Customer Reviews

Islands (Japanese Mini-Vinyl CD)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I do not want to repeat what everone says about this album being an illegitimate child of this great band. It has been beaten by the critics, fans, and even by the band itself. However, this is still a joy to listen, particularly when you are in the mood for something light and cheerful. From the delightful opening of "Right as Rain" to the peaceful charm of "Christmas must be Tonight" to the bright horns of "Livin' in a Dream," the music here will ease your heart. To me, the stand-out cover of "Goergia on My Mind" is even rather out of context for this album.

By The Band's standards, "Islands" is less remarkable than earlier efforts; but given the fact that it was merely a contract-filler to Capitol Records, it's not as disappointing as most albums that are as business-oriented.
The overall musical sound that The Band produces on "Islands" sounds distinctly like 70s easy listening radio (refer to 'Right As Rain' and 'Let the Night Fall'), a definite drawback for a group that had previously created a sound that was as unique at it had; gone was the inimitable ring of a 19th-century creole that was still easy to place with any given era in time, only vaguely present on 'Knockin' Lost John.' But the effort of the five members is still there nonetheless. The late Rick Danko's vocals on 'Street Walker' and the alluring gem 'The Saga Of Pepote Rouge' are highlights, as is that of the late Richard Manuel on a cover of 'Georgia On My Mind,' which became Jimmy Carter's theme during his run for the Presidency. Garth Hudson's keyboards are well-served, even if his saxophone--though perfected--is somehow out of place on the album, but Levon Helm's drumming and vocals are unmistakable. Robbie Robertson's biazarre guitar work that he had perfected in the past seems to be absent. His lyrics however are recognizably brilliant most of the time, echoing a feeling of sadness, weariness, and melancholy, evident on another gem, 'Livin' In a Dream' and 'Knockin' Lost John.'
But those emotional lyrics are for some reason matched with disappointingly upbeat and bland music, and weak moments like 'Let the Night Fall' and a cover of the standard 'Ain't That A Lot of Love' drag the album down a bit. The title track, an instrumental, doesn't sound like a Band song at all, but rather an empty 70s-style take.
For the most part, "Islands" is worth the taking and much more enjoyable than most of The Band's 90s output. It's hard to ignore the fact that most of the genuine feeling is absent, and a lot of aspects suffer as a result.

This record may not be the most commerical release of The Band. However there are some stylish melodies and catchy hooks throughout the ten track original release. The cover of Georgia On My Mind is stunning. Richard Manuel has rarely sounded better. Knocking Long John, Aint That A Lot Of Love, and Saga Of Pepeto Rouge are other catchy numbers. Consistent if not spectacular from start to finish. These guys blend together like a hand in a glove.

Islands is probably the worst album released by The Band, but it is still far above other albums released at the time. Most songs on Islands are really well done. "Knocking Lost John", "Let the Night Fall", and "Georgia on My Mind" stand out on the album and are worth the price. The title track is interesting, but seems like a throw away. The playing on the album is exceptional. Just listen to the accordion and guitar on "Knocking Lost John" and listen to the entire band on "Saga of Pepote Rouge".Islands is not a great album, but it is something worth having if you are a fan of The Band.

There simply isn't any other group like The Band. This is, in my view, their most uplifting album--maybe even my favorite. "Georgia On my Mind" is mesmerizingly good--you get lost in that brilliant song. "Right as Rain" is beautifully moving and inspirational. These guys were great! BUY IT NOW!!!

Of all the albums that the original line-up of The Band released, Islands is by far the least known. Released in 1977 after they had already played their last show, the album is made up of unreleased material. While the album sounds like a throwaway, don't be misled. There is quality work included and some forgotten gems. Songs like "Right as Rain", "The saga Of Pepote Rouge", "Knockin' Lost John", "Livin' In A Dream" and a great version of "Georgia On My Mind" are all good songs that deserve a listen. Islands isn't going to make you forget their early work, but it is an enjoyable album.

Sure, its not the Band greatest recording but it was never meant to be. It was released to fulfull the terms of a recording contract. But hey, this is still the Band and a few of my favorites are on here. So if you dont own it. You should. If you already own this one on cd and you love the Band then you should still get it because of the 1 bonus track worth having. Like the 2001 re-release of 'Northern Lights..' this re-release has ONLY 2 bonus tracks. One is an ok alternate version of 'Georgia On My Mind' the other ONE is a different version of 'Twilight' than the version that appears as a bonus track on 'Northern Lights..' This is the version that was released as a single and it features only Rick Danko's vocals unlike the other version . Plus this version is more polished with a different feel. The ever present and always beautiful colors and textures provided by Garth Hudson's synthesizer and whatever other musical contraptions he uses is present on this version. Hudson is the major force on this entire set for that matter. Anyway I love BOTH versions of the same song so its worth it just for that one bonus number. Do yourself a favor and BUY THIS NOW!

"Islands" has often been described as an album that was just released by the Band to fulfill their obligations to their record company Capitol - Robbie Robertson calls it an album of B-sides and outtakes in the sleeve-notes. Though there obviously is some truth in his statement, there actually were new sessions held to do a follow-up album to the much-acclaimed "Northern Lights / Southern Cross".

This may not be as succesful an album as its predecessor, but there is still much great music that it equals some of the other Band albums.

Stand out tracks are Robertson's "Christmas Must Be Tonight", inspired by the birth of his son in July 1975, and here beatifully sung by Danko. I'm usually not very fond of Christmas tunes; but this one makes an exception. Other highlights are Richard Manuels great vocals on the old standard "Georgia on my Mind", which was also released as a single and the new song "Right as Rain". "Let the Night Fall", could have been a great song, but it sounds a little unfinished, probably lacking a good bridge.

"Streewalker" is another fine track, sung by Danko, would have fitted nicely into "Cahoots".

"Ain't that a Lot of Love" sounds like it should been featured on "Moondog Matinee". Helm sings!

The instrumental "Islands" is fine track, but misses some vocals to make it a "real" great "Band" track.

"The Saga of Pepote Rouge" is a great song, sung by Danko with Helm and the charming "Knocking Lost John" sung by Helm and Robertson is bound to grow on you.

The final track "Livin' in a Dream" is described in the notes a Grade B material - with the addition, grade B material from the Band is better than the finest efforts from a lot of other artist.

The first bonus-track is a real stand-out, and possibly the only authentic out-take, "Twilight" was a song from the "Northern Lights" sessions that the Band like so much that they saved it for a single. Beautiful song, slightly reggae inspired.

Don't ignore this album! Four and a half stars!

Islands was the Band's last studio album released in 1976. Reading through the liner notes on the new remastered cd, one finds out that this wasn't supposed to be taken as an album proper as it was just a bunch of songs they were working on at the time. Well, I know band members should have their word but I wouldn't put it down as it's been done through the years mainly because as a fan - and I know all their albums - I regard Islands as a highlight in their career with them being exactly where they'd left off on Northern Lights-Southern Cross a year before. Their sound had gone that direction anyway. Let The Night Fall, Christmas Must Be Tonight, Street Walker and Knockin' Lost John are standout tracks. So IMHO Islands is sadly a very underrated album indeed.

Back when Rolling Stone magazine released the first edition of their Record Guide they rated "Islands" with 4 stars, and they referred to it as the Band's last studio album. I have always agreed with that assessment. Later on in interviews members of the Band declared that this album was a contractual filler, made up of a collection of leftover tracks. I found this troubling because I've noticed that opinions change for the worse when such things are brought to light, not just with this release but others by other artists as well. Subsequent printings of the Rolling Stone album guide have since carried the reduced rating of 2 or 3 stars, as does the All Music Guide. I, for one, feel that there is an abundance of really good songs making for a very good album. Many were recorded in late 1976 in anticipation of this album, while some date back to the 1975 Northern Lights sessions. This hardly makes this album eligible for the "Odds and Sods" category. That album, by the Who, was made up of leftovers that span 1964 to 72. All that aside, "Right as Rain" & "Georgia On My Mind" have always been two of my favorite Richard Manuel moments, and many of the other tracks hold their own quite well in the amazing catalogue of the extraordinarily talented Band. If this is the Band at their slightest they still blow away just about everyone else at their best.