Customer Reviews

Moondog Matinee

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the Band's attempt to chill out from the endless pressure of having to live up to the legend that had become The Band. And you know what, it works. Big Time! Hey I loved this one before it was remastered and loaded with bonus tracks. Now with the 2001 re-release I am in heaven. Of course I have ordered and recieved all 8 re-released Band cds and that is all I am listening to at the moment. But enough. For those of you who already own this one on cd or cassette or lp or 8-track for goodness sake, you have no choice but to purchase this one all over again. There are 6 bonus tracks at the end of this one. One of these is the original studio recording of 'Endless Highway' This is the only song on this cd written by the band so it may seem out of place on an album of all covers. But of course it never appeared on any of the Band's albums. In that it was recorded in the same period of time as 'Moondog..' it fits right in as a bonus track. The best version of this song however is found on the Dylan/Band double live 'Before The Flood'. That one has a killer solo and fill after fill by Robbie Robertson. Another great bonus cut is the REAL version of Chuck Berry's 'Going Back To Memphis'. Read the liner notes for interesting info on this on and its bogus live version found on a previous live compilation(not the Bands doing). The 3rd bonus track to have is a version of "Shaken". Sound great. But I love the version of 'Didnt It Rain' which is gospel tune. To hear Levon Helm sing a black gospel standard is something to behold. I love it. Order this cd and find out for yourself.

Its attractive and fitting title borrowed from the name of an old Alan Freed radio show, "Moondog Matinee" was definitely not the album that a majority of The Band's fans and critics were anticipating. The group had enjoyed mass success with their first three albums, but their fourth, 1971's "Cahoots," was undeservedly regarded as a disappointment. And when compared to the immense praise that went to those first three releases, it wasn't hard to see that The Band were quickly beginning to lose their place. That's why "Moondog Matinee" can in many respects be viewed as a "draw"; amidst growing creative problems within the group, and a loss of critical adulation, this collection of cover-tunes saw The Band declaring a brief cease-fire in the struggle to come up with original material that was on par with previous successes.
It's almost a time machine of a recording; the five members revisit their days when they were known as The Hawks, dishing out some stunning testaments to their incredible power when interpereting any song they got their hands on. "Moondog Matinee" starts off with a bang as they charge into Frogman Henry's 'Ain't Got No Home,' its highlight being Levon Helm's goofy "frog" voice (credit to Bandmember Garth Hudson, who rigged a special device to make the frog voice possible). Hudson's organ ability meanwhile is in full tow on 'Third Man Theme,' despite being one of the more tedious selections. Chuck Berry's 'The Promised Land' is fitting, while Richard Manuel's captivating vocal on 'The Great Pretender,' and the group's performance on the Gospel romp 'Saved' coat the album with musical glory.
For a Band that made a name on such fantastic original material, a cover album isn't entirely disappointing. "Moondog Matinee" nonetheless is an essential piece of The Band's catalog, and also serves as a time capsule and document of their musical history, as seen by the group themselves. But more importantly, it still carried their venture into the purpose of going against the grain of the psychedelic movement, despite the fact that the material wasn't theirs.

I have seen this record get two stars from rock critics, and for years avoided it despite the greatness of the Band's earlier records simply because I did not believe it to be on a par with the Band's classics. Finally I noticed that it had been remastered and was generally garnering good reviews from those who had bought it (see the other reviews here). So, I sprung for it and couldn't have been happier with the result. Like Lennon's "Rock N Roll," it's a seriously underrated attempt to explore an older style of music after the creation in years past of groundbreaking new work. The Band tackle a style of rock that came about in the 1950s and largely had ended when the psychedelic sound changed rock in the mid-60s. It's lively, bluesy and raw, but with enough polish and musical sophistication to make it interesting. My favorite tracks are the outtakes, like "What am I Living For" and "Shakin'," which I think are significantly better than some of the album tracks and push the disc into solid 5-star territory. If you dig "Get Back" era Beatles, earlier work by the Band, Chuck Berry and very early Elvis, this will likely be a favorite for you as it is for me.

If you're a fan of The Band, this is a great listen. Robbie Robertson put his ego aside and admitted he wasn't coming up with the big songs (Cahoots proves so) and let the group play their own lesser known R&B faves. The exception is 'The Great Pretender', sung so well by Richard Manuel that it had to be included. The three singers were in their prime; Manuel nails all three of his numbers and Helm is almost as good. Listen especially for Manuel on 'Saved' and Helm on the extra track 'Back to Memphis'. The production and playing are both wonderful. Few rock n roll bands had instrumentalists as creative as Robertson and Garth Hudson. Hudson's all over this record, playing more than his usual piano as well as organ and saxophone. It was a great idea to play these covers and it's even a better album now with the bonus tracks.

This is not an "Oldies" album; it's not just a bunch of "cover" songs, either. The Band pay tribute to their influences through a diverse selection of wonderful tunes that they really grab a hold of and make their own. From start to finish this disc is a gem. The playing is outstanding, and the vocals are superb. Levon Helm gets things rocking on track one (turn it up!) "Ain't Got No Home." Richard Manuel turns in 3 great vocals on "Share Your Love" (outdoing the Bobby Bland original), "Saved" and "The Great Pretender." Rick Danko handles the vocal lead on "Holy Cow" and a moving rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come." Robbie Robertson introduced some new lyrics and a funky new groove to the classic "Mystery Train," which they also performed at their farewell concert "The Last Waltz." And Garth Hudson adds his usual, incredible keyboard and horn work throughout (check out the instrumental "Third Man Theme"). This new release also includes 6 bonus tracks. Of particular note are "Back to Memphis" and "Endless Highway" stripped of applause that was added to the "Watkins Glen" release (what was Capitol thinking?), and Levon's vocal on "What Am I Living For?" The liner notes give good background to the songs and making of the album. I highly recommend this disc.

The new reissue of Moondog Matinee is a collection of rock and roll covers played by an exceptional band of musicians. Thanks to the addition of several excellent outtakes and improved sound quality, this reissue easily surpasses the original. When first released, this underappreciated gem failed to garner the acclaim that greeted The Band's first 3 releases. Some were dissappointed by the lack of any new original songs. Following the equally disappointing "Cahoots," some critics implied that The Band was drying up creatively. "Moondog Matinee" might not measure up to "Big Pink," "The Band," "Stage Fright," or "Rock of Ages" but it's still a pretty strong collection. The rollicking "Going Back to Memphis" can finally be heard stripped of the phony applause that Capitol dubbed onto it when they tried to pass it off as a live track for their infamous "Live at Watkins Glen" release. Why this great track was left off the original release is beyond me. Same goes for two uptempo romps featuring Levon Helm, "Didn't it Rain" and "Shakin." This version of "Endless Highway" features the beautiful smokey voice of Richard Manuel. Add these Great outtakes to "Mystery Train,""Aint Got No Home," "Share Your Love," "Great Pretender" and Promised Land and you've got one strong collection here. Lots of hot guitar licks by Robbie, Beautifuly textured keybord work by Garth and sharply detailed and propulsive drumming by Levon too. Great singing by all.

In its truncated first pressing, Moondog Matinee was easily dismissed as a lightweight oldies stopgap - a warning sign that The Band had reached creative stagnation. However, the (remastered) reissue adds a handful of extra tracks that were originally recorded for the album but were cut for god-only-knows-what-reason, and the truth has finally been bared. Moondog Matinee is an amazing covers album, with The Band matching or improving on the original versions of each track. It's wonderful to hear the usually dour band in such a rollicking mood. They rock, they boogie, they cry in their beer, and they bring their unmatched emotional depth to an absolutely pristine collection of songs. Quite possibly one of the most underrated albums in rock history.

Hmm... what do you do if you're among the most revered musical groups of your times and after releasing a great studio album (Cahoots) that the critics roasted, and a superlative live set(Rock OF Ages) that summed up your career to date? Well if your The Band you remarshall your considerable weaponry and return to the roadhouse roots that forged your greatness in the first place.This collection of covers of the bands' favorite RnB tunes was a terrific release when it emerged in the early '70's, and the bonus tracks make owning it today an essential for fans of this great group. I still get a little misty eyed hearing the aching tenor of Richard Manuel on Bobby Bland's heartbreaking ballad "Share Your Love'. The guys are loose and funky behind Levon Helm's delta croak on Frogman Henry's "I Ain't Got No Home',and then there's the mysterious and clever version of "The Third Man Theme", this was originally a zither instrumental that was woven throughout the 1940s movie thriller "The Third Man". A great movie and a great tune and The Band do it up just fine.Other highlights include "Mystery Train",a smokin' "Promised Land" and Levon saving souls again on the bonus track "Did'nt It Rain". One winner after another so you'll want to add this one to your Band collection along with the much maligned 'Cahoots' as well. More on that one later. Enjoy this one now.

This is one of the earliest Band albums I bought, and I've never really stopped listening to it. Its a set of classic covers played and sung with all the style and panache you'd expect from one of the best ever American (though mainly Canadian) Rock 'N' Roll Bands.

With three lead vocalists and playing a dozen instruments between them the Band could take a project like this and make it into something really special. There are exquiste moments throughout. Previous reviewers have commented on some of the vocal highlights so I won't repeat these. Listening carefully to this album though will reveal a multitude of great moments. A track that hasn't been mentioned by previous reviewers is their version of Chuck Berry's "The Promised Land". OK its just straight Rock 'N' Roll but its done so well. A great Piano solo by either Richard Manual or Garth Hudson echoing Johnny Johnson (Chuck Berry's Piano player). Add in Robbie Robertson's guitar and you have Rock 'N' Roll heaven. In a similar mode "I'm Ready" is another stonking rocker with some rip roaring Saxophone from Garth Hudson.

Sadly Richard Manual and Rick Danko are no longer with us, and Levon Helm and Robbie Robertson have irreversibly fallen out with each, so we will never see The Band again. Don't believe anybody who tells you this is a poor album. This is a magical album that even hints at how music was before Rock 'n' Roll, as well as giving a sassy mixture of old-fashioned Rock 'N' Roll with a lot of soul recorded by THE Band at the very height of their powers.

This 1973, often overlooked, album is at the same time a very different album and still a typical Band album. Different because all songs ( on the original version ) are cover versions and typical because the sound and playing style is unmistakeably the Band's.

Personal problems and outside project were among the reasons that the group did not write and record much new material during 1972-73, and the idea came up to do an album entirely of covers. Though covers, many songs actually sound like Band originals and some of them are among the very best Band recordings.

Especially the songs with lead vocals from Richard Manuel and Rick Danko stand out. Somehow it was decided the Leveb Helm did the most straight-forward rocking songs, which solid but not outstanding.

Manuel's performance on Bobby Bland's "Share Your Love" is simply beatiful. And absolute highlight and a recording on par with the very best Band originals. The same can almost be said about the more commercial "The Great Pretender" - another Manuel performance.

Third Manuel lead vocal is found on the "Leiber/Stoller" rocker "Saved". A good track, but really no more than that.

Rick Danko shines on Sam Cooke's anthem "A Change is Gonna Come" which closed the original album. Actually I prefer this version to Sam Cooke's original, which seems a little burdened down by too heavy orchestration.

The catchy "Holy Cow" performed by Danko, tongue in cheek, is another favourite.

There is a fine instrumental of the old movie theme "Third Man Theme" played in a similar mood to "Island" from their last studio album.

The rest of the album solid, with Levon Helm vocally in front.

The bonus tracks mostly sound like demos or unfinished outtakes.

Two important exceptions, though, is the exquisite Robbie Robertson original "Endless Highway" - great to finally have this song on an album; one of the very few new songs that Robertson wrote for the Band during this period. Lead vocals from Danko.

"Crying Heart Blues", also with Danko up front, sounds like song that could have come from debut album "Music From Big Pink" - another highlight!

Like on all the other Band re-issue original albums a fine booklet is included. Extensive back-ground information about each recording.

Highly recommendable!