Track Listing

1. Right As Rain
2. Street Walker
3. Let The Night Fall
4. Ain't That A Lot Of Love
5. Christmas Must Be Tonight
6. Islands
7. The Saga Of Pepote Rouge
8. Georgia On My Mind
9. Knockin' Lost John
10. Livin' In A Dream
11. Twilight (Single Version)
12. Georgia On My Mind (Alternate Take)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40875 in Music
• Released on: 2001-05-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com
The liner notes for Robbie Robertson's version of the Band's swan song makes the case that Islands was never meant to be viewed as their studio signoff. Rather, argues Robertson, it was seen as their version of the Who's Odds and Sods and a contract fulfiller so that the quintet could release their true coda, The Last Waltz, on Warner Bros. With such modest aspirations in mind, Islands, while falling far short of the Band's creative heights, provides a pleasant listen for stalwart fans. Covers of "Ain't That a Lot of Love" and "Georgia on My Mind" (the latter recorded to boost Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign) showcase the always striking vocals of Levon Helm and Richard Manuel, respectively. And while the likes of "The Saga of Pepote Rouge," "Knockin' Lost John," and "Let the Night Fall" lack the passion and precision of prime Band, they're appealing in their own modest way. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

"Easy listening" from The Band
I do not want to repeat what everone says about this album being an illegitimate child of this great band. It has been beaten by the critics, fans, and even by the band itself. However, this is still a joy to listen, particularly when you are in the mood for something light and cheerful. From the delightful opening of "Right as Rain" to the peaceful charm of "Christmas must be Tonight" to the bright horns of "Livin' in a Dream," the music here will ease your heart. To me, the stand-out cover of "Goergia on My Mind" is even rather out of context for this album.

Weariness Set Against a Sunny Sky
By The Band's standards, "Islands" is less remarkable than earlier efforts; but given the fact that it was merely a contract-filler to Capitol Records, it's not as disappointing as most albums that are as business-oriented.
The overall musical sound that The Band produces on "Islands" sounds distinctly like 70s easy listening radio (refer to 'Right As Rain' and 'Let the Night Fall'), a definite drawback for a group that had previously created a sound that was as unique at it had; gone was the inimitable ring of a 19th-century creole that was still easy to place with any given era in time, only vaguely present on 'Knockin' Lost John.' But the effort of the five members is still there nonetheless. The late Rick Danko's vocals on 'Street Walker' and the alluring gem 'The Saga Of Pepote Rouge' are highlights, as is that of the late Richard Manuel on a cover of 'Georgia On My Mind,' which became Jimmy Carter's theme during his run for the Presidency. Garth Hudson's keyboards are well-served, even if his saxophone--though perfected--is somehow out of place on the album, but Levon Helm's drumming and vocals are unmistakable. Robbie Robertson's biazarre guitar work that he had perfected in the past seems to be absent. His lyrics however are recognizably brilliant most of the time, echoing a feeling of sadness, weariness, and melancholy, evident on another gem, 'Livin' In a Dream' and 'Knockin' Lost John.'
But those emotional lyrics are for some reason matched with disappointingly upbeat and bland music, and weak moments like 'Let the Night Fall' and a cover of the standard 'Ain't That A Lot of Love' drag the album down a bit. The title track, an instrumental, doesn't sound like a Band song at all, but rather an empty 70s-style take.
For the most part, "Islands" is worth the taking and much more enjoyable than most of The Band's 90s output. It's hard to ignore the fact that most of the genuine feeling is absent, and a lot of aspects suffer as a result.

Right As Rain And Shining Like The Sun
This record may not be the most commerical release of The Band. However there are some stylish melodies and catchy hooks throughout the ten track original release. The cover of Georgia On My Mind is stunning. Richard Manuel has rarely sounded better. Knocking Long John, Aint That A Lot Of Love, and Saga Of Pepeto Rouge are other catchy numbers. Consistent if not spectacular from start to finish. These guys blend together like a hand in a glove.