The Weight

[Peter_Spaeth]

It's impossible IMO to improve on the studio version. The piano in the choruses (Garth Hudson) is otherworldly and holds it all together. The harmonies were perfect too, never replicated IMO.

The version in The Last Waltz is good, with great singing from Mavis and Pops Staples, but ultimately it's an electric version and you can't do that to what is essentially a hymn.

[riggs336]

Excellent post.
BUT...if Levon's not singing, The Weight is just another song.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by riggs336

Excellent post.
BUT...if Levon's not singing, The Weight is just another song.

Rick Danko was a big part of the studio version too in the fourth and final verses.

[Lila2222]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Rick Danko was a big part of the studio version too in the fourth and final verses.

Thank you for the reminder. I love Rick Danko. One of his later bands Danko Fjeld and Andersen will always have some of my favorite songs.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Lila2222

Thank you for the reminder. I love Rick Danko. One of his later bands Danko Fjeld and Andersen will always have some of my favorite songs.

Danko sings lead on many of the great songs. It Makes No Difference, Stage Fright, This Wheel's on Fire come immediately to mind.

[Lila2222]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Danko sings lead on many of the great songs. It Makes No Difference, Stage Fright, This Wheel's on Fire come immediately to mind.

I love his grittiness! You have a great sense for music

[bmattioli]

I watch/listen the The Last Waltz often to get happy..

[Andrew1975]

Great post, Phil.... and what an incredible version of an all-time great song. Thanks for sharing.