The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.
Monday March 23, 2015
For the #WeekdayRamble this week we’re beginning a new feature, #DiggingDeep, where we feature three deep album cuts from an artist. We begin, fittingly, with the Band.
Caledonia Mission from the 1969 LP Music from Big Pink
The Band's debut Music From Big Pink changed the course of rock music. Its rootsy, back to basics approach killed psychedelic rock and is the bedrock of the still-thriving Americana genre. Sure, it includes iconic songs like "The Weight" and "I Shall Be Released," but deep cuts like "Caledonia Mission" show why it made such an impact. Classic Band harmonies (with an especially affective lead from Rick Danko) and a tight, funky groove envelop one of Robbie Robertson's most endearingly obscure lyrics.
Whispering Pines from the 1969 LP The Band
Whispering Pines from the 1969 LP The Band
Keyboardist Richard Manuel, who wrote and sings "Whispering Pines," is my favorite member of the Band. His falsetto is enough to bring one to tears. Really. I've often listened to this song and wept at the emotion of the vocal and performance. Each member of the Band exuded soul but Manuel took it to another level entirely.
Just Another Whistle Stop from the 1970 LP Stage Fright
Just Another Whistle Stop from the 1970 LP Stage Fright
I initially wanted the third song to be "Ain't No More Cane" from The Basement Tapes. It includes lead vocals from all four singing members of the Band, standout accordion from their unsung hero Garth Hudson, and the use of their cool Manuel on drums/Levon on mandolin lineup. Alas, because it's on the Basement Tapes, a collaboration with Bob Dylan, there are no videos of it online because evidently his people are fucking stupid when it comes to his songs being available on YouTube and similar sites. I'll always be salty about that.
At least it gives me an opportunity to highlight one of Manuel's most overlooked songs, "Just Another Whistle Stop." His vocal is typically moving on this energetic, galloping rocker. Come for the fluid rhythm of Helm and Danko, stay for some of Robbie Robertson's most tasteful rock n' roll fills.
At least it gives me an opportunity to highlight one of Manuel's most overlooked songs, "Just Another Whistle Stop." His vocal is typically moving on this energetic, galloping rocker. Come for the fluid rhythm of Helm and Danko, stay for some of Robbie Robertson's most tasteful rock n' roll fills.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He is also a contributor for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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