The Dylan influence was very strong on Music From Big Pink. “Tears Of Rage” was written by Dylan and Manuel in 1967. The Band would present the song much slower than Dylan and feature a keyboard/guitar base. “This Wheel’s On Fire” was written by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko and appeared on Dylan’s, The Basement Tapes. The Band presents the song in up-tempo mode as almost straight rock ‘n’ roll. The Band takes Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released” and interprets it as gospel. There would always be an underlying spiritual element to the work of The Band and “I Shall Be Released” is a shining example of this quality.
Music From Big Pink would introduce The Band to the world. It would show their versatility as the album would contain rock, blues, folk and gospel. It remains a shining example of what rock ‘n’ is all about.
Article comments
1 - Sean
The Hawks/Band did not back up Dylan until 1965. In 1963, Bob was still finger picking by himself (except for Mixed Up Confusion, but that wasn't the Band backing him up)
2 - JC Mosquito
Does anyone actually know the lyrics to Chest Fever or even what it's about? Mystifying.
3 - Christy
From the first time I had the opportunity to listen to Music From Big Pink, I have been a fan of The Band. This album changed my life!