Album Information:
Album ID: 9974
About The Band:
The Band was a Canadian-American rock group that formed in Toronto, Canada in the 1960s. The band consisted of Rick Danko on bass guitar, Levon Helm on drums and vocals, Garth Hudson on keyboards and saxophone, Richard Manuel on piano and vocals, and Robbie Robertson on guitar.
The Band's music style combined elements of country, folk, and rock and roll, which drew influence from traditional American music. The group was known for their tight harmonies and virtuosic musicianship, which made them one of the most influential bands of the 20th century.
The Band began their career as the backing group for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins, who they met while performing in Canada. In 1965, they split from Hawkins and became Bob Dylan's backing band during his electric phase, famously appearing with Dylan at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, where they were met with a mix of boos and cheers. They went on to record several albums with Dylan, including 'Blonde on Blonde' and 'The Basement Tapes.'
In 1968, The Band released their debut album, 'Music from Big Pink,' which featured such classic songs as 'The Weight' and 'Tears of Rage.' The album was a critical and commercial success and helped to establish the band's sound and style.
Over the years, The Band released several more albums, including 'The Band' (1969), 'Stage Fright' (1970), and 'Cahoots' (1971). They also embarked on several successful tours and played with a number of notable musicians, including Eric Clapton and Van Morrison.
Despite their success, The Band underwent several lineup changes and dealt with personal struggles, including drug addiction and the suicide of Richard Manuel in 1986. The Band played their final concert, dubbed 'The Last Waltz,' in 1976, which was filmed by Martin Scorsese.
Today, The Band's influence can be heard in the music of countless artists spanning multiple genres, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
About the album Cahoots:
Cahoots is the fourth studio album by the legendary Canadian-America roots rock group, The Band. Released in 1971, the album showcases the band's musical and songwriting prowess, as well as their genre-bending ability to blend rock, folk, blues, and country elements.
The album opens with 'Life is a Carnival,' a lively song that sets the tone for the entire album with its upbeat horns and jangling piano. This is followed by 'When I Paint My Masterpiece,' a Bob Dylan cover that remains one of The Band's most popular songs. The title track, 'Cahoots,' is a bluesy and melancholy song that showcases the band's emotive vocals and lyrical prowess.
Other standout tracks include 'The Moon Struck One,' an eerie and mysterious ballad, and 'Last of the Blacksmiths,' a driving and electrifying rock song that features some of the band's best guitar work. '4% Pantomime' and 'Where Do We Go From Here?' are both political and social commentaries that showcase the band's ability to tackle heavy topics with insightful lyrics and thoughtful music.
Throughout Cahoots, The Band also collaborates with a number of other musicians, including Van Morrison on the haunting and beautiful '4% Pantomime' and Allen Toussaint on the upbeat and funky 'Life is a Carnival' and 'Shootout in Chinatown.'
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Cahoots, however, is The Band's ability to seamlessly blend together different genres and musical styles to create a cohesive and unique sound. From the bluesy harmonica in 'Cahoots' to the soulful saxophone in 'Thinkin' Out Loud,' the album is a testament to the band's musical versatility and creativity.
Overall, Cahoots is a masterful album that showcases The Band's incredible musical talent and songwriting ability. It remains a beloved classic in the roots rock genre, and is a must-listen for fans of the band and anyone who appreciates great music.
Members:
The Band was a Canadian-American rock group that was active from 1967 to 1999. The key members of The Band were:
1. Robbie Robertson - Robertson was the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for The Band. He was born on July 5, 1943, in Toronto, Canada. Robertson began his career as a member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing band, The Hawks. He then joined Bob Dylan's backing band in the mid-1960s before forming The Band with his fellow Hawks members. Robertson is known for his distinctive guitar style and his lyrical storytelling.
2. Levon Helm - Helm was the drummer and a vocalist for The Band. He was born on May 26, 1940, in Marvell, Arkansas. Helm began his career as a member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing band, The Hawks. He was known for his powerful voice and his soulful drumming style. Helm passed away in 2012.
3. Rick Danko - Danko was a bassist and vocalist for The Band. He was born on December 29, 1942, in Simcoe, Ontario. Danko began his career as a member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing band, The Hawks. He was known for his smooth voice and his melodic basslines. Danko passed away in 1999.
4. Garth Hudson - Hudson was a keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist for The Band. He was born on August 2, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario. Hudson was a classically trained musician who was known for his mastery of the organ, accordion, and other instruments. He was also an expert in electronic music production and synthesis.
5. Richard Manuel - Manuel was a vocalist, pianist, and drummer for The Band. He was born on April 3, 1943, in Stratford, Ontario. Manuel began his career as a member of Ronnie Hawkins' backing band, The Hawks. He was known for his soulful voice and his passionate piano playing. Manuel passed away in 1986.
Each member of The Band had a unique talent and style that contributed to the group's success. Together, they created a sound that blended rock, blues, folk, and country music in a way that was both innovative and timeless.
Track List for Cahoots:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Cahoots by The Band in order, along with their play time and a brief description of each track:
1. 'Life Is a Carnival' (3:57) - the upbeat opening track features a lively horn section and catchy lyrics that celebrate the joys of life, even in the face of adversity.
2. 'When I Paint My Masterpiece' (4:22) - originally written by Bob Dylan, this song is given a unique twist by The Band, with beautiful harmonies and a more upbeat tempo than the original.
3. 'Last of the Blacksmiths' (3:41) - a haunting ballad that tells the story of an aging blacksmith as he reflects on his life and the changing world around him.
4. 'Where Do We Go From Here?' (3:46) - a more somber track that deals with themes of loss and uncertainty, with poignant lyrics and a stripped-down production style.
5. '4% Pantomime' (4:34) - a somewhat experimental instrumental track that showcases the band's instrumental prowess, particularly the intricate guitar work of Robbie Robertson.
6. 'Shoot Out in Chinatown' (2:52) - a fast-paced rocker that tells the story of a violent street fight in Chinatown, with a catchy chorus and some fiery guitar soloing.
7. 'The Moon Struck One' (4:08) - another haunting ballad, this track features some beautiful vocal harmonies and a sense of melancholy that perfectly captures the song's theme of unrequited love.
8. 'Thinkin' Out Loud' (3:18) - a more upbeat track that explores the power of music to bring people together, with funky rhythms and some great horn arrangements.
9. 'Smoke Signal' (5:11) - a tribal-sounding instrumental that effectively captures the mood of Native American music, with pounding drums and ethereal flute lines.
10. 'Volcano' (2:49) - a playful track that uses the metaphor of a volcano to explore the ups and downs of love and relationships, with a catchy chorus and some fun wordplay.
Overall, Cahoots is a diverse and engaging album that showcases The Band's range and versatility as musicians and songwriters. From rousing rockers to haunting ballads, the album has something for everyone, and remains a beloved classic of 70s rock.
Discography for The Band:
Sure, here is a complete discography for The Band in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. Music from Big Pink (1968)
2. The Band (1969)
3. Stage Fright (1970)
4. Cahoots (1971)
5. Rock of Ages (1972)
6. Moondog Matinee (1973)
7. Northern Lights – Southern Cross (1975)
8. Islands (1977)
9. Jericho (1993)
10. High on the Hog (1996)
11. Jubilation (1998)
Singles:
1. 'The Weight' b/w 'I Shall Be Released' (1968)
2. 'Up on Cripple Creek' b/w 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' (1969)
3. 'Rag Mama Rag' b/w 'The Unfaithful Servant' (1969)
4. 'Time to Kill' b/w 'The Shape I'm In' (1970)
5. 'Life Is a Carnival' b/w 'The Moon Struck One' (1971)
6. 'Don't Do It' b/w 'Caledonia Mission' (1972)
7. 'Ain't Got No Home' b/w 'Get Up Jake' (1973)
Other releases:
1. The Basement Tapes (recorded 1967, released 1975)
2. Before the Flood (with Bob Dylan, 1974)
3. The Last Waltz (live album, 1978)
4. Anthology (compilation album, 1978)
5. To Kingdom Come: The Definitive Collection (compilation album, 1989)
6. Across the Great Divide (compilation album, 1994)