Perhaps I haven't delved into their repertoire deep enough, but I never understood all the hub bub and accolades for The Band. Really don't get what's so special about their songs.
"The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down".
I am very fortunate in having heard this amazing song performed live by The Band on their tour in support of the s/t "brown" album. The only other live music experience I’ve had that equals it was hearing Little Village perform John Hiatt’s "Lipstick Traces" on a soundstage in Burbank in ’92. The Little Village album was not so hot, but they sure were!
The Beatles? Saw them in ’65. Hendrix? Saw him in ’68 and ’69. Cream? Saw them in ’67 and ’68. The Who? Saw them in ’68 and ’69. Who else ya wanna name? Sorry, hearing The Band live spoiled me for just about EVERYONE else. Not Iris DeMent, whom I just saw this past Thursday. Stunningly great!
Here’s J.R. Robertson, Eric Levon Helm, and some other guy talking about the song and its’ creation:
https://youtu.be/nVYBW_zCvOg?t=1
Showing 11 responses by thecarpathian
@gjohns , I really don't think it has anything to do with a father's lament, but you are certainly free to interpret it as you like... |
@roxy54 , You're slackin' Rox! 😃 |
@larsman , I also have my doubts it was fast as lightning... |