"Moondog Matinee" is the fifth studio album by the Band, released in 1973. This album features a collection of cover songs that showcases the group's deep appreciation for R&B and blues music, with the notable exception of their rendition of the theme from the film The Third Man.
In a 2002 interview, Levon Helm candidly explained the decision to focus on covers, stating, "That was all we could do at the time. We couldn't get along—we all knew that fairness was a bunch of shit." He reflected on how the band's collaborative spirit had diminished, making original songwriting difficult.
Originally, the band aimed to recreate the vibe of their mid-'60s performances as Levon and the Hawks, drawing from their club setlists. Out of the ten tracks, only "Share Your Love (With Me)" had previously been performed by the group, while the others represented songs they admired, including "Holy Cow" and "A Change Is Gonna Come."
Critically, Moondog Matinee has been well-received, with Rhapsody praising it as one of their favorite cover albums. In 1991, John Bauldie of Q Magazine described the reissued album as "funny, affectionate and immaculately polished," highlighting its charm and quality.
