Affect it he did...just listen to Hudson's signature song "Chest Fever". Phil Collins, on an obscure "Desert Island disc" radio special, placed The Band's "Chest Fever" at the top of his list. He went on to describe an awe-inspiring image of a church organ sitting astride a mountain top while a possessed Garth Hudson coaxes pure magic out its pipes. Collins would love this track in surround sound. In 5.1, Hudson's hammond seems to do battle with itself. It begins with opposing tracks straining out of the front and rear channels colliding in the center of the room. Soon after, collision dissolves into collusion with a slow build to glass-shattering intensity! Other instruments then enter the room to foster further chaos and texture. It ain't no "You can't hurry love"...
The end of the album arrives with an incredible rendition of Dylan's "I Shall Be Released". On this version, Manuel handles the high falsetto, Danko covers the tenor and Helm takes over the bottom. The result is pure orchestrated majesty...
Alas.."Music from Big Pink" would indeed influence a generation copycats. Witness the catalogues of the Grateful Dead, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Dave Matthews, The String Cheese Incident and Wilco....all can be traced back to this debut masterpiece from The Band.
Ron Wheeler
Editor
surroundablog.com
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
excellent and informative job Ron, thanks and welcome!