The Band Robbie Robertson

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. Allmusic.

The Band - Live At The Academy Of Music 1971 (2013) {4CD & DVD-A/V Capitol Records, UMe 0602537375271} (Complete Artwork)
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 1.66 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 613 Mb
DVD5 A/V -> 3.83 Gb | All Regions | NTSC 16:9 | Dolby AC3, 6 ch / Dolby AC3, 2 ch | ~ 112 min | ISO Image
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 76 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1971, 2013 Capitol Records / UMe | 0602537375271
Rock / Americana / Roots Rock / Country Rock

During the final week of 1971, The Band played four legendary concerts at New York City's Academy Of Music, ushering in the New Year with electrifying performances, including new horn arrangements by Allen Toussaint and a surprise guest appearance by Bob Dylan for a New Year's Eve encore. Select highlights from the concerts were compiled for The Band's classic 1972 double LP, Rock Of Ages, which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and remains a core album in the trailblazing group's storied Capitol Records catalog.

The veteran composer Robbie Robertson, lead guitarist with The Band during its "classic" era, teams up with longtime friend Eric Clapton to compose a batch of highly personal new songs. Robertson sounds fantastic backed by the rhythm section of bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Ian Thomas (except on track 8 where drumming ace Jim Keltner steps in). Guest musicians include Steve Winwood, Tom Morello, Robert Randolph, and Trent Reznor.