Music from Big Pink [50th Anniversary Edition]

by The Band

Overview

None of the Band's previous work gave much of a clue about how they would sound when they released their first album in July 1968. As it was, Music from Big Pink came as a surprise. At first blush, the group seemed to affect the sound of a loose jam session, alternating emphasis on different instruments, while the lead and harmony vocals passed back and forth as if the singers were making up their blend on the spot. In retrospect, especially as the lyrics sank in, the arrangements seemed far more considered and crafted to support a group of songs that took family, faith, and rural life as their subjects and proceeded to imbue their values with uncertainty. Some songs took on the theme of declining institutions less clearly than others, but the points were made musically as much as lyrically. Tenor Richard Manuel's haunting, lonely voice gave the album much of its frightening aspect, while Rick Danko's and Levon Helm's rough-hewn styles reinforced the songs' rustic fervor. The dominant instrument was Garth Hudson's often icy and majestic organ, while Robbie Robertson's unusual guitar work further destabilized the sound. The result was an album that reflected the turmoil of the late '60s in a way that emphasized the tragedy inherent in the conflicts. Music from Big Pink came off as a shockingly divergent musical statement only a year after the ornate productions of Sgt. Pepper, and initially attracted attention because of the three songs Bob Dylan had either written or co-written. However, as soon as "The Weight" became a minor singles chart entry, the album and the group made their own impact, influencing a movement toward roots styles and country elements in rock. Over time, Music from Big Pink came to be regarded as a watershed work in the history of rock, one that introduced new tones and approaches to the constantly evolving genre. [The hallmark of the 50th anniversary deluxe edition of Music from Big Pink is a new remix from Bob Clearmountain that offers a cleaner version of the original John Simon production, one that has more separation between the instruments and, on "The Weight" and "Lonesome Suzie," extraneous studio chatter. Apart from an "a cappella" version of "I Shall Be Released" (which appears to be nothing more than the vocal track from the released version), all of the six bonus tracks were also on the bonus track-laden reissue from 2000; from that expanded CD, the bonus tracks "Katie's Been Gone," "If I Lose," "Orange Juice Blues (Blues for Breakfast)," and "Ferdinand the Imposter" are missing in action here.] ~ William Ruhlmann

Product Details

Release Date:	08/31/2018
Label:	Capitol
UPC:	0602567480617
Rank:	16300

Tracks

1. Tears of Rage
2. To Kingdom Come
3. In a Station
4. Caledonia Mission
5. The Weight
6. We Can Talk
7. Long Black Veil
8. Chest Fever
9. Lonesome Suzie
10. This Wheel's on Fire
11. I Shall Be Released
12. Yazoo Street Scandal [Outtake]
13. Tears of Rage [Alternate Take]
14. Long Distance Operator [Outtake]
15. Lonesome Suzie [Alternate Version]
16. Key to the Highway [Outtake]
17. I Shall Be Released [A Cappella]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Band   Primary Artist
Robbie Robertson   Guitar,Guitar (Acoustic)
Rick Danko   Bass,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)
Richard Manuel   Piano,Vocals
Garth Hudson   Vocals (Background),Organ,Piano
Levon Helm   Drums,Vocals,Lead Vocals,Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Warren Moore   Composer
Charles Segar   Composer
Robbie Robertson   Composer,Group Member
Rick Danko   Composer,Group Member
Richard Manuel   Composer,Group Member
William Lee Conley Broonzy   Composer
Albert B. Grossman   Arranger
Marijohn Wilkin   Composer
Danny Dill   Composer
John Simon   Producer
Tony May   Engineer
Big Bill Broonzy   Composer
Shelly Yakus   Engineer
The Band   Producer
Don Hahn   Engineer
Bob Dylan   Composer,Cover Painting
Charlie Poole   Composer
Garth Hudson   Group Member
Levon Helm   Group Member
Marvin Tarplin   Composer
D. Dill   Composer
Milton Glaser   Design
Elliott Landy   Photography
Rex Updegraft   Engineer