Music from Big Pink - Definition and Overview

Music From Big Pink is a 1968 (see 1968 in music) album by the folk-rock band The Band. It contains what is probably their best known song, "The Weight".

With a rough sound, seemingly chaotic arrangements, and a distinctive blend of country, rock and folk, Music From Big Pink has become known as one of the best albums by The Band, along with The Band. The initial attraction to the album was generally positive, though sales were slim. The fact that three songs were written by Bob Dylan helped to increase sales. At the time, "The Weight" peaked at #63 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart (North America). The album peaked at #30 on Billboard's Pop Albums chart in 1968, and then recharted as a #8 hit on the Top Internet Albums chart in 2000 (see 2000 in music). The song "The Weight" has gained widespread popularity, in spite of its dismal chart ranking, due partially to its inclusion on the cult favorite film Easy Rider, though it was left off of the soundtrack.

Track Listing

1. "Tears of Rage" (Dylan-Manuel; 5:23)
2. "To Kingdom Come" (Robertson; 3:22)
3. "In a Station" (Manuel; 3:34)
4. "Caledonia Mission" (Robertson; 2:59)
5. "The Weight" (Robertson; 4:38)
6. "We Can Talk" (Manuel; 3:06)
7. "Long Black Veil" (Wilkin-Dill; 3:06)
8. "Chest Fever" (Robertson; 5:18)
9. "Lonesome Suzie" (Manuel; 4:04)
10. "This Wheel's on Fire" (Danko-Dylan; 3:14)
11. "I Shall Be Released" (Dylan; 3:19)

Personnel

• Rick Danko - bass, fiddle, vocals
• Levon Helm - drums, acoustic guitar, percussion, vocals
• Garth Hudson - organ, piano, clavinet, soprano and tenor saxophones
• Richard Manuel - piano, organ, drums, vocals
• Jaime Robbie Robertson - guitars, vocals
• John Simon - producer, baritone horn, tenor saxophonepiano
• Don Hahn - engineer
• Tony May - engineer
• Shelly Yakus - engineer
• Bob Dylan - cover painting
• Elliott Landy - photography

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)

Singles - Billboard (North America)

External links

• sheet music (http://theband.hiof.no/books/sheet_mfbp_tb.html)