One of the many thousands of highlights from the coke and overdub frenzy that is Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Waltz”.  

Two good reasons to post this video: (other, that is, than it being one of the best songs EVAR.)

1) That tracking/dolly shot around 38s that justifies the whole fucking movie. (It might be the way the camera swoops, it might be something to do with it just being Levon Helm that they’re swooping onto.)

2)  The way that Mavis Staples says “Hey Carmen!” at around 1.15. Goosebumps, dammit.

Robbie Robertson’s double necked gibson guitar/mandolin is, of course, utterly awesome too, but in comparison to the above two points, doesn’t quite make it into our chart.  

 Incidentally, Pops Staples - who takes the third verse here - was born in 1914, was playing and recording with Charlie Patton and, (if memory serves) knew Robert Johnson. He was still recording up until his death in, mercy!, December 2000. Quite the man. If you’re seeking further listening, I suggest you start with “Black Boy” that he recorded for Stax in 1970.