The Band classic “The Weight” is a standard closing number for musicians across the world (see Chris & Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes joining Levon Helm on it this past week here), but I’ve always been partial to “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.”
Drummer Levon Helm’s impassioned vocals are downright spine-tingling as he tells the tale of a proud Southerner in the aftermath of the Civil War. Every time I hear it I end up singing along to the chorus at the top of my lungs. It can’t be helped — its a spontaneous reaction. I challenge you not to do the same.
See the Band’s legendary performance of the song from their farewell concert “The Last Waltz” here.
And speaking of Helm, he is back with a stellar new release, Electric Dirt. He recently wow’d David Letterman with a, pardon the pun, electric take on the Grateful Dead’s “Tennesse Jed.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.