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Robbie Robertson — Fallen Angel
Album: Robbie Robertson
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2403









Released: 1987
Length: 5:42
Plays (last 30 days): 4
Are you out there
Can you hear me
Can you see me in the dark

I don't believe it's all for nothing
It's not just written in the sand
Sometimes I thought you felt too much
And you crossed into the shadowland

And the river was overflowing
And the sky was fiery red
You gotta play the hand that's dealt ya
That's what the old man always said

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

In my dream the pipes were playing
In my dream I lost a friend
Come down Gabriel and blow your horn
'Cause some day we will meet again

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

If you're out there can you touch me
Can you see me I don't know
If you're out there can you reach me
Lay a flower in the snow
Comments (216)add comment
When I purchased this record, shortly after it was released, I was not aware of Robbie Robertson's Legacy - I had just fell in  with his sound. I believe it was Fallen Angel, but truthfully, it could have been any one of the tracks. I broke the cardinal rule of having heard at least three tracks before buying the whole album - it was a commitment/financial resources issue back in the salad days, but well worth the risk. I'm sure this was a cassette that was replaced after wearing it out. 

May his memory always be a blessing.
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Who is the drummer here, please?



Peter Gabriel's go to guy, Manu Katche 
First album I ever owned on those newfangled compact discs.  They called them CDs back in the day and you could find them in actual stores that sold music on these things called records.  Oh, and there were these little plastic boxes with tape in them that you could insert into your car stereo and those played music too.  That's all gone now and so is Robbie.  Thank goodness the music remains.
 kicking wrote:

So many collaborations on this album. Brings me back to Boulder, Colorado in the 90’s when it was played on KBCO in better days…



Ah, KBCO... a very enjoyable time in our lives. So many sounds we've loved since.
That unmistakable Peter Gabriel's influence. Sigh. Lovely.
And finally they meet again 


"59th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest guitarists" ?


So many collaborations on this album. Brings me back to Boulder, Colorado in the 90’s when it was played on KBCO in better days…
A remarkable song. On all levels.
A powerful song from a truly a magnificent album, and a real Life-Time Marker for me, for sure... Symphonic, yearning, poignant, Divine...
 domreo wrote:

A truly stand out album.  He has a lot of respect from fellow musicians, besides Peter Gabriel's duet with him on this one, U2 backed him on "Sweet Fire of Love" and "Testimony".  Other song back ups had the BoDeans on them.  Not bad...
One more thing I thought was very cool at the time, he had been courted for years by various record companies after the Band split but didn't make this album until 1987.  In a radio interview (Kim Ladd?) he was asked why it took him so long and he said "I didn't feel I had anything good to say (until now)".  So there was an element of musical integrity by not taking advantage of his fame to just put out 'product' for money but to do it on his own terms.



You  just answered my question re: Peter Gabriel. Thanks!
RIP Robbie.
 reallylost wrote:

Gone from 8 to 9 with this hearing. Can't believe Robbie is 78 and, like so many others, will not be with us for very much longer. Let's honor.



Prescient....RIP RR
Thanks for the music. You were one of the best for sure.
Lay a flower in the snow for Robbie

 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://dontforgetthesongs365.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/b-and-w-richard.jpg
R.I.P. Richard Manuel


R.I.P Robbie
Just heard the sad news that Robbie passed away today at the age of 80.
This album was a game changer for me.
Robbie will be missed.

 njswede wrote:

Me: Geez! This really sounds like something Peter Gabriel would sing.
Peter Gabriel: *sings*


I had to check, and yes Peter Gabriel was guest vocalist on this track, as well as providing keyboards. 
This is as good as it gets. 10
 h8rhater wrote:

Manu Katche.  Drummer and song writer from France.  He has played with Peter Gabriel since the mid-80's.  Additionally, he has played with many, many artists including (but not limited to) the following:  Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Tracy Chapman, Tears For Fears, Jeff Beck, and Sting. He also has 9 albums as a solo act.



Thank You!   Amazing drumming & amazing drum sound!  Well recorded! 
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Who is the drummer here, please?


Manu Katche.  Drummer and song writer from France.  He has played with Peter Gabriel since the mid-80's.  Additionally, he has played with many, many artists including (but not limited to) the following:  Dire Straits, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Tracy Chapman, Tears For Fears, Jeff Beck, and Sting. He also has 9 albums as a solo act.
 CoYoT51 wrote:

Who is the drummer here, please?




https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(album)
Wondering if any RP shows are live...
Who is the drummer here, please?
 memoryboxer wrote:

Great example of how knowledge and ignorance can go hand in hand. (re comment below). That IS Peter Gabriel singing backup. So nice you could recognize what you thought was a knock off but not bother to research to find out how silly your comment ends up being. When this album came out, there were lots of us just too young to be really familiar with The Band but who knew U2, Gabriel, and Daniel Langlois well, so most folk my age that I knew received it with a "Wow, who is this guy with the heavy friends?". What it did so nicely was send lots of us backwards into musical history to discover what we'd been missing.





Daniel Lanois?  [insert your favorite snarky comment here]
The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!!  Thanx RP!
 njswede wrote:

Me: Geez! This really sounds like something Peter Gabriel would sing.
Peter Gabriel: *sings*



GREAT TUNE!!!
I agree!! Very Peter Gabriel(ish)!!!
Me: Geez! This really sounds like something Peter Gabriel would sing.
Peter Gabriel: *sings*
Nice!!
Gone from 8 to 9 with this hearing. Can't believe Robbie is 78 and, like so many others, will not be with us for very much longer. Let's honor.
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).



Please everyone who can contribute.  Thanks !
 tinypriest wrote:

One of my favourite songs. The most sumptuous production, with Peter Gabriel's voice so poignant in the background, Gabriel blowing his horn, lol. I know the song is about a friend lost to drugs, but the lyrics can be heard as universal longing. A heart-wrenching song about loss and a wish for redemption.



This ties to the genius of Daniel Lanois.  His production signature shows through his work with Gabriel, U2, Emmylou, Dylan.  You just know it's a Lanois album. 
What are those "Boston" sustained riffs in the background, right at the beginning, threatening to roll over you? A 10. How many times does a guy luck out to write a song so good? "That's what the old man always said". Mine did, and he would have loved this brutally honest song, if I had thought to play it for him, before he passed, as did the poor fallen angel of this marvelous masterpiece.

We are reminded often, by music, of our thoughtlessness.
 ramsay wrote:


Good reminder, thanks. Just sent $5 


Me too,  $$'s have been sent!
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).



Good reminder, thanks. Just sent $5 
 On_The_Beach wrote: fab pic
https://dontforgetthesongs365.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/b-and-w-richard.jpg
R.I.P. Richard Manuel


a beautiful tribute to a friend; maybe the best ever.......
 wtango wrote:


Lanois is such a great producer... classic albums from Emmy Lou, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson... the list goes on


Bob Dylan?
 On_The_Beach wrote:
https://dontforgetthesongs365.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/b-and-w-richard.jpg
R.I.P. Richard Manuel
 

What a beautiful picture, so expressive

RIP Richard

Sendin' love
One of my favourite songs. The most sumptuous production, with Peter Gabriel's voice so poignant in the background, Gabriel blowing his horn, lol. I know the song is about a friend lost to drugs, but the lyrics can be heard as universal longing. A heart-wrenching song about loss and a wish for redemption.
Heard this song at least five times here before I realised it really is Robbie Robertson... I kept refreshing the page hoping to see Peter Gabriel's name
Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).
 wtango wrote:


Lanois is such a great producer... classic albums from Emmy Lou, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson... the list goes on
 

LOVE LOVE LOVE all those you mention, have em all in my collection. :)
Great Album...  I have this one too...   following the Ricky Lee Jones you just played... super set...  I always loved these songs on a really good stereo system.. .   wow.
Thanks RP for this timeless classic!
 NorthernLad wrote:
Such a superb drumming effort by the great Manu Katche


 
French drummer of PG, too....
 drwhy wrote:
Am I correct that Daniel Lanois produced this album for Robbie Robertson?  Such a great album.
 

Lanois is such a great producer... classic albums from Emmy Lou, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Robertson... the list goes on
Come down Gabriel and blow your horn.

Peter did, but obviously forgot to bring the instrument
Mr. Gabriel, is that you in there?
Great recent interview about his newest works on CBC's 'Q'. 
Am I correct that Daniel Lanois produced this album for Robbie Robertson?  Such a great album.
Great example of how knowledge and ignorance can go hand in hand. (re comment below). That IS Peter Gabriel singing backup. So nice you could recognize what you thought was a knock off but not bother to research to find out how silly your comment ends up being. When this album came out, there were lots of us just too young to be really familiar with The Band but who knew U2, Gabriel, and Daniel Langlois well, so most folk my age that I knew received it with a "Wow, who is this guy with the heavy friends?". What it did so nicely was send lots of us backwards into musical history to discover what we'd been missing.
anyone I have played this cd for liked it, it's a little known gem

weird comment earlier, there are many guest artists on this album, Peter Gabriel and Bono both contributed
Robbie is one of the greatest musicians of all time.  Fallen Angel is one of his best.  

Check out Music for Native Americans CD if you really want to hear some powerful music.
 cely wrote:
Great example of how imitation is flattering.  Would love to be Peter Gabriel and hear myself on the radio doing a song I didn't write.
 
Huh?
Great example of how imitation is flattering.  Would love to be Peter Gabriel and hear myself on the radio doing a song I didn't write.
This song, vocally, can indeed be somewhat confusing. Robbie Robertson is no Peter Gabriel. As Peter Gabriel is no Robbie Robertson. If only Margo Timmins was somewhere in this mix too then it'd have to go to a 10.
I was so hoping for a cover of the King Crimson track.
 ShamanManu wrote:
I thought this for Peter Gabriel {#Think} he sounds like him here {#Yes}

 
Because Peter Gabriel recorded vocals on this track (and maybe others on the album, I forget) so that voice you hear that sounds like PG, it's him ;-)
 ShamanManu wrote:
I thought this for Peter Gabriel {#Think} he sounds like him here {#Yes}

 
Peter Gabriel is singing backup.
Such a superb drumming effort by the great Manu Katche


good song, great album
 Dazzerb wrote:
excellent album.

 
fully agree!
I've always had a version of this album, vinyl is wonderful, heard it first when living  in Northern CA Russian River area.  Very rainy winter and driving in the rain, the FM station was far better then  the southland, they would play 3 songs that were connected by the group or individuals. Love to put it on late night.
excellent album.
Apparently, according to Wikipedia, there were lots of contributions from Peter Gabriel to this album, who was also working with Daniel Lanois at the time. 
I have always like this one. 

"I don't believe it's all for nothing
It's not just written in the sand."

Yes indeed,  This life; it ain't for nothing.  And one day we will all know this with certainty.

Highlow
American Net'Zen
 ShamanManu wrote:
I thought this for Peter Gabriel {#Think} he sounds like him here {#Yes}

 
{#Yes}
 Skydog wrote:

I'm giving it a 2 to counter your 9
 

 
Do you speed up on the road to block a passer, too?
 domreo wrote:
...
One more thing I thought was very cool at the time, he had been courted for years by various record companies after the Band split but didn't make this album until 1987.  In a radio interview (Kim Ladd?) he was asked why it took him so long and he said "I didn't feel I had anything good to say (until now)".  So there was an element of musical integrity by not taking advantage of his fame to just put out 'product' for money but to do it on his own terms.

 

Or Robbie was simply being risk averse and waiting for the time when he had enough quality material for a new album release.  Coming to market with just 'product' and hoping that his reputation carries the day is risky.  
Sweet and endearing.  
A truly stand out album.  He has a lot of respect from fellow musicians, besides Peter Gabriel's duet with him on this one, U2 backed him on "Sweet Fire of Love" and "Testimony".  Other song back ups had the BoDeans on them.  Not bad...
One more thing I thought was very cool at the time, he had been courted for years by various record companies after the Band split but didn't make this album until 1987.  In a radio interview (Kim Ladd?) he was asked why it took him so long and he said "I didn't feel I had anything good to say (until now)".  So there was an element of musical integrity by not taking advantage of his fame to just put out 'product' for money but to do it on his own terms.
 oldmanmicha wrote:
I'm giving 9 points, because I wanna hear this more often

 
I'm giving it a 2 to counter your 9
 
Can't help it, but this is where my mind goes now every time I hear any of Robbie's work:
My problem is this- 

Robertson would come in with a piece of a song, or melody, or idea.  He'd say "Hey guys, I'm working on this new song.  What do you think? and then they'd all sit around and talk about it, rif on it, and maybe come up with a lyric or a melody or whatever. Finally, Robbie would go away, write the song, and then take full credit.
 
So in light of that fact, he writes a money making song about one of the bandmates he ripped off, Richard Manuel.  Did any of the royalties go to Richard's family?  I don't know.  But I would like to hear Robbie's side of the story. I do know that Levon Helm held the anger for a long time. 

 


One of Robertson's best and Gabriel's backing is a great touch.  Never tire of listening to this album.
thank you on_the_beach for posting the photo of Richard Manuel, such a subtle yet stunning piece of music RR made for his friend 
I thought this for Peter Gabriel {#Think} he sounds like him here {#Yes}
 peter_james_bond wrote:
This song is about the death of his old band mate Richard Manuel, here are the lrics:

Are you out there
Can you hear me
Can you see me in the dark

I don't believe it's all for nothing
It's not just written in the sand
Sometimes I thought you felt too much
And you crossed into the shadowland

And the river was overflowing
And the sky was fiery red
You gotta play the hand that's dealt ya
That's what the old man always said

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

In my dream the pipes were playing
In my dream I lost a friend
Come down Gabriel and blow your horn
'Cause some day we will meet again

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

If you're out there can you touch me
Can you see me I don't know
If you're out there can you reach me
Lay a flower in the snow
  Or you can click on "lyrics"


I'm giving 9 points, because I wanna hear this more often
 scrubbrush wrote:
Side 1 of this record was life changing for me back in 1988. I will always love this album.

 
One of the early CDs in my collection and it remains a favorite for me as well.
If you're out there can you touch me
Can you see me I don't know
If you're out there can you reach me
Lay a flower in the snow.

Wonderful song.

https://dontforgetthesongs365.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/b-and-w-richard.jpg
R.I.P. Richard Manuel
Side 1 of this record was life changing for me back in 1988. I will always love this album.
Thanks, Daniel Lanois :-)  

gresua wrote:
Thank Peter Gabriel.  :)

 


 jmsmy wrote:
A GREAT Album

 
Stunning album. One to worship. Thanks for bringing this back to the 'fore.
A GREAT Album
Power so softly ........8
 Cynaera wrote:
Romeotuma - I totally understand. Hugging you from someplace not far from where you are.... {#Wink}
 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Thank Peter Gabriel.  :)
 CafeLatte wrote:

Me to, heavenly!
  Same here, just woke up, tuned in and had to see what this was!


 srose96 wrote:
had to get up off the couch to check what this was!  {#Curtain}
 
Me to, heavenly!
had to get up off the couch to check what this was!  {#Curtain}
Yes, yes, yes. This.
Love and respect this album.  I recall when it came out he was on Jim Ladd's 'Innerview' program and was being asked about his activities of the prior decade in which he had been sought out by other musicians to work together but hadn't released anything of his own.  He said "I had offers from the Labels, but I didn't feel I had anything good to say. Until now".  I liked the integrity of not just putting out product for pay and that his time spent with other musicians inspired him to work with Gabriel, U2, the Bodeans and others on this album.  Listen to it again.
nah nah nah {#Neutral}

oh.. peter gabriel.. this is why..
And now another one.

How appropriate - RIP Levon...we will miss you and thank you for all you brought us!


Excellent.  As noted, Peter Gabriel adds a lot....  Thanks for the reminder!
Long time ago since i bought this album.still love Robbie and too low a rating IMHO for this one
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Will you two get a room already?!  ; )
 

RT's already got one... in a hotel in Las Vegas remember {#Lol}

Wonderful song BTW {#Whistle}
 romeotuma wrote:
Thank you!  Hugs back to you, you marvelous woman...  I love this song...
 
Will you two get a room already?!  ; )
Beautiful song. Peter Gabriel's vocals add immensely.
 romeotuma wrote:

I completely agree with myself...

 
  Romeotuma - I totally understand. Hugging you from someplace not far from where you are.... {#Wink}


 peter_james_bond wrote:
This song is about the death of his old band mate Richard Manuel, here are the lrics:

Are you out there
Can you hear me
Can you see me in the dark

I don't believe it's all for nothing
It's not just written in the sand
Sometimes I thought you felt too much
And you crossed into the shadowland

And the river was overflowing
And the sky was fiery red
You gotta play the hand that's dealt ya
That's what the old man always said

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

In my dream the pipes were playing
In my dream I lost a friend
Come down Gabriel and blow your horn
'Cause some day we will meet again

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin', fallin' down
Fallin', fallin' down

Fallen Angel
Casts a shadow up against the sun
If my eyes could see
The spirit of the chosen one

All the tears
All the rage
All the blues in the night
If my eyes could see
You kneeling in the silver light

If you're out there can you touch me
Can you see me I don't know
If you're out there can you reach me
Lay a flower in the snow

  Bringing this up, because apparently, there are people out there who expect perfection in an imperfect world. Thank you, PJB, for the lyrics and the insight. I love Robbie Robertson, with or without The Band.

 GeneP59 wrote:
For a minute there I thought it was Peter Gabriel.
 
For a minute there you were right too!

 GeneP59 wrote:
For a minute there I thought it was Peter Gabriel.
 
...well, it kind of is - he provides backing vocals on this track...
For a minute there I thought it was Peter Gabriel.
Tedious.  I'm not a hater, but this is work.
It's 100% Peter Gabriel and 0,0% The Band.
I like the reference to the Band's Tears of Rage from Big Pink (actually their version of a Dylan song).
 katiediddler wrote:
A hidden gem of an album - best enjoyed through headphones.
 
I'll have to try that.  I don't use headphones much to listen to music anymore, but many nuances of the music are best experienced with 'phones.


A hidden gem of an album - best enjoyed through headphones.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

So sorry to hear you're having trouble taking a dump. Perhaps you should concentrate on curing your dysfunctional colon and leave the music criticism to those who aren't constipated.
 
Arf! {#Roflol}
 peter_james_bond wrote:

{#Yell}CALL THE POLICE! {#Eyes}

Peter Gabriel adds his distinctive keyboard style and he sings with Robertson on this track. Works for me.

 
Damn straight...... It's quite groovy too. {#Bounce}
 fredriley wrote:
"You've gotta play the hand life's dealt you" - yeesh! You can get more profound insights from a Christmas cracker.

 

Color me amused. That being said - even Faulkner threw in some filler now and then. Robertson has penned a lyrical archive that leaves most songwriters in the dust.

 fredriley wrote:
The strained whine at the start is a bit like what I give out when I'm trying to squeeze a large log out.
 

...if your strained grunts sound this beguilingly musical, i can't imagine how melodic your speaking voice must be...
 fredriley wrote:
The strained whine at the start is a bit like what I give out when I'm trying to squeeze a large log out. Yer man wants to get himself some Ex-Lax.

"You've gotta play the hand life's dealt you" - yeesh! You can get more profound insights from a Christmas cracker.
 
Fred, your musical tastes may not always match mine, but only a fool would fail to be amused by your comments.

I take my hat off to you, sir. 

 fredriley wrote:
The strained whine at the start is a bit like what I give out when I'm trying to squeeze a large log out. Yer man wants to get himself some Ex-Lax.
 
So sorry to hear you're having trouble taking a dump. Perhaps you should concentrate on curing your dysfunctional colon and leave the music criticism to those who aren't constipated.


Fantastic still