Theoretically, even though
the Band
had given up touring as of Thanksgiving 1976, they were going to keep making records, and
Islands
was the first album released in the new era. Only it wasn't; it was the album they put together to complete their ten-LP contract with
Capitol Records
and the last new full-length album the original five members ever made. The playing, as ever, was impeccable, and the record had its moments, notably a
Richard Manuel
vocal on the chestnut
"Georgia on My Mind"
that had been released as a single in 1976 to boost Georgia governor
Jimmy Carter
's successful run for the presidency. ~ William Ruhlmann