The Band – THE BAND*****

Across The Great Divide/Rag Mama Rag/The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down/When You Awake/Up On Cripple Creek/Whispering Pines/Jemina Surrender/Rockin’ Chair/Look Out Cleveland/Jawbone/The Unfaithful Servant/King Harvest(Has Surely Come)

The self titled follow up album from the The Band was released to near universal acclaim. It featured songs exploring different aspects of America’s heritage. The Band includes the UK No. 16 hit single Rag Mama Rag. (US:9 UK:25)

“The Band’s second effort was just about a perfect rock album. They continued to build on the song structures and textures established on Music From Big Pink. They would take almost mystic folk traditions and, through a subtle rock styling and beautiful vocals, they created a sound that was different from anything else at that time. Even today, The Band’s sound remains unique and instantly recognizable.”

“Refining and livening up the sound of their brilliant debut, the group reached their peak on this one with stunning arrangements and performances all around. Nearly every tune here sounds like its songwriting credit should have 'trad' attached to it, and yet everything is wholly original and very much of its time. A remarkable achievement - no rock fan should be without it.”

“The self-titled album of The Band is not just a complete masterpiece, but it's also the absolute essential country/folk rock album. Not many bands were able to have such instrumental proficiency and have three in the band who could sing lead. Every song on this album is a great, not a single one being sub-par.”

“There's something about these songs that makes them seem a hundred years old. The lyrics are smart, sweet and timeless. There aren't any lyrics that date this recording, no hippy-dippy sentiments - just great story telling and evocative ideas, and the music itself is absolutely incredible.” ,p> “Twelve charming American short stories told with wit, wisdom and depth. The musicianship is outstanding but never over the top, just subtle nuances that add texture to the stories told.”

“The Band's self titled second album and known most often as simply the 'Brown Album' never grows old. It will never sound dated or insincere.”