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Takes one to know one

I find what one artist has to say about another fascinating. Here's what Eric Clapton has to say about one such:

"I met the genius of that outfit, who was Richard Manuel. He was as close to genius as I've ever met in a white guy---all the other geniuses I've met have been black Blues players, like B.B. and Buddy Guy. The reason I say they're geniuses is that they do what they do effortlessly with a gift that is so powerful that they don't need to engage in any kind of thinking to pursue it."

I would add Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and even Robbie Robertson (somewhat begrudgingly ;-), the other members of The Band, to the list of geniuses. There has never been, and never again will be, a Group containing so much talent. I listen to their music every single day of my life, and have done so for years. Their debut and second album are in my Top 10 albums of all-time list. Both are available on LP and SACD from Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs. Ignore them at the cost of your own musical wealth!

128x128bdp24
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,608 posts
 
Lawyers are expensive
  Not as expensive as not having one.  When you don't get your royalty payments for two years, you ask for them nicely and if Capitol tells you to screw off, you get a good lawyer and sue them.  I wouldn't wait two years.

I can't understand why anyone would trade his royalties for two classic albums that he produced for a piece of some project he had nothing to do with.  I find it hard to believe that John Simon could become a producer at Capitol and not know that if he gave anyone the chance to screw him, they would.  Don't let me interrupt the discussion of the albums, though.  We'll never really know what happened business-wise unless someone can get ahold of all the contracts.
 
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,258 posts
 
Bdp24, thanks for starting this thread.  The Band deserves all the accolades heaped upon them and more.  They truly were one of the greatest.  However, you do them a disservice by slighting some of their later albums.  "Stage Fright", "Cahoots" and "Northern Lights Southern Cross" are the equals of the first two albums.  The writing and performances are terrific.  You might want to re-listen.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
“song writing” is defined by simple melodies - that is just the way it is! Why a simple melody gets so much credit is a quirky thing about the music industry. I agree that what drummers do (especially Helm) is often essential and can be equally important.

The fact that that some covers are big hits and others are long forgotten just proves how arrangements and individual playing talent is just as important. Sadly this aspect is not currently recognized commensurately on the pay check....
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,608 posts
 
+1 onhwy61.  I think "Northern Lights Southern Cross" is my favorite.  The songwriting, musicianship and sound are all top notch.  They really got it all together for this one.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,089 posts
 

I think that the way music appeals to each person will always be a mystery. I remember The Band since the beginning, and I was never moved by their music, or looked at it as much more than well done and competent. Still, over the years, whenever someone brings them up, like this thread, I go back again, this time to the recommended links near the beginning of this thread, and listen carefully. I just can't feel what others are feeling in this music. Conversely, there is music that I am deeply attached to that leaves people that I am close to cold.

That is a mystery to me.   

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