Search - The Band :: Moondog Matinee

Lotsa Stars But I'm A Band Fan

K. Wingler | San Diego, California USA | 08/26/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although not one of the overall best Band albums, there are some great songs here, and a glimpse into the Band's past as a road-worthy rock & roll band. If you love to listen to Rick Danko sing, the album is well worth the price if just for Rick's contributions, which are the highlight of this album. His interpretation of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" is wonderful and soulful. Here is a place to hear a younger Rick Danko perform "Crying Heart Blues" and an excellent presentation of "Endless Highway." So, if you love the Band, this CD is worth adding to your collection."

Perfect covers

S J Buck | Kent, UK | 11/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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 Rock Rolls!

music lover | 01/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Band was the best band in the history of rock and before they were The Band they were The Hawks! As The Hawks, they were known to be an accomplished cover band who played honky tonks and juke joints. Moondog Matinee is a testament to that fact in so many ways. When this band covered songs, they made each and everyone of them their own. My favorite tracks on this cd would have to be Ain't Got No Home, Share Your Love, Mystery Train, Saved, Didn't It Rain, Crying Heart Blues and Going Back To Memphis. When it comes to covers, their take on Mystery Train is the best I've ever heard. For the most part, like most of The Band's material, I do not consider this album to be an upbeat affair but both sentimental and bittersweet. However, in my eyes, that was what made The Band so special was the fact that they chose to do it all their way! If you want to chill out, this is the album for you!"