The Band’s self-titled album from 1969 is definitely my favourite album of the group’s. I’ve only really listened to that and Music from Big Pink out of their discography, but I still prefer what is usually referred to as the ‘brown album’ by a long stretch. Even so, my original point still stands.

‘Jawbone’ is the 10th song on The Band, written by both guitarist Robbie Robertson and pianist/vocalist Richard Manuel. The latter is the lead vocalist here, with drummer Levon Helm on the backing. The track tells a story of a man who goes from town to town stealing anything he can and taking great pride in doing so.

Originally I didn’t care too much for the song when I first heard it about…. 6 years ago? I was 18. Though I did think the starting “Oh Jawbone…” lyric was funny just because of the way it was sung. I gave the album another full listen two years following and found, after actually paying attention to it, that past the introduction was a song led by a galloping groove and a great melody. Manuel sings his heart out, you can hear him moving away from the microphone when he’s going for those high notes in the chorus. And even without the vocals I find myself just humming to Rick Danko’s bassline as it climbs and descends through the verses.

It’s mostly in 6/4 time which provides the skipping feel to the track, and there are various points where the tempo changes from a shuffle to a waltz and then to a full on 4/4 smash. It’s one of the album’s most interesting cuts and quite stylish for its time.