The Band Guestbook, September 2013

Entered at Mon Sep 30 20:59:58 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Subject: TLW tribute, Toronto, Nov 24

From a newsgroup post received recently:

Toronto Blues All Stars to perform music from the Last Waltz on Sunday, Nov. 24th. Hugh's Room in Toronto. 13 people on stage! TICKETS ON SALE NOW. Don't be disappointed.

Featuring - The Weber Brothers, Johnny Max and musical Director Lance Anderson and surprise guests.

On the American Thanksgiving in 1976 at San Fransico’s Winterland Ballroom, THE BAND performed their final concert. They called this evening their ‘LAST WALTZ’ and invited many of their friends to join in the celebration. Martin Scorsese’s film of this event is recognized as one of the best concert films of it’s era.

Producer and Musical Director, Lance Anderson, has put together an All Star Canadian cast of award winning Blues and Roots musicians to perform the music of that memorable evening. Backed by a band that includes Jerome Levon Avis (Levon Helm’s godson) on drums and vocals, Terry Blersh (guitar), Dennis Pinhorn (The Hawks) on bass, Rob Gusevs on organ and Lance Anderson on piano and vocals, this is a group of seasoned veterans who love this music. the band will also include a four piece horn section including, David Dunlop on Trumpet, Gord Meyers on Trombone and Tuba, Chris Murphy on Baritone sax and John Johnson on Tenor sax. As with the Levon Helm tribute, we will have guest artists join the ensemble to sing the music of other artists at the Last Waltz. The fabulous Weber Brothers doing songs by Bob Dylan, Johnny Max, (Ronnie Hawkins, Van Morrison), and other special surprise guests.

THE BAND is a Canadian National treasure. Four members of this legendary roots music group were from Southern Ontario. They were originally put together as ‘The HAWKS’ by Ronnie Hawkins and later gained international recognition as Bob Dylan’s Band on his ground breaking electric tours. the music they created reeked of southern rural life, like ‘Up On Cripple Creek’, ‘The Night They Drove Ol’ Dixie Down’, or the gospel soaked ‘The Weight’. This 90+ minute evening will include a wide selection of BAND songs from the concert, including ‘Life is a Carnival’, ‘The Shape I’m In’, ‘Rag Mama Rag’, ‘It Makes No Difference’, Ophelia and lots more. Also songs by the guest which include Neil Young’s ‘Helpless’, Paul Butterfield’s ‘Mystery Train’, Van Morrison’s ‘Caravan’ and more….

Come and join us to celebrate on this, the 37th Anniversary weekend of this historic concert. Come to hear the music played as it should be …. from the heart.

Entered at Mon Sep 30 20:29:48 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Received the box set version of "Live at the Academy" Saturday and enjoyed listening to the first four discs over the weekend. When time permits, I'm looking forward to listening to the surround sound DVD mix on my modest home theater system. As others have noted, one can't go wrong with the two-disc version, but the box set is a must for died in the wool fans. Along with the clarity of Bob Clearmountain's new mix, which brings out details previously buried in the original mix, Sebastian's "soundboard" mix puts you in the audience near the front of the stage at the New Year's Eve concert. You get to hear how, in the hands of these master musicians, they honed the songs over several nights of performance. Onstage, flying without a net, they took the material to new heights with skill and abandon.

Entered at Mon Sep 30 20:11:48 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Mon Sep 30 17:21:46 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Norm: Your post reminded me of Hoyle Nix's great double-entendre song "Big Balls in Cowtown", made popular by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys :-)

Entered at Mon Sep 30 04:55:14 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

wu

Entered at Mon Sep 30 04:07:56 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.81)

Bill M

Rockin Chair: No effing way!

Entered at Sun Sep 29 19:03:25 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Prairie Oyster

I forgot Bill, this is Susan's fav. of PO.......uuuuuh...have you ever tried any Bill???

Entered at Sun Sep 29 18:56:46 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Allman Brothers - Into the Mystic

Damn I like the way Butch plays drums in this mix.....great job.

I like Man in the Moon too Bill, but I guess my favourite is "Will I do 'till the real thing comes along."

Entered at Sun Sep 29 18:50:01 CEST 2013 from (90.238.56.92)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Rhytm(?) and blues(?)

I was stuck in traffic jam (on a Sunday!). The car in front of me had register plates RNB. I had Rihanna in car radio. They call this music for R'n'B, right? Unfortunately it has neither rhytm or blues!

When I left parking lot I saw a humble little car take my place. An older woman without make-up. Nobody noticed her. At least she had rhytm and, occassionally, even blues. She was Agneta from Abba.

Entered at Sun Sep 29 14:52:15 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Are you saying your watching it live from Norway? And if so, how are you doing it?

Entered at Sun Sep 29 08:47:10 CEST 2013 from (68.199.208.163)

Jeff A.

Subject: Who has a buck to spare?

A new twist on Steve's concept of getting paid to post. Well, maybe, maybe not. This is my song, my production, a teaser to a larger, impending electric project.

Entered at Sun Sep 29 05:14:45 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Subject: Live video from Levon Helm Studios

Watching tonight's Midnight Ramble from Woodstock live in crisp HD (link above). Lovely.

Entered at Sun Sep 29 03:21:52 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Rockin Chair: The delta between a bull (Ferdinand?) and a steer is a prairie oyster. My favourite PO song is "The Man In The Moon" from the first album. Founding member Joan Besen is one of the two pianists dueting with Robbie Robertson's late '50s / early '60s colleague, Scott Cushnie on his first "Two Pianos No Waiting". I thought of Scott this afternoon when I heard Aerosmith's "Dream On", which he's on due to having spent five years in groups with producer Jack Douglas.

Entered at Sun Sep 29 00:55:52 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: The Perfect Storm

Yeah JQ.....it's like some one flicked the switch and it's the equinox storms awready.....louszy isn't it.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 23:44:25 CEST 2013 from (63.142.158.9)

JQ

Norm - are you getting whacked with this storm yet; we're at 4 inches since 10 this am?

Entered at Sat Sep 28 22:32:43 CEST 2013 from (99.146.120.58)

Tim

Subject: Chest Fever 85

for those who couldn't open, try pasting this in your browser http://web.archive.org/web/20051030082331/http://theband.hiof.no/video_clips/chest_fever_85.mov

Entered at Sat Sep 28 22:28:22 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Prairie Oyster

Yer all gawd damn nuts!....well I got home......finally.

Susan and I were watching some cooking show, where they got to cooking, "prairie oysters". I'm sure some of you may not know what they are....tell 'em Bill!

Anyway that got us to thinking about that Band. So Susan brought up one of her all time favourite songs from Prairie Oyster. You got to guess which one it was.

They are a great band that we haven't heard a lot lately.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 22:25:05 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Tim, that's was great - thanks.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 22:03:40 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.81)

Bill M

Ignacius: Seriously, Sancho is "short" for Ferdinand? Pino is for Franco, I'm told.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 21:41:13 CEST 2013 from (68.199.208.163)

Jeff A.

Seemingly, you consider Ignatsius a nickname. Whether or not other people use it with you in real life, is none of our business, but you appear to have an affinity for the name. Well done, it;s a good name.

Of course, nicknames do not need to have any tie to a person's real name. A related case in point, Terence Aloysius Mahoney , a Dead End Kid character, was nicknamed Slip. And i am sometimes addressed as "fucko". I do have other nicknames as well.

I've always thought the Webers were good.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 19:46:57 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Seb is the most common contraction of Sebastian, as in Seb Coe, British Olympic gold medal winner and the guy who oversaw London's 2012 Olympic bid and its implementation. Actually, he's Lord Coe now but that's another question.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 18:51:03 CEST 2013 from (24.18.122.207)

Ignatius

Subject: Truncated names

Jeff, I appreciate the friendliness implied, but once you have taken on all the syllables of Ignatius, it is tough to give any of them up. How would you shorten Sebastian's name? Does Sebastian have a nickname? (Not just the Sebastian who generously graces this message board, but all Sebastians.) It would be something improbable, like Pancho is a nickname for Ferdinand - how did that happen? But do let me know if you have sampled the Weber Brothers, and what you think.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 18:27:44 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Not sure where to start troubleshooting here; but I don't get any video at all Tim. Just audio. It defaults to windows media player.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 16:42:37 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

Tim

Subject: 85

Jan had it posted for a while when he had videos on this site. Not sure the sources. its multi-camera, someone at the Shakespeare organization has it now and is restoring it, heard about this about a year ago. You can see Jimmy Weider and obviously Richard so it fits the 85 time frame.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 15:53:23 CEST 2013 from (50.101.209.128)

Mike Nomad

I'd be curious to know where you discovered that, Tim. Is there more?

Entered at Sat Sep 28 15:31:51 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

Tim

Subject: Chest Fever Live 85 from Stratford fundraiser

as promised the video (Very small) A snippet of Chest Fever from Nov 1985.

Entered at Sat Sep 28 09:40:20 CEST 2013 from (67.87.216.236)

Jeff A.

May we call you Iggy?

Entered at Fri Sep 27 18:12:33 CEST 2013 from (199.233.179.254)

Ignatius

Subject: Aliases

Jeff - yes an alias. I go by David Johnson, otherwise. Often wished my parents had assigned me a number instead. A number would actually identify me. While I have aspired to become THE David Johnson, having attained my sixth decade, prospects are not good. So in the meantime, I enjoy calling myself something almost as auspicious as Aloysius. (I am starting to rhyme, and will withdraw before the impulse runs out of control.)

Entered at Fri Sep 27 10:58:39 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Great stuff Adam, thanks Sebastian for allowing him to share that. I swear I can hear an extra note in Ricks bass on Rock'n'Roll shoes I haven't heard before. Between Trains - love to hear that again (and dreaming) anything else that came out of that session. In many respects BT is a lot like Out of The Blue and seems like a continuation of TLW Suite (which I really like). I always thought that a subsequent Band record might continue with that progression rather than what the 80's Band ended up (mostly) doing.

Entered at Fri Sep 27 10:46:34 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Link Wray

Toppermost today is Link Wray … I reckon the 1971 album is on a par with The Brown Album.

Also in the Dylan section, discussion just starting up on Dylan cover versions.

Entered at Fri Sep 27 03:25:37 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.95)

Adam

Subject: my fan edit of rough ROCK OF AGES footage

Several promo videos were posted online, each containing rough footage that (due to missing audio) couldn't be released officially. This is my fan edit, with a rough sync from Rock Of Ages tracks.

Thanks to Sebastian for allowing me to share this creation!

Entered at Thu Sep 26 22:54:50 CEST 2013 from (67.87.216.236)

Jeff A.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 22:35:44 CEST 2013 from (199.233.179.254)

Ignatius

Subject: Young bands on the road

Jeff A., check out the Weber Brothers who work out of the Toronto area. They have set out to travel in the footsteps of the Band quite literally, even backing Ronnie Hawkins. They are not The Band, and would not claim to be, but they are a wonderful band with some great songs. I suggest starting with their live album - Live at the Gordon. They are on Facebook,too. But your point is well taken. It has always been a difficult path that called for a great deal from the traveler.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 22:31:07 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

It features a forceful vocal by Robbie and 3/5 of The Band, with Garth on synth and Richard on background vocal. And with Jim Keltner on drums and Neil Stubenhaus on bass, what's not to like about the song!

Entered at Thu Sep 26 22:12:57 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Between Trains

Between Trains starts my Robbie Robertson Toppermost page ( linked … mind you, that's because it's in alphabetical order), but it is a great song. The world cries out for a remaster / CD debut.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 22:04:24 CEST 2013 from (63.88.115.195)

Carmen

Subject: Between Trains

Between Trains is a great song. One that I wish was available in a more modern format and frankley one that I am suprised has not been covered. IMHO- this would have easily been a top 10 BAND song.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 17:11:42 CEST 2013 from (67.87.216.236)

Jeff A.

Some Artists get goofy when it comes to some things.....Look at many of the crowdfunding programs that musical artists run..... while there are artists who offer the upcoming cd as a reward on their crowdfunding project and keep the price equivalent to a store sale, many, including many relatively unknown artists are asking for 25 bucks for that cd on their crowdfunding program. We're talking for an unsigned cd. Okay it may include shipping, but that's 2 to 3 bucks in the U.S these days. Like you say, keep it competitive....the merch table does have an operating cost, we need to remember that, and transporting the goods, hotel room and food for the people that work it..but, if they are selling a pile of items, it gets covered- key is IF they sell a pile of items- if they don't succeed , well then selling competeitvley puts em behind the eight ball........ the old reliable risk factor.

What about club sales--- small acts, mid level acts, selling the discs themselves, no merch person, asking for 20 bucks a disc.....been going on a long time, easy 12, 13 years already.........i remember buying a disc from Philip Walker, live disc he produced of a show of his, i think in France. 20 bucks...... absolutely horrible.. he had oen hot band- the problem was the recording was beyond sucky, and the manufacturing might have been.. 20- right out the window..... he was a cool guy, and amazing talent.....but, he had no qualms bout selling that garbage, pissed off a bunch of people in st louis that night and probably all over the world too with that disc

Entered at Thu Sep 26 16:06:00 CEST 2013 from (209.155.117.34)

Dan

I broke down and ordered Live at the Academy from Amazon (wish I could trade in Watkins Glen). The local Barnes and Noble did not have any on hand, but the salesperson said that somebody else had requested it ten minutes before. I too would like to have Between Trains. IOW Dylan/Band set is awesome; would really like the Band set from IOW and/or a release of an early Before the Flood concert similar to disks 3 & 4.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 15:49:07 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

I was disappointed when Rhino released the 2-CD set "Director's Cut: Music from the Films of Martin Scorsese" in 2006 and "Between Trains" was conspicuously absent. The only song included from the "King of Comedy" soundtrack was the Pretenders "Back on the Chain Gang."

Entered at Thu Sep 26 15:22:54 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: another way to make money in music

I.e. making stuff to wrap propaganda in. But it has to be "indie." Brave new world.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 11:41:58 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks for the link, Jeff. They make good points, but I think they're wrong that CD sales have necessarily died at gigs, though I think some artists are screwing them up. For example, Leonard Cohen had CDs at £15, including "Old Ideas." It's £5.57 on amazon today. People were looking at the CD stand and saying 'Oh, yes. We must get that one. We'll check amazon."

Then The Manfreds had CDs at £14 and £15. Same thing, No one buying. Lots browsing, saying "I'll get that from amazon."

It's mad. Having cut out the retailers' 33% minimum cut, or more for amazon, you can sell CDs cheaper than the shops and make a very good profit, way more than on normal sales. A sensible policy is a round figure, £10 … shops might be £9 to £12. If it looks OK, people don't worry. We all know most CDs are £12 or less. You see £15 and know it's over-priced.

The real answer is to sell "exclusive gig only CDs" … still at a nice fair round price. Simone Felice has a couple, for example. Several artists do this.

Entered at Thu Sep 26 06:03:24 CEST 2013 from (67.87.216.236)

Jeff A.

I look forward to getting the new Academy of Music release and then having the time to enjoy it.What I've heard was terrific.......that said, think about whether in today's world and musical environment, would various young musicians ever have the chance to develop the talents the guys in The Band did, and then, would any group ever have the chance to work as a unit and develop their various talents doing roadwork and devleop as a unit for as long and as well Thge Band did? again, in today's world and musical enviroment.

The link above is to an article that discusses alot of the stuff i been spouting for years......it doesn't hit all the points, but it gets a pile of em.......

Entered at Thu Sep 26 04:27:26 CEST 2013 from (99.233.66.183)

Mark from Toronto

Sebastian, Thanks for doing the new Academy. Will Between Trains or Carny ever be released on cd?

Entered at Thu Sep 26 01:32:21 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

jh

Entered at Wed Sep 25 23:54:45 CEST 2013 from (50.198.58.41)

Adam

Entered at Wed Sep 25 22:55:55 CEST 2013 from (70.208.66.18)

Ari

Entered at Wed Sep 25 22:11:49 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Sep 25 21:33:02 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Entered at Wed Sep 25 20:34:25 CEST 2013 from (81.147.178.205)

Dunc

Subject: Thanks

Thanks Calvin, Mike and Peter M for comments. I'm going to seek out both concerts. I think the clip from the concert is well done.

Sorry for late achnowledgement - technical problems with internet access.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 20:02:06 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Another glowing review.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 19:26:00 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

Hey John- I don't think it's ever too late to write a review on this set and I really appreciated your insight. I've been popping in here a little more lately as I'm extremely curious to know what this group of Band fans thinks about the release. Cheers, Sebastian

Entered at Wed Sep 25 18:20:41 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks John. I now so wish I'd ordered it from the USA, not UK. I thought I could survive a seven day wait, but two weeks is beyond! Mind you, I'll be passing a very good shop with imports on Friday and if they have it, amazon will get a cancellation!

Entered at Wed Sep 25 17:19:31 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Misspellings

Don't even think to misspell the name of Finnish rock'n'roll trio "Hurriganes" and rap artist "Sheikspier". Beetles may you call for whatever you will. Btw Finnish translation for the name of this quartet is "Humppakuoriaiset", I repeat "Humppakuoriaiset" (by the London-based translator Anselm Hollo). - May you win a pint in a pub in old town with this knowledge tonight.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:56:21 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well yesterday, I picked up my copy of the AOM box set. I'm not going to give it an in depth review; as it has been talked about a lot; as the release date; in the U.S. was on the 17th.

I will say that CD's 1-4 (haven't checked out the DVD yet) are the best sounding Band recordings that I have ever heard. I believe bringing Bob Clearmountain to the project; was a brilliant move. This was a man not "connected" to The Band as others have been in the past. Bob Clearmountain brought something else to the table. He didn't have an "emotional" tie to The Band as others have had in the past. He was asked to mix it as the professional Bob Clearmountain is. In other words he gave it the "Clearmountain" touch. I think that's why CD's 1 & 2 work so well.

Now; after saying that we have Sebastian Robertson mixing sides 3 & 4. Once again, other that hearing the original Rock of Ages growing up; over the years, he also didn't have that "emotional" involvement with the record. His mixes lift me up. What he calls the "Soundboard" mixes makes me feel I am in the room and I am hearing things that I have never heard before. You almost have to re-train your ears for the experience; because I have been listening to the original for over 40 years. All four sides just sound "fresh." My son and I A-B'd the original to the new release. He grew up in a Band loving family. He was born the year that this original record was made. He was absolutely blown away.

Well not so much a review; as a personal observation. You may disagree. It doesn't get any better than this.

One last thing. It's my belief that Levon, Rick and Richard would have loved it. Just listen to those drums! I hope to read sometime Garth's thoughts. He is everywhere; on this record like you've never heard before.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:18:42 CEST 2013 from (72.224.51.211)

Joe Frey

Subject: Live at the Academy

Rolling Stone just issued a 5 star review for Live at the Academy.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:14:25 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Over at Toppermost …

Meanwhile, over at Toppermost, the three most recent posts are Paul Simon (linked), Family and Taj Mahal.

Do comment over there, and I'm personally interested in the question "Why didn't Family make it big in the States?" which is one I've been pondering for 40 years. Any answers welcome over there!

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:11:00 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

As to Charlie and Nigel, they are still working on plans to expand their “MacDomalds” fast food restaurant in central Eastbourne, following the demise of their previous “C & A” clothes store. Apparently Nigel is the middle name, and Nige’s birth certificate reads Aloysius Nigel Hilton, but he dropped the first name as he thought it sounded posh and wanted a more street-cred name like Nigel, but then he revived it for the “C & A … Charlie & Aloysius” store.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:02:56 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al E

From my elevated vantage point on top of the Liver Buildings I could just about make out your glow!

A thing of splendour, indeed!

;-0)

Entered at Wed Sep 25 15:01:23 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

I suspect "brassiere" was simply a "spellchecker" error. It happens all the time. A housing developer near us has just erected a board advertising an "exiting new development". Sounds way out to me.

I have on old book (pre-spellchecker) entitled "Press Clangers".

It includes some straightforward typos (e.g. "he took a shot at goal" with an "i" in place of the "o" in "shot", or the chap "fined £5 for driving without car and attention").

There are also some great headlines, such as:-

"BALLOON RACE - Six Drop Out"

Or the one about a Cardinal's proposal at the Vatican:

"WOMEN LAY OBSERVERS AT COUNCIL?"

Or a report headlined "EARNINGS OF PROSTITUTION" on proceeedings at the Court of Criminal Appeal in the case of:

"REGINA v. BROAD"

And, slightly different, there was a programme for the Royal Ballet which included:

"THE SLEEPING BEAUTY (full length)"

"Press Clangers" is a small book with quite a few more but I'll take a break at this point.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 14:20:31 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Ann Elk

Although Bert and Shirley Hilton bought the farm some years ago, sons Charles and Nigel have been unable to unload the family hotel in Eastbourne. They recently embarked on a desperate plan to shame the global Hilton chain into buying them out. Unfortunately for them, the chain is not easily shamed - having survived years of Paris Hilton stories in the gutter press.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 14:15:46 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Amazon just e-mailed to say "Live At The Academy" for the UK had just been delayed from 30th September to 7th October.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 12:51:25 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Mr and Mrs Season and their two children, presumably.

Entered at Wed Sep 25 09:09:37 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Sep 24 21:28:04 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Sep 24 21:04:53 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Sep 24 20:54:33 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: the Hilton, no less

Bill M: it seems they're just plain clueless (see [My link]).

Tsk.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 20:10:01 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Those old enough will remember the great humorous character J. Wellingon Wimpy from the Popeye cartoon strip. His famous line was "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today."

Entered at Tue Sep 24 20:03:35 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Tue Sep 24 19:49:20 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Ian's mention of The Brasserie reminds me of the double-take I did a few weeks ago when I was in the English seaside town of Eastbourne. The sidewalk bistro attached to the Hilton Hotel there called itself The Brassiere. This was on their formal signage so wasn't just a spelling mistake on the "today's specials" sandwich board. As for Wimpy's, the first food I ever ate in England was from the outlet in whatever London train station it is that would have received the overnight bus-ferry-bus from Rotterdam in '83. Looked just like a McDonalds back home. Tasted just like a McDonalds back home.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 19:16:23 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

I don't know if any one noticed, but the cover of the new boxset glows in the dark. I discovered this last night.As I was falling asleep there was a glow from the table it was on. It is very cool.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 18:45:54 CEST 2013 from (216.114.128.38)

mike h

Video from last night's Roy Buchanan B'Day Tribute w/ Randy Ciarlante, Jim Weider & more.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 18:43:59 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

I didn't know Lyons owned Wimpy bars but the company had lots of different brands.

In one of my books, there is a reproduction of the "luncheon" menu from an up-market Lyons (The Brasserie, Strand Corner House) from August 1939. This Table d'Hote menu offered five choices of starter, three choices of hot meal, a cold buffet (seven choices), five choices for the sweet course (plus cheese or fruit) and "Iced coffee or coffee", all for the princely sum of 1/6d (say, 10 cents today for those of you in North America).

I knew Hounslow quite well at one time, living only a few miles from there. I had to make my way there to catch the tube into London, the three Hounslow tube stations being the end of the line, back then.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 18:43:14 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Sep 24 17:35:33 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ian, I hadn't realized they had grades either, but I managed to find their history on Wiki. I hadn't realized that they owned Wimpy Bars too. A Lyons whatever was definitely something you went to with the older generation … I have vague recall of my auntie taking me there on trips in from Hounslow where I spent a fortnight every summer.

For those who aren't following this conversation, Wimpy Bars from the late 50s had juke boxes, burgers (called "wimpys), frothy coffee and frankfurters with the unfortunate name of "benders."

Entered at Tue Sep 24 17:21:39 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

You're welcome, Peter.

I'm not familiar with all the "grades" of Lyons' food outlets. I may have assumed it was a Lyons Corner House because it was on a street corner. That said, my general impression was that Lyons outlets in Central London were a bit more "swish" (for want of a better adjective) than those out in the suburbs.

I should that, while I can just about remember the Lyons places (not to mention the uniform of a waitress or "nippy" as they were called), I rarely ventured into one, as they were a bit old-fashioned to my eyes. Coffee bars, Wimpys or similar places were regarded as more "with it" at the time.

Incidentally, I have a 1928 book entitled "The Taverns Of London" by H.E.Popham. Basically, it consists of 8 "tours" (or pub crawls) round various districts of London, with a few literary connections thrown in. Being from the 1920s, The Angel is not mentioned. Mr Popham's acknowledgements include "Herbert W. Wedderburn, who has accompanied the author on many Saturday night voyages of discovery and freely placed at his disposal his unique knowledge of London's taverns". The book is a bit the worse for wear; I suspect Messrs. Popham and Wedderburn were much the same.

Strange to think that, back a couple of centuries or so, the area around The Angel, Islington was regarded as something of a spa, visited by Londoners who wanted fresh air and so on.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 15:25:00 CEST 2013 from (99.244.153.132)

A Big Fan

Subject: Thanks For All The Excellent Tunes!!!

Love this site, love "The Band". Man, grew up listening to you guys. My absolute favourite song is "The Weight". Wish that I could have caught a live performance but I was never able to. Thanks to one of the greatest bands of all time for some very soulful music that I will listen to for the rest of my days.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 11:00:42 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Thanks, Ian. I was just about to repeat the Monopoly urban myth in something else I'm working on, so I'm pleased to have it corrected. i'm trying to find Tim Moore's travel book on London through the Monopoly board which might be my source. (Not the old Tom Moore from Days of 49!) I Googled, and The Angel was an inn until 1921, but the Monopoly research was circa 1935. The Wiki entry says from 1921 on, it was a "Lyons Café" which was apparently grander than a "Lyons Tea Room" but not as elaborate as a "Lyons Corner House." Whatever, it would have been a place of starched white tablecloth respectability, not serving alcohol (then), and with waitresses in black dresses and white aprons, so the Waddington's MD is maligned by the suggestion that he was off on a (wink nod nudge) "weekend with his secretary." Though as the book, which I read a few years ago, points out, some of their street choices were odd. For North American readers "A hotel on Mayfair" is the best thing to have on the British board.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 05:02:53 CEST 2013 from (108.204.9.63)

Todd

Subject: Rag Mama Rag

I really enjoyed the excerpt of 'Rag Mama Rag'. The CU of Richard smiling while playing the drums at about the 1:39 mark is priceless.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 02:03:32 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.95)

Adam

Click the link. There seems to be another promo video, this time with black & white footage of "Rag Mama Rag" and some great shots of Garth and Richard. Oh how I wish we could have more of this footage, but apparently it could not be synched.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 02:03:05 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

The Angel, Islington was originally a coaching inn, being the first stop on the Great North Road (or A1) out of London but became the Angel Hotel. However, by the time Monopoly came into being, it was a Lyons Corner House.

For those overseas, Lyons Corner Houses were a popular chain of eating places, usually situated at road intersections in cities and towns. Lyons also manufactured some foodstuffs, a part of the business in which Margaret Thatcher was involved before entering politics. Very early on, back in the 1950s, Lyons developed a computer for their own business and then set up a business computer subsidiary.

Angel is a stop on the London tube system (the city or Bank branch of the Northern Line) and the area around the tube station is sometimes called Angel.

Entered at Tue Sep 24 00:59:33 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

TIm

Subject: The Band 85

I stand corrected, I questions my spelling on that before I hit submit but didnt bother to verify. Jan had a video of Chest Fever up a few years back from that show. I think I can provide a link via the wayback machine

Entered at Tue Sep 24 00:57:49 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

TIm

Subject: THe Band 85

I stand corrected. Jan had a video of Chest Fever up a few years back from that show. I think I can provide a link via the wayback machine

Entered at Mon Sep 23 21:21:00 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: I don't know what Rick would have thought of it, but one of the most memorable skits of the original Saturday Night Live crew involved the future Blues Brothers putting a bass in a blender. Rhymes with Fender.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 21:14:31 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Peter V: The only property on the Monopoly board not located in Atlantic City, N.J. is Marvin Gardens. The name is actually a mispelling of Marven Gardens, a housing area in Margate City, several miles south of Atlantic City. It lies near the line with Ventnor City, hence the name combining Mar with Ven. And several miles southeast is Somers Point, the former location of Tony Mart's club, where Levon & The Hawks were playing in the summer of 1965 before joining up with Dylan.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 20:53:20 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Peter, it's Stratford Ontario, Canada. Home of Richard Manuel.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 20:47:17 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

When Monopoly was licensed into the UK, the MD of Waddingtons, who made it, repaired to London with his secretary to research the names for the board, not having visited the capital before. Famously, one slot, “The Angel Islington” is not a street at all but the name of the pub / hotel where the boss and his secretary “celebrated” their previous two days research. I suspect Leo Fender did the same. Stratford+ Doncaster. Telford + Lancaster. As David points out, he had to switch from “The Norfolk Broads + Lancaster” when Gretsch intervened. Telford replaced The Broads. The Jaguar was named after the British car. I still have work to do on the Precision Bass, but “Basingstoke” has me started.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 20:41:22 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Back in the early days Fender products were distributed by the Radio & Television Equipment Company, or Radio-Tel for short. Leo Fender's early model, single pickup solid body guitar was named the Esquire. A two-pickup version was later introduced and called the Broadcaster. Gretsch, who then had a drum line called the Broadkaster, threatened legal action and it was renamed the Telecaster.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 19:10:45 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Peter V: Good research - much appreciated. Precision-casting and casting for bass are both common concepts, so I can't imagine them not having been incorporated into English place names at some point. Perhaps there were overwritten in response to a later perceived need to suck up to kings, queens, dukes or other esteemed personages?

Entered at Mon Sep 23 18:39:28 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Sep 23 18:11:53 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Sep 23 17:27:53 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Tim & Tim: That'd be Stratford, not Stafford. Ontario's Stratford was of course named after England's Stratford, presumably the place where the river Strat was shallow enough to wade across in ancient days. Sticking with Robbie's guitars, maybe Telford is a corruption of Tele-ford?

Entered at Mon Sep 23 17:17:40 CEST 2013 from (50.101.209.128)

Mike Nomad

That Nov. 2, 1985 concert took place in Stratford, Ont., at Festival Theatre. I'd be interested in learning more about any DVD in the works from that concert but, being in attendance myself, do not recall any filming that may have taken place.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 16:42:36 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Brother Ray

Ray Charles was born on this day in 1930 in Albany, Georgia. Link to his cover of "Ophelia."

Entered at Mon Sep 23 15:23:48 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Has anyone at all heard from BEG?

Entered at Mon Sep 23 14:50:09 CEST 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

Subject: What do the beach boys and the monkees have in common

They're both the subjects of excellent books I reviewed. See link.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 04:52:49 CEST 2013 from (108.192.65.62)

Todd

Subject: Academy Camera Angles

Adam, thanks for the link to the photo showing some of the cameras filming the action at the Academy of Music shows. I hadn't seen that one.

I'll try to code my email address so I don't end up with too much spam, so here it is:
daytimenight
at
yahoo
dot
com

Entered at Mon Sep 23 03:48:10 CEST 2013 from (208.120.36.230)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: The Band @ 1985

Tim, I hope you're right because I'd really like to see that 1985 footage, especially if Richard is in good form. Side question -- was that brief era the time when the reunited Band performed "Rivers of Babylon"? I ask because I loved Rick's solo versions from the 90s and have always wanted to hear what a Band version would sound like.

Entered at Mon Sep 23 02:15:39 CEST 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

I haven't seen the footage, but it seems strange that the lead singer wouldn't get more time.. As you said, a lot of ricks shots are with Robbie...and I suppose that Levon sings a lot anyway. (Not citicising that if course).

Don't suppose you want to do it for tTLW? ;)

Entered at Sun Sep 22 21:29:23 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

Tim

Subject: The Band @ 1985

I read about a year ago, while compiling the list of concerts over the years, that there exists a film of the 1985 concert in Stafford Ontario where The Band played for a Shakespeare festival fundraiser. According to the article some rock and roll archivist is restoring the footage for eventual release and described it as the best footage of The Band live he has ever seen. This would be the line-up with Weider and Manuel in the group that lasted less than a year but in my opinion the best version of the reunited Band line-ups

Entered at Sun Sep 22 21:28:55 CEST 2013 from (71.184.199.161)

Tim

Subject: The Band @ 1985

I read about a year ago, while compiling the list of concerts over the years, that there exists a film of the 1985 concert in Stafford Ontario where The Band played for a Shakespeare festival fundraiser. According to the article some rock and roll archivist is restoring the footage for eventual release and described it as the best footage of The Band live he has ever seen. This would be the line-up with Weider and Manuel in the group that lasted less than a year but in my opinion the best version of the reunited Band line-ups

Entered at Sun Sep 22 17:53:33 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I agree, but nowadays agencies price photos supplied digitally according to the size you're going to print them, and the prominence (covers are the most expensive). I reckon the magazine would have to pay twice for an archive photo, though it doesn't apply to anything they commission directly. And as these magazines are in groups with other magazines, they can probably service a lot from their own archives. It IS annoying though.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 15:32:35 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Sep 22 12:49:47 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

My minor rant concerns magazine covers.

Magazines select an attractive or arresting image for their front covers and then surround them (and sometimes overlay them) with lots of verbiage, commonly in large print. I know why they do it, to "sell" that issue, but the power of the image is much diminished or even lost.

Why can't they simply repeat the cover photo, full size, somewhere inside?

Entered at Sun Sep 22 12:02:14 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

I have both The Band is Back and Live in Tokyo on DVD. though the video on Tokyo is pretty crappy I think it's a better performance. I wish though they had brought in Jim W from the start as the Cate Brothers dilute The Band's sound too much. I really like the 87 performances I seen with Fred Carter and JW. Unfortunately Richard isn't there.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 10:21:26 CEST 2013 from (76.124.39.182)

Peter M.

Subject: The Band, Vancouver

Hey Dunc, There are a couple of versions of the '83 Vancouver show out there. The first one I encountered, I rented on VHS from Movies Unlimited several times in the mid '80s. It was titled "the Band reunion", subtitled "THE BAND is back! with its greatest hits Live". It had a turquoise cover with irregularly shaped rectangular photos of the four original members (Levon in his own photo, and also in one singing with Rick). After pointing out to the staff at the video store that I had rented this VHS tape 6 of the 10 times it left their store, I convinced then to sell it to me. This is the 60 minute version of this performance, originally for Canadian TV. It features Ron Eoff, Terry Cagle and the Cate Brothers along with The Band, minus Robbie. It was also released under the title "The REUNION CONCERT". A longer version of the same show came out on an Australian release "THE BAND IS BACK PLAYING THEIR GREATEST HITS LIVE IN VANCOUVER '83". It has a cover that is somewhere between brown and maroon in color, with Richard, Rick, Garth and Levon pictured in a stylized photo that looks like a black and white cartoon. If you check the Discography tab at the left of this Guestbook it details them. I thoroughly enjoyed this tape, then DVD when It was available. The other one that bears mentioning is "THE BAND JAPAN TOUR". Same lineup. I thought the performance was great, especially Richard, they look like they had a blast doing it. The crowd was enthusiastic and reverent and understood the privilege of having these guys perform for them. The sound seems to be mono, the camerawork is ok on semi-crappy cameras, but the performance is incredible.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 05:04:14 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.95)

Adam

Hey Todd, what is your email?

My guess would be that there were three cameras shooting. Click the link above for a Wolfgang's Vault "Rock Of Ages" photo. You see two cameramen by Richard, and one behind Levon.

There was probably a cameraman at the front of the stage, shooting the wide shots of Rick, Robbie and Levon (W.S. Walcott, Don't Do It), Rick and Robbie together, and Richard from the front. A second cameraman right next to Richard (King Harvest closeup), which moves behind the stage for shots of Levon and Garth and the rest (Don't Do It). And the third cameraman right behind Levon, shooting him playing/singing (King Harvest, W.S. Walcott, Don't Do It) and also turning left from time to time and shooting the horn section.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 04:37:18 CEST 2013 from (108.192.65.62)

Todd

Subject: Academy Film

Adam, that's interesting analysis.

Based on your study of the film, is it possible to determine how many cameras were running film for each song? My guess would be two or three, but I haven't actually seen the footage yet.

Also, where is the edited Festival Express footage located? Is that's something that can be found on YouTube? I have the official Festival Express DVD, but I'm always interested in out takes.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 02:10:36 CEST 2013 from (66.61.15.219)

Calvin

Entered at Sun Sep 22 01:35:34 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

I can't believe I typed "Isle of White"? Either the brain was not fully engaged or the fingers went off on a frolic of their own. Either way, I'm sorry about that.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 00:39:29 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.245)

Adam

Robbie Robertson has 5min 30sec of total screen time. Levon Helm has 5min 4sec of total screen time. These two members have the most amount of footage, and I’m sure there are a variety of reasons for that. Robbie and Levon are probably the most visually active while playing on stage. Robbie has the benefit of being one of only two standing members at the front, and also benefits from being the lead guitarist in a rock band. Levon is very animated on the drums, and is seated fairly close to Robbie on stage. So the cameras seemed to capture them most often.

The horn section has 2min 48sec of total screen time. While it is cool to see them and they certainly have to be represented as full participants in the music, some of their shots can remain on screen for too long. This is obviously true when cutting into the screen time of the other Band members, but we have to assume that no alternative was available for much of the footage. I spent a ton of hours editing the fan made Festival Express outtakes compilation, and know firsthand that a great closeup or shot can just run out or turn blank at any time, and there’s no guarantee all the footage existed and was available to edit in. Sometimes the screen cuts to a worse shot, and there’s just no alternative because no other footage exists. That has to be the case here… at least I really hope so, when the Band singers aren’t shown.

Rick Danko has 2min 42sec of total screen time. He’s often showed in the same shot as Robbie, because they are both at the front of the stage. He’s shown a great deal in W.S. Walcott, and a good amount in Don’t Do It, and a little bit in King Harvest. Richard Manuel has 1min 50sec of total screen time. He has a beautiful close up for the intro to King Harvest, but the shot leaves from the first verse on. He has a few closeups later on in the song, but only for a few lines at a time and a few brief shots. He performs beautifully, and you just wish there was more of him on film. This is especially true when he is not shown, in favor of the horn section, on King Harvest. There is more footage of him playing very well in the other two songs. Garth Hudson has 1min 2sec of total screen time. He appears in the background during Richard’s opening closeup for King Harvest, but is not seen again that song. For W.S. Walcott, he has a brief closeup walking front stage, and then the wide shot of him soloing with the horn section behind him. He is not seen again that song. And for Don’t Do It, he is shown from behind the organ during Robbie’s solo and after. It is upsetting that as the most brilliant musician in The Band, he consistently gets overlooked on film, but I guess we have to accept what’s there and understand a few things. Especially his unfortunate position on stage, behind everyone else and covered with bulky organ and keyboard instruments.

Everyone please share your thoughts.

Entered at Sun Sep 22 00:28:24 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Sat Sep 21 23:09:49 CEST 2013 from (72.229.4.53)

Eaglejf

Subject: ROA

Just had a quick question regarding the new box set......why is the version of Don't Do It from Disc 1 slightly shorter than the version that is on the original and the 2001 remaster. I have been listening to Rock of Ages for 40 some odd years and the slight truncation in the opening really stuck out to me.

Entered at Sat Sep 21 18:59:04 CEST 2013 from (69.35.176.123)

JB

Subject: happy

Happy to find this have loved the Band for years

Entered at Sat Sep 21 18:31:49 CEST 2013 from (50.101.209.128)

Mike Nomad

Thanks for that. I need some motivation to start the day today. That helped.

Entered at Sat Sep 21 17:17:39 CEST 2013 from (24.143.45.245)

ray pence

Subject: a couple of Academy of Music musings

not that this will cause Eddie Van Halen to lose any sleep, but as great as he is, I prefer Robbie's solo on Get Up Jake from the new box set to Eddie's entire body of work.

Also, the more I listen to "Unfaithful Servant" on this release, the more I think it just might be my favorite Band song and performance. Exquisite on all levels and indelibly American, like a short story by Stephen Crane or a poem by Walt Whitman.

Entered at Sat Sep 21 16:49:08 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Calvin, I have never been able to find a DVD copy of the Vancouver show; from '83. I own a VHS copy of it. Where did you find it?

Entered at Sat Sep 21 15:03:39 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

There is a DVD out there for a Vancouver show at the Queen Elizabeth Theater from 07/18/1983.

Entered at Sat Sep 21 14:31:00 CEST 2013 from (89.26.122.51)

Toni

Hey there greets from Austria ;-)

Entered at Sat Sep 21 09:59:53 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

thanks for the link Ian. I haven't heard the new release but I still think this concert deserved a release in it's own right. A nice contrast with the 66 and 74 tours.

Entered at Sat Sep 21 01:16:35 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

Subject: Interview

here's a little interview i did about working with my dad. hope you all like it.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 21:54:21 CEST 2013 from (31.53.17.84)

Dunc

Subject: Great version of The Weight

This is a brilliant version of The Weight by the 1983 Band in Vancouver. Love this performance. Is there a DVD of this?

Watched Levon at The Ryman last night.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 21:04:53 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

It also didn't help that Bobby Charles didn't do a proper tour to support the album.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 20:52:38 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: My Another Self Portrait Review

My Another Self Portrait review is finally up. Click the ol' link.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 20:50:37 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: Re: Bobby Charles

Danny, Probably the main reason the Bobby Charles album didn't resonate with the public is it was barely promoted, even though at that point Bearsville was distributed by Warner Brothers. It was one of those records you had to know about to know about and it went into the cutout and overrun bins pretty fast.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 19:39:01 CEST 2013 from (74.70.109.85)

Danny Lopez

Subject: Bobby Charles

I just purchased Bobby Charles eponymous cd, produced by Ricky, and all I have to say is, if you've never heard it and you're a Band fan, get it immediately. What an amazing album. Very laid back, very subtle, and very amazing. "I Must Be In A Good Place Now" - very romantic, and not the only tune to tap that emotion. "Grow Too Old" - hilarious. "Tennessee Blues" -- an absolute classic. I guess I understand how it didn't resonate with the public in 1972, but for aging Americanists like myself, it's a goldmine for insights, reflection, and pure joy. In a word, timeless; the hallmark of all classics. Peace to all. Danny

Entered at Fri Sep 20 19:12:05 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

DJ Zenas Sears, who played a key part in the Atlanta recordings of Ray Charles, also helped the career of another Georgian, Chuck Willis. Mr. Sears "discovered" the young Mr. Willis performing at a local talent show he was hosting in 1951. He then helped get him signed to Columbia's Okeh label, where he recorded a string of successful songs. He later switched to Atlantic Records in 1956 and he first single for that label, "It's Too Late", reached #3 on the R&B chart. A super-charged cover of that song was later recorded by Derek & the Dominos during the Layla sessions. Tragically, at the age of 30, Mr. Willis died during surgery for peritonitis in 1958. At the time of his death, he'd released the double-sided hit featuring the ironic titled "What Am I Living For" b/w "Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes." Bringing thing around full circle, thirteen years later, The Band performed the latter song at their Academy of Music performances.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 18:12:04 CEST 2013 from (108.199.112.221)

Todd

Subject: Ray, Robbie & Levon

David P, thanks for the additional background information regarding the circumstances of Brother Ray’s early live recordings.

I think it’s pretty cool that Robbie mentioned the live Ray Charles album in Atlanta as one of the greatest live albums. I’ve probably told this story before, but the first time that I met Levon and had a chance to sit down and talk with him, was around 1987 after a small club show in Liberty, NY. Meeting one of my heroes, and being a somewhat awestruck 20 year old and slightly nervous, I was struggling at first to try to come up with some topic for conversation, and decided to ask Levon about his musical influences.

He mentioned the Ray Charles Live at Newport album as his favorite album, and from there the conversation flowed naturally. Years later, when I met Levon again after a Barnburners show, I mentioned meeting him in the 1980’s and talking about Ray Charles, and he was still very enthusiastic about that particular album, and mentioned it again.

I think Levon achieved something near and dear to his heart as his Ramble band grew to include a decent sized horn section and he was able to take that act on the road, even peppering in a few Ray Charles numbers from time to time. It seemed to me that he was emulating and paying tribute to one of his heroes, and had kind of come full circle.

The fact that both Robbie and Levon hold Ray Charles in such high regard, speaks a lot to the musical bond that they shared. I think its equally telling that their favorite live Ray Charles albums are from different performances, and is an important detail about what contributed to The Band’s appeal. There were many shared influences, but they came at them, from slightly different directions. That’s the kind of thing that kept it interesting and nuanced.

This is not to ignore the considerable influences that Richard, Rick and Garth also contributed to The Band, (you could fill a volume with that!), but I’m starting to realize, and even embrace, that an important element of The Band’s creativity & success, came from the kinship that Robbie & Levon felt and their shared influences, but also their differences and perhaps a certain element of tension.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 16:55:13 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Eric Clapton's "Unplugged" is being re-released as a 2 CD + DVD. I loved the original and looking forward to this re-mastered re-mixed collection; with extra tracks.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 16:50:58 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

In his recent interview with PASTE Robbie has once again singled out the great live album "Ray Charles IN PERSON."

"One of the greatest live recordings, I think, in the history of the world is Ray Charles in Atlanta...and they didn't even have a big mobile recording thing set up. The word on the street was they only had like two microphones, one for the band and one for him. Perfect recordings. I think it's mono. But that performance is one of the greatest things I've ever heard."

Ray Charles was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930. It was also in the Peach State that he recorded some significant music, so let me add a little bit of Georgia history.

In November 1954, Ray Charles & his band were playing at the Royal Peacock club in Atlanta on "Sweet" Auburn Avenue, down the street from Martin Luther King Jr.'s boyhood home and the Ebenezzer Baptist Church, where he preached as his father MLK Sr. before him. Through the help of a hip white disc jockey, Zenas "Daddy" Sears, Brother Ray made arrangements to record some songs he'e been working on at the WGST radio station studio, then located on the university campus of Georgia Tech. (The "GST" in the call letters derives from the college's original name, Georgia School of Technology).

On November 18th, Mr. Charles & his seven piece band recorded four songs at WGST, I GOT A WOMAN, COME BACK BABY, GREENBACKS and BLACKJACK. One must remember that, back then, live music was a regular feature on radio, so there was space that could accomodate bands. In January 1955, "I Got A Woman" became the first Ray Charles song to top the national charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. The flip side of the single, "Come Back Baby," also reached the top 5, charting at #4. It seems fitting that Mr. Charles recorded his first big hit in the state of his birth, and with "I Got A Woman" he established a signature sound, blending the rowdy, sinful music of Saturday night with the spirituality of Sunday morning gospel music.

Flash forward five years. DJ Zenas Sears had started another radio station in Atlanta, which was renamed WAOK (1380 on the AM band). On a rainy night in Georgia, May 28, 1959, sponsored by WAOK, Ray Charles & his band played at Herndon Stadium on the campus of Morris Brown College, an historically black university affilated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Using a standard mono tape recorder and a couple of microphones hung above the stage, Mr. Sears recorded the performance that night. It wasn't originally intended to be released as a live album, rather just a demo of what Brother Ray & his band were up to at the time. But when Mr. Sears sent samples of the recordings to Atlantic Records, the great dynamic sound blew them away and they realized they had to release it as an album. So the rest is history and decades later the State of Georgia recognized Ray Charles in a very special way by adopting his later recording of "Georgia, On My Mind" as the official state song.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 16:08:29 CEST 2013 from (24.67.196.236)

Kristie

Entered at Fri Sep 20 12:57:24 CEST 2013 from (207.237.211.231)

Uncle H.

Nice photo of the boys, from the RoA gig. And an interview with a very busy Royal -- the new AoM and IoW releases, new autobiography (for which he buys a new house to have a place to write...), new album, new film score for Marty, two new books for children (one Indian, one about rock'n'roll),,etc.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 12:53:48 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: David P: "union requirements prevented a proper film documentation of the event?? "

As an union member since thirty years and a leftist I can live with that :-)

Entered at Fri Sep 20 09:31:36 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Dyan / Band - Isle of Wight - video

I guess most of you will recall the (all too brief) B&W footage of Dylan and The Band at the Isle of White that emerged a few years back. Well, someone has married that footage with the sound from the 3rd CD on the recent ANOTHER SELF PORTRAIT De Luxe box set.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGR65Fhm2O4&feature=player_embedded

If you haven't seen/heard this combination, you might want to catch it quickly before the Web Sherriff steps in.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 09:14:16 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Bruce Welch fell in love with her and agonizes over her in his autobiography. They were an item for a couple of years and he is the link to Cliff Richard. Marvin, Welch & Farrar was their attempt at a new career with "American country rock sounds" instead of instrumentals, and they produced a couple of good albums before reverting to the old name and the instrumentals. The choice of songs on her first album reflects the changed interest. I still think "Rhythm & Greens" was a great Shadows title for their R&B pastiche single a few years earlier.

Entered at Fri Sep 20 03:38:49 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

But I thought Cliff was great, and then he and Olivia has a pretty big hit with Suddenly. I went in search of Cliff and the Shadows right after that special. Always thought it was odd that he was on that All-Star Special. Didnt know there was a relationship between the Shadows and Olivia.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 23:21:39 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

For the British readers, Olivia was produced by Bruce Welch and John Farrar of Marvin, Welch & Farrar … i.e. basically The Shadows. Welch was her boyfriend. She had just escaped from Don Kirshner's "Toomorrow" who were supposed to be the new Monkees, so much so that RCA put all their records (i.e. by anyone) in Toomorrow sleeves for a few weeks. It didn't work. But her first solo album was well produced.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 23:13:47 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Sep 19 19:24:14 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Whispering Pines by the incredible Kelly Hogan.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 18:25:42 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Thu Sep 19 17:25:54 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I have Olivia Newton-John's "In A Station" in my "Band covers" playlist next to Karen Dalton's version. I've always liked Olivia's version … she doesn't mess with at all, just does it beautifully with particularly good bass guitar. Karen Dalton tries to impose herself on the song more. I like Olivia's chirpy "If Not For You" too.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 17:11:25 CEST 2013 from (63.88.115.195)

carmen

Subject: Between Trains

Hi Sebastian - can you look into when your father will be putting out Between Trains on CD or I tunes. Thanks

Entered at Thu Sep 19 17:06:39 CEST 2013 from (99.52.71.217)

Calvin

In a station is covered by Olivia newton John on her first album. The album is all covers. Help me make it through The night, me and bobby McGee, if you could read my mind. It is a product of its time

Entered at Thu Sep 19 16:43:50 CEST 2013 from (68.171.231.80)

Bill M

Entered at Thu Sep 19 16:39:25 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

"I work for the union 'cause she's so good to me..."

If I understand it correctly, while The Band was performing "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" at the Academy of Music, union requirements prevented a proper film documentation of the event??

Entered at Thu Sep 19 16:31:24 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Great review, Adam! I'll admit I was a skeptic at first, but am getting excited about the set.

But man, some rough reviews from other Amazon folks re the set's presentation and value. In fairness, I think the way the Disc 5 contents are listed might be setting up some buyer disappointment, as it does look to me like you are getting a full disc of DVD footage. Even knowing that's not the case I have a hard time figuring out otherwise from the Amazon description, though some of the buyer reviews make a point of mentioning it.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 15:47:15 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.245)

Adam

Subject: my Amazon review of "Academy 1971"

Entered at Thu Sep 19 15:39:09 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: "In a Station"

Nice of Ms. Newton-John to cover Mr. Manuel's work -- more pop stars ought to have done so. Sticks pretty close to the MFBP arrangement, but the perky tempo kinda spoils things.

By the way, "Once upon a time leaves me empty / Tomorrow never comes" doesn't seem quite right. I keep hearing "once upon a time the hills lay empty," but I'm not sure that's any better.

Companion piece for Cream, "White Room."

Entered at Thu Sep 19 14:16:36 CEST 2013 from (67.167.233.21)

Ben Pike

Subject: days between stations

Years and years and years ago I made a big deal on the the guestbook page about how Olivia Newton John had covered "In a Station." Could never find anyone to cop to hearing it though, and the record never made it to MP3. Excited the Rock of Ages will Rock once more. Wish it was a surprisingly low priced item, as ROA always tended to be over the years. I believe stateside "Like a Rolling Stone" was prevented from going #1 by "Help," and stuck at #2. Still the most influential and perhaps best single of the day. I never remember hearing it on AM radio by I was a wee lad.

Entered at Thu Sep 19 10:40:36 CEST 2013 from (46.239.111.90)

Svein

Subject: What's happening?

As the Telegraph said earlier this year: "We live in a world where Dylan has made a Christmas album, appeared in a lingerie commercial and, significantly, hosted a radio show that has allowed him to evangelise for other artists the way he once did through covers."

Entered at Thu Sep 19 04:28:49 CEST 2013 from (24.67.196.236)

Kristie

Subject: The Band Songbook

Does anyone else have a copy of "The Band Songbook" by Underground-Press? I found a copy in a used bookstore in Nelson while I was on vacation. I held it up above my head like it was the holy grail because I am not used to finding anything to do with The Band here. I hope everyone is doing well here.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 22:10:00 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Wed Sep 18 21:45:03 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.245)

Adam

Sebastian's NYE mix is truly fantastic. Sounds so much better on these discs than the streams. I particularly loved the way Sebastian mixed the on-stage comments... the volume is raised in spots so you can hear The Band making comments on stage. On the first NYE disc, Robbie's amp starts on fire or something during "Time To Kill". I remember reading that anecdote from Phil Ramone somewhere. Anyway, you hear an amp crackling, and during the line "We don't need no big cars, don't eat no caviar", Levon jokes into the mic clearly NO AMPLIFIERS, EITHER! HELL! or something like that. Really awesome! Robbie says to Richard "beautiful" after "Rockin' Chair" (which has Richard on electric piano... first time I've ever heard that, and I've heard all the bootlegs). Of course the "Happy New Year Danko"/"I'll drink to that" comment and others. Really makes the discs so much more fun and in the moment.

Robbie's notes are great, though I wish Garth wrote something for the box as well. Robbie sheds some light on a number of things, mostly that the concerts were not nearly as planned out in advance as I expected all these years. Allen Toussaint lost charts, got sick, fish out of water, etc., limited rehearsal time. The 28th got the settled into a setlist, the 29th Doc Pomus sat front row and they played better, the 30th Alk and Lerner filmed the 3 video clips as an experiment. Little was shot because to do a full video shoot, a Union was needed at the Academy. Robbie says union guys even showed up and threatened to break cameras.

A beautiful, beautiful package!

Entered at Wed Sep 18 20:01:45 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Olivia Newton-John's cover of Dylan's "If Not For You" reached #1 in the adult contemporary/easy listening chart.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 19:45:20 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster (Ilkka)

Subject: BWNWITenn

Good to see you back in gb!

Entered at Wed Sep 18 18:32:24 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Dylan got a SESAC award for "Make You Feel My Love", presumably on the back of the Garth Brooks version.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 16:16:42 CEST 2013 from (108.199.112.221)

Todd

Subject: This & That

I’ve been a little out of the loop lately, but thought I would poke my head in and say hello.

The last thing I remember posting about, was the Kinks Top 10 a few weeks ago. Peter V. I saw your recommendation to post something on Toppermost, which looks like a cool site, but as I don’t seem to have as much time to check in here as much as I used to, I’m somewhat reluctant to add another site to my Internet travels.

Also, while I love the Kinks, and have my favorite tracks, I don’t consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination, and I think Calvin or Kevin J. would probably do a better job on the Kinks than I could.

I’m very much looking forward to The Academy of Music boxed set, but out of respect for my International friends, I will wait until worldwide distribution has commenced before buying my copy. (Actually I don’t have the scratch at the moment, and need to continue saving my nickels, and hoping that it doesn’t sell out first. After the Taxman, the Gasman, and the Grocer, there’s just not enough left over for discretionary purchases these days). It may end up needing to be a holiday gift wish. I still also need the new Bob Dylan Bootleg Series box, so I will have to be patient.

Interesting about ‘Wagon Wheel’. I first heard a neighbor of mine sing that in his garage during the summer as ‘Rock Me Mama’, and had no idea at the time that it was a Dylan song. Just knew that I liked it. Then a couple of months ago, I saw Darius Rucker sing it on TV, decided to Google it, and then learned about the Bob Dylan connection.

I’ve wished over the years that someone would give a similar treatment to ‘I Can’t Leave Her Behind’ from ‘Eat the Document’. It’s probably one of my favorite Dylan & Robbie moments, and one of the best “unreleased/unfinished” Dylan songs that I can think of.
Beautiful melody…….just needs the right treatment.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 14:48:34 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: AllMusic AOM review

Entered at Wed Sep 18 14:43:17 CEST 2013 from (72.154.11.222)

BWNWITenn

Entered at Wed Sep 18 13:14:09 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

The closest that Dylan had to a #1 record in the past was Rainy Day Women #12 & 35; which went to #2; in 1966; on the Billboard charts in America.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 12:48:25 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Hi Haso, no, I haven't seen it yet. Will have to wait for a DVD release.

It is unusual in 2013 for there to be different release dates in North America and Europe … though 15 years ago it was standard. The internet has smoothed that out, but in the case of elaborately packaged box sets, it must be more economic to do one production run … the advantage of scale outweighing transport costs. The most expensive part of all these things to produce is the box it comes in and the print material. So I'd guess amazon uk is importing them. I wish I'd realized because SPIN in Newcastle, Uk is a great importer of anything Band-related, and I'd bet they'd have it on the American date.

But they are getting huge. The back of Record Collector has the King Crimson box set 'The Road To Red" adverised, Amazon has it at £125. Twenty-one CDs, including complete shows of all sixteen American tour "Red" gigs, 5.1 remix. A DVD plus two super hifidelity blu-rays which must be back to the full range of the master tape (though most people don't have blu-rays hooked up to their hi fi systems, but to surround TV systems, and presumably you'd need a digital link, not phono leads). That's an incredible amount of material … with over twenty versions of every track. They were a fiercely improvisational band at their height, and it's a powerful and seminal album, so the versions will be different every time, but it's still staggering. And as it's the third similar box set in a series, there are definitely people out there buying them.

Of course this is a request for similar Band projects, Sebastian!

Entered at Wed Sep 18 11:06:42 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Argh! Obviously The Byrds version of Mr Tambourine Man was number one, and that was in Britain and the USA.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 11:00:50 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

If we're counting cover versions, and to a songwriter, what's the difference? Then we more discerning British had a Dylan number one in 1968 for "The Mighty Quinn" by Manfred Mann, who also got to number two with If You Gotta Go. As you will immediately see, both Manfred Mann versions preceded a Dylan release.

Had The Animals left "Trad. arr. Dylan" on House of The Rising Sun, rather than applying "Trad. arr. Price" that would have been another. And Eric Burden is still bullshitting that they heard it from an obscure folk singer in Newcastle, in contrast to what he said at the time, that they'd learned it from Dylan.

I'd assumed Like A Rolling Stone had been number one, looked it up, but it was number four. It feels like it was number one.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 09:41:33 CEST 2013 from (72.154.11.222)

BWNWITenn

Bob Dylan recently had his first (I believe) number-one song in his career, and on Monday SESAC, possibly timed in connection with the discussions on this Guestbook, or not, hosted a celebration for him at the Ryman Auditorium. The song wasn't a 14-minute song about the Titanic, it was Darius Rucker's recording of "Wagon Wheel," which went to number one on the country charts earlier in the summer. For those who don't know, "Wagon Wheel" is based on an unfinished Dylan demo from the "Pat Garrett" soundtrack called "Rock Me, Mama." Ketch Secor, from Old Crow Medicine Show, added verses to Dylan's chorus and released it with his band, and Rucker later cut it. Dylan didn't show up to the party, but his co-writer Secor, who has never met him, thanked him.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 06:10:38 CEST 2013 from (68.199.209.46)

Jeff A.

Subject: She stabs him with her steely knives but she just can't kill the beast

Eagles songs inspire acting out of eagles lyrics

Entered at Wed Sep 18 05:55:09 CEST 2013 from (76.28.98.146)

haso

Subject: AOM

Adam & Peter V: sorry to say I'm not much of a regular here, but even w/out your advice, Adam, I'm going tomorrow to pick up my copy of the new box. Looking forward to listening & watching.

Yea, for local "record" shops; our local guys put my name on the box & one chap enthusastically let me see it, a bit ahead of time even though he couldn't let me have it for good until the 17th. Poor kid working there, probably no older than 25, seemed as charged up as I was; just knew he didn't have that kind of moolah.

It's nice that some of the current generation know good stuff (i.e. our 5) when they hear it. Perhaps, morning jacket/grace potter/et.al. are helping keep the Band alive for discerning listeners. I mean we can't rely just on our own progeny to be fully engaged w/ TLW, Brown Album, etc. There's probably some who say we've brainwashed them anyway (that'd be my spouse... at times, of the belief that nothing worthwhile came after Abbey Road, although she has enjoyed a lot of Allbros, even Mark Knopfler so I can't totally dismiss her preferences). Not that there's anything wrong w/ the Beatles, they're just not the Band.

One other question for Peter V: I've not seen it, although you probably commented when it was released... what's your take on Levon's doc "Ain't in it..."? Got mixed reviews from some who saw it w/ me.

Lastly, someone else (David P, perhaps) earlier in Sept. was right on & succinct in thanking Sebastian. I'd echo the gratitude. Regardless of you-tube folderol and harsh commentary, or where one comes down on the Levon/Robbie discussion, we're glad that you're plugging away. Forget the naysayers. One can only hope that someday you & Amy can sit down over coffee and to quote "the Rumour", let it blow away.

Entered at Wed Sep 18 01:45:04 CEST 2013 from (99.141.50.245)

Adam

Only listened to "Strawberry Wine" from Discs 1/2, but it sounds great. The ROCK OF AGES tapes updated with current technology to sound as polished as they can, via Bob Clearmountain. Sebastian's mix of NYE is wonderful, and sounds much better on the actual discs than the streams hinted at.

The DVD footage is worth the price of admission. This is footage of The Band doing ROCK OF AGES. Buy it.

Entered at Tue Sep 17 23:08:20 CEST 2013 from (70.208.68.52)

Ari

Entered at Tue Sep 17 20:48:50 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Interesting about the AOM Release dates. Peter has mentioned it's the 30th in Britain. It's the 24th here and today is the release date in the U.S.

Entered at Tue Sep 17 20:42:50 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: RIP Jackie

A definite one off

Entered at Tue Sep 17 19:33:57 CEST 2013 from (129.237.250.150)

ray pence

Subject: academy of music in the academy

...listened to WS Walcott in my office at the American studies dept. (Hello, Peter V) at University of Kansas this morning before going to teach a class, "U.S. in Global Context"...

...also contributed a brief review of the set to iTunes, under the heading Rock and Roll Revelations...hadn't heard the entire collection, but I think I can give Rick, Levon, Garth, Richard, and Robbie (and Sebastian) benefit of the doubt...

...this one's gonna dominate my listening space for a mighty good stretch of time.

Entered at Tue Sep 17 19:02:01 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Another plug for Ry Cooder and Coridos Famosos. Why Don't you try Me? is the best he's ever done it. School's Out is fantastic. Dark End of the Street features his three soulful backing singers. It's set to be one of my ten albums of the year, I'm sure. Can't stop playing it.

Entered at Tue Sep 17 17:44:51 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Ok. So your 5 hours ahead of us here on the east coast. Any reviews yet of the AOM?

Entered at Tue Sep 17 16:57:36 CEST 2013 from (212.106.28.128)

Hultaj

Świetna strona. Gorąco polecam i pozdrawiam wszystkich

Entered at Tue Sep 17 16:31:22 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: BMI

I believe BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) was always for profit. It was the major difference between the two PRO's. Most country songwriters and blues songwriters are with BMI. Also songwriters who aren't all that well known have reported better results with obtaining royalties with BMI than with ASCAP.

Entered at Tue Sep 17 15:52:14 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: R.I.P. Jackie Lomax

Jackie Lomax has passed away. Link to "Hellfire, Night-Crier" featuring Rick & Levon, from Mr. Lomax's 1972 Warner Bros. album "Three", which was produced by John Simon at Bearsville Studio.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 23:04:16 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Sep 16 22:55:31 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

It's a very nice track … I couldn't find it on iTunes where his tunes seemed to be late 50s / early 60s stuff that gives jazz a bad name. Apart from the drum solo, I like "Afrisa." There's no way anything on that has a Band connection … it's definitely not Levon or Rick in the rhythm section. There's no sample in there and I conclude the connection (found circa 1996) is pure error.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 21:32:52 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Mon Sep 16 20:42:04 CEST 2013 from (131.137.35.83)

sadavid

Subject: Marion Brown - "Afrisa"

At [My link] for your listening pleasure.

Nothing Band-like about it, more of a Soca thing . . . .

Entered at Mon Sep 16 20:20:23 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

In March 1989, Dylan placed an advert in BILLBOARD congratulating ASCAP on its 75th anniversary. In January 1995, he transferred to SESAC.

THE NEW YORK POST reported that SESAC had offered £5 million to lure Dylan and Diamond into their camp, though it wasn't clear whether that was 5 mil each or 5 mil between them. In both cases, negotiations took about a year. However, a SESAC representative said that it had not gone after them but they had come to SESAC. Another rumour was that the move would triple Dylan's earnings from songwrting (ditto Neil D). Unlike ASCAP and BMI (at the time, anyway, I don't know about now) SESAC was run for profit. It had been bought in 1992 by some musicbiz types with backing from some investment bankers.

Much of the delay regarding the first BOOTLEG SERIES release was to do with the extent of that release. Initially, there was talk of a 10-CD package to mark Dylan's 50th birthday and 30th year with the company. The reasons went by the wayside and the number changed. Ten CDs quickly went down to five, then four and finally three. I can't recall the initial retail price of the set but they were initially working to a retail price of around $50.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 18:35:49 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster's Dog

Subject: GB

A few professor emeritus use microscope and telescope to know more about less until they know everything about nothing. That would not have happened in Bill Clinton era!

Entered at Mon Sep 16 18:29:47 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Also complicating Dylan's publishing catalog was a bitter legal battle with Albert Grossman. In 1981 Mr. Grossman sued Dylan for back royalty & publishing disbursements and punitive damages. The case was not resolved until a 1987 settlement with the Grossman estate, a year after his death.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 18:13:02 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Neil Diamond is another major artist affiliated with SESAC. So "Dry Your Eyes", which he co-wrote with Robbie and performed at The Last Waltz, is part of the SESAC repertory. Interestingly, Robert Johnson's classic blues songs are also registered there.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 17:32:44 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: PRO's and Copyrights

In addition to moving his catalog from ASCAP to SESAC, which happened either in the late '80s or early '90s, Dylan's publishing company Special Rider also renewed the copyrights of the songs that were previously with M. Witmark (later Warner Brothers)which includes all his songs up to Blonde On Blonde, which were and are on Dwarf, but does not include his earliest songs which were originally on Duchess, (later MCA). I am convinced that the very first Bootleg Series (Vol. 1-3) was delayed until these copyrights were transferred.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 16:55:03 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Dylan's repertory is currently registered with SESAC, rather than BMI or ASCAP. This includes his DWARF publishing catalog. As The Band's songs from MFBP were published by DWARF, they are also listed at the SESAC. I couldn't find any of the songs Ian W mentioned there, however. Interesting bit of trivia - under the listing for "The Weight" (by Jaime R. Robertson) there's an aka title of "Fannys Byrde."

Entered at Mon Sep 16 12:07:20 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Odds and Ends

I had a look at my article on "Unsubstantiated Sessions" which is linked. It was last revised a mere ten years ago in 2003, but written a while before that. A lot is now out of date, but it is relevant on how stuff disappears from view. ASCAP or BMI threw up a Marion Brown track, Afrisa, credited to him and all the Band members. I never managed to find a copy, but in 1997 someone asked Levon who had never heard of Marion Brown, nor had any recall of a session. I guessed it was a sample of some kind. But the more you look at databases, it could be someone pressing a wrong key while entering data.

Entered at Mon Sep 16 09:17:03 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Mon Sep 16 01:32:12 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

My good friend Tim Dunn has, for many years, been going through the Library of Congress records to track down all the Dylan copyrights. In October 1988, Dwarf Music assigned 90 "musical compositions" to Bob Dylan. I never understand the workings of these corporate things but he transferred these copyrights from his company to himself. Most of these related to songs with which we are very well familiar but a few were not.

These include three that were something to do with the estate of Al Grossman, namely "Mary Lou, I love You", "My Woman, She's A-Leaving" and "What's It Gonna Be When It Comes Up". The assignment document does not reveal authorship. Is it possible that they were written by members of The Band?

When Tim first mentioned these, there was a fourth song, "You Own A Racehorse" but this is presumably the song "Can I Get A Racehorse", mentioned once by Garth as a Basement Tape song written by Dylan. Maybe the other three were Dylan songs, too.

Can anyone shed any light on these songs?

Entered at Sun Sep 15 21:54:41 CEST 2013 from (50.101.209.128)

Mike Nomad

Subject: Johnny Cash

For David P: link to an article that ran this past Thursday re Saul Holiff, who managed Cash for 13 years.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 21:21:38 CEST 2013 from (99.141.83.160)

Adam

I am in the process of compiling the most complete information about what is available from The Band's "Academy 1971" shows. This involves cross-checking the various versions of tracks from Academy Of Outtakes, the 1972 album/2001 reissue, and this New Year's Eve archival discs.

So far, the information gathered is really amazing. The best case scenario, for instance, is illustrated with "Life Is A Carnival". The Academy Of Outtakes bootleg, the 1972 album/2001 reissue, and New Year's Eve archival all feature different takes of Carnival. So we can conclude that since the official take was Dec. 30, and the New Year's Eve take is Dec. 31, the version on Academy Of Outtakes is from Dec. 28 or 29.

So 3 of the 4 performances of "Life Is A Carnival" are available. This information for every track will be researched and hopefully, published soon on Jan's site.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 20:12:11 CEST 2013 from (92.25.2.128)

Sparks

I love Robbie Robertson's electric guitar effort on "Raised on Robbery" on "Court and Spark" by Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell. Coupled with great lyrics, it's an awesome track. Check it out now!

Entered at Sun Sep 15 18:28:21 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sun Sep 15 17:46:13 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I'm quite aware of the official box Peter. I own it. My point was, I thought it would be interesting to hear a Sebastian Soundboard mix. That was all.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 16:07:55 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

I'm with you Pete.

A crafted compilation between '69 and '71 would allow me to expire with a silly grin.

I'd also crave more live footage. Even close ups of Garths fuzz would do for me. Don't get me wrong I'm delighted about the forthcoming Academy issue but if i've one sense of disappointement it's the fact there's live footage of just two songs.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 15:55:46 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Wow.

Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thanks Sebastian.

Crisp and clear as a mountain stream. Brings it all back as to why the love affair first began all those years ago. Richard opening, Rick seconding, Levon closing, Robbie punctuating, Garth mesmerising.

Peerless.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 15:48:56 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

John - there is already an official 4 CD box set of The Last Waltz from 2002. I noticed in Berlin this week that a large store (Saturn) had the full 4 CD set in a "normal" double jewel case rather than the "long box" shape card box set that came out originally. It's always gratifying to see a store with six different Band CDs, which they did in Germany. At another store I was delighted to find a near-mint US demo 45 of Time To Kill for a mere 5 euros.

I'd love to see a pre-New year set from 1971 from Sebastian though … the Albert Hall one is great for performance on bootleg, so if master tapes exist … a pre Academy of Music set showcases the main 1971 tour without the additional horns.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 15:33:21 CEST 2013 from (77.102.201.158)

Al Edge

Subject: The Prince of guitar solos

Not sure why I've only just been alerted to this but thought I'd share it.

Don't think it can get much better

Kicks in at 3mins 25 secs

Entered at Sun Sep 15 15:30:50 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Too soon I'm sure; but now that Sebastian has proven himself immensely on the mixes of AOM. I wonder if Robbie will ask him in the future to do a re-mix of The Last Waltz. There is of course the bootleg called The Complete Last Waltz; but it indeed really sounds like a bootleg. I guess the word we should now link Sebastian with is......The "Soundboard" Mixes. I'd buy it again.

Entered at Sun Sep 15 10:50:41 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

brilliant

Entered at Sat Sep 14 19:41:41 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Rock of Ages - RELIX blog

Entered at Sat Sep 14 17:58:03 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Sep 14 08:18:56 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I got priority tickets for Len via a fan website a day early, but the ticket agency (unconnected) banged on a £10 “handling charge” which I thought steep.

Entered at Sat Sep 14 07:52:06 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter v

Is $6000 the official price? Even Leonard Cohen had other levels above my £75 second row seat. I saw a hospitality area that had been advertised in an email and there were packages up to a meet and greet. Some venues have boxes for VIPs which means 'stupidly rich' not very important. If Bill Gates of the Sultan of Brunei wants a special seat and attention, why not charge a second or two of their earnings rate for it.

Entered at Sat Sep 14 04:34:14 CEST 2013 from (68.199.208.19)

Jeff A,

Entered at Fri Sep 13 23:07:48 CEST 2013 from (129.237.250.150)

ray pence

yes, I am up for $6000 tix, so long as that entails a time machine that will transport me back to the mid-late 70s when certain substances were thought harmless and so long as most of the performances are dominated by Joe Walsh.

Entered at Fri Sep 13 23:05:27 CEST 2013 from (129.237.250.150)

ray pence

Subject: mixing up the medicine (show)

mighty, mighty fine mixes of "Jake" and "Signal"!!

now, since Sebastian's done such stellar work with other Band 71 music, I'd like to hear a revision of "Cahoots"--in fact Robbie is on record as saying something similar, in the Kingdom Come booklet.

Entered at Fri Sep 13 20:58:52 CEST 2013 from (130.64.254.42)

Tim

Subject: Eagles

Jeff A. you can see Don Felder for free tomorrow (Saturday the 14th) at the Big E in Springfield MA.

Entered at Fri Sep 13 07:44:04 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Don't want to distract from the current new releases but Rhino have issued a 4 CD edition of TLW which seems to include everything from the box set (which I've never seen so can't be totally sure). Picked up a copy today for $22.95

Entered at Thu Sep 12 23:15:38 CEST 2013 from (173.3.49.121)

Jeff A.

Apparently front row Eagles tickets at the Los Angeles Forum are going for $6K. Yes, $6,000.00. This was posted on FB by a reliable, feet on the ground, industry connected, Los Angelino.

Entered at Thu Sep 12 19:23:08 CEST 2013 from (90.238.62.141)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Sebastian... on a serious side

Thanks Sebastian. It is just great to see a relative to The Band member in this forum. Not only for lurking but as an active contributor.

Entered at Thu Sep 12 19:12:47 CEST 2013 from (74.101.228.216)

Joan

Sebastian's mix is terrific. Can't wait to hear the rest.

Entered at Thu Sep 12 19:10:27 CEST 2013 from (74.176.225.239)

Mike C

Thanks to David P for the link to "Get Up, Jake" - what a revelation! Congrats on a great job with the mix, Sebastian.

Entered at Thu Sep 12 18:03:26 CEST 2013 from (95.198.39.138)

NorthWestCoaster

"I absolutely think the full 5 disc "Academy 1971" box is essential for everyone who posts on this site."

- Adam (?!) said that.

"I absolutely think the full "Old Testment" is essential for everyone who posts on this site."

- I saith that.

Entered at Thu Sep 12 18:03:10 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Thu Sep 12 15:54:58 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: Live at the Academy

Here's a link to Sebastian's mix of "Get Up Jake."

Entered at Thu Sep 12 15:38:01 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: John R. Cash

Ten years ago today the great Johnny Cash passed away. He wife June Carter Cash died the previous May. He had proposed to her in 1968 during a performance at the London Ice House in London, Ontario

Entered at Thu Sep 12 09:10:40 CEST 2013 from (202.59.173.125)

sewa mobil

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 22:00:41 CEST 2013 from (71.43.124.98)

Dan

Subject: LIve at the Academy

Thank you to Sebastion for having the commitment and talent to present the Band's music. As someone, who has purchased every conceivable issue of Rock of Ages (the Marcus notes to the first 2 disc version are my favorite), the Last Waltz and Before the Flood, not to mention the novice purchase cassette of the Brown Album tape that omitted When You Awake and King Harvest, I would most appreciate those talents being applied to a single disc issue of something new. For example, Tour 74 before the voices frayed (on Wolfgang's Vault Richard's voice was in good form through the MSG performance and declined in Oakland) or something from when most of Big Pink was played live. What made the Moondog Reissue great was the addition of previously unheard songs. What makes IOW so special is songs played live that I either never heard Bob and the Band play or they are played with a different emotion - Maggie's Farm and Lay Lady Lay come to mind, the latter being much better than the BTF version and the former displaying a musical comradery.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 21:13:20 CEST 2013 from (204.138.58.96)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Sep 11 21:03:25 CEST 2013 from (217.194.70.182)

Peter v

I ordered the complete set as soon as amazon.co.uk listed it. If you are a regular, you need it.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 20:52:13 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Does anyone know what the sampling rate / resolution is for 5.1 surround mix on the DVD? Hopefully it's a least 96/24.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 20:07:13 CEST 2013 from (99.141.83.160)

Adam

Entered at Wed Sep 11 19:29:55 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

In retrospect, this period may very well be the height of the Band's performance history, so what a gift it is.

Adam, I'm at pjlbrennanATmindspringDOTcom.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 19:16:22 CEST 2013 from (69.145.206.226)

Raincheck

Subject: Academy of Music

Having heard the Robbie interviews and the samples out there, I finally have to admit to myself that I will shell out for Academy of Music. This is where I came in. I bought Rock of Ages as my first Band album way back when and always have loved these live versions. To me the best live Band, hands down, and in many cases I prefer these versions to the original studio takes, which is saying a lot, as the early Band was a great studio band. I do find the format odd, with some performances on here 3 times. A few years back a reissue of Joe Cocker's amazing Mad Dogs live album had all four Fillmore East performances in full, a fun release that showed how much song selection and the performances of those songs changed from set to set with the loosest big band ever. But I love this music and the new mixes and the alternate performances and the DVD quality are all good things. I'm in for tossing away more cash.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 18:27:15 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I've really got to take a few breaths; before posting. I should have checked out the 2 CD disc of AOM 1971; before my last post. Sebastian's disc will not be included; in the 2 CD disc set; it's just the first 2 CD's.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 18:21:15 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I gotta get out more. I see the concert highlights are being released as a two CD set. I don't know if this includes the full Sebasian Mix CD?

Entered at Wed Sep 11 15:42:25 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Another Self Portrait

The review in PASTE does mnetion The Band in a couple of places:

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2013/09/bob-dylan-another-self-portrait-bootleg-series-vol.html

Entered at Wed Sep 11 14:57:21 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well, I trouble shooted away and switched from Windows Explorer to Firefox. Under Firefox everything works fine.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 14:48:53 CEST 2013 from (204.138.58.96)

Bill M

Subject: Sebastian, this note's for you

Sebastian: I thought that you, as a Robertson, might be interested in at least certain of the details around one of Robbie's earliest recording sessions. He was already with Hawkins, but one of his Robertson uncles, a semi-professional magician, pushed his agent, Billy O'Connor (a well known musician, songwriter and band-leader), to use his talented nephew on a session that Billy was pulling together to record a jingle for a new toy, the Orbiteer. The result was "My Orbiteer Will Come Back" / "The Orbiteer Twist" - the latter sung by Dianne Brooks. Robbie's on both sides - only coming in at the end of the A-side, but playing snarly guitar throughout the B-side. Dianne too was one of O'Connor's clients at the time, as was the session pianist, Art Talbot. On sax was fellow agent Bud Matton, on bass was O'Connor's own bassist, Jack Richardson - who went on to considerable success as producer of the Guess Who, Poco, Bob Seger ... (and who mentored Jack Douglas and Bob Ezrin). Not sure about the drummer. O'Connor's two young sons sing on the A-side too. Unfortunately O'Connor (who told me all this) is gone, as are Brooks, Matton and Richardson (who all corroborated details - as did the one son I spoke with, and also Talbot).

Entered at Wed Sep 11 14:31:55 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I should add that both tracks play perfectly well; on my iPad.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 14:21:49 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

So I listen to Sebastian's link to LIAC last night and loved it. Went over to Rolling Stone and listened to Smoke Signal. Again just great. Then I get a message; from Windows Update that downloads are ready. I do it every time; with no problems. Since the download I can no longer listen to Sebastian's Link; nor Rolling Stone's and YouTube is a little wacky. I just did a system restore; and YouTube seems to be working; but Sebastian's link doesn't even have a wav form there anymore. And I can't listen to Smoke Signal. Must be something with that Soundcloud program and whatever happened when I did the download. I'm very computer literate; but this one has been puzzled. Man I really wanted to hear them again.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 07:46:38 CEST 2013 from (67.87.216.50)

Jeff A.

Subject: Live Tribute To Buddy Emmons, helluva lineup

Entered at Wed Sep 11 04:44:20 CEST 2013 from (24.108.1.255)

Bonk

Wow! I agree. First time in a little while I got really into a band song.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 03:35:27 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Well. From listening to Levon's opening drum count in to the "live" sound of the vocals. Sebastian has nailed it! If that's what the "sound" of that night was like; then LIAC makes me feel like I'm there. I know it doesn't make financial sense; but that particular disc would sell very well as a stand alone. Perhaps in the future.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 01:55:34 CEST 2013 from (216.165.95.64)

Ari

Crowd: Happy New Year Danko!

(pause)

Danko: I'll drink to that

This is great stuff Sebastian, thanks. I love when Robbie tells stories, it's his pacing. His story about Toussiant is just such a great story.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 00:54:10 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Another video about the new release.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 00:39:27 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Well,I'm starting to get it.I listened on a good sound system,not my best,and I was truly amazed.This song was crackiling with raw energy.I imagine my 5.1 system will better distinguish the instruments.Is that correct?Or am I technologically missing the point? Nevertheless,I'm starting to want this more and more,despite certain reservations I discussed earlier.The issue is price.I'm waiting on people here to express opinion-that might just help me decide.

Entered at Wed Sep 11 00:02:41 CEST 2013 from (99.141.83.160)

Adam

Pat, I noticed the exact same thing at first. It must be after hearing Robbie's intro about a thousand times that it just leaped out. The first part of the horn intro is different, then its the same as the album.

Entered at Tue Sep 10 21:30:03 CEST 2013 from (96.30.173.135)

joe j

Subject: Downeast R & B

Link is to Chris Kirby & the Marquee, proof that R & B is alive and well on the east coast. Check out as well Joel Plaskett, Matt Minglewood, Matt Anderson and Sherman Downey (& the Ambiguous Case).

Entered at Tue Sep 10 19:16:43 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Sep 10 18:48:28 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

Subject: Re: Life Is A Carnival

Sounds great! It's a disconnect for me that Robbie's spoken intro no longer kicks off Don't Do It, but ah well. The sound is terrific to my ears.

Entered at Tue Sep 10 17:58:52 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

Subject: Life Is A Carnival

You can check out the mix I did of Life Is A Carnival in the link provided. Also Rolling Stone dot com has the mix of Smoke Signal that I did and has a brief interview with my dad about the upcoming release.

Entered at Tue Sep 10 17:28:50 CEST 2013 from (24.161.13.96)

Dennis

Subject: Stuff

Jerome, good to hear you 'n your pop are doing well, perhaps we can get a crew together and do a road trip up to see one of the shows.

Lots of Dylan talk lately: Wolfgangs Vault is holding their annual online auction, link above to a set of nine reasonably priced "Set of Nine (9) 1960's Bob Dylan Concert & Promotional Photos." No bids yet, Good luck!

With some Woodstock news, last Saturday's first annual Woodstock Drum Festival was well attended and enjoyed by all, likewise The Felice Brothers' first annual County Fair the prior Saturday. Members of Levon's band played at both events, couple of nice early fall Catskill weekend events.

Finally, a personal note: as an early member of the Free Underground Grateful Dead tape exchange (with folks like Les Kippel and Jerry Moore), I'd like to remind all of our long held mantra: never encourage the sale of bootlegs, please.

Sebastian, please keep up your good works.

Entered at Tue Sep 10 08:01:03 CEST 2013 from (98.149.168.95)

Sebastian

Thanks Glenn. I have an 8 year old son and he really likes "He Don't Live Here No More," from my dad's latest solo album and he also loves "Shine Your Light." As you might imagine as far as The Band goes he gravitates towards "The Weight." Hope you enjoy the mixes I did. I really aimed for a no frills, polished bootleg kind of experience.

Entered at Tue Sep 10 04:55:59 CEST 2013 from (128.104.41.234)

Ginger Stevens

Subject: I am not in.

My comment is that I can't sign on to your email in the website but I have been interested inthepast

Entered at Tue Sep 10 01:27:48 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Colin Linden and Bob Dylan

http://music.cbc.ca/#/blogs/2013/9/Bob-Dylans-guitarist-Colin-Linden-talks-about-landing-his-dream-job

Entered at Tue Sep 10 00:13:52 CEST 2013 from (24.252.150.9)

Calvin

Fun thing is, there is a midday show right down the street that day-which will be over before Jeff and Brian go on-Peter Noone of Hermans Hermits, Gary Puckett and the lead singer of the Buckinghams. If its cheap enough I might spend the whole day going all nostalgic.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 23:20:04 CEST 2013 from (68.196.243.246)

Jeff A.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 22:42:54 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: Signed Robbie Guitar

http://gottahaveit.com/The-Band-Robbie-Robertson-Signed-Electric-Guitar-ITEM12899.aspx

Entered at Mon Sep 9 22:02:32 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Subject: New Morning Music for Old People

Al Kooper's New Music For Old People column for the Morton Report (link above) this week includes his remixed versions of "New Morning" w/horns and "Sign On The Window" w/strings. You can listen to both songs in their entirety with Kooper's overdubs that Dylan didn't like restored.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 21:47:08 CEST 2013 from (68.196.243.246)

Jeff A.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 21:28:30 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Mon Sep 9 20:08:24 CEST 2013 from (68.196.243.246)

Jeff A.

Some of you will remember Wally, RIP, from Woodstock. In the 80s, 90s, Wally was a painting and antique dealer on the main drag....liked his Becks,,,,,,,, told a story how he was once dispatched to control Rick, Blondie, and Butterfield, the trifecta, on tour out West. Wally had the car keys, the credit cards, the cash. Was supposed to get them where they were going,on time, in condition....
well, they recruited a young lady to occupy and disable Wally.When he woke up, the threesome, and the credit cards, most of the cash, and the vehicle, were gone.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 18:24:19 CEST 2013 from (74.203.77.122)

Jon Lyness

JTull, was thrilled to see Blondie Chaplin added to the Brian Wilson-Jeff Beck lineup on the date I'll be attending. Some folks here will remember Blondie's tours with Rick Danko over the decades. I saw him perform with Rick at a 1996 club show... great singer.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 15:01:59 CEST 2013 from (75.146.18.190)

JTull Fan

Subject: Blondie Chaplan

This tour has amazing potential. After the acrimonious end to the amazing Beach Boys' 50th anniversary tour, it's great to see Brian get the artistic upper hand over Mike Love as a solo artist. If only he had the mental health in the 60's or 70's to achieve something like this.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 09:30:03 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Pat has prompted me to do a bit of digging.

The issue in that eBay ad is from 23 July 1973 and the article is 2 pages.

ROCK appears to have started in July 1969 and was certainly still going in 1975.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 08:23:59 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Thanks, once again, Pat. The copy at the top left has Dylan on the cover, with the words "Dylan as session man". I don't recognise the photo but it looks a bit like photos of Dylan in 1972, though I'm not sure.

Entered at Mon Sep 9 02:36:47 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Ian, here's what ROCK looked like.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 19:09:16 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Beggin' - studio version

You probably need the studio one … the mic is playing up on the TV one.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 19:06:55 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: Beggin'

I just realized that you might not know Timebox. Link to their version of Beggin' live on French TV, 1968. The studio version is better with an orchestra, but it's Patto's voice that wins, I think.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 19:01:34 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Oops, sorry. Wrong Four Seasons! Yes, it's like pulling teeth missing Dawn let alone Sherry and Ronnie. Actually the one I agonized on most was Beggin' but I played The Timebox version again, and it is better, so it'll have to go on a Timebox Toppermost (if we get that far!)

Actually I'm really enjoying the Dylan "The Boxer" as I type.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 18:00:28 CEST 2013 from (24.235.170.13)

Jerome Levon Avis

Subject: Wasaga Beach Blues Festival

Just a quick line to say that some great musicians and I are playing the Wasaga Beach Blues Festival Main Stage this Saturday September 14th 9:30 pm. With a celebration to The Last Waltz. www.wasagabeachblues.com for more info. Also my dad (Bill) and I are very close to selling out our Celebration to Levon Helm the music of The Band and beyond show at the Market hall here in Peterborough on Saturday November 23rd. www.markethall.org for more info. Love and miss you everyday Godfather Lee J.L

Entered at Sun Sep 8 16:55:51 CEST 2013 from (24.108.143.105)

JT

Subject: He can go the distance

Boxing: 1) Who Killed Davey Moore

2)Gina Gershon: " I started boxing to get that distance and to get muscles. It was really wild because my boxing partner ended up being Bob Dylan!" Did you kick his arse? "I hit him so hard and I thought, 'Oh my god! I just hit Bob Dylan!' and he was, 'Oh, no, it's okay. I need a good woman to do this every now and then.' He's a real boxer. We have the same trainer in LA, who said I needed to get in the ring and spar. I had a really good time."

" 3) Hurricane (Reuben Carter).

Davey Moore definitely came before Self Portrait's 'The Boxer". It is clear that among all his varied interests, boxing had some importance.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 16:36:54 CEST 2013 from (72.78.47.89)

PSB

Subject: 4 Seasons

Peter,

I'm with John on "Dawn," and how could you leave off "Ronnie?"

By the way, the 4 Seasons did a pretty good version of "Queen Jane Approximately."

Entered at Sun Sep 8 13:16:21 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Dancing hall in the woods

Visit my link to see how a typical Finnish dance hall looked like in the year of Self Portrait. Oh my God, it looks still the same!!!

Entered at Sun Sep 8 12:56:12 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Why The Boxer? (Peter V)

In The Boxer you can here the "old" voice in one of "la-la-las", but only once. Interesting if both voices were recorded in the same session.

Peter, the scene of reminiscenses I posted earlier was near the dancing hall (Poikeljärven paviljonki) which you meant in a post (or email?) about ten years ago. An English artist (I have forgotten the name) played in deep woods in Finland and a magazine had a humorous report on it. Still remember it? It must have haunted in my mind.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 12:44:55 CEST 2013 from (31.53.17.84)

Dunc

Subject: Solomon

Thanks, Solomon, I didn't know. I'll look at that this coming week.

Never saw the Humblebums, but saw Billy in his folk club days. Always charismatic.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 09:53:05 CEST 2013 from (92.18.197.21)

Solomon

Subject: The Big Yin

Dunc did you know Billy Connolly was a fan of The Band? Comedian, musician and actor Billy Connolly joins Janice Forsyth to shuffle through his MP3 player to discuss the music he takes on his travels and how it influences his life and work. Look on the BBC iPlayer or click the link above.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 09:43:56 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

There was quite a proliferation in the UK around 1970. Rolling Stone started doing a British edition, edited in the UK, and that didn't last long. I think the surviving British team switched names to "Friends" with the same folded over format. Wasn't Street Life similar? I have a copy somewhere.

Entered at Sun Sep 8 08:38:18 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Dylan as Shakespeare for his time? Hard to disagree, but as I’ve said before, try sitting through some of the Bard’s punning clown speeches, or perhaps “Henry VIII” and you realize that even old William had his off days. It wasn’t all Hamlet, just as Bob isn’t all Visions of Johanna. Also, Shakespeare’s writing spans a debateable 26 to 28 years. Bob is around double that.

The nearest contenders are Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen … I’m ignoring Lennon-McCartney for the moment as different in style (though arguably as great, or even greater). Both Simon and Cohen have filtered their releases far more stringently. Either they’re nowhere near as prolific, or they’re much more choosy about what they allow out. Certainly they put a lot more effort, rewriting and extra takes into their work, as well as paying much more attention to accompanying music. So I’d argue that both are more consistent, and neither have unleashed a ‘Dylan & The Dead,’ a ‘Saved’ or a Christmas album on the public. Both are also better live, with better bands and voices in better condition. So on the original Self Portrait, one of the two songs that go towards the 1970 negative reviews is “The Boxer.” I always felt Copper Kettle, Days of 49, Belle Isle, Little Sadie etc were first rate. I still wonder why he cut The Boxer. I also still shake my head at his claim to have written It Hurts Me Too, as well as others.

Of his peers, McCartney has similarities to Dylan … career length, prolific number of releases, prefers a simple band live which doesn’t do the material justice (but is cheaper to run), some shining solo gems, but also some real clunkers. Also, judging by recent TV, his voice, which held up much longer than Bob’s, is now past the point.

The second song that still puzzles me in reappraising “Self Portrait” is Like A Rolling Stone. The new mix reveals it was actually a good perfrmance. I always felt “She Belongs To Me” was OK, and a B-side too so less expected, “Mighty Quinn” was fine because it was the first official Dylan / Band basement song released by them, and I always loved “Minstrel Boy.” But when reviewers in 1970 talked about him pissing on his best known song, they were talking about Like A Rolling Stone. It was a throwaway mix, as we now know. We read about the recording in a mobile truck with no view of the stage. I still don’t believe there was no communication as stated with the stage crew because we were using intercoms in 1967 between lights and backstage. It’s also not “typical 1969 festival sound” because Woodstock sounded a lot better … I know CSN overdubbed after the event, but most didn’t. Monterey Pop had the Hendrix / Redding set too. Live could sound better, so it’s not just a case of 2013 tender loving care on the remix, though there is an aspect of that.

I was always a “positive Self Portrait” listener. I understood All The Tired Horses and Wigwam. I always listened with pleasure to the affectionate run throughs of Early Morning Rain, Gotta Travel On or It Hurts Me Too. I think his Everly Brothers tribute on Take A Message To Mary and Let It Be Me worked, just as Simon & Garfunkel were paying them tribute at the same time. Blue Moon was probably meant to be amusing. I thought so and laughed along. Didn’t mind that. But then The Boxer? Why?

Entered at Sun Sep 8 00:30:43 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Thanks, Pat, for the information.

ROLLING STONE sparked quite a few imitators, I think : I may still have a copy of FUSION (out of Boston) somewhere and a couple of copies of ZOO WORLD (from down Florida way). There was an imitator here in Britain, maybe more : STREET LIFE comes to mind.

But I cannot recall seeing old copies of ROCK magazine on any of my visits to North America.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 23:56:29 CEST 2013 from (31.53.17.84)

Dunc

Subject: The last Waltz, Glasgow

Had a really great night at The Last Waltz played live at the Pavillion Theatre, Glasgow. Great musicianship and singing. All the songs.

Finished with the entire audience singing The Weight. Many up dancing when Ophelia was played.

I now know one of the musicians on stage looks in to the GB so thanks very much for a wonderful evening.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 23:26:00 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Sat Sep 7 23:17:35 CEST 2013 from (24.108.143.105)

JT

Subject: The Bard of 4th St.

The most amazing thing to me regarding the release of Another Self Portrait ins the opportunity afforded to see Bob Dylan in the light of this period, one that has been said to be a nadir in his overall career. That is so far from reality as to be pure fiction. Dylan at this time was clearly in a reflective and personal space with a family and a passion for what came before. He had a desire to participate in his musical roots and in so doing expose and reveal to himself (and to us who admire) his inner self. This, like so much of his work, is superb. It is the singing that strips early 1970s Bob Dylan naked. There is no enigmatic personna here. It is all laid bare for all to see. From the basement to the Isle to those recordings to New Morning, we are allowed to have revealed to us today's Shakespeare (I agree absolutely with Al Kooper) and to know a little bit about our greatest poet/singer.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 22:26:08 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Sat Sep 7 21:21:16 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

I wonder if its possible to buy only the DVD disc from the Academy release-the 5.1 surround sound disc which,based on my understanding,contains all of discs 1-2.Thus,disc 5 of the Academy show is really the one I'd want.Any thoughts?

Entered at Sat Sep 7 19:35:28 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

My best-selling book ever had a one page letter, agreeing we would have the same terms as a previous 4-page contract on a different book, with two or three differences in shares. It assumed goodwill and best intentions on both sides. I signed it in 1980. The book is still in print. Nowadays, you get a 20 page contract in small print.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 19:28:34 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: 4 seasons

Dawn … Sherry … Beggin' … Big Man in Town. It was really hard to get it down to ten. In the end, Toppermost tries to avoid "just the ten" and encourages a couple of less obvious ones, so I wanted to squeeze in Raven. Beggars Parade was one of the five ones I chose first though.

This morning I listened to Jersey Boys, which is produced by Bob Gaudio too, and somehow while the voices are very good, they just don't get the snap of the drums and the bass right compared to the 1963 guys. Try Walk Like A Man in both versions. I'm sure it's fantastic on stage, but if you follow the link above to "The Wanderers" opening sequence, you can hear the difference.

The stage show perpetuates the lyric of December 1963 as 'true' (and does it as the intro to the song). But it's obviously not.

On The Wanderers, one of the baldies was in one of my videos and we had great talks about the film.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 19:01:53 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

At the back of the SELF PORTRAIT folio songbook, there is a review of the album by Norman Dolph, taken from ROCK magazine. It starts, " ... I think it is a good record that you should consider buying". I only have this reprint and have never seen an original or even a photocopy.

I do, however, have a photocopy of an article attributed to ROCK magazine for 17 February 1970. The article is by Andy Bower and is headed "For Demo Use Only - a would-be great album by Dylan and The Band". It refers to a tape of 16 Dylan songs recorded in November 1969. Several(Basement Tape)song titles are mentioned, though these are a touch jumbled up, so the tape is most likely from that era rather than 1969. The article talks about "the maturity expressed by these performances" and ends, "This is their finest hour".

I am not familiar with ROCK magazine. Maybe it was only around for 1970. What can anyone tell me about it? Does anyone have copies?

Entered at Sat Sep 7 18:58:03 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Ahhhh Rob. I'm just sitting here listening to Ju Ku Man and Surrender to The Rhythm. Man Bob Andrews really made it for me in that group. I put him right up there with Benmont Tench.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 18:52:53 CEST 2013 from (24.108.143.105)

JT

Subject: Back in Victoria

Feeling philosophical today...What's after Triumvirate? Bob Dylan: lyrics. - Beatles:melody- Rolling Stones:blues and translation - and the 4th member of Olympus - The Band: emotion and human sensitivity delivered. That's my take on the 60s evolution of the music that we listen to today.

And I'm a 4 Seasons fan too. I'm looking forward to Clint Eastwood's Jersey Boys. Loved the musical on stage.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 18:47:57 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

What???? No DAWN? No WONDER WHO????

Entered at Sat Sep 7 18:18:28 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Peter I'm with you. I've always been a fan. Frankie Valli and Bob Guadio also were two smart businessmen. I interviewed Valli; when The Jersey Boys came out and the deal between him and Guadio was based solely; on a handshake. They own everything. A lot of people could learn from that.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 11:04:46 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Keeping you up to date on Toppermost this week: today is the 4 Seasons by me, yesterday was Brinsley Schwartz by Rob The Organ. The Brinsleys are of obvious Band interest. The 4 Seasons is one people have wondered about my liking before, but I do.

Entered at Sat Sep 7 07:35:22 CEST 2013 from (96.47.226.21)

Tatjana

Ein Kompliment für diese tolle Seite. Eigentlich bin ich durch Zufall über den Google auf diese super Seite gestoßen und dachte mir, hinterlasse mal einen netten Eintrag und viele Grüße im Gästebuch

Entered at Sat Sep 7 03:02:55 CEST 2013 from (99.141.58.173)

Adam

Entered at Fri Sep 6 17:25:34 CEST 2013 from (97.81.222.55)

Jimmy Nelson

Subject: On 'I Shall Be Released' ... Better than Dylan's?

I think so, of course. Richard kills on this song.

Entered at Fri Sep 6 17:21:37 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Fri Sep 6 13:39:52 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Fri Sep 6 12:27:49 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Another chronicles

Organ player didn't show up. It was time for weekly rehearsal. He wouldn't miss it in any case. We became worry. It was in 1969, long before cellular phones. We drove to the pub were he usually did hang around. He was not there. Someone told us - whispered us - that he was in "The Brewery". There was not such things in the neighbourhood so he meant their illegal brewery. It was in the woods. We drove band leader's dad's American station wagon. Cool. Long abandoned roads, or paths, thru timber companie's forests, even that was illegal enough for me. In the middle of a swamp it should be. The secret brewery. - We found it and found the organ player. He was not in the mood for playing. But he was to be trusted, always. So he took a twenty liters canister with him and back to the civilisation we drove. It is amazing how some people are able to play even heavily drunk. - Organ player found this twenty liters canister so practical that he kept carrying it all that summer. No one seemed to care that it was full of illegal beverage.

Entered at Fri Sep 6 00:36:35 CEST 2013 from (99.141.58.173)

Adam

The complete, 18 track "Syria Mosque 1970" recording was a cut I personally made to document that show correctly. The sources were the under-traded 15 track CDr, presumably from a camera feed line source. Another TV source had an extra track, and one more source after that. I completely re-cut the running order of the sources, as they were in some crossfade edit someone applied along the way, and not in original concert order as shown by the setlists from Nov. 1970.

I was immensely proud of cleaning up "Syria Mosque 1970", and soon began seeing pressed bootleg CDs for sale using my original cut. Working on a Grateful Dead/'Dick's Picks' style release program for The Band is the ultimate dream of mine.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 23:51:37 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Robert Z, I think this is technically the best of the early audience tapes and a great show to boot. The Syria Mosque might be the first soundboard.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 23:50:14 CEST 2013 from (136.167.102.165)

Dave H

But it seems to me that we know a lot about Dylan today that Marcus and his buddies didn't know in 1969-70, especially from his memoir and radio show. For example, we know that Dylan has a non-ironic love for a lot of mid-century pop, even stuff with a bit of a corny or schmaltzy side. We also know that the standard, Rolling Stone-approved account of Dylan's "going electric," supposedly summed up by "Positively 4th Street" and the (fictional) image of Pete Seeger trying to cut the electrical cables at Newport with an axe, is a fairly serious oversimplification, and that Dylan retained a great deal of affection for the people and music of the '60s Greenwich Village scene, including for a lot of strummy singer-songwriters who were never half as hip as he was: Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Paxton, Eric Andersen, John Prine.

That doesn't make the album a good one--I do think he was fatally confused about what he wanted to do artistically, as the new Bootleg Series seems to confirm--but I think there was something there that was genuine. But once the world rejected it, he couldn't really admit any of that, and so retreated into this party line about the album being an intentional sabotage--a claim that I find sort of hard to believe.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 23:00:38 CEST 2013 from (108.217.93.87)

glenn t

I've been wanting to saying a big "thank you" to Sebastian for popping in and sharing info with us from time to time, and for his work on the new live collection. It's a real treat to get some dialogue with someone so directly connected to our favorite quintet. I can't wait to hear the NYE's show with the mix you worked on.

Don't know if you have any kids of your own, but if you do (and they're old enough), have you been introducing them to the music of their grandfather (Band and solo)? Thanks for all you're doing!

Entered at Thu Sep 5 22:51:09 CEST 2013 from (75.151.90.106)

Robert Zilli

I was hoping you folks might give me your two-cents on your favorite early Band shows, preferably stuff that's floating around the web.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 21:56:27 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Speaking of enigmatic, along with Self Portrait, Dylan also did the cover art for "Music From Big Pink" and "Planet Waves." That raises the question of which, if any, of those album covers are intrinsic to the music presented.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 21:42:48 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

"If we are to be satisfied with Self-Portrait we may have to see it in the sterile terms of the auteur, which in our language would be translated as "Hey, far out, Dylan singing Simon and Garfunkel, Rodgers and Hart, and Gordon Lightfoot . . . " Well, it is far out, in a sad sort of way, but it is also vapid, and if our own untaught perception of the auteur allows us to be satisfied with it, we degrade our own sensibilities and Dylan's capabilities as an American artist as well. Dylan did not become a force whose every movement carries the force of myth by presenting desultory images of his own career as if that was the only movie that mattered – he did it by taking on the world, by assault, and by seduction."

I say this not because I agree with it, but because it lines up nicely against Dylan's suggestion that the album was intended to give the middle finger to the Webermans of the world. Greil wanted Dylan to provide impressions of the world rather than of himself. Dylan disappointed by instead responding to the people who were interested in just the details of Dylan himself. Surprise surprise - a mass of unedited personal details, warts and all, is, well, uneven.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 21:32:05 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I assume any Bob comment on an album is smoke and mirrors.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 20:20:53 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David )P

Subject: Greil Marcus Review

Peter: The eye-catching opening line, however, is the least obtuse part of the "review". After winding through the rest of it (see link), its hard to tell what HE really thought of the album, as he wanders off into a collective "we" perspective. Even by Marcus standards it's a short, strange trip.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 19:13:14 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Entered at Thu Sep 5 18:32:23 CEST 2013 from (70.196.198.14)

Raincheck

Subject: Self Portrait 2 reviews

I've been reading a lot of reviews of Another Self Portrait online. I've learned you skip the first paragraph or two, which seem to always include a reference to Marcus's review of the original. It is strange to me that everyone feels the need to refer back to a review from a long ago Rolling Stone. And it accidentally makes the whole point of this era of Dylan. The spokesman of a generation crap, the Dylan as legend rather than man, prophet rather than song and dance man. All of that garbage that gets in the way of the music. Which is just music. Referring back to the response of Rolling Stone, which was waiting for the latest statement from the oracle, misses the point. It is collection of songs from a man who just wants to be a musician. As for the music, it is great, often sublime. And proof that music isn't about the times and the media and all that jazz. This music is all the better for being detached from its times and being allowed to live on its own. It is two discs of mostly beautifully delivered simple pleasures that age better than most of what was being praised back in the day.

Entered at Thu Sep 5 05:22:35 CEST 2013 from (108.195.6.57)

Todd

Subject: Hard times from the country

"Old New York City is a friendly old town
From Washington Heights to Harlem on down
There’s a-mighty many people all millin’ all around
They’ll kick you when you’re up and knock you when you’re down
It’s hard times in the city
Livin’ down in New York town"
(From 'Hard Times In New York Town' - Bob Dylan 1962)

I recall reading Chronicles when it first came out, and as it happened, I was staying in a small cabin in Woodstock at that time, spending a couple of hours reading Bob's tome, prior to heading over to Plochmann Lane for a Ramble at Levon's later that evening. Dylan's recollection about hearing people on the roof of his house had quite an impact on me. You figure that people go to the woods for some peace and quiet, but that didn't work out for Bobby once his "fans" found him.

It struck me as equally odd that he thought he'd be able to find peace for he and his family in the heart of New York City. Maybe he thought that he'd be able to get lost in the crowd, but it didn't seem to work out that way.

The price of fame......It ain't all french fries and soda pop.

Entered at Wed Sep 4 22:53:59 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Wed Sep 4 22:42:14 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

At the time Dylan moved to MacDougal St. in the Village he also had to contend with an obsessive fanatic named A.J. Weberman, who was stalking him & his family and actually going through Dylan's trash.

Entered at Wed Sep 4 19:26:38 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Sep 4 19:21:25 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Well,finally started listening to disc 4.The sound is magnificent.I hear instruments I neve heard on some of these songs.As earlier said,I've been a fan of this album since it was initially released.Now,however,after hearing discs 1 & 2 SP seems a bit diminished in my mind.Yes,the remastering is first class but discs 1 & 2 hold together much better,and the songs are done better,or are better songs.And,yes,Michelle,it's worth the investment.As already noted,disc 3 is very special as well.I did take a break to listen to some jazzy early material from Derek Trucks Band's Joyful Noise cd.Highly recommended.

Entered at Wed Sep 4 18:23:15 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

With the 1985 "Biograph" box set, Dylan began opening up the archives of his recordings. In an interview with Cameron Crowe, which was included in the liner notes for "Biograph", Dylan remarked:

"Self Portrait was a bunch of tracks that we'd done all the time I'd gone to Nashville. We did that stuff to get a [studio] sound. To open up we'd do two or three songs, just to get things right and then we'd do what we were going to do. And then there was a lot of other stuff that was just on the shelf. But I was being bootlegged at the time and a lot of stuff that was worse was appearing on bootleg records. So I just figured I'd put all this stuff together and put it out, my own bootleg record, so to speak. You know, if it actually had been a bootleg record, people probably would have sneaked around to buy it and played it for each other secretly. Also, I wasn't going to be anybody's puppet and I figured this record would put an end to that...I was just so fed up with all that who people thought I was nonsense."

Entered at Wed Sep 4 17:45:42 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Sep 4 17:25:32 CEST 2013 from (86.149.77.103)

Michelle

Subject: Bootleg Series Vol.10

Just when you thought there could be no more surprises. Ha! CD constantly playing. Perfect backdrop to this lovely summer. Could not stretch to the de-luxe set. So maybe a Christmas present from my loved ones. Is it worth the investment?

Entered at Wed Sep 4 17:16:21 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

JT: It seems as if the general opinion of the material has gone from "what is this shit" to "this Is the shit." :-)

Entered at Wed Sep 4 16:27:58 CEST 2013 from (174.116.172.227)

JT

Subject: The Time Has Come Today: Dylan hits top 10

Dylan Bootleg 10 is top 10 all over, number 1 in Sweden, number 5 in UK. Must be the voice!. (and the performances by his confreres) This is the best any Bootleg series release has done as far as I know. Who woulda guessed? Reviled material in 1970 or so and now praise. As the Chambers Brothers so eloquently put it....TIME (echo).

Entered at Wed Sep 4 15:32:01 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

From the press release description: "...and the New Year's Eve soundboard mix on discs 3 and 4 puts the listener in the room for that entire legendary night: Uncut, unedited, taken straight from the master recordings and presented in full for the first time."

So as Pat suggested, perhaps Sebastian went back to the original un-futzed with multi-tracks and created what would better be described as a "soundboard feel", by mixing it as it would have sounded in the concert hall. With this method, the multi-tracks could be mixed with a more spacious, yet raw sound, "warts and all", using John's Paul Simon quote.

Entered at Wed Sep 4 14:04:00 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

As Paul Simon once said about his "Live Rhymin' Simon" album......and I am paraphrasing......"here it is.... warts and all."

Entered at Wed Sep 4 14:00:57 CEST 2013 from (67.84.79.254)

Jeff A.

Entered at Wed Sep 4 02:03:39 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Wed Sep 4 01:59:49 CEST 2013 from (65.93.116.243)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Tue Sep 3 23:12:27 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Isn't the soundboard output feed already mixed down to two track stereo from the multiple microphone inputs?

Entered at Tue Sep 3 22:56:23 CEST 2013 from (99.141.29.148)

Adam

Entered at Tue Sep 3 22:54:55 CEST 2013 from (99.141.29.148)

Adam

I absolutely love the original 1972 album as presented by Mobile Fidelity... the original mix sounds as good as it ever will on their SACD/LP. But even now I am looking forward to hearing the remixed tracks. As Pat B said, the remixing will provide the most noticeable difference. I would expect the vocals to have more clarity and the horns more balance.

The promo videos do include footage of a few songs, but Sebastian told me the proper audio for them is indeed missing. If those videos and the final album audio were recorded at different speeds etc, I think it may not have worked synching them.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 21:34:02 CEST 2013 from (67.84.79.254)

Jeff A.

Of course, this was tracked analogue.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 21:07:02 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Sep 3 20:55:37 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

Entered at Tue Sep 3 20:24:22 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

Entered at Tue Sep 3 20:04:10 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

True about box sets repeating too much. Listening to CD5 (the new live stuff) from The Beach Boys new box today. Whoever thought a thunderstorm SFX the best way of opening their cover of California Dreaming? Also the live take of "The Letter" is so feeble with such pedestrian and leaden keyboard you reach for The Box Tops. But then again Wild Honey is The Beach Boys as stadium rockers.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 19:46:39 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

Entered at Tue Sep 3 19:46:13 CEST 2013 from (67.84.79.254)

Jeff A.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 19:41:12 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

"the audio tapes that go with the video of rock and roll and unfaithful have been lost by the record company so they didn't include it on the package."

Entered at Tue Sep 3 19:21:07 CEST 2013 from (108.90.18.26)

Pat B

As far as complaining about song repetition etc, two things. There will be a two CD package available. And, from seeing the trailer, the music is a lot bigger/clearer/more dynamic than before.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 18:48:21 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

It is disappointing that the Live at the Academy box set incluces only two video performances, "King Harvest" and "The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show." "Don't Do It" was previously included on the DVD video for the A Musical History box set. The MSNBC video preview includes a black & white clip from "(I Don't Want To) Hang Up My Rock and Roll Shoes" as a teaser. Is there not a video of the full performance? I would also ask why the new audio mix couldn't be synced with any existing video of other songs??

Entered at Tue Sep 3 18:38:07 CEST 2013 from (174.44.139.55)

Jed

I saw the clips-loved them,particularly seeing a very robust Richard Manuel.But,perhaps someone can convince me why it's worth buying the Boxset of the same songs played over and over.This is true for many box sets although Dylan(& the record companies),possibly as a rare example,tend to release lots new music or with ottakes/alt versions it seems like new music.Even true for some other recent boxes I've bought.If anyone can help me find a reason to purchase the ROA box I'd love to do so.I gotta be missing the point here.Also,I already have the remastered ROA with the extra tracks.And the dvd's are not really dvd's?

Entered at Tue Sep 3 16:07:01 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Ah you guys. I guess you needed a French Canadian mother to make them taste so great. It was probably all the frying in butter that did it. :-) Bill, it was the also the stomping grounds of my old boss Barry Nesbitt; from CKFH and Larry Solway; who had recurring parts; on the show.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 15:50:00 CEST 2013 from (204.138.59.92)

Bill M

Entered at Tue Sep 3 15:21:54 CEST 2013 from (156.47.15.10)

David P

In addition to his skills as a photographer, filmmaker and musicologist, John Cohen was a founding member of the folk group The New Lost City Ramblers, along with Tom Paley and Mike Seeger (Pete's half-brother). Beginning in the late '50s the group helped revive the interest in old-time folk & country blues with their recordings on the Folkways label. Their interpretations of this roots music remained faithful to the original recording they learned from old 78 records, in contrast to the clean-cut approach of the pop-filtered recordings of other folk groups of the time, such as the Kingston Trio.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 10:44:40 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Subject: John Martyn

Link to Dunc's article and selection on John Martyn today at Toppermost.

I remember hearing "Come & Get It" on the Island Bumpers sampler (John & Beverley Martyn), thinking the drumming was incredible and getting "Stormbringer" because I'd heard Levon Helm was drumming. Of course it was NOT Levon on Come & Get It, but Billy Mundi, though he did play on two other tracks.

Anyway, do have a look at Dunc's selection, and they are really keen for people to add comments over there.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 08:24:26 CEST 2013 from (122.59.251.42)

Rod

Entered at Tue Sep 3 05:56:50 CEST 2013 from (108.204.13.200)

Todd

Subject: Winter - Spring - Summer - Fall

And when we get to the end, it's time to start all over again.

Looking forward to the Rock of Ages Academy release. And am blown away by the clips shown in the preview. Good stuff, and amazing to see Richard soar.

Entered at Tue Sep 3 02:32:16 CEST 2013 from (24.158.1.110)

donotdyehair

Subject: Albert

Albert used to live in the Madison Area Technical College main (Truax) campus building. But things have changed there; it isn't the same. Albert was comfortable anymore and he and I talked about it. I saved him 'just in time' by encouraging him to move over to the Koehler Art Libary at UW - Madison. There had been pictures mounted on the entries to the building so I thought "he would be known"--on the other hand the building WAS RENOVATED SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND NOW IT IS NOT EASILY IDENTIFIABLE (like before). The west side

Entered at Tue Sep 3 02:05:15 CEST 2013 from (101.164.0.90)

Dlew919

For a few of us here, it's the end of winter.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 23:50:49 CEST 2013 from (67.84.79.254)

Jeff A.

Subject: Colin Linden Meets The Wolf

Guest blog, a must read. I got it courtesy PSB and Jan.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 19:56:37 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Gone - Gone - Gone

Well Mike you wouldn't have found me around there much after 1962, although my folks lived there for 35 years.

Places to go, things to do......you know. I think I might hit the second hand stores this afternoon, see if I can find a nice surprise in the old records section.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 18:24:22 CEST 2013 from (65.93.116.243)

Mike Nomad

Entered at Mon Sep 2 18:23:42 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Well, The Beach Boys definitely win on the booklet's interest value. Now if only I can stop playing Bob Dylan long enough, I'll check the music!

Entered at Mon Sep 2 18:06:41 CEST 2013 from (99.52.71.217)

Calvin

Entered at Mon Sep 2 17:42:30 CEST 2013 from (99.115.145.68)

Pat B

Entered at Mon Sep 2 17:05:10 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Harkening back to yesteryear

Listening to everyone's sentiments of child hood summers, I agree with everybody.

Those summers I spent on the beach in Roberts Creek, Ronnie and I were 15 when we met, and come the end of August when summer wrapped up and everyone was leaving was gut wrenching.

Then we'd get into autumn, as I was made to leave school at 15, and go to work, I had to save up through the year to be able to enjoy those summers and look after myself. My old man made me go fishing with him part of those summers and at that time it wasn't fun. I recall putting up here some time ago how I spent some of that time at night listening to Don Gibson on the radio singing, "Sea of Heartbreak" and feeling sorry for myself.

Once I got away from home for good and went to work in Port McNeill, living in the bunk house making my own life, autumn became an exciting time. The beginning of hunting season. My pals and I who lived in the bunk house had, hunting, hockey season and that was an exciting time of year.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 15:27:33 CEST 2013 from (92.18.193.38)

Solomon

Subject: Rock of Ages

Has anyone seen the clips on the what's new section ? I think we are going to reap a great Band harvest this Autumn! Those clips have really got me excited.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 14:27:37 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Don't get me wrong Solomon. I LOVE AUTUMN. It was just school I wasn't crazy about. The changing leaves.....the brisk air. I'm with you!

Entered at Mon Sep 2 14:25:01 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Entered at Mon Sep 2 13:58:52 CEST 2013 from (92.18.193.38)

Solomon

Subject: Solomon

Robbie said.. but there’s a lot of people that the idea of come Autumn, come Fall, that’s when life begins. It is not the Springtime where we kinda think it begins. It is the Fall, because the harvests come in. I'm with Peter and Robbie on this one:) I love Autumn.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 11:30:26 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

Subject: England

England

Entered at Mon Sep 2 09:44:41 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Ice cream on the beach.

More nostalgia. When I was 16 to 18, I sold ice cream on the beach. The first year it was walking around with trays of dry ice and ice cream, but because I also did weekends from Easter, I got to be in a kiosk in the summer, which was better because the beach vendors got sent home in bad weather, so were not paid. The kiosks stayed open in howling gales. Bournemouth has a lot of concrete arched shelters along the bottom of the cliff facing the sea, now popular with street people at night. In the 60s, these were crammed tight with deck chairs, and on wet and windy days would be full of holidaymakers in plastic macs glumly staring at the sea. The kiosks had three wooden shutters that you took off in the morning, and on the wettest days we had to keep the outer two shutters up to protect the chocolate bars we sold from the rain. Just the middle shutter was open, and even on the wettest days we still sold ice cream to people in macs, because on holiday you ate ice-cream however miserable the weather. The only day I remember shutting up altogether in August was when a storm was so bad that waves were crashing onto the promenade (i.e. boardwalk) making it too dangerous to walk along. I was told I didn’t have to sign out and go home, but could sit there till 5 and get paid just in case the weather improved. I did. But as there were no windows abd the shutters were up, it was pitch dark unless you kept the back door slightly open, but hey, I was being paid.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 08:47:02 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

But then September meant leaving my room at my mum's home, and heading off 300 miles to freedom.

I lived in a seaside resort, so the young population doubled in summer with holidaymakers, and summer was great here. Funny, the word was holidaymaker not tourist. They arrived mainly by train, went to a guest house or Bed & Breakfast and stayed put for a week. They didn't 'tour'. They went to the beach, whatever the weather, and there were three different variety shows and a conventional theatre to entertain them, so that covered half the week. It meant the cinema was crap for locals, because they were all huge, and two of the four ran just one blockbuster all season … Dr Zhivago was on continually for two years in my memory.

I enjoyed the work doing lights on the variety shows, and however humble the role, you did feel part of the show, but that first bite of crispness in the air meant heading 300 miles north, having my own room, meeting new people, doing new things.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 04:50:34 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Peter Viney writes, "The five years I was a student, I looked to September with excitement every year." So your the one Peter! Not me!!!!!!!! September meant the end of summer. Sleeping outside; in our sleeping bags; under the stars; with my buddies and laughing most of the night. Going to local dances by the lake. No, September meant back to school; going to bed at a reasonable time. I never looked forward to it. Eventually each year I would enjoy seeing old school friends. You see I two sets of friends. The one's from school; which were too far away and the one's I had around my area; in farm country. Loved driving that tractor; as my Dad wouldn't allow me to get my drivers license; until I was 18. 16-18 was tough; when all your friends had their license.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 04:38:15 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I have no idea what the creek was called to this day. I just knew it ran through the back of our property and according to my Dad would end up in Lake Ontario. Smelts!!! Oh Bonk you bring back such great memories. My Dad would take me fishing for smelts and then my mom would de-bone them and fry them up in the frying pan; with lots of butter. Mmmmmmmmm. Hard to find them today; with the Lake being so polluted. I was sent some Atlantic smelts a few years ago by a friend in Newfoundland.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 04:32:31 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I actually knew that; but I thought using the catch phrase "Woodstock" area, I could save some typing about being on Cohen's farm etc. My real point was about the local geography. Sorry for the confusion. Ian are you situated in the States or England? Just wondering.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 04:14:23 CEST 2013 from (24.108.1.255)

BONK

Would that creek be Duffins Creek? I remember as a kid living in Cabbagetown my old man would take a bunch of us out to Duffins for the spring run of Salmon. Never caught shit on a line but if you were fast enough you could pounce on one and take it home. Right about the same time it was off to the shores of Lake Ontario for Smelt fishing with home made nets. We'd have bushels of those little buggers and bring them back home and my grandmother would start to clean them and fry them up. They tasted like shit then and I bet they taste like shit now. The fun was in catching them.

Entered at Mon Sep 2 01:46:51 CEST 2013 from (80.3.71.222)

Ian Woodward

John Cohen's country photos were not taken in Woodstock, though many assumed that they were, but on and around his farm in Putnam County, a bit south of the Woodstock area and the other side of the Hudson River.

Many years ago, someone called Ned Moran put on a local exhibition of John Cohen's photos in that area and I got to talk to him (and I seem to recall Cohen himself) and I also got sent one of the small catalogues from that exhibition.

One of the rooftop photos of Dylan holding a flower was, if memory serves, intended to be the cover shot for SP before the painting was made. Someone I know has seen the original of that painting and the original for the MFBP cover.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 20:57:13 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

In our lifetimes, seeing our existence as a year, it's different, because there's no January … but as kids, and teenagers, September was a beginning, not the end of summer.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 19:43:41 CEST 2013 from (74.108.29.147)

Joan

Subject: Nostalgia

I think the end of summer always brings on nostalgia. Free time is over. It is back to school or work. The days are getting shorter and the leaves are turning. There is a finality to it all. "They say that all good things must end someday"

Entered at Sun Sep 1 19:30:23 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

I was at a fair yesterday, and was interested in a Dylan specialist. First there was a pile of Isle of Wight bootlegs he was dumping at £5 each (everything else was £12 to £15), secondly there was a large box od vinyl bootlegs like Great White Wonder, Royal Albert Hall, Stealin’. They were all marked “original copy” and the white sleeves looked suitably old, but tell-tale sign, the title was printed. Originals I had back in the day were all rubber-stamped. So these are pirate copies of bootlegs. Fake bootlegs if you like, which would be amusing except for the £40 to £50 price tags. One of each. Several closed boxes on the floor, no doubt with dozens of each of them. At that sort of mark up you do think the copyright guys should move in. But I guess its Swinging Pig he’s pirating. I love the Swinging Pig logo on the Dylan CD in the box set … great touch of humour.

My great find yesterday was The Butterfield Blues Band "Come On In" single … very rare in Britain. There were also Al Kooper's LP soundtrack of The Landlord, and the Steelyard Blues OST (Kooper, Bloomfield, Gravenites, Maria Muldaur), all on the same stall, so I'd guess the same source. I bought both LPs.

After a week of non-stop Dylan, I took a change today. Last week a record shop had a box of demo singles, all apparently very near mint … probably played just the once. There was a whole box of Epic demos 1973-80, and none of them hit the £5 price cut off for listing in ”Rare Rrecord Guide.” They were going for £1 each. All late 70s soul: Joe Tex, Minnie Ripperton, Dorothy Moore, Mary Mason. I bought a dozen and spent a happy hour putting the As and Bs onto CDR. It’s fascinating: beautiful production and excellent bass playing was the norm for Epic in that era, and some fabulous performances. Minnie Ripperton on her B-side “Love in Its Glory” sounds like a soul Laura Nyro. Some great Joe Tex … none of his later stuff makes the price guide, but it's excellent. Always humour too. It’s the thing about record collecting. This stuff has probably bottomed out in price now, so is a bargain.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 16:19:58 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Harsh Facts

Sorry John, I could have done without that last line. Too often these days at our age, cancer is taking our friends and loved ones. J guess I feel bitter about it some times.

These last couple of evenings Susie and I spent with Dave and Edie, a couple from Olympia Washington. Dave was born the same year as me. Twenty years in the military and spent his time in Vietnam. It was a chance meeting that was meant to be. I had music playing from my computer that Dave really liked, so I gave him one of my CD'S. Edie had me sign it. Dave really liked, "Old Dogs & Children & Watermellon Wine."

That brought back the memory of my friend Bill who we lost to cancer, and as he passed he was listening to that song on my CD that his son was playing for him.

Right at this time, Susie's sister's husband, Bernie who has been my pal since about 1965 is loosing the fight. This getting old is bullshit......I'm never doing it again!

Entered at Sun Sep 1 15:05:08 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

Subject: Original Self Portrait

I remember really enjoying the album photography of the double album. I mean it was 1969 and I was wondering what the Woodstock area looked like. Well, Northern NY State was no different than Southern Ontario. I loved this picture, as I was raised on 5 acres of land; just east of Oshawa Ontario; about 35-40 miles east of Toronto. We had three acres of woods on the land and my dog and I would wander the woods through the seasons. My Mother would just about have a nervous breakdown; when I would go down to the creek in the spring and the water was high and rushing fast. I remember calling the word creek, a "crick" when I was a boy. Wait a minute.....wasn't I talking about Self Portrait's original photography. Picture was taken by John Cohen.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 12:41:15 CEST 2013 from (83.249.143.62)

NorthWestCoaster

Subject: Life is not fair

I loved SP. No, I worshipped SP. I even listened to SP regularly. I knew one day All The Tired Horses would start, only for me. Everyone laughed at me... or us. We were two in Sweden, me and Minister of Culture who loved SP. Now everyone says it is good. I am not special anymore. I am nothing. I have listened to ASP but it is not the same. You have taken a dream away from me. I hate you.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 10:54:32 CEST 2013 from (82.69.47.175)

Peter V

Norm’s story about Ronnie touched a chord here too, and “In A Station” started playing in my head. (Once I walked through the halls of a station, Someone called your name.) I’ll explain … I can’t remember the writer for certain, though I think it was Jonathan Raban. He was talking about being in railway stations or airports (or by extension on ferries) and how often he thought he saw faces he knew, usually ex-girlfriends. He said how he’d even passed people and said, ‘Hey! (Anna)!’ and got a blank stare from a stranger., He said it was a psychological reaction to travelling, being away from the familiar, in a large area. But he said, it kept happening, but he didn’t mind, because one day it really would be that special person from the past. As Norm’s story proves.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 09:23:55 CEST 2013 from (92.25.13.19)

Sparks

The guitar solo at the end of 'It Makes No Difference' sends shivers down my spine everytime I hear it. It's a must for music lovers of all ages.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 04:31:22 CEST 2013 from (99.245.109.0)

John D

I just wanted to let you know that your story about Ronnie, really moved my wife. OK....me too. Your last line took us by surprise. Thank you for sharing that story and your pink roses for Susie as well. Now get back to that lawn mower.

Entered at Sun Sep 1 00:36:03 CEST 2013 from (24.108.242.146)

Rockin Chair

Subject: Reflections

Gawd Damn John Donabe is just a trouble maker......got me all melancholia now. I'ze just out mowing the lawn, and thinking about these really beautiful pink roses I bought for Susie yesterday to have on her table down in the Rockin Chair. I just brought 'em home and put on her dining room table.......now out mowing the lawn, George Jones & Alan Jackson came sneaking into my head.

But, what a good year for the roses,

Many blooms still linger there,

The lawn could stand another mowin'....,

Funny...I don't even care,

And when you turned and walked away,

And as the door behind you closes.....,

The only thing I know to say,

It's been a good year for the roses...........

[See the guestbook archive for more]