Cahoots Songs Ranked
Cahoots is the fourth studio album by Canadian/American rock group the Band. It was released in 1971 to mixed reviews, and was their last album of original material for four years. The album’s front cover was painted by New York artist/illustrator Gilbert Stone, while the back cover features a photograph portrait of the group by Richard Avedon. The album features guest vocals from Van Morrison. Libby Titus, Helm’s common-law wife at the time and mother of their daughter Amy Helm, also contributed uncredited backing vocals to “The River Hymn”, the first time a woman appeared on a Band album. Here are all of Cahoots songs ranked.
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11. 4% Pantomime
“Apparently done in one take at Bearsville Studios the next day – the lyrics are apparently loosely about the difference between Johnny Walker Black and Johnny Walker Red whiskies. It ends Side 1 on a cool duet vocal of Soulful men enjoying themselves.”
10. Shootout in Chinatown
“I’d admit that the LP starts to suddenly feel ordinary with the wimpy guitar pings in “Shootout In Chinatown” – a song that’s trying to be something and not quite getting there. “
9. Last of the Blacksmiths
“Speaking of experiments, “Last of the Blacksmiths” sounds like a Procol Harum imitation because of the extremely well-written way it comes across and the tearful honesty in the vocal melody, not to mention the lead singer resembles the guy from PH quite a bit.”
See more: The Band Albums Ranked
8. Where Do We Go From Here?
“The biggest enemy being ‘man’ – “Where Do We Go From Here” sings the plight of wildlife and railroads – all disappearing under the boot of progress. The liner notes tell us The Band weren’t particularly fond of the song – but I’ve always like it and Rick Danko’s great vocal.”
7. The River Hymn
“A song that seems to get better with time is the closer “The River Hymn”. Originally I thought it was a really weak song, however over time it has grown on me significantly. It’s some kind of mellow, relaxing tune that probably encourages you to lay out in fields and watch the moonlight roll by.”
6. Volcano
“Volcano” has a fairly bland verse melody, but something about it appeals to me regardless of that. I feel that Levon Helm is by far the most interesting singer in the band whereas Danko and Manuel’s solo vocals have never been so interesting.”
5. Smoke Signal
“Smoke Signal” is currently my favorite track on the record. The Band’s playing here is first rate, and Levon Helm’s singing gives the tune its distinctive sound.”
See more: The Band Songs Ranked
4. Thinkin’ Out Loud
“Another stunning transfer and a hugely underrated song on the LP. The lyrics “…when they’re torn out by the roots…young brothers join in cahoots. Another great one from The Band. Sure! Not as good as Music from Big Pink, but still a great album. “
3. The Moon Struck One
“But things improve big time with one of the LP’s undeniable highlights – “The Moon Struck One” – a Robbie Robertson song directly inspired by Julie and Little John Tyler – characters Robbie had gleaned from ‘Jules Et Jim’ – the classic 1962 Francois Truffaut film.”
2. When I Paint My Masterpiece
“Bob Dylan’s wonderful “When I Paint My Masterpiece” gives us that – a great Americana accordion melody sung with fantastic world-weary pathos by Levon Helm sounding scarily like he’s Bob Dylan’s older and wiser brother. “
1. Life Is a Carnival
“I’ve always been partial to a Rock Band finding its inner Funk and Allen Toussaint’s Meters-Brass is all over “Life Is A Carnival” – a tune that’s stood more than the test of time for me. I find it a shimmering cool-aid – a wicked rare groove – inspired even – although I can understand how it’s Pointer Sisters/Sly & The Family Stone rhythms”