I find it interesting that everybody likes the first 2 albums, and not much after that. I never got into "Big Pink" that much. Let's take the opener, "Tears of Rage", for starters. I compare it side by side with Dylan's version on "Basement tapes", and there's no comparison, Bob's version wins hands down. There are a few performances i like on "Big Pink", but a lot of those songs they did better live. I love the second album, though. Strong from start to finish. Second favorite album of theirs is "Northern Lights Southern Cross". That contains my all time favorite song of theirs, "It Makes No Difference". If that isn't the best song ever about heartbreak, i don't know what is.
Silly maybe, but my beef about the second album is the cover, a bunch of wet guys. Once I've got past that, I agree, it's fantastically strong all the way through. One of the greatest albums ever. But for better or for worse I have more of a soft spot for
Big Pink.Stage Fright is another big favourite of mine. The vocal interplay is thinner on the ground but once again every track is a winner. And the title is most apt----they sound scared shitless.
Good to see you bring up
NLSC. "Late" albums often fall flat for one or other reason but not this one. Agreed about "TMND", 100%. And what about "Acadian Driftwood"? Like much of
NLSC, it benefits from Garth's late-night sweetening sessions. His way of setting the scene with just a touch of military flute, bagpipes etc is sheer genius. "Jupiter Hollow" is another----that long high synth note towards the end!
Not to forget
Rock of Ages, for me the greatest live album ever recorded...
You were saying, RangeRover?