Music From Big Pink
Music from Big Pinkstands as one of those rare albums that turned the rock world on its axis. On this record released at the height of the psychedelic revolution, the five members of the Band (along with producer-sideman John Simon) eschewed spacey diversions, opting for an earthier route. Soon enough, wah-wah pedals and tape loops were making way for fiddles and mandolins. The group's most democratic effort (Robbie Robertsonwould soon emerge as the ensemble's mouthpiece), the debut's 11 songs come from Robertson, bassistRick Danko, and pianist Richard Manual, who contributes two songs and cowrote the doleful opener, "Tears of Rage," withBob Dylan. Manual's role would diminish from this point hence and the balance he brought to the quintet would be missed. Many would argue thatBig Pink's sequel,The Band, represents their crowing achievement. The truth is,Big Pinkis the purest distillation of the Band, and their preeminent recording.--Steven Stolder