This stunning six-disc box set, A MUSICAL HISTORY, traces the evolution of the Band, one of the most towering and influential groups of the late 1960s and early '70s. In the minds of many, the Band came to define the sound of roots-oriented "Americana" rock (though most of its members were, ironically, Canadian). This lovingly assembled collection follows the development of that sound, from their inception as Ronnie Hawkins backing band the Hawks and their tenure with Bob Dylan, through their peak years as the Band, and on to their swan song in 1976, THE LAST WALTZ.
What makes this set more essential than any prior compilation is not only its obsessive attention to the timeline (the chronological sequencing really does play, as the title states, like a musical history), but the abundance of new material (32 of the 102 cuts here were unreleased). Live versions, covers, alternate takes, rarities, and well-known songs--not to mention a bonus DVD packed with live-performance footage--work together to give a complete picture of this unique ensemble, making A MUSICAL HISTORY the final and definitive word on the Band.
This definitive collection includes a DVD and 5 CDs with 111 tracks 37 of which are previously unreleased, demos, alternate takes, and performances.
Liner Note Author: Rob Bowman.
The Band: Rick Danko (vocals, guitar, bass guitar); Robbie Robertson (vocals, guitar); Levon Helm (vocals, mandolin, drums); Richard Manuel (vocals, piano, drums); Garth Hudson (accordion, saxophone, bugle, organ, keyboards, synthesizer).
Additional personnel: Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan (vocals, guitar); Mavis Staples, Roebuck "Pops" Staples, Ronnie Hawkins, Van Morrison (vocals); Roy Buchanan (guitar); Mickey Jones (drums); Dionne Warwick (background vocals).
Rolling Stone (No. 984, p.158) - 5 stars out of 5 - "...The group's devotees will find much to enjoy on this set, and their pleasures won't be limited to the thirty-seven previously unreleased tracks and film clips...." Mojo (Publisher) (p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 - "A lot of great music...CD1 is the most remarkable: 25 songs plotting their transformation from Nuggetsy rock, via R&B, Dylan's band, folk rock and gospel, to that unmistakable Band sound."
Best Band compilation ever! Rocking early 60's Hawks thru the Last Waltz, excellent digital remixes and magnificient seminar on ensemble playing. DVD has some special surprises. Almost too rich to listen too in one setting. Robbie did it right! Now how about a box set of "the basement tapes." Submitted by charles (alvin,tx, usa) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Band FAN SET IS XL WITH RIGHTEOUS MIX OF LIVE AND STUDIO TRAX I LOVE THE BANDS KNACK OF HAVING THE SONG SEEM LIKE ITS YOUR LIFE OR THE LIFE YOU WISH YOU HAD LIVED RICHARD AND RICK WILL ALWAYS MAKE THIS 57YR OLD CRY!!!!!!!! Submitted by CHARLES (WILMINGTON DE USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Jake Listening to this from first song an incredible version of Bo Diddley's Who Do You Love to the last song a gospel version of The Weight,and you feel like you have touched all bases of American roots music. From the blues and rockabilly of the Hawks, to country-soul and gospel of The Band, it's all here and sounds as fresh as a daisy.Then you have a DVD of rare footage and an excellent book talk about getting spoiled, anyone with an interest in American roots music must buy this. Submitted by alvinyoungblood (Scotland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 0 of 1 found this helpful.
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