Moondog Matinee Songs Ranked

Moondog Matinee is the fifth studio album by Canadian/American rock group the Band, released in 1973. It consists entirely of cover material reflecting the group’s love of R&B and blues music, with one exception in their interpretation of the theme from the film The Third Man. In a 2002 interview, Levon Helm described the reasoning for recording an album of covers: “That was all we could do at the time. We couldn’t get along—we all knew that fairness was a bunch of shit. We all knew we were getting screwed, so we couldn’t sit down and create no more music. ‘Up on Cripple Creek’ and all that stuff was over—all that collaboration was over, and that type of song was all we could do.” The original idea had been to replicate the group’s setlists of the mid-’60s when they had been known as Levon and the Hawks, playing clubs throughout Canada and the US. Of the ten tracks, only one, “Share Your Love (With Me)” had been performed by the group in the mid-’60s. The rest were merely tracks the group admired, two of them, “Holy Cow” and “A Change Is Gonna Come”, chronologically coming after the group’s club days. Rhapsody praised the album, calling it one of its favorite cover albums. Here are all of Moondog Matinee songs ranked.

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10. Ain’t Got No Home

“Aint Got No Home” begins with some really dance-worthy piano work, and while the vocal melody is adequate it’s nothing particularly special. The original is vastly superior. Singing the second verse melody in a robotic voice is hilariously outdated and a bad idea for a band that specializes in their style of roots/country rock. “

9. Share Your Love

. “Share Your Love (With Me)” is more along the lines of a country ballad. For some reason it reminds me of either Bob Dylan or George Harrison’s version of “If Not For You” even though there’s no reason for such a comparison other than a few briefly similar guitar lines. This song’s awesome too. Tear-jerking even.”

8. Third Man Theme

“Third Man Theme” is some kind of instrumental circus song. At least it sounds like it. Catchy and memorable at least but not the Band’s forte… well then again I *do* recall thinking they almost occasionally venture into circus territory even on the classic albums due to their style of playing organs and accordions.”

See more: The Band Albums Ranked

7. The Great Pretender

“”The Great Pretender” has GOT to be the oddest cover song here. The song relies heavily on a beautiful and heavenly vocal melody courtesy of the Platters, so can the Band pull it off? Well… I guess so. Decent, but it doesn’t hit me on a personal level like the original does. The two vocal styles are just too different.”

6. Saved

“Saved” starts off on a strange note with the singer informing us about drinking and smoking (and don’t forget lyin’ and cheatin’ and all the other sinful things people do before we see the light!) before quickly speeding up into boogie rock, foot-tappin’ fashion!”

5. A Change Is Gonna Come

“A Change Is Gonna Come” is another excellent song. So melancholy and reminds me of the last day of a special occasion such as summer vacation and dreading the first day of the new school year in the very near future- ugh, remember those days? You want summer vacation to last forever but you know it can’t. It just can’t darn it! Nice sax solo near the end too.”

See more: The Band Songs Ranked

4. I’m Ready

“I’m Ready” is somewhat obnoxious with its exceptionally loud horns, and the vocal melody/rhythm is average at best. Again however, I haven’t heard the original. I realize not hearing the original versions of much of the material throughout Moondog Matinee makes it impossible to compare which versions are actually superior, but well, as far as the Band making the right decision for which songs they chose to cover, some of this stuff comes up pretty short.”

3. Promised Land

The Promised Land” is great no matter WHO does it! Chuck Berry or anyone else. As I’d expect from the Band, they give it a funkier, more rockabilly type of rhythm making it slightly stand apart from other versions.”

2. Mystery Train

“Mystery Train” is quite funky in the typical mid 70’s way, and vocally it’s really strong blues. Sort of comparable to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Call Me the Breeze” without any of the flashy guitar work. This song is relatively safe and focuses on the funk more so than anything else, but enjoyable enough.”

1. Holy Cow

“Holy Cow” reminds me of something from the classic debut Music From Big Pink. Really excellent steady-paced country tune I don’t know who originally wrote this. “Share Your Love (With Me)” is more along the lines of a country ballad.”