Search - Band :: Rock of Ages

Orgasmic.

12/31/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arguably the greatest live rock 'n roll album of all time, "Rock of Ages" serves as a showcase for not only the considerable skill of the Band's musicians themselves, but also of Alan Toussaint's prowess as an arranger. The horn arrangements Toussaint wrote for the songs presented here (with the exception of "The Weight" and "Get Up Jake," which appear here without horns) never interfere with the melodies or change the basic feel of the songs as they originally appeared. At the same time, the horn arrangements manage to be pervasive and intricate, weaving their way in and out of the Band's soulful grooves. Highlights include the album's opener, Marvin Gaye's "Don't Do It," a funky tune which rides on the strength of Rick Danko's bass line and Levon Helm's drumming."

An Essential Live Recording

G. J Wiener | Westchester, NY USA | 08/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Band added a lot of dynamics and balance to their music. On This Rock of Ages Collection these elements shine through in spades. Each instrumentalist delivers perfectly placed solos without drowning out the other members. The vocals are delivered with a lot of passion. The horn section is superb as well. Highlights....there are certainly plenty. The opening cover of the Marvin Gaye tune, Don't Do It is a great lead off track with Levon Helm at his singing best. What an opening bass solo too. The Night They Drove All Dixie Down is performed with much spirit and Caledonia Mission is a beautiful slow tune. The second set is a little weaker than the first due to it only containing seven tracks including the overlong Genetic Method. Unfaithful Servant drags a little as well. But you got to love Levon Helm's spunk as he rips thru The Weight and Hang Up My Rock N Roll Shoes. Eventually I have to check out the new version of this recording with all the bonus tracks and Dylan's guest appearance. However, this original pressing is certainly a winner on all accounts."

Incredible

mike hendricks | 05/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rock of Ages-In Concert is the quintessenial rock and roll CD. It captures the true essence of The Band's core, magically transporting me all the way back to the Rockwood Club in Fayetteville Arkansas in 1963 when four Canadians and a good 'ole boy from Arkansas teamed with Ronnie Hawkins to become Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. The rest, as they say, is rock and roll history. Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks eventually went back to Canada, taking Levon Helm, the Arkie, with them and played the same kinds of bars and clubs that they had been playing in the South. Eventually they broke with Hawkins, moved to New York, cut their first huge album, Music from Big Pink and The Band was on it's way. This CD captures the energy, the passion, the skill and the talent of an incredible rock and roll band. Robbie Robertson plays the guitar like it's a part of his anatomy, improvising rifs that no one else has heard. There was never a weak link in this band and this album showcases their versatility, style, and individual ability. It is a must buy for rock and roll purists. By the way, Amazon.com has the original album recorded by Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, named Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. If you want to hear The Band during it's genesis, it is a must buy as well."