This page is part of Lonesome Sparrow's Web Site.
Contents of this page taken from Karl Erik Andersen's site Expecting Rain and Usenet.
Deep Beneath The Waves 1997
To Deep Beneath The Waves main page
To Deep Beneath The Waves 1996
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 49
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 49
From: MOE (dsc9bam@IMC210.MED.NAVY.MIL)
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 1997 14:19:35 +0500
Our next aluminum platter is hard to pin down, titlewise. Let's just
say it's the first one to have 3 titles in one......
"HARD TO FIND VOL 3" or
"EVEN HARDER TO FIND" or
"LOST RECORDINGS 1962-86" 1CD (Effective Mining) Compilation of rare
singles, B-Sides, promos, sampler tracks, EPs, tributes and 1 box set
Tracks: 21 Time: 79+ Sources: Official releases/TV/Movie
Quality: Outstanding throughout
No need to attempt a "review" other than to say that this is the true
successor to "Hard To Find," gathering most, if not all, of the
"hard to find" official releases (plus a few TV/movie trax) not included
on that first volume (Volume 2 was a poor sequel). Quality is excellent
throughout, the producers obviously utilizing the source material to
copy from. Not a bummer among the 21:
Mixed Up Confusion - "Masterpieces" version
Corrina Corrina - 1962 b-side
With God On Our Side - Newport '63 w/Joan
Blowin' in the Wind - Newport '63 evening
Troubled & I Don't Know Why - Forest Hills '63 (from Baez box set)
Mama You Been - NYC 10/31/64 (from Baez box)
Tom Thumb's Blues - B-side 1966
I Ain't Got No Home
Dear Mrs. Roosevelt
Grand Coulee Dam - all 3 above 1968 w/Band from Woody G. Benefit Album
George Jackson - big band version (b-side) 1971
Spanish Is The Loving Tongue - B-side 1971
You Ain't Going Nowhere - 1971 w/Happy Traum (have'nt compared this to
Greatest Hits vol 2 but it sounds different). Comments??
Never Let Me Go - Ren & Clara promo EP
Blowin' In The Wind - Fort Worth '76 w/Joan (says it's from her box set)
Trouble In Mind - 1979 b-side
Let It Be Me - 1981 b-side (first time on CD!!)
Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground - 1983 b-side
Jokerman - Letterman 1984
I Shall Be Released - 1986 MLK Benefit from Kennedy Center in DC -
great version w/ many different lyrics
A Couple More Years - from "Hearts of Fire" movie
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves - '96 review
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES - '96 REVIEW
From: MOE (dsc9bam@imc210.med.navy.mil)
Date: Fri, 10 Jan 1997 08:59:45 +0500
Hard to choose the ten best of the year, so we'll have some honorable
mentions. (Drum roll please.....) In no particular order, the ten best
of the year are.....
THE PEDLAR NOW SPEAKS 2CD PHILLY, TLA JUNE 21/22 1995
SUMMER NIGHT '95 2CD RFK STADIUM, WASH DC JUNE 24/25 1995
ALL HALLOW'S EVE 2CD NYC PHILHARMONIC 10/31/64 + '62 RADIO
SOUL 2CD BERLIN JUNE 17, 1996
PARADISE REGAINED 2CD PHILLY DEC 17 95 +
THE MIDAS TOUCH 2CD FT LAUDERDALE "REHEARSAL" SEPT 95
CHRISTIANIA 4CD COPENHAGEN JUNE 23/24, 1996 +
DARKNESS AT THE BREAK OF NOON 1CD RUNDOWN REHEARSALS 1978
GENUINE BOOTLEG SERIES TAKE 2 3CD VARIOUS 1960-1991
PARADISE HAWAIIAN STYLE 2CD WAIKIKI 92 +
HONORABLE MENTION:
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 2CD LIVERPOOL '96
PLEDGING MY TIME 2CD BLOOMINGTON, IN 10/95 + R&R HOF + SINATRA
DANCE BENEATH THE DIAMOND SKY 2CD COTTBUS, GERMANY JULY 96
20/20 VISION 2CD 89/91 COMPILATION
SOMETHING'S HAPPENING HERE 2CD BRUSSELS JULY 96
ALL ALONG THE ROSELAND 2CD NY CITY 20 OCT 95
EXCLUSIVE SERIES 94 & 95 1CD EACH LIVE COMPILATIONS
WOLFTRAP 1CD VIENNA, VA 91
REVISITING AUTOBAHN 1CD GERMANY '95 COMPILATION
BLOWN OUT ON THE TRAIL 2CD JONES BEACH, NY 88 +
RING THEM BELLS 1CD OH MERCY OUTS
Many other good ones among the 50-60+ releases this year but those were
the best of the best for '96, IMO. Scathing attacks for blatant
omissions from the list are certainly welcome.
SOME OTHER KINDS OF THINGS:
Best BobSong of '96:(tie)Shake Sugaree & Pos 4th St (Berlin 17 June)
Best Show: Magdeburg, Germany 12 July
Best Re-Issue of '96: the entire WHO catalog (Sony take note: this should
be a model if you ever get around to redoing the Bob catalog)
Best "Single" of '96: 6th Avenue Heartache (Wallflowers)
Best Single Never Released in '96: One Headlight (Wallflowers)
Best Albums: Unchained (Johnny Cash), Revival (Gillian Welch), Acid
Bubblegum (Graham Parker)
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 50
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 50
From: MOE
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 11:13:24 +0500
Welcome to the 50th edition of THE DEEP - I imagine a few of you were
wondering if 49 was the swan song (I was beginning to wonder myself). As
often happens with our "5 inch friends," droughts are sometimes followed by
deluges. Luckily, we are in the midst of a deluge, as no less than 8
releases have hit the streets in the last few fortnights. I'll try to
provide an "analysis" as time permits.........
THE MAINE EVENT 3CD (Razor's Edge RAZ 27/28/29) Portland, ME 19-21 Apr 96
Songs: 31 Times: 77+/78+/75+ Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
14 songs from the 19th, 10 from the 20th, 7 from the 21st
The first release to emerge documenting the brief April/May US dates of '96,
and a fine document it is. The Portland shows were notable for the variety
of material performed - all told we have 31 DIFFERENT songs included on these
3 disks, which is every tune Dylan did at this residency save RDW12&35, which
is omitted entirely. Quality is very good, though not great - i.e. not up to
the standards of,say, Christiania or, much less, "SOUL," but a fine recording
nonetheless. Nice, smooth sound and clear instrumentation on all 3 disks, w/
crisp sounding and energetic vocals by Mr. Bob. I find all the performances
very enthusiastic, but then again I've run out of superlatives to describe
my feelings about the '96 gigs. Bob and the band were obviously in
fine form on all 3 nights here - there ain't a dud amongst the 31. The harp
is put to the test a lot and Bob simmers through most of the solos,
particularly on TonightIllBeStaying. Can't say enough about Bucky either -
you'd swear he's playing an organ at times and he colors the songs so
beautifully it's hard to imagine them being as effective w/out him. Suffice
it to say there are highlights aplenty, and thankfully a few moments where
Bob's vocals & phrasing are so moving that my body goes "a'tingle" and the
hair on my neck is at full attention (I can only liken this physiological
phenomenon to the feeling other Bulls' fans like me must get when MJ decides
to take over a game and we witness the previously unseen :-) ).
For the sake of brevity, I'll resist going into track details but I'd be
remiss not to mention the sublime "Visions of Johanna" from the 19th. A long
& heartfelt instrumental intro signals something special is in store, and
everyone delivers on this 9 and a half minute epic performance, which IMO is
the best live version of it he's ever done. A slower version with
astonishing vocals by Bob - beautiful and heartfelt and one for the ages.
The highlight
of many many great performances from the 3 nights, nicely done and thankfully
documented by Razor's Edge.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 51
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 51
From: MOE
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 1997 13:29:28 +0500
...and now, the award for lamest CD title since "12/- A Pound," the winner
is.......
YOU MAY CALL ME ZIMMY 2CD (Lucky LR003/4) Differdange, LUX 24 Jun 96
Tracks: 15 Times: 54+/50 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
The second release from Lucky Records (following "Something's Happening
Here" Brussels '96) is another worthwhile addition to the ever-expanding list
of releases from Mr. Bob's European summer trek. Don't be put off by the
ridiculous title, as this show was one of the most unique of the whole tour.
What's not to like - an outstanding performance, clear and defined sound
with no discernible flaws other than wishing it was a little more upfront,
and an interesting set list with a FEW rarely played tunes. I find that this
shows does'nt grab you by the throat but, instead, slowly but surely lures
you into its charm with repeated listenings. The performances are outstanding
and take you through the full gamut of emotions - which is what any great
Bob show should do, right? Melodic, raucous, tender, tough, intimate, chaotic -
all these things describe the goings-on. Sit back, listen and enjoy the set:
Flood/ LayLady**/ Watchtower/ Pos4thSt/ MostLikelyGoYourWay**/ Silvio/
Johanna**/ Masters/ BabyBlue**/ God Knows/ RingThemBells**/ 7Days**/
NewNewMinglewoodBlues**/ Blowin'In**/ Rainy Day. Bonus points for the
nice performances of the rarely played** among the above, which keep the
interest level high. Appreciation for the show grows with each listen - but
what else is new?
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 52
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 52
From: MOE (dsc9bam@imc210.med.navy.mil)
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 1997 07:36:18 +0500
Here's a couple of relatively "older" new ones, both the latest editions
of (for the most part) worthwhile continuing "series......."
HARD TO FIND VOL 4 aka
HARDEST TO FIND (LOST DIAMONDS 1986-96) aka
20 SUPERB DYLAN RARITIES 1986-96 1CD (Treasure Records 187071-3) Various
rarities> live, promotional, sampler, soundtrack, radio shows
Tracks: 20 Time: 79+ Source: TV&Radio Broadcasts/Official LP/Audience
Quality: Very Good to Outstanding
The latest HTF ties together another interesting and eclectic batch of rare
trax that should satisfy all tastes. The rare diamonds:
OLD ROCK & ROLLER 7/3/90 Hamburg, GER one & only performance & a good one
PEOPLE PUTTING PEOPLE DOWN 6/6/91 Rome see above, very unusual delivery
TUPELO HONEY Belfast 2/6/91 inspired duet w/Van
CRAZY LOVE
FOREIGN WINDOW
ONE IRISH ROVER (all 3) Athens 6/27/89 (from UK TV '91) all duets w/Van
Morrison and I love 'em, particularly ForeignWindow where Bob provides
some beautiful harp and guitar accompaniment. All 3 are performed as if
they are alone in a room, just doing songs for their own enjoyment.
ONE IRISH ROVER 6/12/93 London interesting to compare this to above
FOREVER YOUNG 11/18/93 Letterman TV enigmatic Bob at his best
I SHALL BE RELEASED/RING THEM BELLS Japan 5/21/94 the other 2 he did
besides HardRain w/the orchestra. If you ain't heard 'em, shame on 'ya.
REAL REAL GONE Dublin 4/12/95 enjoyable rocker w/Van , seems like it fits
RING OF FIRE Feeling Minnesota s'track
Nice to have if you don't already have 'em:
IT AIN'T ME BABE 7/31/86 radio show live track opens the set - odd choice
GOT LOVE IF YOU WANT IT/IMPORTANT WORDS Down in Groove sessions taken from
Argentina LP (fair transfer) and a promo cassette on the latter
HARD TIMES Willie Nelson tribute 5/93 Bob at his "WGW"-era best
Wondering why they are there:
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND MLK Day 1/20/86 w/P,P & M, S. Wonder - very little Bob
MR TAMBOURINE MAN from Roy orbison Tribute w/Byrds from the box set
MOST OF THE TIME edited single
KNOCKIN'ON HEAVENS DOOR 7/5/96 IT-decent quality but fades out - an 8 ball
Despite the inclusion of the last 4, a set that has a certain cohesion
(to me at least) and overall excellent sound. It's nice to have things like
this together in one place and is a worthy successor to previous HTFs 1&3.
EXCLUSIVE SERIES '96 1CD (ES 004) Various Germany +1 '96 compilation
Tracks: 12 Time: 77+ Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
I'll get right to the point - this set is top heavy with 5 tracks from the
incredible Berlin 6/17/96 show. Ordinarily, this would be a good sign. For
those familiar with the 2CD set "Soul," however, these tracks fall short
in the quality department, sounding a bit compressed and noisy compared
to the astonishingly smooth and upfront quality found on "Soul." They are
still very good but just not up to par w/that release. I might add that
the tracks-Drifter's/ShakeSugaree/AlabamaGetaway/Pos4thStreet/FriendDevil-
suffer a bit outside the "context" of the whole Berlin show, a show that
(IMO) was one of the best, from beginning to end, of the last several years.
Fortunately, the remaining 7 tracks are all well chosen and inspired
performances. Highlights for me are a killer Sweet Marie from Tambach 7/10
w/an incredible keyboard sound from Bucky's steel and a strong vocal
performance by Bob on PrettyPeggyO from Frankfurt 6/19. No less impressive
are a raging 8 min TearsOfRage (also Tambach), a rock 'til you drop 7Days
(also F'furt), and a wonderful Shelter (Konstanz 7/3). As for
ThisWheelsOnFire from Salzburg 7/9, well, the song is ablaze with feeling.
NewMinglewoodBlues (Lux 6/24) wraps it all up - it's not my favorite song
and apparently not Bob's either as they never do it anymore - but it's
in nice quality so if you like it................anyway, a nice collection
that would be much improved had they used "Soul" as a source for the Berlin
selections or, better yet, replaced them altogether w/5 tracks from other
shows.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 53
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 53
From: MOE
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 1997 09:23:04 +0500
Some things need a bit of TLC and then they pay you back in spades, for
instance.......
ANCIENT ODES 2CD (Watchtower WTP001/002) 8 July 1996 Udine, IT whole
show plus (4) trax Pistoia, IT 7 July 1996
TRACKS: 19 Times: 74+/64+ Source: Audience Quality: Hmmmm (see below)
I suppose some of you out there have already purchased this set and
either traded it back in or sold it back at a loss. Can't really blame 'ya
that much, particularly if you only gave it a cursory listen at the normal
bass/treble levels and decided it was recorded either underwater or with
the mics down someone's pants. Under normal listening level conditions,
calling it muddy would be an understatement. Well, I took the trouble to
sift through the mud, so much mud in fact that my car stereo levels read
negative 10 on the bass and plus 10 on the treble. Much to my surprise, most
of the mud had dissipated and what remained was the much crisper and sharper
sounding voice of Mr. Bob and instrumental accompaniment that, while not
breathtaking in its definition, was more than passable IMO, and the vocal
seemed to ride above it nicely. A little hiss was not intrusive enough to
infringe upon enjoyment. I'm thinking "not bad," and was anxious to head
home and apply the trusty EQ to it. Down with the lows and up with the highs and
my eq was looking like a 45 degree angle. Sounded damned good, though,
especially from the other room where the hiss was not in evidence - one of
the Bobs, Gill or Meyer, recently said that some "live" CDs sound better
when you're in another room and how right they were. So I'm sitting there
enjoying
a rip-roaring MostLikely when at the end the sound perks up a bit, a bit
more volume and clarity out of nowhere, as if the taper pulled the mic out
of his pants or at least slipped it through an open zipper - and then Silvio
really cooks, a smokin' version and I'm getting a little long-winded here
but let me just say that the show is a real corker with more than the usual
amount of highlights where Bob's phrasing is unique even for him and the
song structure and tempo is a bit different than normal and the energy is
high and Bob sounds excited and his harp playing rules and what's not to
like about the killer 10-14 slot of
Jokerman/Released/5Believers/BackPages/LARS especially Released & LARS and
the sound perks up even a bit more during an
INCREDIBLY RAUCOUS 5Believers and the bonus tracks are "THE BOMB" as our
teenagers say - Peggy-O/Tangled/ HardRain/ToRamona - but you gotta hear it
yourself and as for me I can't get it out of the player and I apologize in
advance to those who get it based on this review and don't share my
enthusiasm perhaps you don't want to go through the extra effort to "get it"
but it's rewarding if you do and if you want the rest of the track list
check out Olof or Pagel's links on Expecting Rain because I'm done now just
remember to turn the "bottom" way down and the highs waaaaaaaaaaay up.
Moe
Subject: DEEP 53 error
From: MOE (dsc9bam@imc210.med.navy.mil)
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 07:33:23 +0500
RE: DEEP 53 "Ancient Odes" 2CD set:
There is no PrettyPeggyO bonus track, it is ShakeSugaree. My mistake.
Moe
Subject: Re: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 53
From: Heinrich Gerkepott (gerkepott@fevax.picker.de)
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 1997 09:04:01 UNDEFINED
Saw a review about the "Ancient Odes" (Udine 96) CD. Some notes:
- the sound quality of the CD is poor. How could anybody think about releasing
such a tape on CD. Sound quality would be OK for a show of 1974, but today???
either i can't understand what Phill Townsend said about sound quality last
Isis, praising the nice analog sound. Of course really excellent analog
recordings sound at least as good as DAT-recordings, but this tape is far from
being excellent - seems the taper had his mic in his back pocket.
- but there is something special on this CD (and that's why i'm writing this):
i saw several shows on that tour including Udine. All in all the shows were not
as brilliant as the year before (but better than this year so far), and some
shows were even poor (Ferrara). Usually we talked about the shows afterwards:
"what was the second song, it sounded great!", "finally we got Wheel's on
Fire", "new opener, nice", "what's the name of the violinist, wasn't that
great" and so on. But only once i was really impressed. On our way to Udine we
had hard weather, and the rain stopped a short time before the show. Show
started so la la. Was getting better and better, but then the encore: this
beautiful "Like a Rolling Stone". This version - much slower than in Magdeburg
later - was for me THE highlight of that tour. A great version and performance
of a Bob Dylan song (not only a nice performance of a cover and not only that
something special happened like in Konstanz or Utrecht). This single
performance was worth all the trip through Europe. One of the great moments why
i'm trying to see as many shows as possible. Try to listen to this single
performance (but get a copy of the excellent tape, not the CD).
Heinrich
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 54
Subject: Re: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 54
From: Lovinmj23@AOL.COM
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 1997 08:12:04 -0400
Many releases to consider in the last few weeks, with several
requiring close scrutiny. Here are a couple of them.........
NORTH WIND BLOWING 2CD (KTS 578/79) Oslo, Norway 18 Jul 96
Trax: 15 Total time: 118 Source: Audience Quality: Very
Good*
With the apparent demise of KTS, this looks to be the last Dylan release
from that most brazen of labels. Perhaps advertising on the WEB and in SPIN
magazine was not the best idea. Anyway, I've listened to this disk more than
a few times in the last several weeks and I still come to the same conclusion
- there is something very ordinary about the performance, it never reaches up
and grabs me or seems to catch fire. It threatens to spark several times -
during Hattie Carroll and Absolutely Sweet Marie - but then momentum seems to
fizzle. Even one of the "all-timers," MyBackPages, never really takes off.
The sound* quality, which I'd consider very good, is also lacking in
excitement. The vocals are there, the instruments are well defined, but there
is a lack of warmth and
fullness that is bothersome. It sounds clinical and cold. Let's call the
sound emotionally challenged, eh? The odd thing is that I keep throwing it
in the player and hoping that I'll hear something I missed that will perk
things up. Hasn't happend yet............I'd be curious to hear others
opinions.
(Oh yeah, the set list is a good one) PillBox, BlackCoat, Watchtower, 4thStreet,
MostLikely, Silvio, Tangled, Hattie Carroll, HollisBrown, SweetMarie, ThinMan,
H61, GirlOfNCountry, 12&35, BackPages). I'd be curious to hear other
opinions on this disk and the show.
RENALDO & CLARA 1CD (Noriaa NRCD 46029) Soundtrack from the film "R&C"
Trax: 21 Time: 72+ Source: Video??(High gen) Quality: Excellent
An excellent release from Japan which (I assume) contains all the music from
Mr. Bob's feature film "Renaldo & Clara." Since I've never seen it, I can't
be sure.
(Save the flames, if someone has a good copy I'd love to check it out :-) ).
Of the 20 tunes, most are complete or almost complete, with the exception of
abbreviated/cut off versions of never performed and/or unlikely tunes: Ballad
in Plain D, Patty's Gone To Laredo, Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands. Although
some of the trax have dialogue intruding on them, notably a great version of
"One Too Many Mornings," the disk has a nice ebb and flow and fits
together nicely. Quality is excellent considering the video source -
in stereo w/little hiss, fine definition, upfront vocals.
I imagine this is as good as it could get short of an
official release. For fans of Rolling Thunder, this will not disappoint.
Masterpiece/Isis/Ballad in Plain D/Hard Rain/PeopleGetReady/ItAintMeBabe/
SheBelongsToMe (nice piano led version)/LotTolaugh/IfYouSeeHer (piano
version)/ Durango/OneTooMany/RisingSun/OneMoreCup../Sara/WaterIsWide/
PattysGone../ NeverLetMeGo/SadEyedLady/Tangled/JustLike../Knockin'
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 55
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 55
From: (Lovinmj23@AOL.COM)
Date: Sat, 10 May 1997 10:54:32 -0400
In an effort to bring things up to date here at THE DEEP, I'll try to keep
things succinct and to the point and without the admitted long-windedness
that characterizes many of THE DEEPs "observations." The aim here has
always been to make known what is recently available and to gauge it's
"worthiness." Needless to say, this is a subjective venture and I regret
if anyone has ever felt "led astray" by any of the DEEP critiques. GP
might say, "...get over it and move on." Without further ado, more
roadmaps for your soul...........
I'VE GOT A SONG TO SING 1CD (BD 96) Spring/Summer '96 compilation
Tracks: 11 Time: 74+ Source: Audience Quality:
Excellent
Easily the finest compilation of live tracks to grace a CD since, well,
Golden Vanity. The performances are all top notch, the quality is wonderful
and the track selection is very interesting. To wit:
SHAKE SUGAREE (Berlin 6/17) - enough has already been said about this in
previous editions. A monster performance that will surely bring a smile.
THIS WHEELS ON FIRE (Madison 4/13) - energetic, over-the-top performance
in matzoh-crisp quality. First of the tour and maybe the best.
FRIEND OF THE DEVIL (Lewisburg 5/3) - another gem in astonishing quality,
you can hear the guitars breathe and Bob's sandpaper vocal is razor sharp.
SEVEN DAYS (Frankfurt 6/19) - kickin' ass rocker, this version could boil
blood.
VISIONS OF JOHANNA (Luxembourg 6/24) - startling take of the beloved
and rarely played classic will absolutely "conquer your mind."
DISEASE OF CONCEIT (Buffalo 5/11) - rare tune sung beautifully (despite
erring on "..disease is a disease , and the doctor's got no cure"). Treble
down.
HATTIE CARROLL (Orono 4/23) - biting performance from a wonderful show
that I always hoped we'd see in it's entirety. Maybe someday. Superb.
NEW MINGLEWOOD BLUES (Luxembourg 6/24) - great quality but I hate the song.
Those of you who like it will be mighty pleased with the incredible sound.
PRETTY PEGGY-O (Mannheim 7/2) - always welcome "Peggy O" given a tight
and heartfelt reading by Bob and band. Has it ever been just so-so??
BLOWIN' IN THE WIND (Cottbus 7/14) - highlight of the set IMO. Lovely
minute-long acoustic intro has the crowd wondering what tune it is until
finally the familiar chords are plucked and they respond enthusiastically. A
touching moment, and then Bob proceeds to sings the hell out of it and blow
you away with the harp solo at the end. One for the ages-goosebump material.
LARS (Montpelier w/the Stones) 7/27/95 - lame lame lame.
Absolutely, get this if you see it. A can't miss winner in everyone's book,
plus a couple of delightful caricatures, along with a nice cover to complete
a fine effort.
HARD TIMES IN NEW YORK CITY 61-62 1CD (AZ001) Various NYC 61-62
Tracks: 18 Time: 73 Source: Boards/Reel-Reel (?) Quality: Very Nice
Early NYC material including some heretofore unreleased-on-CD tracks. Nice,
folky stuff here in quality that I imagine is as good as it gets in normal
circulating circles. Historic performances from Gerde's and Carnegie Recital
are sandwiched around 3 cuts from Cynthia Gooding's apartment tapes of 9/61
and 4/62. The Blowin' from Gerde's 4/62 is especially tasty (first ever live
version?), albeit abbreviated. I'l list the tracks in case you missed Dr. Jibe's
post awhile back. Asterisked cuts are the ones I believe to be unreleased on
CD until now:
CYNTHIA GOODING'S APARTMENT
Ranger's Command (9/61)*, Wichita (4/62)*, Rocks&Gravel (4/62)*
GERDE'S FOLK CITY 9/61:
San Francisco Bay Blues*, The Great Divide*
CARNEGIE RECITAL HALL 4/11/61:
Peggy-O, In The Pines, Gospel Plow, 1913 Massacre, Backwater Blues,
Young But Daily Growin', (where's "Fixin' To Die?")
GERDE'S FOLK CITY 4/62:
Honey Just Allow me One More Chance, Talkin' NY/Talkin' Folklore, Corrina
Corrina, Deep Elem Blues, Blowin' In The Wind
FINJAN CLUB (Montreal 7/2/62): Muleskinner Blues
An outstanding, historic collection of early trax (no, duh) with a smashing
B&W pic on the cover of Dylan walkin' the streets of the Big Apple w/4
friends. Clear plastic tray w/pic behind adds another nice touch to an
extremely classy looking package. If you're into early Dylan, you'll love it.
If not, get into it w/this stuff.
HOLLIS BROWN AT IVY 2CD (No label-Japan CD) Kurashiki 13 Feb 1997 +
Tracks: 20 Times: 66/75 Source: Audience Quality: Good
The first CD to emerge from the Japanese shows in February (and we don't even
have a Fall US one yet!!!), presenting the entire Kurashiki show plus (5)
tracks from4 other Japan shows. I'll cut to the chase: this show is relatively
unexciting. Perhaps uninspired would be a better choice of words. Pedestrian
setlist, pedestrian phrasing, performance by Dylan that never goes beyond
ho-hum. If Dylan feeds off a crowd's enthusiasm, he's feeding off this
crowd's unenthusiasm (sic). I understand the Japanese crowds are generally
"polite" and that's what Dylan gives back - a polite performance. The songs,
in my mind, are given routine readings (with the exception of If You See Her
and Maggies), almost as if he's trying to be conservative and toned-down in
his treatments. The arrangements of If You See Her and Maggies are
interesting and feature Bob, prominently, on lead. Maggie's in particular is
a radical re-arrangement and is easily the highlight of the show. The quality
leaves a bit to be desired - it's nice and clear and very listenable but a
bit thin and lacking in that warm, full sound we've come to expect from many
other disks. The "greatest hit" setlist is as follows:
Flood/IfYouSeeHer/Watchtower/JustLike/LotToLaugh/
Silvio/OhBabeItAin'tNoLie/MrTMan/HollisBrown/DontThinkTwice/Remember
You/ MFarm/LARS/ItAintMeBabe/RDW12&35. The bonus trax are well chosen
and improve things a bit: Tom Thumb (Tokyo 2/10), ManInMe (Sendai 2/20),
Masterpiece (Akita 2/22), SweetMarie & a very hesitant, hard to understand
the words to ViolaLeeBlues (Sapporo 2/24). I'm wondering if all the Japanese
shows were this tame. Considering the performance and so-so quality, thumbs
down on this one.
IT TAKES A LOT TO LAUGH 2CD (HM 0107) Munster, GE 1 July 1996 + filler
Tracks: 17 Times: 64/67 Source: Audience Quality: Outstanding
Just another fine performance from the summer Euro shows, this one from
Munster in drop-dead good quality, right up there with Christiania in that
regard. A definite "on" night with just the right amount of "odd" songs
among
the setlist to take this to the outstanding level, when combined with the
quality. An inspired performance all around with several moments of
transcendence. Things you want to know:
Is it great quality? YES Is Dylan's voice upfront and detailed? YES Are the
instruments crisp and clear and defined, with all nuances intact? YES Is it
an energetic performance? YES If you buy it, will you play it often? YES
Should I shut up now? YES. The tracks: Drifter's/Shake Sugaree/Watchtower/
SimpleTwist (elegant)/LotToLaugh(beautiful grunge)/Silvio/Boots(so fine)/
JBrown(scary)/MamaYouBin (w/abouncy,jaunty kick)/Maggie's/ThinMan/5
Believers/ Alabama/ItAin't MeBabe(sublime)/RDW plus bonus tracks from
Mannheim 2 July: lovely and tender ToRamona and delicious WhatGoodAmI. A
winner all around and right up there with Christiania & Soul as the best of
'96.
'til the next time - Moe
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Date: Sat, 10 May 1997 17:10:21 +0000
From: Brian Kelly
Subject: Re: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 55
Agree with Moe's review of IT TAKES A LOT TO LAUGH - it's a wonderful cd
which in terms of sound quality I would say possibly exceeds CHRISTIANIA
(and the sound quality on that is excellent) and is definitely on a par
with SOUL. In fact it would make a perfect companion disk for SOUL as
their isn't too much overlap in the set list. Wouldn't surprise me if the
same taper did both these shows. Look out for the version of Simple Twist
Of Fate - it is beautiful.
Brian
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 56
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 56
Date: Fri, 30 May 1997 22:58:59 -0400
BIG BOB & HOLDING COMPANY 1CD (HD-9603D) 29 Jun 96 Prince's Trust
Hyde Park, UK + 2 Sept 95 R&R HOF Cleveland + Frank Sinatra tribute
Tracks: 11 Time: 70 Source: Stereo TV Broadcasts Quality: Excellent
An outstanding Japanese release containing the complete broadcast
portion of Bob's set from the Prince's Trust Concert in magnificent
quality. With special guests Ron Wood and Al Kooper, Bob proceeds to
blister through Leopard Skin, Silvio & Highway 61 w/unbridled energy
and clear, precise vocal flair. Leopard Skin is particularly tasteful,
what with Kooper's killer piano fills and Bob's harp blowin' through the
park like there's no tomorrow. A killer blues rock stomper it is. Tom
Thumb is enlivened by Kooper's organ and Bucky's distinctive steel, while
the lyrics brought a tear to my eye:
....I cannot move so good, my fingers are all in a knot
I don't have the strength
To get up and take another shot
And my best friend, my doctor
Won't even tell me what it is I got
(Funny how I was compelled to keep playing that verse over and over, despite
the fact that I was getting progressively sadder w/each play, imagining Bob
in the hospital & having no control over the situation).
Positively 4th is also performed with gusto and takes on an even greater
poignancy due to the events of late. The quality is perfect and Bob is in
excellent voice. A shame they decided not to air Tangled & Don't Think
2X from the acoustic set. Also axed were Watchtower and 7Days w/Wood on
vocals. Thus far, this CD is the only release of the 5 broadcast trax.
The R&R HOF trax have been reviewed ad nauseum and released on many
other disks, as has the "Restless Farewell" from Sinatra. IMO, the HOF
trax are found in better quality on Pledging My Time, while the "RF" on this
collection is in pristine, crystal clear quality and is as good as it gets.
Some lines from the last verse of "Restless Farewell" seem oh so timely:
"Oh a false clock tries to tick out my time
To disgrace, distract, and bother me.
And the dirt of gossip blows into my face
And the dust of rumor covers me........
So I'll make my stand
And remain as I am
And bid farewell and not give a damn"
(Here's to bidding farewell to that hospital bed!!!)
One final note-unlike a lot of Japanese releases, this one is stunning
w/a gorgeous color cover, interesting graphics and a clear tray w/photo
behind. The back cover is graced with a wonderful color pic of Bob & Ron
Wood.
Moe
---------------------
Forwarded message:
From: BAMagid@US.MED.NAVY.MIL (Magid, Brian A. Management Analyst NMIMC)
To: lovinmj23@aol.com ('lovinmj23@aol.com')
Date: 97-05-28 10:42:00 EDT
BIG BOB & HOLDING COMPANY 1CD (HD-9603D) 29 Jun 96 Prince's Trust
Hyde Park, 2 Sept 95 R&R HOF Cleveland + Frank Sinatra tribute
Tracks: 11 Time: 70 Source: Stereo TV Broadcasts Quality:
Excellent
An outstanding Japanese release containing the complete broadcast
portion of Bob's set from the Prince's Trust Concert in magnificent
quality. With special guests Ron Wood and Al Kooper, Bob proceeds to
blister through
Leopard Skin, Silvio & Highway 61 w/unbound energy and clear, precise
vocal flair. Leopard Skin is particularly tasteful, what with Bob's harp
blowin'
through the park like there's no tomorrow. TomThumb's Blues and
Positively
4th are also performed with gusto. The quality is perfect and Bob is in
excellent voice. A shame they decided not to air Tangled & Don't Think
2X
from the acoustic set. Also axed were Watchtower and 7Days w/Wood on
vocals. Thus far, this CD is the only release of the 5 broadcast trax.
The R&R HOF trax have been reviewed ad nauseum and released on many
other disks, as has the "Restless Farewell" from Sinatra. IMO, the HOF
trax
are found in better quality on Pledging My Time, while the "RF" on this
collection is in pristine, crystal clear quality and is as good as it
gets.
One final note-unlike a lot of Japanese releases, this one is stunning
w/a
gorgeous color cover, interesting graphics and a clear tray w/photo
behind.
The back cover is graced with a wonderful color pic of Bob & Ron Wood.
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 58
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 58
From: Moe
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 20:21:30 -0400
A slack time lately here at THE DEEP, what with few new titles (3) since
the last capsule summary several fortnights ago.
Here'a catching up to one and hoping the others will follow later this
evening........
BLOOD ON THE TAPES 1CD ('74 Blood on the Tracks circulating outs)
Columbus COL 2-1070
Tracks: 11 Time: 69:46 Source: Official CDs, test pressing
Quality: Excellent/Very Good**
The 11 circulating BOTT outtakes all together on one CD is certainly a
welcome addition to anyone's collection. Tastily compiled in the order
they were recorded and presented in official release quality (natch, 7 of
the songs are from official releases-see below-and the others are from
the BOTT initial test pressing).
Although most Dylan fans will already own the 7 tracks on official
releases (at least), and hardcores will also have the other 4
"unreleased" takes, it's nice to have them all in one place. No
shuffling around of disks or rewinding of tapes required to hear
them all, go ahead and play "Up To Me" and JMaguire's "Shelter"
7 or 8 times in a row or program them in an order that suits
your tastes without waiting for the rewind or taking the
time to change disks. If this was vinyl it would wear out quick.
Tracks:
If You See Her Say Hello 9/16/74 (from Bootleg Series 1-3)
Lily, Rosemary & Jack of Hearts 9/16/74 (unreleased test press)
Previously available on: Vastly Original Work...
Acoustic Troubadour
Call Letter Blues 9/16/74 (from Bootleg Series 1-3)
Idiot Wind (Keyboard overdub) 9/16/74 (unreleased test press)
Previously available on: Vastly Original Work...
Acoustic Troubadour
Genuine Bootleg Series I (IMO, the quality is slightly
better on the GBSI set)
Tangled Up In Blue 9/16/74 (from Bootleg Series 1-3)
You're A Big Girl Now 9/17/74 (from Biograph)
Shelter From the Storm 9/17/74 (from Jerry Maguire s/track)
**If You See Her, Say Hello (unreleased test press-the quality on
this particular track is a bit less spectacular than the rest,
sounding a bit compressed) 9/19/74
Previously available on: Vastly Original Work...
Tangled Up In Blue 9/19/74 (unreleased take)
Previously Available on: Genuine Bootleg Series Take 2
Up To Me 9/19/74 (from "Biograph")
A masterpiece in its own right, scraping buttons and all. Perhaps come 1999,
Sony will give us this and more on the 25th anniversary bonus disks of "The
Complete 'Blood on the Tracks' Sessions." (Corrections to above welcome).
Moe
From: kraft66@aol.com (Kraft66)
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Subject: Re: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 58
Date: 3 Jul 1997 23:25:31 GMT
<970626202129_645076882@emout17.mail.aol.com>, Lovinmj23@aol.com wrote:
>The 11 circulating BOTT outtakes all together on one CD
I'm not sure about this, but could it be that there's another version of
Big Girl somewhere out there? I think I've heard something similar to (but
then again notably different from) the 'Biograph' version on a vinyl boot
some time... Does anybody know?
Also, it struck me kind of funny that from the way Moe decribes the 'idiot
wind' version here, one could be forgiven for thinking that this is
something like the BS version w/ overdubs. Well, just meant to say that it
definitely isn't.
Stefan
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 57
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 57
From: Moe
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 23:03:45 -0400
PLYMOUTH ROCK 1CD (Colosseum 97-C-015) Plymouth, MA 10/31/75
plus Waterbury, CT 11/11/75 (Japanese release)
Tracks: 16 Time: 75 Source: Soundboards Quality: Excellent
A truly outstanding disk that presents the complete circulating tracks
from the superb sounding Plymouth, MA board (7) plus well-selected and
appropriate filler from the long-available Waterbury, CT (9) soundboard
(find the complete Dylan set from Waterbury on the hard-to-find "Tell It
Like It Is"). For my money, these early Rolling Thunder shows were far
better than the 2nd leg shows of '76 ("Hard Rain" notwithstanding), as
they seem to carry an edginess and spontaneity that is not as apparent
on the '76 gigs. Dylan's singing on the Plymouth tracks is amazing -
listen to the way he softly caresses Oh, Sister, takes you somewhere
mysterious and dark on "One More Cup of Coffee" and breaks your heart
with his gentle vocal on "Sara." There's a calm smoothness
to the way he sings these tracks that gives them even more depth of
feeling. When he sings "....lovin' you is one thing I'll never forget," you
can't help but feel his pain. Just Like A Woman follows and is simply the
best version I've ever heard, full of Dylan's twisting and turning of the
lyrics and with exceptionally fine back-up from Joan. As a matter of fact,
Joan shines throughout these tracks.
An acoustic "I Don't Believe You" opens it up and is followed by a
"Hurricane" showcasing Scarlet's violin, which remains prominent
throughout the set. Just as he did with the whole of Desire, Dylan takes
you so many different places with these songs - the way he sings them, the
words, the sounds of the band - it's like being a passenger along for a
ride but you're riding inside his head, yet still able to see things with
your own eyes. I always found Desire to be one of his most interesting and
mysterious albums and certainly the most unique in terms
of the sound and the way he sang. He was able to capture this mystery
on stage on the first leg of RT, which is what makes these songs unique.
Plymouth ends with a free-for-all on "This Land Is Your Land" and then the
great Waterbury "filler" follows- Hard Rain, Durango, Isis, Blowin', Water Is
Wide, St Augustine, Never Let me Go, Released, Knockin'. Incredible,
upfront and true quality plus performances to match, not to mention what is
perhaps the coolest pic of Dylan to ever grace a CD cover - Bob walking down
a country road in the snow with a multi-colored coat and feathered hat. Don't
pass this one by.
Moe
From: Ben Taylor
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Subject: Waterbury '75 "Tell It Like It Is" CD [Was: DEEP...57]
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1997 22:00:44 +0100
Lovinmj23@aol.com writes:
>(find the complete Dylan set from Waterbury on the hard-to-find "Tell It
> Like It Is").
Unfortunately, the CD "Tell It Like It Is" misses from Dylan's set:
1. When I Paint My Masterpiece
2. It Ain't Me, Babe
11. Simple Twist Of Fate (solo)
12. Oh Sister
18. This Land Is Your Land
I don't know if all of the above tracks are circulating as part of the
same PA source presented on the CD but it's my understanding that at
least some of them are. I would be interested to know the full answer to
this one.
Ben Taylor
--
bptaylor@laguna.demon.co.uk
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 59
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 59
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 20:13:40 -0400
ACETATES ON THE TRACKS VOL I (1962-65) 1CD (Treasure Records TRD-997)
Selection of outtakes/alternates/original versions from acetate sources.
Tracks: 19 Time: 75 Source: Acetates Quality: Excellent
A compilation of tracks from the Grogan & Gelson acetates (correct,
Dylanologists?) presented in outstanding sound quality and covering
the Freewheelin' sessions through Highway 61. The only downside to
this collection is that you may have this material elsewhere - "The Emmett
Grogan Acetates," "Freewheelin' Bob Dylan Outtakes," or "7 Years of Bad
Luck," among others - the upside is that those sets are relatively difficult
to find, so this may be your only hope. As already stated, sound quality is
tremendous, which is no surprise since this collection is brought to us by
our friends from the consistently fine "Hard To Find" series label. Now to
the tracks, which are tastefully chosen and form a fine sampler for both
newcomers to this material and hard core listeners. Now to the tracks:
Instrumental (?)
Milkcow Calf's Blues (2 versions both completely different)
Wichita (2 different versions)
Whatcha Gonna Do
That's Alright Mama
Hero Blues
Lonesome Whistle Blues
I Don't Believe You
Chimes of Freedom
Motopsycho Nightmare
All I Really Want To Do
(The above 5 tunes are the same takes as on "Another Side" w/perhaps
a bit of a count-in or talking before or after each take. From the Grogan
acetates)
Mr Tambourine Man (Newport Folk Fest 7/24/64
You Don't Have to Do That
Tombstone Blues (2 different takes)
Queen Jane
Two other tracks are listed but, sadly, not included - Medicine Sunday and
the classic 1:12 Lunatic Princess Revisited (you'll have to have the Genuine
Bootleg Series Take 2 for that).
Overall, a fine collection and one that has received a hefty amount o
f play (a little surprising after a halting first impression).Thumbs up on
this one.
ACETATES ON THE TRACKS VOL 2 (1965-74) (Same label as above)
Selection of outtakes & alternate versions
Tracks: 15 Time:74 Source: Acetates/Tape*(?) Quality: Excellent
A superb follow-up to Vol I with tracks covering Highway 61/BonB plus
several sundry studio tracks from 1970 & 1973. Once again, quality is top
notch and equivalent to the best previous CDs have had to offer - that's
right, it seems to me that everything on here has been
previously available. The upside is that many of the disks that offer these
tracks are long out of print and near impossible to find. Anyway, included on
here is the devastating solo piano version of "She's Your Lover Now," which
is worth the price of admission alone. I always joke that this is the one
song you must cue up for your friends who don't like Dylan - it will just
reinforce their aversion to him because they just won't get it, particularly
the opening (I can't really say I get it either -even if I thought I did I
would'nt say so :-) ). Anyway, I feel compelled to be a little anal here and
point out that 0:21 into this song, Dylan provides us with the most wondrous
3-4 seconds of humming I've ever heard - truly inspiring and tuneful and
words can't
describe it ("Come on, Moe, it's 3 seconds of humming, quit bullshitting and
looking for some deep meaning in there." OK, sorry). Suffice it to say this
track is a killer - the singing, the piano, the words - if you have'nt heard
it, do yourself a favor and at least cop a tape of it. Then decide which one
you prefer - this or the GBS 1-3 version w/the Band.
I've wasted enough of your time already but I would be remiss not to
mention the other legendary unreleased cut included here - the "boiled guts
of birds...nightingale's code" version of "Desolation Row." Many lyric
variations and different musically to the H61 version. A must
to hear this one also if you've never had the pleasure. Last detailed
mention will go to the 2 cuts of "Visions of Johanna" (both sound
similar to me), also completely different than the version on BonB.
This one is also a necessity. The complete track list:
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window (2 full different takes + a 1:00 false
start)
Desolation Row (outtake)
Ballad of A Thin Man (2 takes - diff mixes, one very spooky w/organ
mixed way up)
I Wanna be Your Lover
I Don'rtWanna Be Your Partner
Visions of Johana ( 2 versions)
She's Your Lover Now ( see above)
Instrumental (I'll Keep It With Mine)*
Working on a Guru (Harrison session 1970 - amazing quality)*
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (rare version available only on GBS Take 2)*
Nobody 'Cept You (sounds like it may be a different mix)*
Awonderful collection of tracks and if someone can provide the source linkage
it would be much appreciated . For instance, are these all from acetates?
Maybe someone can print the full listing of Grogan and Gelston acetates. I'm
also wondering about the sources of the last 4 tracks, as
the only one where surface noise is evident is "Nobody 'Cept You."
In any case, this one will certainly not disappoint.
Until next time.
Moe
From: rsweener@aol.com (Rsweener)
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Subject: re: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 59
Date: 24 Jul 1997 19:47:23 GMT
Moe posted the track listing for Acetates On The Tracks Vol. 1:
>
>Instrumental (?)
>Milkcow Calf's Blues (2 versions both completely different)
>Wichita (2 different versions)
>Whatcha Gonna Do
>That's Alright Mama
>Hero Blues
>Lonesome Whistle Blues
>I Don't Believe You
>Chimes of Freedom
>Motopsycho Nightmare
>All I Really Want To Do
>(The above 5 tunes are the same takes as on "Another Side" w/perhaps
> a bit of a count-in or talking before or after each take. From the
Grogan
>acetates)
When you say the above 5 tunes, I guess you mean the 5 directly preceding,
which would be
>Lonesome Whistle Blues
>I Don't Believe You
>Chimes of Freedom
>Motopsycho Nightmare
>All I Really Want To Do
But I'm wondering if All I Really Want To Do is really the same as the
take on
Another Side, because on previous Emmet Grogan cds, it has been from
Newport 1964, on July 26.
If anyone knows the answer to that, please post and email me.
As for the other four,
I hadn't previously known that these were the same as the released takes.
(I'm assuming this holds true for the takes of these songs that appear on
The Emmet Grogan Acetates and As Good As It Gets as well.)
As for the first tracks you listed:
>Instrumental (?)
>Milkcow Calf's Blues (2 versions both completely different)
>Wichita (2 different versions)
>Whatcha Gonna Do
>That's Alright Mama
>Hero Blues
Could any of these be the same as the tracks on The Emmet Grogan Acetates
previously attributed to Krogsgaard 059, August 6,7,12, Oct 23,24 and 31,
1963:
12. East Laredo Blues (instrumental) (Co. 79683)
13. Bob Dylan's New Orleans Rag
14. Bob Dylan's New Orleans Rag
15. That's Alright Mama/ Sally Free And Easy
16. Hero Blues
Anyone having both boots who can compare, please post and email me.
Thanks!
Rick
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 60
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 60 (Long)
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 21:13:14 -0400
A much-welcome beehive of activity lately from the underground,
no? Seems like one label is attempting to single-handedly make
up for the (apparent?) demise of Dylan labels Red Sky & Wanted
Man by releasing four, count 'em, four doubles simultaneously,
albeit in supposedly very limited quantities. Problems abound
on all four, however, these ranging from mislabeling and errors
of omission to erroneous dates and, worst of all, questionable
judgment on selection. Many positives to weigh against the
negatives, though, so let's examine further and, at the end,
you'll be able to make an informed decision whether to purchase
or not to purchase, that is the question........
FYI, the first Watchtower release (001/2) was "Ancient Odes" some
time back. New from that label are the following four doubles:
DALLAS, TEXAS (Watchtower 003/4) 25 Oct 96 Dallas, TX
Tracks: 15 Times: 60/59 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
BEST WISHES (Watchtower 005/6) 7 June 78 Los Angeles, CA**
Tracks: 27(+2#) Times: 71/71 Source: Audience Quality: Decent
Note: **/+ Contains (mistakenly) two tracks from Kiel, GER 17 May 94
JUST THE GIRLS (Watchtower 007/8) 13 Jun 84 Berlin, Germany
Tracks: 21 Times: 61/61 Source: Audience Quality: Decent
ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS (Watchtower 009/10) 17 May 94 Kiel, Germany (inc)
(12 tracks**) & Rotterdam, NETH (inc) 19 Sept 1987 (12 tracks)
Tracks: 24 Times: 70/72 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
Note:**two tracks omitted here are the final 2 tracks on BEST WISHES
First, some general comments. All four titles have the same
generic cover design (an early 60s b&w shot of Bob w/cap, guitar
and harp), with the titles being the only distinguishing
characteristic on the very ordinary looking sets. The back
covers supply the date, city & track listing (save for the
Kiel/ Rotterdam set, which says the tracks are listed on the
inlay card inside. Problem is, there is no inlay card so you
don't get a track list on this one).
The disks are identified as limited editions in the following
(unusual) quantities: Dallas: 315, LA: 317, Kiel/Rotterdam: 320,
Berlin: 325. A friend of mine in Germany has heard rumors that
these will not be re-pressed, so in these quantities they will
not be around long.
Some things you may want to know.....Dallas is the only one
of the four w/out a major fuck-up, unless you consider labeling
track 5 Tombstone Blues instead of JLTomThumb's Blues, major.
Berlin is not only mislabeled but omits one track from the show
- It Ain't Me Babe is listed but has been omitted in favor of
the unlisted JustMyImagination by Greg Sutton. This is an
unforgivable oversight, being that there was plenty of room to
include both. LA 78 fails to list RDW#12&35 as the last track on
disk one, but it is there. OneOfUsMustKnow was played that night
- it is neither listed nor included. Forever Young & Times are
listed as the concluding tracks but are not included. In their
places are ThinMan & GirlFromNC from Kiel '94, so if you want
Kiel complete on CD, you must own this one also. You'd never
know you were missing these 2 tracks from the Kiel/Rotterdam
set because there is no track listing. The other obvious problem
is the unlikely pairing of '94 and '87 shows, not to mention
that the entire Rotterdam show was previously released on a CD
called "Live" in fine quality. This CD contains 12 of 14 tracks
performed at Rotterdam, omitting Chimes & Slow Train Coming.
Two other nitpickin' thoughts - the CDs are housed in lame,
bulky double jewel cases and all the recordings are indexed
w/silence between tracks, hence they are not continuous. This
may bother some people (me excluded). Disks themselves are black
w/only the titles printed, along with the Watchtower logo (WTP).
This eliminates any doubt that they are CD-Rs, which I must admit
I suspected for several brief moments.
Dallas is a fine recording, with just the right balance and range
and separation. Dylan's vocals are clear and upfront and ride
nicely above the music, as they should. He sounds particularly
inspired and energetic in his vocal delivery this evening, as
upbeat and spunkier than normal versions of IfYouSeeHer &
TomThumbs will attest. Of particular note is the funkiest
ShelterFromTheStorm this side of Roseland '94 - though it is
doubtful the Roseland version will ever be topped, this is
easily #2 on the "can you dance to it" meter. I imagine Bob had
a few nice grins during this one. A jewel of an acoustic set
(Tangled/Baby Blue/Boots) precedes a nicely raucous GodKnows
and a somewhat perfunctory and incomplete Joey (he never goes
to jail :-) . Forever Young is given an inspired reading,
though more vocals would have been nice. Still, it is sung with
such precision and feeling that I should'nt complain. What a
tune. Remaining tunes not discussed are DownInTheFlood/Watch-
tower/Silvio/H61/Alabama/RDW. Overall, a nice effort quality-wise
that would have been enormously improved with the addition of
bonus track material. Don't they get it??
I admit I'm not a frequent listener of the '78 tour but I decided
to give the LA '78 BEST WISHES my full attention. I'd heard it
sounded arena-like and a tad distant. Much to my surprise, I
find it anything but. Granted, it's not upfront and in your
face but Dylan's vocals shine through very clear and the
instruments are all there, if not full-bodied. I've always
found the drastically re-arranged tunes interesting, to say
the least, and Dylan sings them with a certain gusto and the
Band performs with equal aplomb. If you can get by the flute
and the saxes (supposedly the reason for the "disco" criticism
of this tour), there is much to offer from this performance.
Dylan's singing, phrasing, the guitar playing, the back-up
singers, blues, reggae backbeats are all on fine display.
GoingGoingGone is totally redone lyrically and a real treat,
while you have to marvel at the enthusiastic way Dylan sings
the re-arranged OneMoreCup & OhSister. The unadorned and
stripped-naked vocal of IWantYou is truly magnificent and a
similarly bare-boned TangledUpInBlue is also noteworthy.
Despite the problems noted above, this set is a fine addition
to the few '78s in circulation and one that will put more
'78 performances in my playlist rotation. For full track list
see Olof's files.
Berlin's BEST WISHES ('84) is similar to other documents of
the '84 tour- Les Temps Changent & Mountains of Madrid come to
mind - decent enough quality though not exceptional. In fact,
I'd put this a bit behind those 2 in that department. It's
clear and distinct vocally and instrumentally but a bit thin
and tinny, though this can be fleshed out with a bit of the eq.
This is a nice performance, however, the '84 shows are all
very similar so what's the point, methinks. I could wax poetic
about several tunes, particularly the acoustic numbers, but I
won't. Suffice it to say you've heard it all before- of course,
you may not have.....and being that the previously mentioned
'84 disks are nigh impossible to get (and add "Oh The Streets
of Rome" to that list) - you may consider picking this one up
if you don't own any of those. You won't be disappointed.
Of course, if you do own those then this becomes a tricky
purchase decision. I'd say pass if you got 'em..........see
Olof's file for the full track list.
ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS is the most befuddling of the four.
Combining Kiel '94 and Rotterdam '87 is a decision that was
obviously made by someone who just doesn't get it.
Hey, Watchtower, your efforts are noble but get some common
sense in your "new release" department. Anyway, the Kiel is
a nice show in very good quality, though not as distinctively
crisp and clear, on the whole, as the best audience recordings.
The vocals are upfront and in your face, instruments are well
balanced and sharp, but I have a nagging feeling that we're
talking a couple of generations below the master here.
Nevertheless, it is a fine show with an acoustic set that will
leave you slack jawed. The only terms I can use to describe it
are thus: Stately & divinely elegant. How about magnificently
dignified and beautiful. If these 3 tracks were a person, they
would be Grace Kelly (or perhaps Carolyn Bessette Kennedy :-)
Sorry, girls, I could'nt resist. Baby Blue/Masters/Love-0 are
softly sung with such grace and skill as to be mind-blowing.
The band plays with a certain tenderness and Bob's vocals
softly caress and stroke the lyrics which, amazingly, gives
them even more power. An unbelievable stretch of genius here.
Bob also shines on strong renditions of DiseaseOfConceit &
Pos4thStreet, his unique phrasing and crackling pipes providing
a world weary kingdom of experience to these tunes. The same
care is given to Girl From the North Country but, regrettably,
this track (along with Thin Man to complete the show) is not
included but can be found on Best Wishes.
Remaining tracks:Jokerman/JustLike/Watchtower/H61 and (almost
forgot) a truly haunting rendition of ManInTheLongBlack Coat
that is oh so "out there," with some amazing guitar work. You
gotta hear that one - only Dylan can do these things to you!!!!
Previously, I slagged off the inclusion of the Rotterdam show.
After just playing it in the car, my current position is that
I'm glad they included it because it reminded me of just how
good this show was. Dylan and the HBs steamroll through 12
tracks with a fiery gusto, most driven by some sweet keyboard
tinkling by Benmont Tench and Dylan's no-nonsense vocals.
The '87 tour of Europe is often overlooked but contains some
incredible performances. On this show, Queen Jane, John Brown
and an ebullient and rollicking WatchingThe RiverFlow are the
clear standouts. Everyone shines, from the Queens of Rhythm on
down, and I have to mention Tench's piano once again - he really
GETS it. An incredibly fun show to listen to, despite the fact
that the final two tracks are missing. Once again, consult
Olof's for the complete track list.
Hope that helps all you CD nuts out there. Glad to see another
label picking up the ball, oh yes. An overall thumbs up but
let's hope the future brings a better selection process and a
bit more care with the details from Watchtower.
Moe
From: Chester Moonpie
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 60 (Long)
Date: 27 Jul 1997 15:07:40 -0700
On Sun, 27 Jul 1997 21:39:28 GMT, ed@edlis.org (Ed Ricardo) asked:
>How does Best Wishes compare with Baby Stop Crying (Red Sky Records
>Product, CD 1019, 1995, RS 1019)?
>
>Or with Sooner Or Later (Stortebaker, 1996)? (Did anyone buy Sooner
>Or Later???)
Ed,
Sooner Or Later (Stortebeker CD 05, "1995", RS 1019) is a clone of Baby Stop
Crying.
Best wishes,
Chester
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 61
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 61
From: Moe
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:44:57 -0400
Much action at the DEEP lately but it's been hard to find
the time to do the latest ones justice. I'm still recovering
from the incredibly energetic Philly show (and the
subsequent drive home), the wondrous Wolf Trap performances
and the accompanying late nights with some wonderful people
from the list who I finally got to meet (you know who you
are).
Anyway, looks like the Pope is in for a treat!! Plus,
it seems our friends in the UK will see Bob in '97 after
all. Lucky blokes...........on with the show......
A SATISFIED MAN 1CD (Blue Eye Records-BER 002) 11 Nov 1975 Palace
Theater, Waterbury, Connecticut
Tracks: 16 Time: 73 Source: Soundboard Quality: Outstanding
A re-release of sorts (original release was Spacematic's
"Tell It Like It Is") of the classic 11/11/75 Waterbury
soundboard but a more complete document of that night's
proceedings. This initial offering from Blue Eyed Records
contains all 13 trax originally found on "Tell It" plus 3
others - SimpleTwist/OhSister/ThisLandIsYour Land (the show
is still missing the 2 openers- Masterpiece/ ItAintMeBabe .
Once again, the soundboard quality is mighty fine and very
similar to the excellent "Tell It." The mix is a good one,
with the highs and the lows flowing nicely together and
neither one dominating. Everything is sharp and upfront,
most importantly Bob's vocals. Any complaints about the
quality here will come from those w/impossible-to-meet
standards.
As or the show, well, it just does'nt get much better
than this. The show seems loose and spontaneous, like
they're just blowin' into town to hit you with a lethal dose
of (salvation) & folk and roll that is chock full of
mystery, history and a strange but interesting cast of
characters both in the songs and onstage. Dylan sings with
wild abandon in some places (Hard Rain, Isis) and with a
soft, breathtaking beauty in others (Oh Sister, Sara).
The acoustic set w/Joan is worth the price of admission,
with their "opposing" voices melding together wonderfully
to create a unique and compelling sound
(Blowin'/WaterIsWide/ StAugustine) and Bob lets Joan take
the lead on a gorgeous NeverLetMe Go. A shame these duets
went downhill a bit as the tour moved into '76. The simple,
acoustic arrangement of SimpleTwist is a wonder to behold,
sung slow and clear with great conviction.
What a unique sound Dylan put together for these shows.
Uncharacterizable, it seems, beyond simply calling it Dylan
music. And he never sang better, wrapping that voice of sand
and glue (thanks, Bowie) around words and sounds like only
he can, getting inside the words and the whole language
even, twisting and turning words & phrases into something
new and different each time, revealing more about these
songs than anyone could or should expect. Cue up
OneMoreCupOfCoffee for anyone who ever doubted his ability
as a singer (Sara&JustLike A Woman, too) !!!
Oh yeah, this one's a Japanese release, so jump on it if you
can, as they don't usually circulate much. Great cover, too.
HIGHWAY 49 REVISITED 1CD (Top Cat - TC 760501) 1 May 76 Hattiesburg,
Mississippi (Reid Green Coliseum)
Tracks: 18 Time: 76 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good (for '76)
Another Japanese release and a very welcome one at that.
Who would'nt welcome a fine quality document of a '76 show,
there are so few, eh? The entire Dylan set is presented
here, save Blowin' in the Wind (which is listed but Railroad
Boy plays instead), & the encores Knockin' & Gotta Travel
On. This set compares favorably, quality-wise, with the
only other CD document of Rolling Thunder from an audience
source, "Flaggin' Down the EEs." Like that set, the sound is
a bit thin and lacking in the full-bodiedness (sic) we've
come to expect, but that is more a function of the
technology of the times than anything else. Still, the
vocals are clear and distinct and the instruments are all
there, though not as upfront as you'd like, but it won't
detract from your enjoyment (IMO) if the RTR turns you on.
The show is a real treat and offers up some interesting
performances: a sparse, acoustic STwist (played only 2 other
times in '76) sung with a deliberate flair and grace, a
humorous VincentVanGogh, countrified & rollicking and newly
arranged I'llBeYourBabyTonite, very bluesy Shelter and an
epic IdiotWind (were'nt they all!). You'reGonnaMakeMe
Lonesome/LayLady/ThrewItAllAway showcase the versatility of
all the players involved. Dylan works them through rock,
folk, blues and country and they handle all with equal
aplomb and create their own sound throughout. Dylan's
arrangements and Scarlett's violin play no small part in
this, to say the least.
Once again and as always, his vocal phrasing and clear,
deliberate enunciation on tracks such as BigGirlNow,
Mozambique, One Too Many Mornings and the others mentioned
above (hell, the entire show) are a joy to hear. I'm playing
it as I write this and can't help but marvel at the singing
and the sound.
Anyway, an excellent show and a nice companion piece to
the several excellent '76 soundboards that are circulating.
Complete set list is as follows:
MrTMan/SimpleTwist/Vincent/BabyTonite/Maggies/OneTooMany/Isis/RRoad
Boy/Immigrant/Shelter/ThrewItAll/MemphisBlues/BigGirlNow/Lonesome/
LayLady/Mozambique/Idiot Wind.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 62
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 1997 21:32:08 -0400
From: Lovinmj23@AOL.COM
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 62
Continuing the fun with another title from our friends in the
Far East, plus the first two of what will probably be many
illegitimate illegitimates, i.e. CD-Rs.......
NORTHERN SONGS 2CD (Dirty 13/D13-010) 20 Feb 97 Sun Plaza Hall,
Sendai, Japan (15) plus filler (4) Tokyo Intern. Forum 2/9-10-11/97
Tracks: 19 Times: 73/76 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
The second complete Japanese show from February past to make its
way onto CD, and a good one at that. Nice quality and an excellent
performance w/some rarely played tunes make for good listening in
my book. The setlist contains a few trax - ManInMe/WhatGoodAmI/
Jokerman/ThinMan/EverythingBroken - that keep things very interesting.
Jokerman is a nice rearrangement, done a bit slower and with a few lyric
changes. Sound quality is very good but by no means great, with the high
ends a bit muffled so you may want to fiddle with the eq a bit to knock up
the highs. Sound is warm and well-rounded with none of that
harsh digital feel, though, and the acoustic set suffers less than the
electrified trax as far as the highs. Bob sounds a bit more inspired and
adventurous than in other shows on this leg, leading the band on some
nice extended jams and punching out some energetic vocals with his
usual flair. A very uptempo and bouncy DontThinkTwice will get your
toes 'a tappin, for sure. A nice set of good quality bonus trax also.
Track list: Flood/ManInme/Watchtower/WhatGood/LotToLaugh/Silvio/
FriendOfDevil/JBrown/Think 2X/Jokerman/ThinMan/Broken/LARS/
Ain'TMeBabe/RDW12&35/WantYou/BabyTonite/MemphisBlues/RiverFlow.
A decent set but not essential. Packaging is quite lame.
REFERENCE RECORDING-THE GREATEST SINGLE EVER MADE (LRS 101) 1CD
Tracks: 15 Time: 46 Source: HWY 61 Interactive CD-ROM Quality: VG
This one actually came out a while back but was tough to get. This could
be due to the fact that it is perhaps the first "commercial" Dylan CD-R.
The 500 issued copies were broken up into 5 sets of 100, the only
difference being the silkscreened cover inserts were issued in 5 different
colors. Anyway, all the trax are taken from the CD-ROM, the sound is good
but a bit thin (like it sounds on cheap computer speakers) and all in all
it's a bit of a drag that won't warrant repeated listens on most playlists.
The title refers to LIKE A ROLLING STONE and the CD includes all the
takes on the CD-ROM, including the false starts, remakes, acetates,
blah blah blah. Nice a few times through but tiresome after that.
The 2 other trax are the electric dub of Rising Sun & IShallBeFree#10
(w/extra verse). All copies come w/ an individually #'d stamp.
PLUGGED, UNPLUGGED & JAMMING 1CD (No label) CD-R Various Duets
Trax: 16 Time: 73 Source: Studio/TV/Audience/Board Quality: Exc
I'm not going to make it a habit of reviewing these obvious CD-Rs, as
they no doubt will become more commonplace. I'll make an exception in
this case, as the gentleman who picked it up for me supposedly found it
in a shop in a major metropolitan area, plus the cover graphics and insert
are plain but nicely done and I'd imagine there are more than a few floating
around. If anyone else comes across it, I'd like to hear about it.
Without going into great detail, there are several tunes on here making their
debut on CD*, and the sound quality throughout is excellent. The track
rundown:
-November 1971, NYC Columbia Studios w/Happy Traum: complete, unedited*
session with Released, 2 takes of YouAin'tGoin'Nowhere & DownInFlood.
-Peace Sunday, Rose Bowl, Los Angeles 6/6/82 w/Joan Baez: GodOnOurSide*,
APirateLooksAt40* (Jimmy Buffett), & Blowin'*. Audience recording.
-Athens 6/89 from BBC TV w/Van: CrazyLove, ForeignWindow w/intro* by Van
talking about how it could be about Dylan, & OneIrishRover. This whole set
is
simply sublime.
-Old Warfield, Frisco 11/22/80 w/McGuinn: MrTMan* & Knockin'*. Audience
-Old Warfield, Frisco 11/15/80 w/Bloomfield: LARS, Groom's Still
Waiting-SBD
-Lone Star Cafe, NYC 5/29/88 w/Levon Helm: a very ragged The Weight* &
Nadine in excellent quality from the board.
All in all, a very nice collection and well thought out. It does'nt hurt
that very
good quality source tapes were used. It's clear that the cover and insert
graphics
were computer generated, not printed, but they did a nice job sizing the
label
for the CD itself, as it almost looks real (& not a paper glue-on).
I'd welcome comments on these CD-Rs and if you DEEP readers (if there are
any :-) ) want these included or think I should avoid them entirely. Please
e-
mail me privately if you have any strong feelings on the subject, one way or
another.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 63
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Date: Sat, 4 Oct 1997 18:55:08 -0400
From: Lovinmj23@aol.com
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 63
There's plenty of grapevine activity 'round these parts, with talk
of the hearing-impaired WolfTraps, redone Basement's, Hurricane
Knights and even some PureHeat from the Spring, not to mention one
to give the legendary SOUL a scare as best of '96...............
that would be the astounding Magdeburg performance, supposedly
gearing up to hit the streets very soon as "Eyes of the Idol." With
some inspired violin-backed tracks as filler, could SOUL be
supplanted from its long-time perch atop the 96's? Stay tuned.............
LUCKY NOT TO BE DESTROYED 2CD (Lucky LR 005/6) Antibes, France
(Pinede de Juan-Les-Pins), 12 July 1992
Tracks: 18 Times: 55/55 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
Hmmmmm, where to start. An interesting show, to say the least,
made more interesting as it's the last one of the Euro summer tour
and they sound like they're playing together for the first time! Bob
bobs and weaves his way through an 18 song set with much difficulty,
his raspy growl worse for wear as he navigates through an oft-times
out of tune and off-key performance by the band. I'm sure he's as guilty
as them but thank god for guilty pleasures. I can't help but wonder
while listening to this for the 4th time through whether or not these
guys were rousted from a night of drunken debauchery, dragged to the
stage and forced to play w/out a tune-up. Maybe they thought the
previous gig was the last of the tour and celebrated a bit prematurely.
Anyway, they got through it (with much difficulty) and Lucky gives us
a nice quality peek at went went down. JJ does his best Hendrix
impression on the exclusive "Hey Joe" opener, and he and Bucky
virtually hold things together during those parts of the show that
seemed destined to fall apart. I'llBeYourBaby is done w/bravado in
a rollicking country style, DRow is a charming but organized mess,
and Bob butchers many a line throughout the show.
The acoustic sets fare a bit better than the electric portions of the
show, with Bob's "To Ramona" and "It Ain't Me Babe" the clear
standouts. Let me say that the performance of "...Tom Thumb's
Blues" is easily the worst I've heard and perhaps has the worst
drumming of all time. I won't mention names but the drummer
was gone soon after. Bob sings like he's running out of breath and
the harmonica, around his neck, he blows it a little TOO free. Skeleton
keys FULL of rain, it seems. Still, for all the negatives, I'm cuing it
up another time. It's got a certain charm, a sweetness, it's got life to
it. It breathes, raspy and phlegmy and inconsistently, but it hacks on
nonetheless. "Goin' down the road feelin' bad" is an apt line for this
gig. It was'nt dark yet but it was getting there. Five years (and
then some) down the line since this show..........listening to it and
hearing him now makes you realize how far he's come back. Maybe
that's why I like it, for the perspective it provides.
WASHINGTON 1994 2CD (Amsterdam AMS 729) Warner Theater,
Washington, DC 30 Oct 1994 + filler 31 Oct 1994
Tracks: 20 Time: 74/78 Source: Audience Quality: Very Good
I can still remember Bob's lips folded back throughout this show,
baring those incisors like a wild dog ready to pounce on some
unsuspecting prey. What a performance!! Hearing it again in better
quality than my average tape brings the memories flooding back.
Three songs in particular standout above the rest as supreme
renditions: 4th Street, Desolation Row & Every Grain of Sand.
I can't recall a show where Bob's phrasing was so varied and
pronounced, so playful and yet so biting. He bullies through 4th St.
like a runaway freight train rolling through the hills, emphasizing
the last words of lines like "I know you're dissatisfied with your
position and your playeeeeaaaaace...." so effectively, until the last
2 lines where he slows things down to a crawl, which gives even
more venom to "...what a drag it is to see you." So different than the
slower, classic Europe '96 versions but almost as pleasing. The vocal
on DRow is just as good, with Bob stretching the vowels and kicking
up his voice a notch, singing high and singing low, just a wonderfully
playful performance with great accompaniment by all. The killer,
though, is Every Grain, a roller coaster rendition with the vocal done
softly one moment and exuding strength and volume the
next, "...like every leaf that trembles, like every grain of saaaaaaaaa
aaaand." I can still see his choppers from the 2nd row, fully
exposed as he sings out "...in the hour of my deepest need" Wow!
Everything meshed that night and it comes through loud and clear
on this nice Japanese set. From start to finish, an inspired
performance by all, particularly Mr. Dylan, who's singing was sublime
THROUGHOUT! October 94 was a great month, no??
Setlist: Jokerman/JustLike/Watchtower/RedSky/Tangled/4thSt/TMan/
DRow/Think2x/GodKnows/EveryGrain/Maggie's/ThinMan/AintMebabe/
filler 10/31:ManInMe/Hattie/Masters/H61/phenomenal DiseaseOf
Conceit/LARS.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 64
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 64
From: Moe
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 1997 19:30:40 -0500 (EST)
It's the best kind of dilemma, realizing that whatever choice you
make will be a win-win result. The dilemma? Opting for your 242nd
spin of TOOM, or..........
EYES OF THE IDOL 2CD (QR 13/14) Magdeburg, GE 12 Jul 96 + filler
from Konstanz, GE 3 Jul 96 (4) & Louisville, KY 7 May 96 (1)
Tracks: 19 Times: 76/72 Source: Audience Quality: Outstanding
That sound you hear is the shuffling of the rankings of finest Dylan
CD's of 1996. For the time being, there's 3 kings of the hill now,
with this set, perhaps, nestled a bit above the acclaimed SOUL &
CHRISTIANIA.........for the time being. Only time will tell but I'll tell
you why I think so:
1) The sound quality is astonishing. The full force of Dylan's vocals
come through loud and clear, upfront and strong, every nuance and
inflection fully intact and true. The balance is perfect - Dylan's
vocals ride above the equally forceful instrumentation in perfect
sync. Every instrument is clearly defined, from Tony's robust bass
lines to Bucky's "are those keyboards?" steel guitar.
2) The setlist is a doozy. More varied than most, the Magdeburg set
included LayLadyLay/HollisBrown/GatesOfEden/Jokerman/Sweet
Marie&Times as those rarely played in '96. The trump card, though,
would be the killer filler. Finally, we get the tracks from Konstanz
w/Boyd Tinsley of the Dave Matthews Band on violin, accompanying
Bob on wonderful renditions of MAGGIE'S FARM/EVERYTHING IS
BROKEN & TIMES!! Maggie's & Broken really cook, high energy versions
given a harder edge with Tinsley's energetic backing. Dave Matthews
lends a sizzling guitar to Broken, to boot. The acoustic Times w/
Tinsley is a joy to behold!! I'll Remember You is slotted in between
Maggie's & Broken, plus a gorgeous Never Gonna Be The Same
from Louisville in May just adds additional lustre to the whole
shebang. Very well though out, this set. Remaining tracks:
Watchtower/Silvio/Jokerman/Sweet Marie/LARS/RDW, plus the below.
3) The performance is special. As a witness to the event states in
the liner notes, this was not just another "good" performance. No
warming up on the first few songs that night. Not a millisecond
passes after the intro that the first ass-kicking notes of ToBeAlone
WithYou hit home, as if Bob and the band were champing at the bit to
cut loose. The throttle was opened up from the get-go and stayed
on throughout. You gotta hear the country stomp and roll of ToBeAlone
to believe it, and Bob's wild harmonica is out of this world. 4th Street
is sung with a passion and intensity and feeling of regret and pity that
is awe-inspiring, and rivals the SOUL (Berlin) version (IMO) as THE one
for the ages. The band is so tight with Bob that the bluesy excursions
on ItTakesALotToLaugh are quite extraordinary. More even than usual,
Bob's vocals are playful and crisp and alive with adrenaline. He
really MEANS it at this show!! Hollis Brown has never sounded so
full of dread and GATES is, well, always a joy. The acoustic tracks
just leap out of the speakers and sound so alive. The harmonica
playing is particularly soulful on MR TMan. Transcendence, more than
a few times!!
4) The original artwork. A very interesting and, IMO, deceptively
simple, pastel portrait of Bob from the neck up, amidst a wonderful
design of pastel squares and blocks, graces the front cover. The "feel"
of the portrait captures the feeling of the show - timeless and
enigmatic. Eyes of the idol, indeed. The colorful pastel "scheme" is
echoed throughout the package, and the back cover art captures Bob
from the neck to the waist, cradling a guitar, with the loosely-
arranged pastel squares again prominent. A nice mesh of autumn-
flavored watercolors border the rear insert. The original art is a
classy touch to an all-around class package.
5) The entirety of the package. Arguably (and many have said it is)
the best show of '96, and with the filler added it can't be beat!
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 65
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Date: Sat, 1 Nov 1997 20:44:52 -0500
From: Lovinmj23@aol.com
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 65
THE WICKED MESSENGER 2CD (No label) Hartford, CT 19 Apr 97 +
filler - Indiana, PA 22 Apr 97 (1) & Albany, NY 18 Apr 97 (7)
Tracks: 23 Times:75/78 Source: Audience Quality: Sweet
The first release from the wonderful Spring US shows and one that
in no way disappoints. My my, I thought I had a great tape of Hartford
but this is truly exceptional in the quality department - crispy,
crunchy sound, all upfront and in your face with nary an intrusion
from the crowd, which sounds way in the back. The only complaint
may be that it has a bit of that harsh, digital feel that tends to make
it come up just a tad short in the "warm & smooth" department, plus
I seem to be hearing a few dropouts (where the sound seems to swim
between the speakers) now and then, but nothing major. Those critiques
are a stretch, though, so suffice it to say that only "old lady judges"
will complain. IMO, this disk sizzles and is well worth having. The
Hartford show was among the best of the Spring, with a great setlist
and an energetic and focused performance. You want rarities, you
got 'em - Not Fade Away, Rovin' Gambler (for then), I Want You,
Seein' The Real You, This Wheel's on Fire, PillBox Hat, Released. Add
to this the well chosen bonus tracks - Wicked Messenger from
Indiana, PA and a generous helping of literally half the Albany show
w/such treats as an excellent acoustic set of Devil/HattieCarroll/
MrTMan, plus a rollicking Tombstone Blues and lovely ForeverYoung -
so what's not to like? 23 different tracks in all and the quality is
consistent throughout the filler, no complaints there. This "no label"
label has done a bang-up job. A couple more like this, plus the eagerly
anticipated 2CD Spring compilation "(bathed in a stream of) PureHeat,"
and the Spring will be covered nicely.
Remaining Hartford tracks are: Watchtower/YouAintGoinNowhere/River
Flow/Silvio/Masters/Tangled/DontThink2X/RDW12&35. Albany: Thin
Man/H61.
Moe
Deep Beneath The Waves Vol. 66
Newsgroups: rec.music.dylan
Date: Sat, 29 Nov 1997 11:18:35 -0500
From: Lovinmj23@AOL.COM
Subject: DEEP BENEATH THE WAVES vol 66
Seems a flood of new titles is upon us. Bollocks, you say?
Never mind, here's Bob Dylan.......
BACK AT WOLFTRAP 2CD (QR 18/19) Vienna, Va 23 Aug 1997* +
filler same venue 24 Aug* (5) & Wallingford, CT^ 18 Aug (2)
Tracks: 21 Times: 65/70 Source: Hearing-Impaired
Transmissions*/Audience^ Quality: Devastating*/Very Good^
A high-energy, charismatic & fun-filled show w/some of the best Bob
vocals you'll ever hear and a thrilling, sympathetic band that plays the
hell out of everything, and plays it well. Well-rounded quality from the
bottom up and clear, crisp Bob vocals that will bring you to tears (see
below). Give a bit of a nod to the bass and a bit less treble and your ears
will hear the glory of the coming of.......forget it. The nature of the
transmission leaves a few harsh moments where the levels were a bit
high and Bob's voice will distort for a split second here and there, but
they are few and far between and I just thought I'd mention it. The
bottom line is, this thing will blow you away. The highest
recommendation I can give is this: You wanna hear what Bob Dylan and
his band sound like? This is how they sound.
Reasons why this show will knock you out:
1) The quality of the voice and the instruments together.
2) The way Bob gravelly emphasizes the word "ask," from "She looked
into his eyes, as she stopped him to aaAAaaAAask."
3) Bob's perfect pinched delivery on "I gained some recognition but I
lost my appetite."
4) The sublime guitar intro to UnderTheRedSky and the way Kemper's
drums flow in. Bucky's steel guitar on UTRS. All the instrumental
breaks on UTRS.
5) Silvio: "I ain't complainin' 'bout what IIIIIIIIIIIII got,"
I seen better days but whooooooo haaaAAAS not...."
"Pay for your ticket and dooooooooooon't complain...."
"Sing it loud and (quietly) sing it strong."
6) Tony's bass on Stone Walls & Mr. Tambourine Man. Bucky's mandolin
on the entire acoustic set. Tony's bass throughout, actually.
7) Bob's dancing vocal on the line "I'mA-readytogaoanywhereI'm-Aready
for to fade" is a killer. Listening to him sing just the four words
"...foggy ruins of time" is worth the price of admission. The words
crack and dip and ebb and flow and sound like those foggy ruins.
8) The pleading way Bob sings ".....play a song for me" in the last verse.
Warning: do not have this playing when you arrive at work. You'll
surely hit the rewind more than a few times in the parking lot
and be late.
9) Because TANGLED will funk you up and the guitar interplay between
Bob & Larry Campbell is wonderful. Two guitars, one head.
10) The emphasis on the 3rd word from these lines of Memphis Blues:
"...like a FOOOOOOL I mixed them
And it STRAAAANGLED up my mind
Now people JUUUUUST get uglier
And I GOOOOOT no sense of time." What a singer.
11) Because PillBox Hat rocks your socks off (and I remember the never-
ending grins from all on stage at the girl in the LeopardSkinPBHat
who was allowed on stage to dance throughout the song).
12) Blind Willie, because it's BlindWillie and we waited so long. The
vocal delivery and phrasing highlights are too numerous to detail.
I know one thing no one can sing like Dylan.
13) An over-the-top LIkeARollingStone. A special moment 1:08 into the
song when Bob gives us a "YEAH" with gusto after "How does it
feel?" These goosebump-inducing "YEAH's" also occur at 2:40 and
5:40 :-) Bob invests it all in this rendition and injects some nice
vocal "tricks, " like building up certain lines with a few words and
then repeating them again until the line is fully constructed. The
most exciting example is here:
"...when you ain't got nothing you got
You got nothin' to lose
You're invisible
You got no
You got no secrets
Got no secrets to conceal." Phenomenal version.
14) Don't Think Twice. Ordinary choice, you say? Listen up, the upbeat &
rollicking country pluckin' and strummin' gets your toes 'a tappin' and
the heart 'a pumpin' and your head 'a bobbin.' If this don't move 'ya,
there ain't no use to sit and wonder why. Just check to see if 'ya got
a
pulse.
15) The whole show fits together like a glove or a pair of Bruno Magli
shoes on the right size feet. One of those where you don't "GET IT"
all unless you listen from beginning to end.
16) Because the bonus tracks are the bomb - RiverFlow, Cocaine, Rovin'
Gambler, YouAin'tGoinNowhere, StayingHereWithYou. Plus Danko
on Wheel'sOnFire and a ridiculously tender and touching BabyBlue.
17) Overall, the show emphasizes this: there's Dylan, and then there is
everybody else. Get it, and you'll "get" it. Nothing to be gained by
any more explanation, no more words need to be said.
Moe
To Deep Beneath The Waves 1998