenced so many people.

Cheers

Matt

PS, vis-a-vis, RR and Levon recording again. I think most of us would like to see an honest attempt by the remaining members to create something new and vibrant as a nearly original group (minus Richard, whose loss can never be overcome). However, my belief is copacetic with many others on the board that such a thing is not only unlikely, but probably would lead to some disaster. Regardless of what you think of RR, it's clear is reason for departing in '76 was because he was done here. I'd be afraid that any subsequent work by a "revived" group would only lead to disappointment and would be so derivative that it would tarnish their discography even more than some of their later (read: from about the middle of Stagefright on) original material has already done (e.g. Cahoots, Islands and, for some of us, Jericho, HOTH and Jubilation).

Not to say that the previously mentioned albums completely suck, but I think most of us would admit that things began to get less dynamic and complete after the "Brown Album." Jeez, I'm really starting to sound a lot like Greil Marcus...*shudder.*

Mon May 17 19:06:44 CEST 1999

Gene

To MATTK, where can I read the Dec '98 interview with Lee? I'm still getting the wacky grid-like lines on this site--is everybody else?

Mon May 17 18:49:46 CEST 1999

Dave Z

If Robbie and Levon ever hooked up again, could they create some more magic? Although I haven't bought the CDs yet, I had heard that Page & Plant reunited, and put out a good album.... I am also intrigued by the notion that older rockers inevidently lose the magic.... I thought I had read somewhere that a person's creativity and intelligence peak in later years....Maybe there's a bunch of old rockers out there playing really great acoustic stuff for their grandchildren?

By the way, any Dave Mason fans out there? As I was recollecting about the VH1 Guitar Hero segment, and thinking about the Band's commerciality, I remembered how much I enjoyed "Alone Together", especially the guitar solo on "Look At You, Look At Me". Other songs with nice guitar work (I am not a player so keep that in mind) include "Maybe", and "Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave" especially the version from "Dave Mason Is Alive" (the Blue Thumb album that looks like it has a target painted over a closed eyed performer - I hear he had battles with his record company)....Anyway, I saw a great solo acoustic set from him years ago, but then he disappeared from my awareness except for some negatives I read somewhere related to Fleetwood Mac which bothered me too (I'm a Lyndsey B. fan but I'd take Look At You Look At Me over Go Your Own Way anyday).....Maybe in the future Robbie will have to put out a guitar album to remain in the public or commercial consciousness. I hope not, although I'd love to hear it.

Hey, Jan, just a coincidence I don't see the easy link to Levon's place on the main page?

Mon May 17 17:45:09 CEST 1999

mattk

I called Levon's and checked the calendar message (which is WAY too long, btw). The calendar covers all of April and the first three days of May and then ends. No dates provided for acts after May 3rd or 4th...

Based on the previous listing, sounds like they're shut down for the summer, which has to hurt their tourism dollars. I just hope that the trouble is due to pedestrian cash flow issues and not caused by problems with Levon's health or any further detrioration in the relationships within the Band (Levon vs. Rick now?).

Or we could just take the really easy tact, and blame RR, I'm sure somehow he's getting blamed for this directly or indirectly...(yes, I'm joking). Actually, maybe I'm NOT joking, given Levon's anger about money and RR in his most recent interview (Dec. 1998). Perhaps cash flow issues have threatened the club since day one and that's why Levon escalated "the feud" again in December. Who knows? I just hope it does not portend yet more ugliness in camp.

Either way, I hope Levon knows he has a legion of fans that want him to succeed at his latest venture, with or without The Band in tow...

Cheers

matt

Mon May 17 17:35:50 CEST 1999

Old Friend

Just returned from New Orleans and here's what I found out. There's signs up at Levon's that say See You in September. The white Christmas lights along the bar are still on at night. The door was open briefly on Friday afternoon and a few staff people and a big black dog were around counting money, sweeping up and sniffing visitors. They said that it was just too slow with the hot weather coming and that it was not cost-effective to stay open just now. These folks were friendly enough, and although they didn't seem seriously bummed out, they seemed to have understandably mixed feelings about this development. They let me look at the pictures on the walls, but couldn't even sell me a t-shirt since business operations had ceased. The bartender at Crawgator's across the street said she didn't know what was up. The guy at the record store down the street said, "I'm sorry to see them leave because I really like those guys, but if I were Levon I'd sure go back to Woodstock for the summer. . .He's lucky enough to have options."

So even though it's a drag that we can't visit and hang out for a few months, I guess we should be glad for Levon's options. And in New Orleans, there's always musical options. So instead of hearing Banu Gibson and Irma Thomas, I just had to go across the street to the House of Blues to see Jerry Lee Lewis, who rocked the house by the way.

And for all you well-wishers out there, I asked one of Levon's staff how the man is doing and he said he's doing better all the time, though he's still not singing much. So that's my report. Over and out.

Mon May 17 17:20:17 CEST 1999

David Powell

Pedal steel guitarist Joe Goldmark does a fine instrumental version of The Band's "Whispering Pines" on his new album "All Hat-No Cattle." I borrowed an advance copy of the album this weekend, which has just been released on the HMG/HIGHTONE label (catalog #HMG-3009).

The album features nice ensemble playing by a bass, drums, guitar, piano, organ, and occasional sax line-up, in addition to Mr. Goldmark's inventive pedal steel work. Although the pedal steel is normally associated with country music, Goldmark follows in the footsteps of the great steelman Speedy West, taking the instrument into other realms of music. The thirteen instrumentals included on this album encompass a wide variety of styles, from rock, jazz, pop to world music.

On "Whispering Pines," Mr. Goldmark & friends emphasize the beautiful melody of the Manuel/Robertson song. In addition to Goldmark's smooth-sounding steel playing, guitarist Gary Potterton adds a nice solo on the second verse. The pedal steel lends itself perfectly to the overall haunting nature of this song. It's apparent that Goldmark admires the music of The Band, for in his liner notes he describes the song by saying: "A plaintive ballad from the 'Band's' second album. By the way, if you're a Band fan, don't overlook the 'Northern Lights-Southern Cross' album."

Other eclectic highlights on the album include "Highlife", a Goldmark original tribute to the West African music of King Sunny Ade; Duane Eddy's 1960 hit "Because They're Young"; Freddie Scott's 1963 hit "Hey Girl," written by Carole King & her then-husband Gerry Goffin; Bob Seger's "Her Strut"; and the Grateful Dead's "China Cat Sunflower." Telecaster master Jim Campilongo joins Goldmark on a tribute to the late Roy Buchanan, trading licks on Bob Gibson's classic "Sweet Dreams." Campilongo also adds a blistering solo on Goldmark's original, Monty Python-inspired "Wacky Walk." The album closes out with an adventuresome, but all too brief, version of the Byrds's psycheldelic anthem "Eight Miles High."

Mon May 17 17:08:54 CEST 1999

Emily Weant

I was a child during the sixties, and I remember The Band's version of "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." It used to give me chills! I think I had a 45 record of it when it first came out. I just loved it! Emily Weant

Mon May 17 16:23:45 CEST 1999

Litle John Tyler

Rick "zinging" Levon at his solo show? Levon's New Orleans Cafe closed "until further notice?" Nobody knows the how or why of what got our beloved Band and its members to this point, except for the folks directly involved, but a look backward in this Guestbook can be revealing.

Go to January 1999 in the Archives, and read these 4 posts, in this order:

Rick Smith; Tuesday January 5; 16:39:15 MET

John Donabie; Saturday January 16; 22:30:49 MET

Rick Smith; Weds. Jan. 27; 00:37:48 MET

Speculator; Weds. Jan. 27; 05:05:04 MET Say it ain't so, Butch (or Aaron, or Rick, or Levon, or Garth)

Mon May 17 15:27:50 CEST 1999

J.Croce

Dave Z

I for one am happy to enjoy the music of a group without the mass critical appeal that they deserved. They were on the cover of Time, they had their many moments in the sun. I'd blame the lack of greater commercial success in part to the failure to be included on the Woodstock album & in the film. The rest I attribute to the lack of a "charismatic" member. The Band had no Paul or Mick; but who they are & were is more than fine with me. Their message was a bit to unconventional for the masses. The Band is great and has earned their place in Rock & Roll history not just a spot in the Hall of Fame. Ultimately all that matters is the music and I put it theirs at the top whether they get the airplay or recognition now or not.

Mon May 17 15:13:35 CEST 1999

Dave Z

Patric: Regarding commerciality of Band, did you hear the comments by Levon on the VH1 History of R&R thang they got going on. He compared the Band to the Dead, and talked about how the Dead kept the family together, and then VH1 panned to someone else who mentioned that the Dead then collected the loot.... I didn't care for the brief way the Band was characterized in this series. In the segment on Guitar Heroes, there was no mention of Robbie at all. My guess is that maybe the Band is an acquired taste. Lot's of people slam light beers during the busyness and excitement of a friday night picnic, and most probably cook dogs and burgers because it's cheap easy and there. I prefer a good glass of wine, and a well done steak... Maybe the sexual veggie people can add to this...

Mon May 17 15:01:55 CEST 1999

Joseph Leone

What happened to Levon's Cafe ??? I was planning on stopping in next week while visiting N.O. Will it re-open soon ???? Joe

Mon May 17 11:31:34 CEST 1999

Patric

The most puzzling question to me about the Band is why they never made it to mainstream or "commercial" success.Sure, they were lauded by the critics and fellow musicians marvelled at their musical prowess and virtuosity but compared to a lot of less talented groups their world profile was low. To attempt to answer this riddle I'll select three acts who were successful in areas that the Band wern't ..let's say ..Rolling Stones, Elton John..The Beatles...I picked these mainly because their music was played on commercial radio when released and a lot of it can still be heard today, the exact opposite is true of the Band

Now looking closely at the Band songs and those of the other trio one difference is immediately evident..the lyric or theme content[ I know some will say that the trio's songs were "3 minute made for commercial radio tunes"] while that may be true I believe that lyric content is critical to mass appeal..Lennon&McCartney , John &Taupin, Jagger &Richard all knew this, and what subject do you select as a sure-fire winner ?...Love of course !...relationships, sex,angst , the human condition.

As we know, the Bands lyrics encompassed a much broader picture than that [which is what drew me to them] .One exception to the above rule would be Creedence Clearwater Revival who DESPITE their lyric content [ hobo-camps, graveyard trains,riverboats, U.F.O's, bayou's etc] were extremely commercially successful, they flew in the face of the 3 minute relationship song and came out ahead, so why didnt the Band ?. My belief is the combination of their lyric content and the tempo of the songs was deemed unsuitable for mainstream consumption by the play-list people, some songs I think could have been successful include Stage Fright, Promised Land,Knockin'Lost John, coincidentally all up-beat tunes.

Mon May 17 07:15:30 CEST 1999

Ilkka

To JAN, and others 'fra Norge':
CHEERFUL SYTTENDE MAJ!

Mon May 17 02:18:29 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

My 2 cents to Danny [and Peter]: I like ‘This Wheel’s On Fire” from Jersey City 1973. Yes, there is a problem with the performance: Richard forgets words to "Across The Great Divide." But, I did not have too much of a problem with “Lovin’ You” is an poor performance. BUT it has a rare live “Saved”. I don’t think it was that bad of a night - there's some kick-ass guitar work from JRR [especially on "Life Is a Carnival." "Hollywood Bowl" is an audience tape so the sound is not as good. Its from 1971 so the set list is different, with stuff that dropped out of their repertoire later. I've not heard “Royal Albert Rags” but was told that the sound quality was poor. I have to agree with Peter on this: Get them all, if you can!

Tue May 16 22:53:32 CEST 1999

Martin

Just a quick note to all the guitarists in the GB. I've sussed out that Robbie uses a standard open E tuning with a capo on the first fret for Arcadian Driftwood, if that's any help to anyone.

Sun May 16 21:46:35 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Danny: Never heard “Blue Highways” but it appears to be a longer version of ‘This Wheel’s On Fire” from Jersey City 1973. Problem is not sound, it’s performance. “Lovin’ You” is an poor performance. BUT it has a rare live “Saved”. I don’t think it was a good night. “Hollywood Bowl’ & “Royal Albert Rags” are both better shows (I think). But if it were me, I’d get them all!

Rob Nickel: I was at the 1994 Vancouver show at the Vogue. Thought there was a review on the site. Maybe I never sent it in.

Sun May 16 21:15:12 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

Gimme a ... Advice:

I've got the opportunity to get "Royal Albert Rags," "Hollywood Bowl," and "Blue Highways."

For those who have'em, is there anything I should know, like terrible sound quality? And even if they all sound bad, is there anything about them that would be interesting to a Band-fanatic?

Sun May 16 20:53:55 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Spoke to Al over the Coconut Telegraph. We both decided to wait for Jan's confirmation about Levon's Cafe. There are too many hackers out there. KrazyCatBalu my head is still spinning so I found my reply in the old treasure chest

I gotta second story view from curb to curb I gotta sign that reads "Do Not Disturb" A monogrammed towel and a bucket of ice A chest of drawers and a mirror that lies Mirror that lies A mirror that lies That couldn't be me In the gorilla disguise

Sun May 16 20:03:24 CEST 1999

Attention: Al Vacado

It appears the closing of Levon's Cafe is no longer just a guestbook entry. It is now on the home page in official red letters. If this is a practical joke; it's from a very unfunny hacker.

Sun May 16 18:12:39 CEST 1999

kcat

sorry about the email goof. the www.kissthisguy.com should have been in the URL box. humorous sight, not an email...

Sun May 16 17:40:57 CEST 1999

KrazyCatbalu

Al - Once bitten, twice shy. empathy speaking here, oh, green one... The heartbreak of finding out who your friends really are is... HeartBreaking. (and i got more best friends and "beaus" than i can swing a stick at these days.... therefore i follow my nose to the Boy With The Very Small Voice... he's got potential, ya'll. got a smile out of him last week -- and he had nothing to smile about, TRUTH be known...)

Just an idealistic suggestion: all you musicians and well-set folk out there - ever thought about collecting old used musical instruments and your spare time to give to the weak of spirit, give them a joyful ---- even out-of-tune ---- noise? it's working for me... a $thousand$ pounds are off my shoulders... found a perfect way to deal with blasted "paper profit" and justify carrying on in this present professional endeavor.... the lowest seat takes you higher, old hippies, picketers, newly "set" musical afficiandos (sp?).

Ragtime, going to email you a peaceful column of old, as i owe it to Hamlet. If you don't mind. i know, i know, i keep saying that.... but i will. kids got me running all over the place right now... but you are a special "Old Soul" (to me) and don't want to ever be on your non-neon side --- summer is my season of sunny solitude. gonna take the time as the time has come...

AND to all you very fine men out there (I know you are!!!) Internet Love is not my "cup-o-tea" - the best to your spouses! - PLEASE! My doughnuts are homemade and mine, mine, mine. So pardon my wink-of-an-Irish flirt, as that is all i'tis.... if i'twas at all, still trying to trace that back to whatever i said, oh well, too much effort :-) Hey, Freddie, next time try a gorilla suit. Better yet, a grizzly bear... whatever it takes to get your Ya-Yas in the door... Mr. V., love ya! FROM A'FAR!!!! Ms. V., from A'FAR!!!! with respect!!!! :) :) :)

Ya'll take care, be glad you have a home and that somebody - anybody - loves you. (are you gonna take it with you or leave a legacy behind...) hello, Ilkka. appreciated your "home page." You're a sweetheart.

Hey, Serge - Inspector Cluesseau (sp? I know, it's pitiful) - yeah, you! What are you up to..... :-) Please come home, if you change your mind. and pick on me! everybody else does. but that's okay. Mike, too... (they've opened the door, Mike)

now, with this, let me post in peace from now on... got places to go, people to do. just comes natural... and you guys are, truly, .... -----.,,,,, ????? ---- you tell me.

Sun May 16 12:25:02 CEST 1999

Al Vacado

Uncle H

That post on Levon's Guestbook is far from official news. No more accurate then the stuff that passes for truth anywhere on the Internet. Relax son, Levon Cafe is semi secure, I know, I watch the register!

Sun May 16 09:33:09 CEST 1999

rob nickel

is there anyone out there,that happened to catch the band,in vancouver,afew year's,back?i'd hoped,to see them,for over,25 year's,and lucked out,with front and centre,ticket's!what,a show!levon,really is,that good!

Sun May 16 07:42:02 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Found this note in the guestbook at the web site for Levon Helm's Classic American Cafe in New Orleans:

Sorry guys but as of Wed. May 12 the cafe is closed until furhter notice
levon helm's classic american cafe
new orleans, USA 5/13/99 8:03:49 PM

Comments?

Sun May 16 01:04:27 CEST 1999

Gene

Now the annoying grid pattern has, just as mysteriously, disappeared. Lonesome Suzie, never got the break...

Sun May 16 00:37:36 CEST 1999

Gene

Is anyone else getting an annoying grid pattern on the upper left of the screen @ this web-site. Katy's been gone, since the springtime...

Sat May 15 14:23:00 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

Ragtime: I was the Principal and Chief Matriculator at Simcoe High School in Canada, Richard Danko's alma mater. Ricky, as I liked to call him majored in tenderloin and ribroast with a minor in corned beef. Even then the boy could eat his Weight in crab meat and there's plenty of that up there by the sea. As I recall he liked to hang out at the Mini- mart with some Jimmy feller from the South and barely graduated. Even that Jubilant event only by dint of the extraordinary efforts of one Professor Louis Hurwitz. Atleast, this is my recollection. My memory of those "High" school times is a bit faded & cloudy if you know what I mean. :-)

Sat May 15 11:01:03 CEST 1999

Bozo

Charlie Young: Nice to see you back. What is it they say about birds of a feather...? :-)

Sat May 15 02:16:07 CEST 1999

Charlie Young

I've had trouble getting to this site lately, but I'm glad to see the guestbook is back. I've missed all the bozos on this bus. I finally found the May MOJO with Peter Viney's comments about Richard Manuel. The fan comments about Rick's vocal on "It Makes No Difference" were also excellent. Thanks, Jan!

Sat May 15 01:30:55 CEST 1999

J.Croce

Hey Old Dexy

Anybody who knows Rick believes the man has a big heart and any of his "zingers" are to be taken quite lightly despite the fact that they come from a man who sings with The Weight. Rick was kiddin Levon's careful watch over the cash register at the Cafe. If Levon is not part of the live album that Rick & Louie are working on (including "Bones" Malone) then maybe there is something to the "zingers". Until then, I assume they remain "brothers in arms" and that Rick is just a would be stand-up or sit down comic.

Sat May 15 01:16:36 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Sorry didn't mean to be rude! THANKYOU!

Fri May 14 23:40:55 CEST 1999

Mike Carrico

Les, thanks for posting that bit from the Atlantic Monthly; I can understand why you had schedule problems.

I can't think of any singers with more personality than Richard, Levon and Rick. And instrumentally Garth, Robbie and Levon in particular have an instantly recognizable sound and style. >p> "Utilitarian musicianship"? - Yikes, somebody lend that man some ears...

Fri May 14 23:40:22 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Still missed info on Danko's highschool career. THANKS in advance.

Fri May 14 23:36:53 CEST 1999

On behalf of everyone here

Forgot something important:

:-)

Fri May 14 23:34:50 CEST 1999

On behalf of everyone here

High Schools: how can we thank you! thank you for your great help! thanks a lot! thanks a thousand times! thank you for your kindness! please, please, accept our eternal gratitude! THANK YOU!

Fri May 14 22:45:53 CEST 1999

High Schools

"JUST WONDERING": you ingrate.. you could say "Thank you" for the info you wanted.

Fri May 14 22:39:12 CEST 1999

Just Wonderin'

Hi: Can anyone tell me where I might be able to find "Hirth from Earth" japanese import cd. I found the japanese site for Martinez but there is no indication where one might purchase the cd's. Thanks!

Fri May 14 21:54:13 CEST 1999

Les Thierolf

While in the Dallas, Texas airport I glanced at the Atlantic Monthly's May issue article "Napoleon in Rags" by Francis Davis. This article claims that more than any other artist, Dylan had the most influence in changing music in the 20th century. Davis praises Dylan and criticizes him. He also at one point states that The Band brought the best out of Dylan but I'm enclosing the paragraph that just about made me miss my flight!

"Dylan was smart enough to realize that the verbal complexity of his lyrics was best offset by a comparable sonic density, which only a rock-and-roll band could provide. But not all the credit for the success of his music as music belongs to his sidemen. As the Band [sic],these same men demonstrated the limits of utilitarian musicianship. The brand of roots-rock Americana they introduced on Music from Big Pink amounted to an artistic vision, but as singers and even instrumental soloists they lacked personality -- a quality Dylan always had in abundance, whatever one thought of it. On Live 1966 his overweening pride for once becomes a virtue: this is a young man meeting rock-and-roll head on, confident that rock-and-roll stands to gain from the encounter. "It used t' be like that, and now it goes like this," he says in introducing a revved-up version of "I Don't Believe You." He might just as well have been talking about rock-and-roll, which had never before been so raw and unregimented."

Well, I guess that makes the circle complete. The Band apparently had little to do with Dylan's success and the boys singing and playing lacked personality. This doesn't mesh with the stories we've heard of George Harrison hanging around Woodstock hoping to be invited to join The Band or Eric Clapton dissolving Blind Faith after hearing Big Pink. Oh, and all those personalities at The Last Waltz were probably just hanging out hoping to meet Marty Scorsece.

The complete article can be read at http://www.TheAtlantic.com/cgi-bin/o/issues/99may/9905dylan.htm

Les.

I'm almost tempted to sic General Wayne &/or Serge on 'em.

Fri May 14 16:59:23 CEST 1999

David Powell

Excuse me, that should have read "Globe Records".

Fri May 14 16:56:04 CEST 1999

David Powell

Advance word is that innovative pedal-steel guitarist Joe Goldmark has included an instrumental version of The Band's "Whispering Pines" on his new album. The album, entitled "All Hat, No Cattle" has just been released by the Glode Records label. Among some of the other interesting instrumental selections included on the album are "Eight Miles High" (The Byrds), "China Cat Sunflower" (Grateful Dead), "Sweet Dreams (Don Gibson), and "Because They're Young (Duane Eddy). I'll post a review as soon as I can pry away an advance copy from my friend down at the local "listener-supported" radio station. In the meantime y'all can check out the following website for further details:

http://www.globerecords.com/Goldmark_Bio.html

Fri May 14 16:35:11 CEST 1999

Dexy

Thanks Lil and Croce for the Danko show info. J. -- how was Rick "zinging Levon?"

Fri May 14 07:22:14 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Kala, there seems to be one way to get it right. Ask me.....

Fri May 14 02:09:03 CEST 1999

Patric

David Powell..I enjoyed your post on B.J.Thomas , there were a lot of talented solo artists around then,Johnny Rivers is another that comes to mind.

Anyone noticed that "Chick Rock" has taken over the world ?, Morrissette,Dion, Houston, Spicies, Twain,Imbruglia,All Saints, Dixie Chicks to name but a few. It seems to have come the full circle since raucous rock bands ruled the earth.

Fri May 14 00:30:06 CEST 1999

J.Croce

Setlist for 5/12/99 courtesy of JW and Co: Book Faded Brown,Crazy Mama,It Makes No Difference,StageFright,Java Blues,Twilight,One More Shot,Let the Four Winds Blow,Next Time You See Me,Sip the Wine,Ophelia,The Weight,Long Black Veil (no Train of Love coda),Shape I'm In,Rivers of Babylon. Accompanying Rick was Professor Louie-Aaron Hurwitz. Louie's performance was worthy of his monicker. Was disappointed that Rick didn't do more from Jubilation but Sip, Ophelia and Java Blues as well as It Makes No Difference were more than enough magic for me. The evening was made more special by the sharing of the experience by some very special friends brought together by their love for The Band in any Shape It's In.

Rick acquitted himself well although the banter with the audience can throw off the rhythm of the show. One female fan in close proximity did her own version of "Hand Jive" for most of the show.

No talk of a Band tour and Rick was zinging Levon a bit. Rick and Louie are working on the release of a live album, although I'm not sure they weren't just shooting the Breeze to make a Point.

Take it away JW. :-)

Thu May 13 22:05:14 CEST 1999

Errata

The finger meant for the letter T is injured: Should be : STRATFORD not Strarford

Thu May 13 21:59:41 CEST 1999

Richard Manuel's School

Richard attended Central High School in Stratford Ont. BTW ...: John Till, Ken Kalmusky and Richard did jam together as the reunited Revols opened for the Band in Strarford, November 2nd. 1985. The last time Richard appeared in Canada.

Thu May 13 21:54:01 CEST 1999

Kala

Need a hand with some research. How or where can I find out which member of the Band sings the lead/harmonies on individual tracks. I noticed that in the song-by-song articles, there is some mention of the singers... but this isn't consistently available for each song.

Specifically I'm looking for the singers on Big Pink and the Brown Album. But I'd appreciate the others too. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

(Sorry for being such a neophyte!) Kala

Thu May 13 21:45:48 CEST 1999

Garth Hudson High School

Garth attended Medway High School in Arva Ontario ( a suburb of London ). A photo of him playing in that school's assembly hall with his " 4 COINS " is somewhere on this site.

Thu May 13 20:47:58 CEST 1999

Robertson High

Robbie went to R.H. King Collegiate in Scarborough, a east-end suburb of Toronto. Believe he dropped out in first year to follow the Hawk.

Thu May 13 18:16:30 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Hypnotized by the highway and glad to be home. Just got in from seeing Rick and Aaron last night at the Brokerage on Long Island. What's a coupla hundred miles for an enjoyable evening, right? Very good show..think it was the first time I ever heard _Rick_ do "Ophelia" and he did a great job. Also did an incredible job on "Sip The Wine". (It's been a long time). Was wonderful to talk with him again. Same ol' Rick. Same big smile. Same good heart. Am not going to attempt to do a setlist here, but I'm sure J. Croce will be posting one later as he has the official one in his posession. A very enjoyable night. Thanks Rick.

JW: Was a real pleasure to finally meet you and your wife! I do have one very important question though. Which one was tadpole again? :-)

Thu May 13 18:13:58 CEST 1999

mattk

RE: High Schools

Hmmm, that would have been a good question for Serge Daniloff before his self-imposed guestbook exile. I believe he knew Richard and Garth back in the day, before they were even Hawks. Perhaps some of our London, Ontario friends can lend hand...

Thu May 13 17:33:22 CEST 1999

David Powell

Janis Joplin's Full-Tilt Boogie Band employed the dual keyboard approach with Ken Pearson and Richard Bell, repectively, on organ & piano. I wonder how much The Band's sound may have influenced this. It is also interesting to note that Garth played the Hammond and not his trademark Lowrey on John Hammond's "So Many Roads" album. Maybe Hammond preferred the Hammond sound? I was wondering if Garth ever used a Hammond B-3 while playing with Ronnie Hawkins.

Thu May 13 16:29:43 CEST 1999

just wonderin'

Anyone have any idea where the 4 canadian members went to high school? If I remember correctly I think Garth attended Central secondary in London Ontario, but as a former Ontarioan I'd be curious to know.

Thu May 13 13:20:22 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Bumbles - right again. I’d misread my own notes. What confused issues was the fact that “Get Up Jake” (studio version) was the B-side of the “Don’t Do It” (Rock of Ages) single. Also, I almost forget that “Crossing The great divide” is a bootleg. Glad to see someone else is interested in sweet soul music.

Thu May 13 00:55:41 CEST 1999

Bumbles

Additional note on the Soul Influences piece: the studio version of "Don't Do It" was never issued as a B side or in any other authorized form; it remains officially unreleased. There may be some confusion with the studio take of "Get Up Jake," which did slip out as the B side to "Ain't Got No Home," or the Rock of Ages "Don't Do It," a 1972 single.

Wed May 12 23:07:10 CEST 1999

Dave Hopkins

Boston-area Band fans may be interested in some upcoming programming on radio station WHRB (95.3 FM): 33 hours devoted to the music of Bob Dylan starting Thursday night at 9pm and continuing to Saturday at 9am (with a break on Friday between 6pm and 9pm), and 8 hours of The Band this Saturday from 1pm to 9pm. We'll be covering virtually all of the original group's studio recordings plus some live material as time permits.

Wed May 12 22:51:17 CEST 1999

Lee

Festival Express or as Rolling Stone reviewed it, Million Dollar Bash, was filmed (pro-shot) by Howard Alk. Lots of footage of Danko singing country songs with the Dead, etc. Live footage of The Band from all shows. The idea was to release a movie which was half Janis and The Band, but we just got Janis, which is a great movie.

Wed May 12 21:06:11 CEST 1999

Bill

Another group on the Festival Express was The Great Speckled Bird (i.e., Ian and Sylvia and group). I'm sure even the Americans on the tour knew all the words to Four Strong Winds by the end of it all.

If Ken Kalmusky was still in the Great Speckled Bird at the time of the tour, it would have been interesting to see three ex-Revols playing togewther at the jams - Richard Manuel, Kalmusky and John Till from Full Tilt.

Great Speckled Bird also included Amos Garrett on guitar and Buddy Cage on pedal steel. Supposedly Cage ended up in the New Riders of the Purple Sage because he made such a strong impression during the Festival Express jam sessions.

I wonder if there are tapes?

Wed May 12 19:17:53 CEST 1999

David Powell

I believe that the tour that Levon mentioned was the tour of several Canadian festivals in which the various groups traveled together by train between stops. Janis was then touring with the Full Tilt Band that included Richard Bell. Supposedly a lot of impromtu jam sessions involving members of the different bands took place on the train cars.

Wed May 12 18:15:30 CEST 1999

mattk

Patric

Wow, Pearl with The Band would have been a very interesting experience. Do you know if it was with Big Brother?

I've often thought of the CCR/Band similairities in terms of acrimony. In CCR's case, it's even more depressing when you consider the fallout left both Fogerty brothers in emotional ruin. Watching the VH-1 Legends documentary, it was very sad to listen to John discussing his brother's death, where the best they were able to achieve was an uncomfortable truce. It's also interesting to note that John, even more than Robbie, sought to distance himself from his old material to the point that he only recently began doing CCR material in concert. It's also a good hook to the truth in rock act as surviving CCR members have been touring under the CCR name for some time, much to John's dismay. Unlike RR, though, John did not solidify his business deals very well and spent much of the 70s and early 80s trying to recover from real financial distress caused by the recording and publishing deals he signed with CCR...

matt

Wed May 12 17:17:16 CEST 1999

David Powell

Mention of "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" reminds of a personal story. Years ago a friend of mine was playing guitar in B.J. Thomas's road band. Backstage passes in hand, I went to see them play one evening in Atlanta. Before the concert, while visiting with the guys in the band, I mentioned in passing that I liked the version B.J. did of Allen Toussaint's "Play Something Sweet (Brickyard Blues)". Levon Helm later recorded a version of this song on his 1978 solo album, and Maria Muldaur had also included it on her "Waitress In A Donut Shop" album. The keyboard player, who was also the band leader, agreed that it was a great song but said B.J. normally didn't do it as part of his set at that time. B.J. had recorded it back in his "wild & crazy" days on an album that also included a couple of songs by Georgia homeboy Randall Bramblett, who later played on Robbie Robertson's "Carny" soundtrack. Since recording those harder-edge rockers, B.J. had changed both his lifestyle and the style of his music, switching to middle-of-the-road pop & country.

That night as I watched from the side of the stage, B.J. & his band ran through their typical set that included "Raindrops..." and "Hooked On A Feeeling", along with a brief "born again" testimonial from B.J. I was surprised, however, when the band kicked into a rollicking version of "Play Something Sweet" as B.J. belted out the vocal. Like fellow Texan Delbert McClinton, Mr. Thomas has a great soulful & bluesy voice when he chooses to sing in that style. Like the lyrics to the song say, "play something sweet, play something funky", that night B.J. did both. Later, after the concert, I got a chance to thank B.J. for doing the Toussaint song that night, and he modestly acknowledged that it was a wonderful challenge to really let loose on that rocker. While most of the audience that night left humming "Raindrops...", at least me and the guys in the band had that other song on our minds.

Wed May 12 15:04:47 CEST 1999

Patric

Mattk, Youre right, Maria would have been great to hear in front of the Band, Levon mentioned in his book that they did a small tour of Canada with Janis Joplin and backing band, I wonder if they joined forces at any time ? ..that would have been interesting.

I've just been reading Bad Moon Rising..a history of CCR by Hank Bordowitz, their woes and in-fighting make the Levon VS Robbie saga positively tame.

Wed May 12 14:46:51 CEST 1999

Patric

Thank you Peter Viney ! , You have uncovered a thing that has remained an unanswered question for all these years, I'm referring to the most outrageous and bizzarre act in rock history, no, the perpetrator wasnt Jim Morrison getting dragged off the stage by the police for uttering swear words and inciting a riot at a club along Sunset Strip nor was it Jagger, Alice Cooper, Ozzie Osbourne, Jerry Lee Lewis or Marilyn Manson. There can be no more bizarre act than Bob Dylan singing "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" ...the video clip for the song has Bob riding a bicycle round a corral with Joan Baez on the handbars and in hot pursuit [ also on bicycle] comes Albert Grossman, clutching what appears to be a recording contract in his hand, as the song reaches it's conclusion Albert crashs into Phil Ochs [ who is sitting in a deckchair reading a newspaper] and is catapulted into a horse trough full of water, as picture fades Bob and Joan ride shakily off into the sunset.

Wed May 12 14:21:53 CEST 1999

Ben Pike

Hello everybody. Next weekend "Mystery Science Theatre" is rerunning one of it's best shows, an amazing Russian Film called "Jack Frost." In it, they make a reference to Levon. Ben Bob says check it out. MST3K, by the way, has also made reference to Robbie and Garth, and the cover of "Moondog."

Wed May 12 13:45:38 CEST 1999

Dominic Benthall

Congratulations on a great website. Very impressive indeed. As an amateur guitarist, and a keen fan of The Band's early stuff, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of Guitar Tablature for the first 2 or 3 albums? Thanks very much. Keep up the good work!

Wed May 12 13:22:57 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

llkka: (hi!) Second billing to Cher? Hmmm...well ok, I can accept that since I'm sure you did it alphabetically :-)

Uncle H: Got my hammer as the chevy thunders down the road. Behave. And be happy :-)

Wed May 12 07:58:19 CEST 1999

Ilkka

The right answer to yesterday's quiz is:
CHER
Re: Diamond Lil - for a half year ago I would have liked to see The Reunited Band but - you are right - let's love them as they are! (Sorry that your name is UNDER Cher's)

Wed May 12 07:08:18 CEST 1999

Jens Magnus

Hello Martin, I tried to send you e mail with chords for >Unfaithful Servant. Perhaps you did not get it. Try this:I once came across a book containing some Band-songs including chords. I have used this set of chords for years, and I find them rather good. Intro: E - D/F# - Verse: G - D/F# - A - Am7 G - D/F# - E - Asus4 G - D/F# - A - Am7 G - D/F# - E - Asus4 here comes the special chord: 6. string: G# 2. finger 5.str: mute 4. str: F# 3. finger 3.str; B 4. finger 2. str: D 1. finger 1. str. mute Special - A/C#- C - G - F# Special - A/C# - E7 - Em7 - Ebmaj7 good luck!

Wed May 12 01:16:36 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

Dream setlist for next Rick Danko show: Book Faded Brown, High Cotton, If I Should Fail, Java Blues, Sip the Wine, Unfaihtful, Servant, When You Awake, Loving You is Sweeter than Ever, Amazon, A Change is Gonna Come,It Makes No Difference, Long Black Veil, This Wheel's On Fire, Blue River, Endless Highway.

Wed May 12 01:02:20 CEST 1999

Marvin Gardens

CD Now is offering a $10 discount now when you spend $14.99 or better. Good time to stock up.

Tue May 11 22:03:46 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Dave Z: Gord's gold happens to be one of my favorites too.

I'm not sure if a group like The Band would do their own music justice if they were to re-record the old songs for a greatest hits cd. Obviously without Richard this couldn't be done anyway. And Levon's voice, as beautiful as it still is to me, is not the same as it once was. Neither is Rick's, although he does come the closest. I think in the case of The Band, we have to love what they've given us and know that it just doesn't get any better than that. And I, for one, am very glad they gave us so much to love.

Freddy Fishstick: Am so relieved to see you've been sprung so you can spring for a Molson :-)

Tue May 11 21:54:11 CEST 1999

Bumbles

One additional Soul-Band connection: the Very Great Howard (“Ain’t Nobody Home”) Tate’s eponymous Jerry Ragavoy-produced 1972 Atlantic lp includes an awkward and extremely unconvincing take on “Jemima Surrender.” This must have been part of someone’s attempt to play to what O. Redding memorably called “the love crowd” since the same album also has a misguided cover of “Girl from the North Country.” The Band and Dylan songs stick out like a couple of ugly sore thumbs on an otherwise classy set of smooth urban soul.

Tue May 11 21:42:46 CEST 1999

erik

Can anyone out there help me locate some bootleg CD's? I'm looking for the following, which I saw on the BAND site; "Crossing the great divide-the genuine bootleg series-take 4" "Down in the basement" "Blind boy grunt & the hawks the basement tapes vol I & II" "The complete last waltz" Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! By the way is there a better BAND anywhere? I think not! Erik

Tue May 11 20:18:05 CEST 1999

Dave Z

I meant "wouldn't work" in last sentence of last post.

Tue May 11 20:16:10 CEST 1999

Dave Z

One of the records I have worn out is Gord's Gold. It's my understanding (?) that he went back into the studio and re-recorded all his greatest hits for the album.... My thoughts also drift to a Woody Guthrie version of "This Land Is Your Land" that includes extra lyrics plus the inclusion of Arlo's voice.... I think these were good things that were done.... Anyway, what do ye GBers think of a group like the Band re-doing some older songs in another (o.k. maybe make it live at Levon's) Greatest Hits CD? I am guessing they wouldn't have the stomach for this but it could be cool to hear aged veteran muscians, no? Maybe they could do the surround sound thang too? Or maybe this is different from Gord and would work because the Band's original stuff sounds so good anyway?

Tue May 11 19:33:39 CEST 1999

David Powell

In answer to Peter's posting regarding DTS: Digital Theatre Systems, "DTS", is the name of both the licensing corporation and the surround sound technology itself. DTS is a multichannel audio encoding / decoding system used to create additional spatial dimension for recorded sound. Like Dolby Digital or AC-3 encoding, DTS playback involves the use of both front & rear, right/left channel speakers along with a subwoofer channel. DTS uses the CD PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) format of sampling & bit storage. DTS, however, uses compression, in which some data is lost, in order to support five channels at 20-bit resolution.

Like Dolby Digital surround, DTS is used primarily for motion picture soundtracks. Unlike Dolby, there are presently very few movie titles available on DVD that are encoded in DTS. Just as Dolby requires a Pro Logic decoder, DTS requires its own decoder also for playback. Many of the current generation DVD players now come with built-in Dobly & DTS ready decoders, but playback also requires a multi-channel capable surround sound receiver to send the signal to the speakers.

As I mentioned, their are very few DVD titles currently available in the DTS format. One recent DTS release is the video of the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" reunion concert. There seems to be very little industry support for either multi-channel or 96/24 format audio-only DVDs. In addition, the only DVD video that I know of that was recorded & encoded in the 96/24 format is "James Taylor Live at the Beacon."

In summary, use of multi-channel encoding requires a trade-off in sound quality, in that compression is required to support the five channels of sound. Many DVDs, however, do offer a choice between multi-channel surround or two-channel PCM stereo that is uncompressed. Several companies are also now offering audio-only DVDs of various jazz, rock, blues & classical albums using the 96/24 superior format. The industry, primarily contolled by Japanese conglomerates, is still trying to figure out how to apply these new technologies in digital playback.

Tue May 11 19:22:46 CEST 1999

Richard

Has anyone noticed Garth's voice on Mercury Rev's "Deserter's Songs"? He spoke on one track.

Tue May 11 16:42:46 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Bumbles: Thanks. It is now corrected.

Trivial pursuit: Just read the obituary of Darryl Sweet of Nazareth. This confirmed a guess - they chose the name Nazareth after listening to “The Weight”.

Rod: Sorry to hear Mercury Rev disappointed. Try listening to “Hudson Line” (with Garth’s sax) a few times before discarding it totally. This might be the best route for getting your moneysworth from the CD.

Tue May 11 07:21:29 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Swedish Television (SVT1) 1999-05-09:
...like when they started to boo in Albert Hall I thought f... ...
...artists like Van Morrison couldn't make it today because the videos come first and the music comes second...

Who was this lady? The answer comes in tomorrow's guestbook.

Tue May 11 07:19:22 CEST 1999

Rod

Having read some good things about the Mercury Rev album and seeing Levon, Garth,Aaron, Cromatix etc in the credits, I finally bought a copy today. It drives home one point when comparing The Band and alot of the groups they infuenced - The Band could actually play.

Deserter's Songs is definitely one for the back of the CD cabinet.

Tue May 11 06:06:45 CEST 1999

CanEHdian Music OnLine

Thank-you for being apart of Canadian music!

Tue May 11 04:49:44 CEST 1999

Gene

Thanks again to Mr. Peter Viney! Sam Cooke's A Man & His Music is, indeed, available in the UK. It can be ordered through Audiostreet.com, <> for 11.99 (pounds sterling).

Tue May 11 04:00:31 CEST 1999

Danny Lopez

FYI: The recent edition of The New Yorker (May 10, 1999) has an extensive article on Bobby D and the history of Dylanology. I haven't read it carefully yet, but I did notice the Hawks are mentioned once in passing, in the context of the '66 tour. The author, Alex Ross, seems to question the level of public animosity directed at Dylan for "going electric." He basically calls it a myth.

Tue May 11 00:49:36 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Listening to Radio Margaritaville and just heard John Hiatt's "Blue Telescope" which JB claims he has recorded but which has not made it on an album. Ain't the Internet grand? Now that's a Band/JB connection!

Mon May 10 21:53:25 CEST 1999

mattk

CD-Now is featuring 30% off all Dylan albums right now (including BT, BTF, PW and '66):

You can jump right to it by clicking here here for the Dylan discography on their site.

I don't work for 'em, I don't endorse 'em, but I thought some folks would be happy to know that they can get this stuff cheaper than normal. I'm not a real spokesmodel, I just play one on TV.

Mon May 10 21:39:19 CEST 1999

Bumbles

Drifting into the arms of Morpheus while looking through the always proper Mr. Viney's soul article (can't wait for that revision, my man), but I'm curious why the section on Lee Dorsey is illustrated with a picture of the deliriously great Bobby Marchan.

Mon May 10 20:37:16 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

David gave a clear definition of the difference between remastering and remixing. BTW, I meant the main body of Beatles CDs rather than the Anthologies. Of course, because these are the original mono mixes in the British track order, I’ve read many complaints from Americans that they’re not what they remember. The reverse is true of Rolling Stones releases which are of the shorter US albums.

There are adverts already for 96/24 CDs, mainly jazz. Haven’t heard one yet. But has anyone heard DTS -CDs? These are in 5 channel surround sound and play on DVD players. While I can see the sense for (say) a John Williams soundtrack that was written with this 5 channel format in mind, it’s a bit odd for rock. I heard a demo of Lyle Lovett “Joshua Judges Ruth” in DTS -5 channel (recreated by the artist I was told), and it’s disconcerting to hear the drums come in behind you! It’s as if you’re standing between the singer and the drummer. The result of all of this is that we’ll end up buying more versions of what we have. I’m resigned to it now.

Mon May 10 19:07:58 CEST 1999

Dave Z

I caught Phenomenon on the box this weekend. Robbie and A. Neville sounded soooo good doing Crazy Love....I also just picked up Lucinda William's "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road". I love that first track "Right in Time" especially the way she is not in any rush to sing the song....I could enjoy listening to her do a duet with Levon or Rick....and maybe hearing Robbie or Garth's touches of background sound....Anyway, I think some gravel from the drive in today lodged in my PC network cause I just lost all morning, now I got to do it all over again....And I just came out of a block....Oh well, nothing better than hearing a woman sing in the spring.

Mon May 10 18:48:57 CEST 1999

mattk

Patric,

I always thought it was a shame that Maria Muldar never did anything with The Band. Her New Orleans/Woodstock background would make her a natural fit, and she has a great voice.

Just think, if the boys had put her to work in the early/mid-70s we might have been spared the agony of "midnight at the oasis!"

In a similair focus, the Marcia Ball/Tracy Nelson/Mavis Staples project would have been a great spot for some Band ensemble work.

Also, if Jim were to wander off, I think it would be fascinating to bring in Debbie Davies to do the guitar work and back up signing.

cheers

matt

Mon May 10 18:30:59 CEST 1999

David Powell

A brief answer to Bill's question. Preparing an album is basically a three step process. The tracks are recorded in the studio (or from the stage in the case of a live concert). The different tracks are then mixed together into a desired form by the producer & engineer, often with input from the artists. This involes mixing the multi-tracks down to two (left & right channel)stereo tracks. The last step is to take the final mix and master it into the digital and/or analog format.

For the CD format this step involves the use of a chain of digital equipment to sample the final mix at the 44.1 rate and quantize it into the standard 16 bit slices of sound. What often distinguishes a superior sounding CD is that the mix is sampled at a higher rate, such as 96k, and quantized into 24 bit lengths. The mastering engineer then converts it down to the CD standard of 44.1 / 16 with the additional detail "squeezed" into the overall sound of the final disc.

In the case of an older album which are reissued on compact disc, mastering engineers like Bill Ludwig and Steve Hoffman don't mess with the way certain songs were mixed. They take the original two track mixes, often on analog tapes, and convert them to the digital domain. Their job is to get the most detail out of the mix they're given. The mastering process doesn't involve adding or altering anything in the final mix, but rather to assure that nothing is subtracted from what was originally recorded. Often the artists or producers in control of a reissue project will change the original mix of the tracks. This is called re-mixing not remastering. The late Frank Zappa did this when his albums were reissued on compact discs. More recently Fagan & Becker of Steely Dan have been doing this on their reissued albums.

Mon May 10 18:29:29 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

"PLANT WAVES"...The most down to earth album ever created by the *BEST* musicians ever in one room, so grab a cheap beer, put a pipe in your mouth, and put it on, loud!

Mon May 10 17:28:36 CEST 1999

K.H.

Uncle Hangover: Don't let anyone foolya Pal, It was the dredded C., and its residuals are still being felt!

Mon May 10 17:23:39 CEST 1999

breakfastclub

Does Rick Danko ever read this web site? I wonder how your memory is doing these days?

Mon May 10 16:50:26 CEST 1999

Bill

What exactly is remastering? Is that when some guy in the 1990s decides he doesn't like the drums on a 50-year-old record so gooses the volume and adds echo. (I say this because I heard a crisp but annoying "Rock Around The Clock" on the radio this morning.) Or is it when Tom Dowd, of all people, decides he decides he likes the first solo from a live show one day, but the second solo from the next day's show, so splices them together 25 years later!

Mon May 10 15:26:55 CEST 1999

David Powell

Sony has done a great job with the remastered Byrds CDs, including the recently released "Greatest Hits". If you haven't heard any of these, the "Greatest Hits" is a good sampler to start with.

EMI should be commended for releasing a great deal of Beatles "Anthology" material from the vaults but I have serious reservations about the sound of these CDs. Judging from their work on The Band CDs also, it's apparent that this company is far behind some of the other labels in upgrading to current state-of-the-art mastering equipment.

Another fine example of good sounding CD reissues is the job that Velvel Records has done with some of the Kinks albums. This label has released several remastered versions of the group's albums, including "Muswell Hillbillies." Ray Davies personally oversaw the tranfer from the orignal master analog tapes to hard disc using 96 / 24 oversampling equipment in his own studio. The discs were then sent to Bob Ludwig, who remastered the material at his Gateway studios in Maine.

Mon May 10 15:10:04 CEST 1999

Gene

Thanks to Mr. Peter Viney and to Uncle Hangover for addressing my questions! I LIKE this website. The Band have been my favorites since Big Pink came out. Their music holds up while many of their contemporaries now sound so dated.

Mon May 10 14:36:36 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Rod: Japanese remasters. The Band were never done justice on CD remasters - except for the gold “Stage Fright.” The Japanese CDs have wonderful sleeves, terrible lyric sheets and the sound is noticeably better. Now it’s NOT a spectacular revelation in any way. They don’t breathe new life into the discs in the way some (but not all) of The Beatles & Byrds remasters did. But these had some input from the original producers / artists. I don’t think we’ll get the best till RR lends a hand, which seems unlikely. But I’m pleased that I got them, and they’re now the ones I automatically use.

Mon May 10 11:05:28 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Paul Godfrey: It proves my point. When our guys were the Hawk's sidemen they dressed the same just as the 3 Seasons who were Valli's sidemen. When they started performing as a group on their own, they didn't think of continuing wearing their uniforms. It was only in recent years that Double R started wearing a tuxedo again... And besides, it was the Zeitgeist, of course. The Beach Boys abandoned their striped jackets as well...

Mon May 10 10:13:10 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Sam Cooke: “A Change Is Gonna Come” is on the excellent RCA compilation “The Man & His Music” which has 28 tracks (It’s track 28). Though this came out years ago, it seems to be still on catalogue in the UK - I saw a copy only recently. The catalogue # is PD87127. If it’s deleted in the US, you could probably get it mail order from the UK.

The Van “I’m Ready” isn’t the Fats Domino song, but a 1979 original.

Mon May 10 09:49:13 CEST 1999

Rod

I think we've talked about this before but I wasn't listening so here goes .......

A CD shop down town has the Japanese releases of Moondog, NLSC and Cahoots (with the original LP style covers).They're reasonably priced at $29 (compared to around $24 for the standard versions). Is the sound quality on these any different / better than the original releases? I visited two CD shops today and between them they had all The Band's CDs plus the Australian Levon Helm release. Pretty impressive I thought.

Mon May 10 09:00:47 CEST 1999

Ilkka

Just a tiny piece of the forgotten American popular music history...
Knock on the door of my cabin and listen to the story.

Mon May 10 07:26:49 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Gene, Yes, Lee had serious voice trouble in 98. He is reported to be recovering, It's not as bad as people thought for a while when there was a lot of talk of cancer.

Mon May 10 05:34:36 CEST 1999

Gene Bates

First, does anyone know why "A Change is Gonna Come" is not on ANY Sam Cooke CD? It is, perhaps, his best song and a highpoint of Moonlight Matinee. Second, why is Levon's voice so bad on Jubilation. Was he ill? Thanks.

Mon May 10 02:27:02 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Hi Diamond Lil...Levon, Robbie, Rick, Beak and Garth did all come out on stage dressed the same the first time I saw them in Peterborough Ontario Canada as the Hawks for Ronnie Hawkins. They all wore either black suits or sometimes a black Tux. That was their standard onstage uniform for many years. Hello....Luke Warm. I went to Lakefield District High school. Were you just passing thru or are you from there?

Sun May 9 23:58:16 CEST 1999

Dr. Pepper

Hey catbalu.....I look forward to your interesting posts....are you from East Hampton by chance? Talked to some friends who played at Levon's and they thought the doorman made the whole place but the guy wasnt a plumber apparently!

Sun May 9 21:37:07 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

More CD singles: Tomorrow Van Morrison releases twin CD singles of "Back On Top". CD1 includes a studio vertsion of "I’m Ready". I presume this is the Fats Domino song on "Moondog Matinee". More news when I get it.

Sun May 9 20:03:16 CEST 1999

Jeb Stuart

Pelham, Dearing is well but Rosser still holds a grudge. Regards.

Sun May 9 18:09:26 CEST 1999

Martin

Hi everyone, haven't been able to acces the site at all since the server shut down, so I've missed out on all the chat recently, not that I've had much to add. Saw Peter Green and the Splinter Group last week. The man's clearly still a bit fragile and he was struggling with the vocals, but his playing was superb as was the rest of the band. The highlight of the evening was a dreamy rendition of 'Albatross'. Well worth going to see. Still trying to figure out the bloody tab for 'Unfaithful Servant'

Sun May 9 14:37:48 CEST 1999

Kevin Gilbertson

Just wanted to wish a Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there.

Sun May 9 14:09:40 CEST 1999

Jack Pelham

JEB: I got it straight fom Harrison (Longstreet's "scout"): it's deep south in ONTARIO.

BTW, do you ever run into Rosser or Dearing? Hope they are keeping their spirits up.

Sun May 9 14:04:10 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Mercury rev: Tomorrow, May 10th, sees the release of the CD single of “Opus 40” which features Levon on drums. The UK single comes in three versions. CD1 also features bonus tracks of Dylan’s “He was a Friend of Mine” and “Raindrops Keep falling On My Head”, CD2 features Nikki Sudden’s “Silver street” and “Tonite It shows” while the 7” vinyl version has Neil Young’s ‘Motion pictures’ from “On The beach”. Looks like three purchases. Mercury Rev have interesting and quirky bonus tracks. “Goddess on the Hiway” had “I Only have Eyes For You.” The heavy advance airplay makes “Opus 40” seem a certain and well-deserved UK hit record, and won’t it be good to hear Levon’s drums on Top 40 radio. Hope it’s a US release as well.

Thank you to Lars, Jeb Stuart, Patric, Catbalu, Ragtime, Diamond Lil, Freddy Fishstick and Dexy. Above all, thanks to Jan who is producing great layouts for everything that is going up here. My unusual reticence is because I’ve been in Galicia in Spain for a couple of days (working unfortunately, because this is green, beautiful, unspoilt country). Hasn’t it been great to have had several weeks without any flaming or backbiting? BTW, I don’t suppose that O. Cal Connerie is from the warm and courteous South anymore than I ever thought Gregor was from Lithuania. In the words of Randy Newman, “wind blew in from the north, and it started to rain.”

Sun May 9 12:57:45 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Friends and Neighbors and CrazyKats: I tried crashin the gate to BJ's 50th last nite wearing my "Life is a Carnival" tshirt. Some bouncer told me I needed a ticket. Told him "My face is my ticket". So he punched it. Bobbed & weaved my way through the neon lights and a tumultuous crowd. What a Ragtime of the month it was. Seems that back in the very late 60s or early 70s JB & BJ had been on a bill together down south. That explains them partying together.

Trust me on this Ragtime, Noah is not Connery. Noah got all his hair. In any case, the judge said 'String him up for what he did'. I replied- "Judge, send me to the Electric chair". Hoping I Shall be Released by Wednesday nite. If I dont die by Thursday I'll be roarin Friday nite.

Best to all the Mothers out there. Tar- tar for now . As for Ms CrazyKatBalu, Mrs Fish seems to have missed the subtle ironic/ comedic references and has threatened to beat the livin Stick out of me so I guess My Love's Gone Away. :-)

Sun May 9 11:25:48 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Noah/Dean Connery from Cam(e)bridge: oh, err, what's the use...

Sun May 9 10:40:54 CEST 1999

Dean Bursar

I think I have found the subject of our next great guestbook debate. As previously reported by one Noah Fisherman, a very lonely guy, Levon matriculated (privately one would hope) at the prestigious Berklee College by January 1972. That according to Levon's "This Wheel's on Fire" @ page 229. Well Barney Hoskyns (a fellow lonely guy) indicates on page 274 of his opus (as opposed to Opie) that it wasn't until the end of 1972 that Levon matriculated for the winter semester. 'I wanted to be able to do something about what I heard in my mind' he told some extremely lonely interviewer. I for one am at the wit's end of my lonely room awaiting the answer to this puzzle.

Sun May 9 06:10:56 CEST 1999

Jeb Stuart

As most Southerners I know--and I do know a few--have a deep and abiding sense of civility, I can't imagine why Connerie would claim to be from the region.

Sun May 9 02:54:29 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Wishing all the other moms out there a happy, healthy Mothers Day.

Sun May 9 02:53:23 CEST 1999

Lars

Peter Viney: congratulations on another well written article, I enjoyed it very much (but you never know when "someone" will get jealous and "flame" you for writing such an article). The guestbook has been pretty peaceful lately, hope the trouble doesn't return. Most people here want to hear what you say, Peter. To people who run the Band (whoever you are): just an idea, but couldn't you get the six members together on a given Sunday afternoon, rent the Bearsville theatre, take out an insurance policy and hire a few security people, and DO A SHOW? Charge an extra few dollars for your trouble. I think the people would come. You'd make a lot of people happy.

Come on, Lee, it's not football season and surely New Orleans can spare you for one afternoon. We need you. We love and miss the Band.

Sun May 9 02:38:17 CEST 1999

luke warm

my kids love all the band music, and make no distincton between eras and line ups. just today as there was no band music blaring from the van stereo, the kids started singing rag mama rag. i have taught them well. viva the band!!!

Sun May 9 00:56:49 CEST 1999

Rolf Gerling

hi bandies, who can help me ?? i collect music stuff of the 69' woodstock festival. is there anyone here who can help me with the band gig ?? please no commercial offer only trading is possible or b&p. please email me if you can give me a helping hand !! love to everybody rolf

Sun May 9 00:37:06 CEST 1999

Patric

Whilst I dont always concur with some of Peter Viney's posts Ive noticed he is always polite, even to some people who deserve a little less than that ..to me thats a mark of a good man.

Something to maybe toss around..The Band recorded near zero songs with female participation apart from the obvious, Emmy-Lou & Mavis Staples on Last Waltz, and female backing on River Hymn..thats a pity cuz the mind boggles with possible combinations..Ronstadt with Band, maybe Christine McVie [ duelling pianos with Richard ?] , the Bands musical expertise would really have leant itself well to some silky female vocals.

Sat May 8 23:40:34 CEST 1999

Connerie

Oh the lonely people...where do they all come from...?

Sat May 8 22:55:17 CEST 1999

KatCrazybalu

Freddy, if you were SNAKESRUS, i'd let you join my exhusbands club... but let's not go there... instead, let's just GO to the party. Sneak in???!! Just GO, without fear or intimidation, and remember --- we all gonna die and money ain't *****NOTHIN***** when we do (actually, it's a minus...) and have a B53 for me. i'll be thinkin about you, darlin. i promise.

Sat May 8 20:22:39 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

CrazyKatBalu: if you got $6million then I am indeed in love with you and always have been. Any failure on my part to understand your Woodstock patois was entirely due to Cyberspace transmission difficulties. :-)

Sat May 8 20:03:42 CEST 1999

CrazyKatBalu

Mr. V - you have been nothing but a sweetheart to me. Mr. P, our in-house Englishman, makes me think of you often. I can almost hear your voice... and i see England through his tales... you are there always. thank you again. THAT is the stuff that Jan Hoiberg has made here. Ya'll get it? All you old hairy-eared hippies??????!!!!! Open the damned door. Don't be so.... grumbly and exclusive. Been like male menopause in here lately.

Ragtime, the water that flows beside my pink house is 98% pure as are my intentions. my MULTITUDE of "friends" who follow my hermit nose wonder why i gave all of my % of the $6 million we made Tuesday to "my children." I say because Ilkka's wife and Lil said so, compliments of this website. Now, part of that is also because of you, Dave Z, David Powell, Freddy, long-gone Mike, Lil, Serge, Charlie, Ilkka, etc. etc.... feels strange to me, too, but time's a wastin' and i had to call a shot... abused children here have benefitted from my eccentric thinking as i try to make a difference...

So don't follow my words, follow my heart, as it is fearless and true, Freddy, and not a mystery at all. God has been too generous to me and i don't deserve it, therefore i must give it away... and i just want to see some good old 1960s openmindedness in here, like it was, like it was... al la glory... when i was young and the troubles of the world were... somebody else's problem. never know who's listening to you, who you are influencing... don't pick on the southerners in here, either, ya'll. we're already carrying way too many crosses that aren't even ours to bear...

Sat May 8 19:02:57 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Peter: I'm glad Jan preserved your review for this website. It's good to have first-hand comments describing a wonderful atmosphere & almost making you feel you were there...

Well spoken Freddy... the GB was so peaceful lately... I was just remembering good days in London UK... not the Crowmatix but Waterloo Sunset... when this reminder from another place of the same name stopped by...

Uncle H.: I'm glad you kept your shirt on... ;-)

Sat May 8 18:58:09 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Peter Viney certainly doesn't need anyone to come to his defense, so I'm just going to state my opinion here. I personally look forward to his articles and insights. Anyone who posts here..or on Tom Moretti's site for that matter...is doing so because they want to share something with the rest of us. Not sure why that's a problem for some folks. Noone's forcing anyone to read anything. If it doesn't interest you, don't read it. Pretty simple I'd say.

Sat May 8 18:51:15 CEST 1999

Noah Fisherman

In January 1972 between the release of Cahoots & Rock of Ages Levon enrolled for a semester at the distiguished Berklee School of Music in Boston. Under the name Mark L. Helm and sans beard having aced his SATs. See pages 229-230 of Levon's book. The Rumor is that Rick a/k/a Richard Danko wrote him his letter of reference. As FF might say, that part of the tail's apocryphal. :-)

Sat May 8 17:56:10 CEST 1999

Freddy Fishstick

Might just try and sneak into Billy Joel's birthday party tonite to see him and the boss- JB that is. CrazyKatBalu "She speaks a language all her own That I cannot discover". That is her charm and her mystery I suppose. I never been accused of being cool. Don't appreciate the nastiness addressed towards Sir Peter from parts south. Dont mean to get anybody's Irish up but that battle don't belong here IMHO.

Sat May 8 16:48:52 CEST 1999

Dexy

And to think, I was going to thank Viney for the London review! That was my first trip to Woodstock Records too.

Sat May 8 15:17:51 CEST 1999

O. Cal Connerie

Mr Viney's rehash of the London concert March 1st. is by now getting old, but as it seems to have been the highlight of his life up to that point, we can understand. Only wish that he had been a little more thorough in his recitative and display of mementoes, ie. included scans of his parking ticket receipt, the coatcheck voucher and the wrapper of the candy he ate at intermission. It would have been nice of him to include a pic. of his new scrapbook where all those treasures are now preserved for always. Perhaps in the near future we could be graced by an extensive article on his thoughts as he drove away into the night, on his way to the coast. Can' wait...

Sat May 8 07:34:53 CEST 1999

Ragtime

... but I don't need no friends, as long as I gaze on Waterloo Sunset, I am in paradise...

Well, this is a song that The Band couldn't have covered anyway...

... the chilly-chilliest evenin gtime, Waterloo sunset's fine...

You Really Got Me could have been a great Band cover (Zimmyless that is...)

Sat May 8 04:26:34 CEST 1999

Mike Yore

I just got JUBILATION and found your 'site'. It brought back many memories, such as the time I took my 12 yr. old son to catch the concert in Chicago that didn't start until about 1AM. Levon had to fly in from making Coal Miners Daughter and the flight was very late. My son couldn't believe that they had all their gear in about 4 trucks. No smoke machine, etc., just good music. My ideal concert would start with the BAND, next up LITTLE FEAT;followed by SKYNARD; and last by JOHN FOGERTY. With that I could die with a smile on my mug forever.......

Sat May 8 02:57:52 CEST 1999

KrazyCatbalu

When somebody mentions the raspy voice of Levon, i can't help but wonder how Mitt is faring with her dad, old hippie, him. Thoughts are with you, PaperGirl.

Considering i only halfway read this gb, i'm always behind. don't have that kind of time, happy for those who do. so if i'm missing something here, sorry. know ya'll are the serious types and find it very attractive. but as i've quoted before "don't judge yourselves too harsh, my loves, someday you might find your souls in danger."

Favorite thing said about Cripple Creek comes from Levon – that Bessie was "Caledonia's cousin." i like that.

found the band fan club site on yahoo. joined it. keep checking in to see if any more of the predominantly women/young people who are afraid to talk in here are starting to come out of their shell.... formidable is not cool. (but then, Freddie, my days of being "cooler than you" are stuffed in a trunk with-----my old madras halter tops. got bigger fish to fry now, darlin)

Hello there, Bumbles... good to hear from you again, and gotta say, kind of felt like i'd stumbled into Sarte's "No Exit" myself... just call me Yvette (sp?) or was it Estelle. let's go ask Bessie. like she'd care...

the game: i'm going country. Willie Nelson, "Caledonia Mission;" George Jones, "I Shall Be Released;" Hank Williams, SENIOR, "Cripple Creek;" " Merle Haggard, "The Weight;" and Waylon Jennings, "Al La Glory." (did i say i was behind??)

be NICE out there. make a day good. (uncle h, i liked your other visual better! made me look!! :))

Fri May 7 21:05:00 CEST 1999

Uncle Hangover

Joe from London: Try Viney's article about The Band and Brother Ray for starters: http://theband.hiof.no/articles/viney_ray_charles_band.html

Fri May 7 19:08:48 CEST 1999

Joe

i don't know if it's been a subject in the Gb before,(altho Richard and the books acknowledged the influence) but i picked up some Ray Charles Cds and I was stunned at the vocal phrasing similaririties. So all you Charles fans out there, which are the key albums (i.e. most richard like!) please?

Fri May 7 18:48:39 CEST 1999

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

AHHH, I was just wondering if any BANDHEADS are going to see Bob Dylan and Paul Simon at Summer Fest in Milwaukee this 4th of July, and wouldn't it be great to see them both do a dual of "The Sound of Silence" together, or for that matter, "The Boxer"??? What a history maker that would be to the ears!!! Peace, Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran.

Fri May 7 18:38:28 CEST 1999

Ragtime (again)

LIL (hi!) I always thought Frankie Valli WAS the 4 Seasons - didn't matter who his sidemen were/are. For my part there could be 24 Seasons... The only thing I remember about them is that they used to be dressed the same - which looked rather silly to me... (imagine Levon, Robbie, Richard, Garth & Rick elegantly swinging in stars-and-stripes-uniforms ;-) & I always wondered what he could have done with that wonderful voice of his...

Fri May 7 18:16:05 CEST 1999

Ragtime

Just came back from a week in London (UK, that is) and yes... I saw the Waterloo sunset & remembered one of the most wonderful songs ever made. The Kinks are (on a more intimate & ironical level) for England what The Band is for America: little pictures of a lost society...

Fri May 7 17:59:17 CEST 1999

Bill

When Dylan came out during the Last Waltz and started that familiar riff, I thought the Band was going to play You Really Got Me. Would've been interesting.

Fri May 7 17:50:57 CEST 1999

Chris

While discussing fragments of bands, Dave Davies is coming to Cincinnati in June. I have never heard The Kinks mentioned on this site. I am a huge Band fan, but The Kinks are very high on my list of favorites. I have seen them in concert before, and it is the orignal line for the most part. The heart is still in the band with Dave and Ray. Any comments on The Kinks would be great?

Fri May 7 15:58:02 CEST 1999

Bill

Ahh, "Uncle Pen". A truly great version of that song was the A-side of the very first 45 by the great Crowbar (as referred to a couple of days ago), released right after they left Ronnie Hawkins at the end of '69. As it's a non-LP 45, there are no notes to say who exactly is on it, but the group at the time included three singers - Kelly Jay, King Biscuit Boy and Johnny Rhythm (formerly the lead singer of the Suedes, with Robertson et al). Quite likely Richard Bell on keys, as he guested on the first album.

Fri May 7 15:28:48 CEST 1999

David Powell

I heartily agree; part of the power of great music lies in the ability to transcend the moment. Indeed, it is something magical when that happens. The Allman Brothers used to have an expression for this--calling it "hittin' the note."

This past week, near his home in Gumlog, Georgia, country bassist Joel Price passed away at the age of 88. Back in 1952, Mr. Price, as a member of "Little" Jimmy Dickens's band, became the first musician to play the electric bass on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Realizing the physical limitations presented with transporting the large & delicate acoustic "doghouse" bass while on tour, Mr. Price had previously purchased a Fender electric bass for $100. He became one of the first to use that instrument in country music.

Mr. Price was part of Jimmy Dickens's band from 1951 to 1957. It was during this time that the Dickens band became known as one of the best & most innovative groups in country music. The band featured twin-lead guitars along with the pedal steel, first played by Buddy Emmons and later by Jimmy Day. The late Thumbs Carllile later replaced the two guitarists, adding his distinctive lap guitar technique that often sounded like two or three guitars playing at once. Garth Hudson later befriended Mr. Carllile, and recognizing his unique style, recorded an album of the amazing Thumbs.

Before joining Mr. Dickens and switching to electric bass, Mr. Price had played with Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys. With Mr. Monroe he played the bass on such classic hit recordings as "Muleskinner Blues," "Uncle Pen," and "Rawhide." He later played with George Morgan and Judy Lynn before retiring in 1962. Although retired he continued to play gigs around the area near his home in Gumlog. It was at the annual Shoal Creek Bluegrass festivals during the '70s that I first had the opportunity to see Mr. Price play on the same stage as such great musicians as Mr. Monroe, Earl Scruggs & his sons, Doc & Merle Watson and Ralph Stanley. These were truly magical moments that I will always remember.

Fri May 7 14:43:24 CEST 1999

Bill

I would like to have seen the Manfred Mann concert that Patric refers to. In an odd way, it shows that an "untrue" lineup can be even better than a "true" one. After all, Mike D'Abo was hired to replace Paul Jones, so they didn't play together in the old days (or so I understand). The main point in all of this is that I'm happy to see music that means something to me performed in such a way that it still means something to me. If you know what I mean.

Fri May 7 03:27:10 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Spider John: Those "magic moments" are absolutely worth the price of admission..and more. Probably something I should've mentioned in my previous post. Thanks for reminding me. I'll remember.

Fri May 7 03:11:52 CEST 1999

Spider John

The music of The Band has brought me two good friends. For all the great music and for these friends I thank you all and you know who you are. That includes the Master of this site. You brought me two some music I missed the first time around. It's never too late to enjoy the music of The Band from Basement Tapes to Jubilation. Even when Levon or Rick are draggin it, there is still atleast one magic moment. That moment even if it one is worth the price of admission. Remember that.

Fri May 7 00:42:57 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

I've had the opportunity to see alot of reformed "oldies" bands here, as they get booked each year at the county fair, and I agree that who you're expecting to hear and who actually performs are 2 very different things. I did see Herman's Hermits, and yes, Peter Noone was there. He was the only original member however. The rest of the Hermits, I suppose, are now hermits.

Also saw Gary Lewis and the Playboys...except Gary Lewis wasn't there. Saw Mark Lindsay and the Raiders, and although Mark Linsday was there...didn't recognize one raider from years gone by. The same goes for Frankie Valli and the 4 seasons. Frankie is still out there, but there are something like 8 seasons now..none of which were with him years ago. It's kind of disheartening in a way to go to a show for a piece of nostalgia, only to find fragments of bands billed as the originals.

Which brings me to how alot of folks feel about the Band. Randy and Richard are incredible musicians, and Jimmy has certainly earned his place....but The Band is not now...and will never be...The Band that we remember.

Thu May 6 23:25:18 CEST 1999

Patric

On the subject of reformed "oldies" acts I saw a concert a couple of years ago billed as the British Rock Invasion, appearing were, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Tremeloes, Hermans Hermits, The Searchers and Manfred Mann[ billed as the Manfreds] after Manfred himself threatened to sue if they used the true name.Well Hermans Hermits line-up was completely new, Tremeloes had the original singer but no-one else from originals, Gerry Dorsey appeared but the Pacemakers and Searchers looked like pick-up bands.The only true line-up was Manfred Mann with Mike D'Abo and Paul Jones up front,and what a performance they put on ! , Paul Jones has been on stage in London for years and he really laid it on the line,Probably the best live performance Ive seen [ big statement ] until John Fogerty eclipsed all with a breathtaking show in Sydney late last year.If youre going to reformed oldies acts pays to check on the line-ups before you buy the tickets.

Thu May 6 23:16:51 CEST 1999

The Great Pretender

Bass Singer Herb Reed was the last of the original Platters to tour. The biggest problem with the name "Platters" is; there is not only one phony Platters. There are three or four groups touring at the same time. This is what Herb Reed was trying to stop. mattk makes some good points. When you don't own the name (i.e. Platters) it makes it tough on those still around.

On another point it's like buying a greatest hits CD, only to find out that they have been re-recorded by the original artist. You've got the original artist; but NOT the orignal SONG! Some labels have now put out a warning on this and they are to be commended.

Thu May 6 16:52:00 CEST 1999

David Powell

The Truth In Rock Act?? Be careful what you wish for; in the case of legislation, more than you want may come true. The last group of people I'd want determining the truth in anything, least of all rock music, is the U.S. Congress. Several years ago, at the urging of Tipper Gore & others, this same group attempted to legislate the censorship of content in rock music. Better watch out for this latest foray.

For those of you wishing to know more about the late Danny Gatton, check out the following website: www.bandpages.com/gatton

Thu May 6 16:32:20 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Another thing the US government might do to help performers of hit songs is to sign on to the international Neighbouring Rights treaty. (Most industrial countries already have - including the EU, Australia and Canada.) That way, Eric Burdon (for example) will get a few cents everytime the Animals' version of "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" (for example) is played in the US, and not just Mann/Weil. Or so I understand.

Thu May 6 16:24:45 CEST 1999

mattk

Sorry Dexy, I wasn't sure. Lord knows we've had our share of firefights over these issues. Guess I'm still a bit wary after the big hoo-hah last Xmas...

Thu May 6 16:17:49 CEST 1999

mattk

"The worst thing is that Tribute bands are now selling more concert seats than the originals"

This is exactly what is driving the law here in the states. The poster child for this kind of weirdness is/are the Platters. The originals are essentially out of the group and touring on their own or in variations, meanwhile, the managment-type that OWNS the name The Platters continues to cull new singers with each passing generation, singing the old songs and passing them off as the original group.

Obviously, the current *official* lineup is somewhat younger than the originals, but when marketing the concerts, there is nothing that indicates that the ticket buyer is getting something other than the real deal.

There are two things to keep in mind, here:

1. This bill is less about protecting musicians and performers than it is about truth in advertising and protecting the consumer/ticket buyer.
2. Originally, this law was aimed more at groups that are the product of marketing and starmaking. In other words, groups like the Platters, Sha Na Na, the Monkees, the Village People, Menudo, etc which are the brainchildren of marketers BEFORE they are a musical concept, BEFORE there are members, etc.

   Groups like The Band, or Pink Floyd, or even Creedence, where there is internal acrimony and deaths within the ensemble and debates about "creative leadership" are less affected. Sadly, these groups will always need to work out their issues in civil court as it really comes down to who legally owns the name, the songs, etc.

   With bands like the Platters, etc, there's no real question that the NAME is owned seperately from the musicians. The problem is that the original members who established the songs aren't getting a peice of the action. So, if you're the guy who sang "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' and made it a hit for the Platters, and that's why people go see the revival and your version is played over and over to market the revival, why don't you get points? From the consumer point of view, why isn't there a requirement on the Marketer to indicate somewhere that when you buy that Platters ticket, you're not going to here that guy sing "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes?"

At least that's the theory. Unfortunately, as so often happens, the US Congress (and perhaps any government body) will end up producing a confusing and ineffective law as they simultaneously try to score points at home with voters while getting their pockets padded by TicketMaster and the management firms to keep the teeth out of any law that might hurt sales.

In the end, most likely an exercise in futility, which will only further undermine the artist's ability to control their creative output, image and payment over the course of their lives.

Now if Congress wants to get down and make it harder for people like Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, et al to be continually screwed by insane and compulsory contracts which deny them rights to songs, that's another matter. On this issue, Levon is on the money. The industry will do everything it can to screw the musicians and the composers under contract, and there is very little on the US law books which protects musicians from industry extortion.

ok, off my soapbox now...

matt

Thu May 6 16:09:18 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

1) Who was Danny Gatton, anyway?

2) I mentioned the Cleftones the other day. I checked the doo-wop book that I have, and it lists one of their records as Ware 6001. (The CanSquires were 6002.)

3) On checking my 45s, I see that the times on both songs on the "The Weight" 45 are 4 seconds longer than on the LP, but I think that can be attributed to stopwatch error.

4) I also found a note that I made many many years ago on the sleeve of the CanSquires 45, to the effect that it was on the Canadian Top 10 (i.e., the biggest selling Canadian records in Canada, not the biggest sellers overall) in July 1965, and another note that it had been released in 27/4/65. I don't know where I would have gotten such a detail, but I did. I assume the date applied to the Apex release, not the Ware, but I imagine the Ware date must've been close - and perhaps not '64 (as in Levon Helm's book).

Thu May 6 15:22:27 CEST 1999

David Powell

Yes Bumbles we are all participants in our own demise and responsible for the consequences of our actions. However, in the music business, when you're young & in-fashion, the businessmen in control seem to tolerate certain personal problems. If you happen to be someone like Kurt Cobain or Scott Weiland, for example, they'll hire "babysitters" to watch over their problem-child investments. But if you happen to be someone whose music is no longer in fashion, they gently show you out the door, telling you how great you once were.

Thu May 6 15:02:26 CEST 1999

Dexy

MattK -- Jeez, I knew you were kidding. I was just joining in. RE: the wacky Truth in Rock Act -- let's guess there's a Mr. Fogerty behind that one.

Thu May 6 09:19:54 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Truth in Rock act: I don’t think you can legislate against a poor concert. I saw Scotty Moore “and his Band” last week. The band were a competent British pick up bunch (and were allowed to do announcements, revealing their accents) . When Scotty & D.J. emerged, the British drummer moved to the front mic and did really excellent vocals on the 100% Elvis set list. D.J. Fontana is still a phenomenal drummer and can still kick shit, BUT he kept standing up after every three numbers as if to leave. Scotty was sadly “confused” in a senior way. Halfway through one number he stopped and asked for nail clippers. The band continued. They announced the next song, “I Got a woman” and started. Scotty continued to clip his nails, absolutely unaware of the audience. The band dissolved into a 12 bar instrumental until he finished. He finished looked up, looked very confused, and joined in. After he got applause for the “Heartbeak Hotel” solo he played it four times. Just the solo. The pick-up guitarist was shadowing his solos, taking over when he fluffed them, which was often. But I’m still glad I went. He’s a legend, and still has the sound in the good bits. However, it reminds us that there comes a time to retire.

I feel sorry for some long-lived bands with the proposed legislation. Take The Searchers. Some of the originals left when they were still having hits, so the “replacements” have had 30 years on the road in the band. Will the legislation affect them? And what constitutes the originals? i.e. should the Rolling Stones be allowed to perform with only three original members? And what was the original band? Would Mick Taylor count? More pertinently, our very own Jim Weider has been working hard and playing superbly in The Band for fourteen years. And RR has said in interviews that he wishes the (present) Band well. He was happy to leave, but didn’t stop the others continuing. I guess the legislation affects cases where those who left do want to stop a “replacement” group. The answer is that the band is the line-up on the current album. If the ones who left want to stop it, then they stop the album. The worst thing is that Tribute bands are now selling more concert seats than the originals. What do you do about that?

Wed May 5 22:58:03 CEST 1999

Les Thierolf

The Washington Post had an interesting article today on (seriously) The Truth in Rock Act being introduced in Congress to protect fans and original members of rock groups. An example they gave was of Mark Lindsay formerly of Paul Revere and the Raiders. The touring group has replaced Lindsay with a tall singer who sounds like him. Oddly enough, Lindsay and the other guy (Paul Revere) had a long running feud. The bill is supposed to protect fans who pay good money to see groups from the past who may not even have a single member from the original group. It is an interesting article. Maybe it's a way for Robbie to get more money. :} The site - www.washingtonPost.com/wp-srv/style/music/features/rock0505.htm

Les.

p.s. - I recently received Across the Great Divide CD's from the BMG Music Club for $23.99 P&H included!

Wed May 5 21:48:38 CEST 1999

mattk

Interesting that Danny Gatton's name comes up...

Living in the DC/Baltimore area, Danny's ghost hangs like a fog over much of the blues/jazz scene here. His death affected a lot of players here personally, and many of the guys here who knew Danny still seem troubled by such a great talent ending his own life like that.

Still it's good to see that Danny enjoys such world-wide recognition to be mentioned in the same breath as Richard and Paul Butterfield and Roy Buchanan...

Matt

Dexy: I was only making a joke. In fact, in my house whenever anything goes wrong, we've taken to blaming Robbie for all our problems. It's quite liberating--I see it's appeal for Levon ; )

(please refrain from the phlames folks, it's just good natured goofiness here).

Wed May 5 21:08:18 CEST 1999

Bumbles

David Powell: Your last, elegiac post makes it sound as though the ‘powers to be’ [sic] euthanatized R. Manuel, P. Butterfield et al. when in fact each was an active participant in his own demise. As far as I know, the music industry currently has in place no such policy based on decrepitude and diminished usefulness. Messrs. Danko and Helm can rest easy.

mattk: That’s the way I remember it, too. Robertson is currently twirling his mustache and planning to foreclose on Levon’s club with the aim of reopening as a coffehouse/art cinema/cigar bar with a vaguely Scorcesian cum Native American theme.

Band Covers: Rodger Collins’ “She’s Lookin’ Good” was a natural for Levon and both Maxine Brown’s “”All in My Mind” and Ray Charles’ “If You Were Mine” would have been terrific showcases for Richard. Also thought the 80s Band, so bereft of material they were doing Artie Traum songs, would have sounded great with the three voices trading lines on Dylan’s “Sweetheart Like You.”

Wed May 5 19:45:46 CEST 1999

Dexy

MattK, if what you say is true, I've bought by last Dreamworks CD. If there is such a thing.

Wed May 5 17:28:32 CEST 1999

mattk

I'd heard that Robbie pulled strings and had Levon's narration poorly engineered on purpose. As I understand it, he got Pete Townsend drunk and now owns all of the publishing rights to Tommy now too.

Wed May 5 16:45:20 CEST 1999

David Powell

Many of us sorely miss talented musicians such as Richard Manuel, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Jesse Edwin Davis, Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton and many others. It's unfortunate that the powers to be in the music business constantly cast aside the mature, established musicians in favor of the latest "flavor-of-the-month" performers.

Wed May 5 15:36:37 CEST 1999

Dexy

Zuke -- Pete got it right. I've seen the Who doc, and it's most definitely our Levon, at his most Levonesque. Unlike his straightforward, understated narration at the end of THE RIGHT STUFF and others, they had him damn near shout this one at the top of his Turkey Scratched lungs. But, it shore is him.

Wed May 5 14:08:48 CEST 1999

Patric

Just adding a snippet to David Powell's info' on Bob Dylan, A much criticized biography on him by Bob Spitz is well worth a read. One chapter deals with an obsessed Dylan fan named Webberman who follows him everywhere and even goes through his garbage !!, I loved the chapter title..You Dont Need A Webberman To Know Which Way The Wind Blows .

Wed May 5 14:07:47 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Sunday was the night of a big reunion rock and roll show in Toronto, featuring a number of reassembled local groups from the sixties and early seventies. Among them were two post-Band Hawkins spin-off groups - Robbie Lane and the Disciples (the Band/Hawks' immediate successors) and Crowbar (possibly the closest to the Band in terms of feel and style). Crowbar's set included a versions of "Remedy" and "Ain't No More Cane On The Brazos". "Cane" was very much like the version the committed to vinyl in '71 or '72 - and very different from the Basement Tapes version.

Wed May 5 04:21:54 CEST 1999

Wolle

Hallo, Jim Weider Webside ist Super! Wann kommt The Band für Concerte nach Germany??? Gruß an alle Wolle

Wed May 5 03:42:51 CEST 1999

Katsumi Murata

It is a very usuful site. I appreciate your information. I'm going to introduce this site in my HP.

Wed May 5 03:37:05 CEST 1999

zuke

Pete, Are you sure that was Levon on the Who Legends? Kris Kristoferson does a lot of those voice overs.
Speaking of that I passed over a Willie Nelson/Kristofferson vinyl at the used store the other day. I'll probably kick myself at some point for doing that. It seemed to have a lot of the same songs as Kris's "Silver Tongue Devil".

Wed May 5 02:18:00 CEST 1999

Marvin Gardens

Found Northern Lights Southern Cross at Tower Records. :-) Thanks Brown Eyed Johnny.

Wed May 5 02:17:07 CEST 1999

Ellarbee

To Diamond Lil: Thanks for remembering Paul Butterfield today. When one thinks of the highs and lows in the music world, Butter must come to mind. Along with Roy Buchanon, Danny Gatton, and many others, including, of course, our Richard Manuel. Wouldn't it have been interesting to have heard what Rick Danko and Paul Butterfield could have produced, had their little band lasted long enough and been straight enough to commit good work to vinyl? Not to be, though. Thanks, Butter, for all the pleasure. Rest in peace in your new walkin' sboes.

Tue May 4 23:55:15 CEST 1999

DC

Looking forward to seeing John Hammond on May 13-14th. I'm certain it will be a wonderful show as I've never seen a bad one!

Tue May 4 23:31:03 CEST 1999

spencer dale

simply the best

Tue May 4 20:41:07 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Another snippet from "Stone Alone" - Bob Dylan was present on the Hammond/Wyman/RR session, seemingly as an observer.

Tue May 4 18:21:23 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Paul Godfrey: Eugene Smith relocated from the Collingwood area to Vancouver Island about a year ago. Reports are that he's doing well. He lived there - or at least in the Vancouver area - in the mid '70s, and recorded a handful of singles for Terry Jacks' Goldfish label. You may remember Freight Train.

Tue May 4 18:13:45 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Bill Munson. Thank you for filling me in on "Lucifer" I have the album around somewhere. "Old Mother Nature" had a longer album version than the single. We played it a bit when I was program director/music director at CFTR. Which brings me to old friend Jim Brady in the morning. You certainly rival Jim when it comes to musical knowledge. Thanks as well for the other CHUM chart posts. Do you know what became of Eugene? I mc'd a gig with him at Queens University while working at CKWS radio. Thats when he had J Smith & the Majestics.

Tue May 4 17:12:23 CEST 1999

greg

I'm checking to see if can get a post on here...Also,I have a comment on the song "Chest Fever";I didn't realize until reading this site that later the song somehow evolved away from the way it was recorded on "Big Pink". I made an odd discovery about this version in that it actually resembles the song "You Must've Been a Beatiful Baby",and that the intro. more closely resembles the intros. found on vintage Warner Bros. films from the '30s,and 40's than it resembles Bachs Tacatta and Fugue in d minor. I wonder if Garth Hudson was an old movie buff?

Tue May 4 15:58:41 CEST 1999

Bill

I'll nip in here with a short note - I hope before Dozing Off wakes up. Hammond's Red Bird of I Can Tell was the model for the Ugly Ducklings' version, which reached its highest point on the Toronto charts in August '66, so was probably released in July '66. Those interested can decide if this clarifies or mudifies.

Tue May 4 15:26:18 CEST 1999

David Powell

Mick Jagger & the Rolling Stones once sang "it's the singer not the song." In an article about Bob Dylan entitled "The Wanderer," in the May 10 issue of The New Yorker, the magazine's music critic Alex Ross concludes that the key to understanding the man who sang "Like A Rolling Stone" is to examine the music, rather than the myths surrounding the life of the man himself.

Mr. Ross discusses Dylan's work, as well as that of "Dylanologists" such as Greil Marcus, Clinton Heylin and others who have chronicled his every move over the years. Ross focuses at length on the structure of Dylan's lyrics & music. Unlike many Dylanologists, who would have preferred that Dylan had died in his motorcyle mishap in 1966, Ross finds validity in Dylan's recent music and performances.

Ross briefly discusses Dylan's tours with the Hawks and The Band, going into some detail regarding the 1966 Manchester concert. He mentions that the heckler who shouted "Judas" was a then twenty-year-old university student named Keith Butler, who recently came forward to discuss his motivations at the time. Incidentally, Butler now works in a bank in Toronto; how about that for symmetry.

Overall, this is a very intelligently written and thought-provoking article, as Ross reaches the conclusion that "the music is the message." At the end Ross tells us "America is no country for old men. Pop culture is a pedophile's delight. What to do with a middle-aged, well-worn songwriter who gravitates toward the melancholy and the absurd? An 'artist,' by contemporary definition, is one who displays himself in art, who shares 'felt' emotion and 'lived' experience, who meets and greets the audience...With Dylan, the emotion has certainly been felt, at one time or another, but it wells up spontaneously in the songs themselve, in the tangle of words and music."

Tue May 4 15:17:15 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

I was watching VH1 Legends last night, featuring the Who. This has probably been on a hundred times already, but for those who haven't seen it, Levon Helm provides the narration. His voice is pretty raspy. But that great Arkansas accent provides an interesting counterpoint to Townsend's and Daltry's Brit inflections.

Tue May 4 14:26:12 CEST 1999

Jonas Lundberg

I'm making a film about Rick Danko right now, it's not really about him or The Band but the soundtrack of the film will contain mostly music from The Band, (and also Bruce Springsteen The E Street Band)... ...Anyway, I think this was a cracking site, especially the pictures of "the guys". They're so good looking!! The Band is in my opinion the best band that I've ever heard and I really feel sorry for those who haven't disovered them yet. You have missed something!!

Tue May 4 10:50:44 CEST 1999

Diamond Lil

Just remembering

Paul Butterfield. May 4,1987.

Tue May 4 10:17:18 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Hammond sessions: Were the Wyman tracks 1965 or 1967? We were both wrong. They were 1966. I checked “Stone Alone.” The tracks with Bill Wyman were cut on the evening of 23 June 1966. Wyman kept a meticulous diary and gives dates for everything. On the 23rd June he flew London-New York. Hammond phoned him just after arrival. He drove over to the studio and says: “I played bass alongside guitarist Robbie Robertson, and various others, cutting three tracks.” We learn that he then went back to Hammond’s, drank, smoked, met a girl called Suzanne, spent the night with her at the Holiday Inn and on the 24th flew to Lynn for a concert. The book has this sort of detail with some repetition. (see p 380). So the tracks with Wyman date from June 66, telling us that RR was working right after the European tour ended in May. Wyman says he played on three tracks. Two of which are on the “I Can tell” album. I’d assume that the rest of the album was done in May 67 as it claims on the sleeve.

Tue May 4 04:49:35 CEST 1999

Elizabeth Jo Brown

I am only twenty years old and fell in love with The Band a few years ago. In my mind there has never been a band as great as The Band.

Tue May 4 04:24:45 CEST 1999

Pat Brennan

Peter, a slight correction. Most of us find it interesting...

Tue May 4 00:55:55 CEST 1999

Wolfgang

Hallo The Band,hallo liebe Fans, in dem Deutschen Musikermagazin Gitarre& Bass- 4/99 Seite 70-73 Carl Carlton (Peter Maffay Band) Intereview/Story erzählte Carl das er mit "The Band" auch gerne einmal in seinem Leben spielen möchte.Und im April habe ich Zufällig Carl Carlton in einem Großen Hamburger Plattenladen getroffen,wobei er mir erzählte das er auch "The Band" Fan ist. Es grüßt Euch Wolle

Mon May 3 23:02:31 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

But some of us find it interesting: According to the sleeves "I Can Tell"(Atlantic) says "Recorded in NYC May 1967, Released Oct 1967" and somewhere one of The Band mentions going down to NYC from Big Pink to record with Hammond.

The sleeve of "So Many roads" (Vanguard) says released 1965. I don’t know about the Red Bird single because I don’t have it, but the version of "I Wish You would" on the compilation "The Best of JH" (also Vanguard) differs from the one "I Can tell". The voice, bass line, harp part and guitar part are different. Not different mix, different parts. The sleeve on "Best of JH" gives the same group as "So Many roads". Either it’s an out-take or the single. But undoubtedly it is not the "I Can Tell" version. I’ve read "Stone alone" & will check it later but I think any Hammond reference would have jumped at me. Whether the Red Bird one has a similar arrangement, I don’t know. But the Best of … version sounds like Levon & The Hawks stuff as on later Ronnie Hawkins recordings, with very busy RR guitar. On "I Can tell" it’s much more restrained – accents rather than dominating lead. By the deeper Hammond vocal, and fuller ambience, I’d bet that the "I Can tell" version was a subsequent one, whenever it was recorded. Remember that Greil Marcus also said in "Rolling Stone" that (a) Levon had written "You Cheated" and that it was LATER a hit for the Shields (wrong way round) & (b) "You Cheated" had influenced more people than "Big Pink". Much as I admire & respect Marcus, he can be mistaken.

Mon May 3 22:55:02 CEST 1999

Jonna C. Garcia

This is for Robbie Robertson....what a funky CD "Contact from Underworld...." is. I LOVED IT!!! I was disappointed that you didn't make it to Native Roots and Rhythms in August of 1998. Hope that you tour in this part of the U.S. soon!

Mon May 3 22:07:01 CEST 1999

Dozing Off

Zzzzzzzzz.............

Mon May 3 21:59:01 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

David Powell: Glad you asked. That's one of the fundamental questions of our time. Assuming that Hammond had a contract with Vanguard, and not an album-by-album deal that allowed him to label hop, he must've finished with Vanguard, signed with Red Bird - or more probably with Leiber and Stoller - then moved to Atlantic, taking the L&S tapes. But what years are we talking about? So Many Roads seems to be '64 (as others have said) or '65 (as you say - perhaps with verification?). Red Bird ran from '64 to '67, I believe, but L&S bailed out in '66. The Red Bird numbering system is no help (to me) because L&S numbered their productions separately from George Goldner's (e.g., Hammond is 047, but the Shangri-Las' records were all in the 3000s). Someone told me yesterday to check Wyman's Stone Alone book for clues (as he played on the two Red Bird songs that were released on 45), but I haven't had a chance.

Mon May 3 21:41:12 CEST 1999

David Powell

Bill Munson: Regarding the recording chronology of Hammond's albums, I'm still confused as to whether or not "I Can Tell" was recorded before or after "So Many Roads." Hammond recorded several, not just one, folk/blues albums on the Vanguard label prior to the 1965 release of "So Many Roads" featuring Robbie, Garth & Levon. Did Hammond record the "I Can Tell" sessions after that, perhaps after leaving Vanguard?

Mon May 3 20:28:37 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Three things:

1) More on John Hammond's Red Bird recording(s) (to continue a Viney/Munson conversation begun when site was down): Hardy and Laing's 1976 Encyclopedia of Rock, Volume 2, has this to say: "After cutting a folk blues album for Vanguard, Hammond formed an electric band in 1964, recording an album for Leiber and Stoller's Red Bird label which featured Robbie Robertson, then of the Hawks, on guitar. The record was not released until 1968 when Atlantic bought the tapes." Marcus's Mystery Train says the following: "In 1965, Robbie and Rick Danko worked with John Hammond, Jr., on the sessions that in 1967 came out on Hammond's I Can Tell (LP)." On comparing Hammond's Red Bird 45, I Can Tell / I Wish You Would (Red Bird RB 10-047) with the LP version (actually, the CD reissue of the LP), I hear the same recordings.

2) While leafing through Vol 1 of the aforementioned encyclopedia, my eyes fastened on the entry for the Cleftones. "... the Cleftones re-entered the charts in 1961-62, with [several songs]. Under the guidance of Henry Glover .... The group also recorded for Rama, Roulette and Ware." So it looks like George Goldner took them with him from Rama to Roulette, where Glover was a producer/A&R guy. And then Glover took them to his own Ware label, which I know otherwise only for having released the Canadian Squires record. I wonder if the Cleftones are the background singers on Hawkins' Boss Man, and, more interestingly, who Glover used as backup musicians on the Cleftones' Ware recordings.

3) More CHUM Toronto chart placings: The Stones That I Throw - #22 in Dec 65; Up On Cripple Creek - 8 in Jan 70; Oout Of The Blue - 11 in July 78; Raised On Robbery - 8 in Mar 74; Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window - 42 in Jan 66.

Mon May 3 17:40:31 CEST 1999

David Powell

Smithsonian Institution Press has just published "Backbeat," an oral biography of drummer Earl Palmer, organized & written by Tony Scherman. Mr. Palmer, one of the most influential drummers in rock & roll, began as a session player in New Orleans and later moved to Los Angeles. He played on hundreds of the earliest rock hits, from from Fats Domino & Little Richard in New Orleans to Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive" in L.A., and so many others too numerous to mention here. In a recent interview, Levon Helm named Mr. Palmer as one of the influences on his drumming style.

In "Backbeat," Mr. Palmer recalls how he changed his style of playing when he first began recording with Little Richard in New orleans in 1955. From a drummer's viewpoint, he explains a distinguishing, rhythmic characteristic of what would become known as rock & roll. Here is a brief except:

"The first time I felt like a page was being turned was Little Richard. I hadn't heard anything like this before. He went into that ding-ding-ding-ding at the piano, and I thought, 'This is wild.'...Richard liked to record right after a show, when he was wired. Came in the studio with a briefcase full of cash and set it up on the piano...What I remember about those sessions is how physical they were. You got to realize how Richard played. I'll tell you, the only reason I started playing what they come to call rock-and-roll beat came from trying to match Richard's right hand. Ding-ding-ding-ding! Most everything I had done before was a shuffle or slow triplets. Fats Domino's early things were shuffle. Smiley Lewis's things were shuffles. but Little Richard moved from a shuffle to that straight eighth-note feeling. I don't know who played that way first, Richard or Chuck Berry. Even if Chuck Berry played staight eights on guitar, his band still played a shuffle behind him."

So many people, over the years, have attempted to define rock & roll and to pin-point its origins. It's great to get insight into this music from one of the key participants, in the words Mr. Palmer himself.

Mon May 3 16:55:59 CEST 1999

Pete Rivard

Re the latest discussions on Band tribute performances, there was a Prairie Home Companion broadcast around 1990 or so that features songwriter Greg brown, then a show regular, leading a medley of Band tunes. I remember The weight and Up On Cripple Creek being two of them. It seems to me that mandolinist/fiddler Peter Ostrousko and maybe Robin and Linda Williams were in on the medley. Anyway, I've emailed the producer of the show to see if he can ferret out the details. It's a worthy addition to serious Bandophiles or collectors.

Mon May 3 15:38:25 CEST 1999

Bill Munson

Paul Godfrey, thank you so much for mentioning one of my all-time favourites, Eugene Smith - who appears as Jay Smith in various Band-related books. He did Old Mother Nature as leader of the band Lucifer, who did an LP and three 45s for Invictus (Holland-Dozier-Holland's label after leaving Motown). Magnificent stuff, but not at all mainstream. Smith was/is one of THE most talented R&B singers anybody could hope to see, but with Lucifer he was checking out different voices - much influenced, I'm told, by the Band's. Locals may remember Lucifer's hit version of Bloodshot Eyes. Others will remember Jay Smith and the Majestics' single, Howlin', featuring the first great sub-Robbie guitar solo - this one by Bobby Starr (who eventually took Robertson's place on Hawkins' bandstand, with the Disciples).

Mon May 3 15:26:29 CEST 1999

Jerry

This is a very good site. Thanks.

Sun May 2 19:09:51 CEST 1999

Alun Jones

Peter Viney - many thanks for the info. I am aghast at the prospect - however speculative - of the inclusion of Elton John on a "fantasy" Band tribute album. Yes, his earlier albums such as "Tumbleweed Connection" were clearly heavily influenced, but can you imagine the syrupy readings he would probably serve up today - perhaps I'm wrong I hope so. A much better bet would be Bernie Taupin's Farm Dogs. On hearing their "Immigrant Sons" album I was struck by the ensemble playing and singing and Taupin's ( I think ) turn of phrase; similar to Robbie's. I hope I'm not being unfair to them, but it seems to me that in some sense they have tried to emulate something of The Band; not to say that they're not individualistic and enjoyable in their own right. Of course Taupin lauded The Band in the splendid Classic Album video.It's sometimes commented that The Band's outsider's view of americana was significant -perhaps Taupin has a little of this. I still yearn for the real thing and I'm very greatful for all that we have. To paraphrase Neil Young -long may they run!

Sun May 2 13:18:18 CEST 1999

J. Shyster Loophole

Honorable Hideki Mukoyoshi

We have advised the boys to refrain from any sojournings to your venue. We don't like the way you gentlemen check packages.

Sun May 2 13:10:24 CEST 1999

Carmen

Hey Marvin - got a great hat lamp for your trip to jericho. Might have to attach it directly to your head though :-)

Jan: A cover album of Band tunes by Norwegian artists in Norwegian sounds like a great idea. Any chance "The Jan" will make a comeback for that?

John Donabie: Don't be gone too long. Your posts are always informative. There's a whole lot more to talk about when it comes to The Band. Not ready to leave the ice just yet.

Sun May 2 12:14:22 CEST 1999

HIDEKI MUKOYOSHI

I'm the biggest fan of the Band in JAPAN. I hope the Band come to YOKOHAMA again!

Sun May 2 11:18:03 CEST 1999

Peter Viney

Alun: I saw a paperback “This Wheel’s On Fire” by Levon this week in Virgin, Southampton. I looked at it to see if it was a reissue. It didn’t make it clear. Anyway, either it’s back in print or it’s an old copy. Why not phone Virgin, Southampton and ask them to send it?

Didn’t see The Times comment, but another review a few weeks back (Sunday Times) also compared The Gourds to The Band. They said it was “Bluegrass played by swaggering punks, Cajun tunes filtered through the kaleidescopic cosmic American lens of The Band”. It’s a highly enjoyable album and probably filed under “country” in the UK. Listen to the title track (The Ghosts of Hallelujah) first (if the store lets you).

Patric: on the other hand being in a Levis ad is like an RR Hall of Fame award. The older Levis compilation albums are great in themselves (The Joker, Piece of My Heart, Summertime Blues …). I never knew why they didn’t pick up on “The Weight” - and huge ad campaigns bring in new younger audiences to the music.

Sun May 2 09:49:43 CEST 1999

Patric

Speaking of Band covers, one of my favourites is The Weight by Jackie De Shannon, it was in a movie whose name escapes me but while it was playing I recall a lot of religious symbols showing on the screen..fitted into the mood nicely.One thing that does make me indignant is when I see wonderful classics being cannabalised to sell products on television. I remember seeing The Weight being used to market coke[ the drinking kind] and it was The Band"s Big Pink version too. I can think of many others which prove the advertising industry cannot produce their own images and fall back on old favourites or is it because the target audience feel an affinity with the song and buy the product ?.

Sun May 2 08:26:51 CEST 1999

Alun Jones

I read in this Saturday's "Times" magazine a micro-review of The Gourds' "Ghosts of Hallelujah" - "..reminiscent of The Band at their most playfull." Any connections, any thoughts? Can anybody tell me where I can get hold of the Band biogs- any plans for a reprint or two? Thanks to Jan and contributors for what is truly one of the best sites on the web.

Sun May 2 04:33:55 CEST 1999

Al Vacado

Songs Levon could cover: Said before but Bear's repeatin- Barry Manilow's best- Mandy & Copacabana.

Sun May 2 03:57:04 CEST 1999

Phil

Songs Levon could do? Johnny Rivers greatest hits! Picture this, "Mountain Of Love", "Poor Side Of Town", "Secret Agent Man", even "Slow Dancing" on and on.... They do sound a bit similar, you can't deny.

Sun May 2 01:59:22 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Songs Levon might have covered: Two come to mind the first of which I actually presented him as a possible single. "Old Mother Nature" by Eugene Smith. Can't remember the name of the group he was with at the time on a Detroit label. He sometimes used an unusual 4 string guitar tuning. Bill Munson,John Donabie or Stanley can you help my memory on this. You will recall that Eugene Smith was a member of the Hawks during the 2nd half of the 60's. The second song would be Elton John's "Country Comfort." Always admired Elton for his statements about being influenced by the Band on his Anthology CD set. Of course Elton also recorded "Levon." Many artists will not talk about early influences for fear of being pigeon holed into a particular type of music.

Sun May 2 00:31:18 CEST 1999

Marvin Gardens

Don't like knocking a company unless they deserve it. I ordered "Northern Lights Southern Cross" from Tappedinto on March 25th. On 4/30 they told me they were cancelling the order. They took the order back when without telling me they didn't have it in stock. CD Now tells you that immediately & allows you to cancel. After the fiasco with Jubilation I have to say that the company is all "tapped out" as far as I'm concerned. I would never ever order from them again. Just one man's opinion.

Meanwhile I'm without Acadian Driftwood, It Makes No Difference, Forbidden Fruit and Jupiter Hollow. I'm desperately seeking a Band cap (blue & white) for my trip to the land of Jericho. Are you listening George? :-)

Sat May 1 22:12:53 CEST 1999

John Donabie

If Jan doesn't mind the "bad covers thread" and if I read between the lines of Peter Viney's last post than I stand corrected. TTFN & enjoy.

Sat May 1 22:06:51 CEST 1999

Jonathan Katz

Band Bootlegs: Somebody mentioned the poor quality of these as a whole, and its true. Hollywood Bowl is an audience tape [despite Levon's claim in his book that it is soundboard]. Overall it is a good listen, but with other official releases available now it just doesn't draw me back. Of course, I'm partial to the Complete Last Waltz and I haven't heard some of the other boots that come from that concert or the sound checks. Also good are some of the ones w/o Dylan from the basement period, but I've heard most of these on circulating tapes, so I can't comment on individual unofficial releases. One that I do go back to with some regularity is "This Wheel's On Fire" Oh Boy 1-9051. Its Jersey City 7/31/73 and/or 8/1/73. Despite the fact that Richard blows some lyrics, the sound is good, and there is some f---ing fantastic guitar from Robbie on "Life Is a Carnival." Get this one if you can find it.

Sat May 1 21:16:02 CEST 1999

arne henrik

do you have some music of sputnik ?

Sat May 1 21:12:55 CEST 1999

Vanilla

What if you turned the Band cover question around? What songs could the Band have covered and maybe given us something special? I think Levon could have done justice to a lot of the Marshall Tucker Band's material ("Fire On the Mountain" or "Heard It In A Love Song"). It would have been interesting to let Richard have a shot at the Allman Bros. "Melissa." And it kinda hurts to think about it, but what if Robbie (on a GOOD day) tried Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home?"

As for Danko, I'd settle for any Sam Cooke song, and I bet he could pull it off.

Sat May 1 07:56:31 CEST 1999

Jan Høiberg

I don't mind the "bad covers" thread (ok, so this guestbook isn't properly threaded like e.g. the Robertson board at Capitol's site, but then again the traffic isn't big enough to justify splitting it into threads anyway). Silly, maybe, but compared to what goes in most Usenet newsgroups, this guestbook is _serious_.

Talking about Band covers, I've been using my humble connections in the music industry over here for years, trying to initiate a "Norwegian artists do The Band in Norwegian" project, like they've done with e.g. Dylan and Cohen earlier. No luck so far, but the artists think it's a good idea even if they seem a little afraid of translating the lyrics.

I'm surprised that there still is no "Tribute to The Band" album with major international rock acts. There are so many huge Band fans among them, and several excellent covers already exist on various albums.

Sat May 1 07:03:23 CEST 1999

Who Me?

EXTRA EXTRA! The Odds & Ends stores are selling videos of the Band's biography for $1.99. I don't know if this is a nation wide chain or just regional. A trader from Rochester, NY informed me of this today. Stock up now!

Sat May 1 02:07:14 CEST 1999

Paul Godfrey

Bill, Thank you for the CHUM Chart notations. Tracy, With the exception of Yanni and Bill Shatner, the others in your lineup might do credit to the Band. I never much liked Joan Baez doing Dixie. But, according to the charts a lot of people did. Come to think of it the Band's music should be performed and celebrated by anyone who has the talent and bravery to stand in their shadow. John John, lighten up...even our boys backed up Tiny Tim ;-}

Sat May 1 00:45:02 CEST 1999

Stanley Landau

John Donabie, I usually agree with everything you say on this Guestbook, but this time I'm with Diamond Lil. We all share a common passion and it's ok to goof around once in a while.

On another note, there was a discussion a while back on people who were in touch with both sides of the "Feud". Does anyone know how Bob Dylan feels about this? My guess is that he and Robbie are on the outs, but if that's correct, then why?

Finally, I would also like to add my voice to those who have thanked Jan for all his efforts related to this site.