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Robbie Robertson : How to Become Clairvoyant

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Canadian singer/songwriter Robbie Robertson gained fame spinning poignant tales of American mythology during The Band’s heyday. For all the now-legendary songs Robertson penned, he tended to shy away from writing about himself, which makes the revealing nature of his first album in over ten years such a wonderful surprise. How to Become Clairvoyant finds Robertson tackling personal topics such as his breakup with The Band (“This Is Where I Get Off”), the guitarists who inspired his innovative sound (“Axman”) and his early days touring behind Ronnie Hawkins (“When The Night Was Young”). Longtime collaborator Eric Clapton —who prompted Robertson’s return to the studio—co-wrote three of songs on the album with Robbie and guests on seven tracks. Other musicians lending their talents include Steve Winwood, Tom Morello, Trent Reznor and Robert Randolph (the last who adds spicy pedal steel to the mesmerizing opening track, “Straight Down the Line”). Here’s to hoping we don’t have to wait a decade for the next album.