Hello everyone,
In light of the recent news stories about how Prince is handling distribution of his music online, I would like to say once again that if anyone finds this website to be aiding in the distribution of music that should not be accessible, please send me a message or post about it, and I will be happy to remove any or all of the links found here. This blog is not financially detrimental to any artist or record company, because none of this is available for purchase, and I am gaining no profit or recognition from the posts, as there are no ads and my name is not associated with the site. I claim no ownership of any kind over the music presented here, and am only presenting a coherent exhibition of music that is available elsewhere on the internet. As stated above, if this is problematic, or offends any party responsible for this music, I will remove it as soon as I am notified.
Thanks,
CS
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Keep Humming: Unreleased Live Recordings, 1999 - 2002
Keep Humming: Live Recordings, 1999 - 2002
Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go: September 23, 2000
Roving Blade: March 17, 2000 (Late Show)
Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie: July 26, 1999
Satisfied Mind: November 9, 1999
This World Can't Stand Long: November 3, 2001
I Am The Man, Thomas: February 9, 2002
White Dove: April 3, 2000
Lucky Old Sun: June 29, 2000
Wait For The Light To Shine: November 19, 2001
Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior: March 21, 2000
Roving Gambler: March 10, 2000 (Early)
Long Black Veil: July 1, 2000
You're Gonna Quit Me: April 8, 1999
Searching For A Soldier's Grave: November 19, 2001
Somebody Touched Me: July 16, 2000
Rock Of Ages: March 16, 2000
Duncan & Brady: September 29, 2000
Rank Strangers To Me: July 16, 2000
Hummingbird: November 3, 2001
Stone Walls & Steel Bars: June 21, 2000
Delia: September 19, 2000
A Voice From On High: October 5, 2002
Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie: July 26, 1999
Satisfied Mind: November 9, 1999
This World Can't Stand Long: November 3, 2001
I Am The Man, Thomas: February 9, 2002
White Dove: April 3, 2000
Lucky Old Sun: June 29, 2000
Wait For The Light To Shine: November 19, 2001
Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior: March 21, 2000
Roving Gambler: March 10, 2000 (Early)
Long Black Veil: July 1, 2000
You're Gonna Quit Me: April 8, 1999
Searching For A Soldier's Grave: November 19, 2001
Somebody Touched Me: July 16, 2000
Rock Of Ages: March 16, 2000
Duncan & Brady: September 29, 2000
Rank Strangers To Me: July 16, 2000
Hummingbird: November 3, 2001
Stone Walls & Steel Bars: June 21, 2000
Delia: September 19, 2000
A Voice From On High: October 5, 2002
Bonus Tracks
Blue Bonnet Girl: November 1, 2000
Dark As A Dungeon: June 21, 2000
Link:
Welcome to the show, folks. This is true good old-fashioned music here. Twenty-two tracks of pure bluegrass, gospel, blues and ballads. Many of the songs here date from the early twentieth century, though a few are earlier. As far as I can tell, even the comparatively recent songs sound like they could date from the Civil War era.
Of particular note is this beautiful performance of "Roving Blade," so different in presentation from its 1992 guise. The hymns are especially moving, including "This World Can't Stand Long," "Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior," "Rock Of Ages," and "A Voice From On High." Don't think this is a low-key set, though! The band can move, too, and despite their high-minded lyrics "Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go," "I Am The Man, Thomas," and "Somebody Touched Me" will get your foot to tapping. The secular songs here are of remarkable quality too, including heartfelt performances of the standard "Lucky Old Sun," Blind Willie McTell's "Delia," the postwar ballad "Searching For A Soldier's Grave," and a deeply moving "White Dove." Not all of the songs are equally brilliant, but even the less perfect numbers are classics.
I would like to draw the listener's attention to two tracks, though, to lead you on to another recording. "This World Can't Stand Long" and "Hummingbird" are drawn from a Nashville concert in 2001, and that evening stands as one of the towering records of the Never-Ending Tour. The sound, for one reason or another, is very resonant, providing an almost impressionist interpretation of the show. It almost couldn't have sounded better in person! Seek this show out and you will not be disappointed.
Much as the Golden Vanity record stands as the essential collection of covers from 1988 to 1992, I hope this CD will serve much the same purpose for 1999 to 2002. The only tracks missing are some of the electric covers from 1999 and 2000 that were outside the scope of this acoustic album, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "It's Too Late," "Big River," "Not Fade Away," "Hootchie Cootchie Man," "House of the Rising Sun," and "My Blue-Eyed Jane." A handful of acoustic tracks from 1999 - 2002 are missing as well: "Blue-Bonnet Girl" and "Dark As A Dungeon" are the most prominent, and these are included as bonus tracks, since they just don't match the quality of the tracks presented. I'm sure you won't have any trouble seeking those other songs out if you desire them.
Unfortunately, there really have been no official releases related to this material, besides some obscure used records you can find on Amazon (in particular, the rare Live 1961-2000). If you'd like to hear what Dylan could do with this style in a studio session, check out his duet with Ralph Stanley on The Bootleg Series, Volume 8: Tell Tale Signs and his renditions of "Dixie" and "Diamond Joe" on the Masked & Anonymous Soundtrack.
Of particular note is this beautiful performance of "Roving Blade," so different in presentation from its 1992 guise. The hymns are especially moving, including "This World Can't Stand Long," "Pass Me Not, O' Gentle Savior," "Rock Of Ages," and "A Voice From On High." Don't think this is a low-key set, though! The band can move, too, and despite their high-minded lyrics "Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go," "I Am The Man, Thomas," and "Somebody Touched Me" will get your foot to tapping. The secular songs here are of remarkable quality too, including heartfelt performances of the standard "Lucky Old Sun," Blind Willie McTell's "Delia," the postwar ballad "Searching For A Soldier's Grave," and a deeply moving "White Dove." Not all of the songs are equally brilliant, but even the less perfect numbers are classics.
I would like to draw the listener's attention to two tracks, though, to lead you on to another recording. "This World Can't Stand Long" and "Hummingbird" are drawn from a Nashville concert in 2001, and that evening stands as one of the towering records of the Never-Ending Tour. The sound, for one reason or another, is very resonant, providing an almost impressionist interpretation of the show. It almost couldn't have sounded better in person! Seek this show out and you will not be disappointed.
Much as the Golden Vanity record stands as the essential collection of covers from 1988 to 1992, I hope this CD will serve much the same purpose for 1999 to 2002. The only tracks missing are some of the electric covers from 1999 and 2000 that were outside the scope of this acoustic album, including "Folsom Prison Blues," "It's Too Late," "Big River," "Not Fade Away," "Hootchie Cootchie Man," "House of the Rising Sun," and "My Blue-Eyed Jane." A handful of acoustic tracks from 1999 - 2002 are missing as well: "Blue-Bonnet Girl" and "Dark As A Dungeon" are the most prominent, and these are included as bonus tracks, since they just don't match the quality of the tracks presented. I'm sure you won't have any trouble seeking those other songs out if you desire them.
Unfortunately, there really have been no official releases related to this material, besides some obscure used records you can find on Amazon (in particular, the rare Live 1961-2000). If you'd like to hear what Dylan could do with this style in a studio session, check out his duet with Ralph Stanley on The Bootleg Series, Volume 8: Tell Tale Signs and his renditions of "Dixie" and "Diamond Joe" on the Masked & Anonymous Soundtrack.
Hopefully you will enjoy this record as much as I do! Put it on for a drive in the country, and you'll have a fine time. Next week we will be exploring the best cuts from Bob Dylan's 2002 Fall Tour, which you may know for the appearance of the keyboard on-stage, or for the great performances of several classic Warren Zevon songs. Either way, it's considered one of his best twenty-first century tours for a good reason! Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
-CS
Note: The download has been switched to a sinle-link on Mediafire. Let's see if this Mediafire subscription is worthwhile!
-CS
Note: The download has been switched to a sinle-link on Mediafire. Let's see if this Mediafire subscription is worthwhile!
Monday, January 20, 2014
The Lonesome Valley: Unreleased Live Recordings, 2000
The Lonesome Valley: Field Recordings, 2000
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright - March 15
Tomorrow Is A Long Time - March 10, Early Show
Visions Of Johanna - September 24
Song To Woody - March 16
Fourth Time Around - September 24
Chimes Of Freedom - November 2
Country Pie - March 10, Late Show
10,000 Men - November 12
Song To Woody - March 16
Fourth Time Around - September 24
Chimes Of Freedom - November 2
Country Pie - March 10, Late Show
10,000 Men - November 12
I Threw It All Away - November 2
Things Have Changed - March 10, Early Show
Man Of Peace - September 19
If Dogs Run Free - October 1
Tell Me That It Isn't True - March 10, Early Show
Dignity - March 10, Early Show
Tryin' To Get To Heaven - October 3
Wicked Messenger - September 19
Things Have Changed - March 10, Early Show
Man Of Peace - September 19
If Dogs Run Free - October 1
Tell Me That It Isn't True - March 10, Early Show
Dignity - March 10, Early Show
Tryin' To Get To Heaven - October 3
Wicked Messenger - September 19
Bonus Tracks:
Blind Willie McTell - November 19
Down In The Flood - September 20
Frankie Lee & Judas Priest - September 25
Gotta Serve Somebody - September 24
My Back Pages - March 10, Late Show
Lossless Links:
The Lonesome Valley - Part One
The Lonesome Valley - Part One
MP3 Links:
Welcome friends,
Though it retained a unique character, the tours of 2000
retained a very similar sound to 1999. The band was perhaps a little tighter,
and the sound got a bit more country, but the style was largely the same. One
of the major developments was new songs in the setlists. Dig into the
performances of songs here from Nashville Skyline, or the jazzy "If Dogs
Run Free" and "Tryin' To Get To Heaven," and it becomes apparent
that Dylan was working to develop a new, more retro style on these tours. In
fact, looking back, you can see where "Love & Theft" came from.
Though the jazz and country rock sounds were fascinating,
the acoustic sets were generally regarded as the highlights of the year. To
represent that here, you've got the finest tracks of the year: the melancholy
"Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "Tomorrow Is A Long
Time," the up-tempo "Visions Of Johanna," the majestic
"Chimes of Freedom," and what is almost certainly the finest track of
the set - "Fourth Time Around." This song has never sounded better.
I have included a handful of bonus tracks; these consist of recordings
that I edited and tried to slot in, but which ended up getting cut from
the final release for one reason or another. Those of you with
portable music players may enjoy adding them to a playlist, since that
does not have the time limitations of a compact disc.
There are few production notes on this one. Standardizing
track volume was very challenging, so it's possible that this may not flow as
well as some others. Beyond compression, it is doubtful that much more could be
accomplished. I hope it sounds as good to your ears as it does to mine.
If you enjoy this release, you will surely enjoy the original studio renditions of these songs, available to purchase from Columbia Records:
Folks may note the absence of any of Bob
Dylan's excellent covers from this period. Worry not – these will be present in
next week’s installment, which centers entirely on those songs. It’s a real
firecracker! Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
-CS
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Endless Highway: Live 1999
The Endless Highway - Field Recordings, 1999
Girl From The North Country - February 24
John Brown - July 26
Mama, You Been On My Mind - July 6
Tryin' To Get To Heaven - April 7
Boots Of Spanish Leather - November 18
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues - July 6
Highlands - November 18
Down Along The Cove - November 8
I Want You - October 26 (Evening)
Big River - November 8
Man In The Long Black Coat - November 8
I & I - November 10
Not Dark Yet - July 6
Lossless Links:
MP3 Link:
Greetings Friends,
This is not to be missed. One of the peaks of the
Never-Ending Tour, 1999 may be one of Dylan's finest years on-stage. After
years of building credibility throughout the 1990s, the performances exploded
at the turn of the century. It would be difficult to listen to this "Girl
From The North Country" or "Boots of Spanish Leather" and not be
moved. Similarly, it would be tough to not laugh at the meandering narrative of
"Highlands" or feel a chill at the
menacing "John Brown." You can groove along with the country raves in
"Mama, You Been On My Mind," "Down Along The Cove," and
Johnny Cash's immortal "Big
River." The
renditions of "I Want You" and "Man In The Long Black Coat"
are definitive to my ears, despite other excellent airings of these songs.
The set is '60s-heavy, but only because Dylan was truly in
touch with whatever spirit moved him to write these songs more than three
decades earlier. Songs of a later vintage are no less impressive, and you can
hear on this record the debut acoustic performance of "Tryin' To Get To
Heaven." "Not Dark Yet" is truly monumental and an appropriate
climax to the record - give it a listen.
Hope you like this one. Words won't do it justice. Don't
forget to turn up the sound.
If you enjoy it, and would like to purchase the original studio recordings of these songs, you can find them at the following links:
Next week we will explore the various tours of 2000; this includes the very highly regarded Portsmouth, Santa Cruz, and Anaheim shows, among many other classics. It will be similar in format and sound to this week's release, but with an exciting selection of the very best songs from that year's shows. Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
-CS
Monday, January 6, 2014
In Prague: Unreleased Live Recordings, 1995
In Prague: Live 1995
Down In The
Flood - March 11
Just Like A
Woman - March 13
Tangled Up
In Blue - March 12
License To
Kill - March 13
Boots Of
Spanish Leather - March 11
Mr.
Tambourine Man - March 13
Desolation
Row - March 12
God Knows - March 11
If Not For
You - March 11
All Along The
Watchtower - March 13
Shelter From
The Storm - March 11
It's All Over
Now, Baby Blue - March 11
Lossless Links:
MP3 Link:
Friends,
This is one of the keepers! Collected here are what I
believe to be the best performances from Bob Dylan’s three-night residency in Prague during the Spring
of 1995. This was a legendary series of concerts, as the vocals are even more
engaged than usual. After “Tangled Up In Blue,” the singer notes that he has
the flu, but that at least Prague
is a fine place to recover from this ailment. Clearly, the recovery is working,
as all three nights were truly remarkable.
The first song is a debut of the Basement Tapes-era classic
“Down In The Flood.” It would go on to become a mainstay of the live set in the
years to come, but at the time this was quite a surprise. Following that are a
couple of songs very familiar to the collector of Never-Ending Tour tapes:
“Just Like A Woman” and “Tangled Up In Blue.” All are exceptional, with the
phrasing on each extraordinary, allowing the listener to hear these words anew.
Then, of course, comes the first show-stopper – “License To Kill.” This is a
song that is virtually always performed well, but it may be at its best on this
tape. Unfortunately, the vocals are a bit low in the mix at times, and while I
have edited the track to make them a bit more prominent, they remain
intermittently indistinct. It’s really no matter, though, since the feeling
comes across with every second.
The beautiful tapestry continues in the acoustic set. “Boots
Of Spanish Leather” is relatively up-tempo, but the mournful soul of the song
is at the forefront. “Mr. Tambourine Man,” on the other hand, is deeply
meditative. Many regard this song as rarely sounding better than in Prague, 1995. The
acoustic set wraps up with a majestic rendition of “Desolation Row.” The few
lyrical misses in these tracks are unable to dim the fire that comes forth with
each verse. There were some minor digital distortions in these files that have
been carefully excised to present the songs in a fittingly elegant fashion.
Hopefully that has been a success.
The final five songs are again backed by Dylan’s band in a
fully electric style. “God Knows” propels the listener forward into a lovely
“If Not For You.” “All Along The Watchtower,” again a song that has the
potential to feel rote, is rendered with the fire and brimstone suggested by
the menacing lyrics. A graceful “Shelter From The Storm” completes the electric
collection, undoubtedly the best that the song had sounded since 1987. Finally,
the set is completed with a track that many consider one of the most beautiful
performances of the Never-Ending Tour: "It's All over Now, Baby
Blue." Dylan takes the grace of the 1994 arrangement and achieves a
perfect reading of the song.
This has taken some time to compile and remaster, but I
think the results speak for themselves. It would be reasonable to quibble with
the song selection, as a number of other songs played during the residency are
not included here. These include “Man In The Long Black Coat,” “I Don’t Believe
You,” “Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright),” and “Maggie’s Farm,” among others. I
just didn’t find that those songs were performed as exquisitely as the thirteen
here. There has been some work to balance the volume between tracks, and
between instruments and vocals; despite the clarity of the recording, Dylan’s
voice was fairly quiet on the tapes. I believe that this was largely, if
inconsistently, successful.
I hope this collection stands as a worthy companion to
Bob Dylan’s 1995 Prague Residency. It was a legendary series of shows, and deserves to be remembered. If you are wondering where you can buy the original studio versions of these songs, look no further:
Next week, we will be skipping ahead to 1999 for an overview of one of the most spectacular years of Bob Dylan's touring career. Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
-CS
Monday, December 30, 2013
Ring Them Bells: Unreleased Studio & Live Recordings, 1994
Ring Them Bells: 1994
Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You - Outtake: MTV Unplugged (11-18)
Ring Them Bells - Live: The Great Music Experience (05-20)
Masters Of War - Live: Woodstock '94 (08-14)
Lawdy Miss Clawdy - Unreleased Studio Session (09-30)
Absolutely Sweet Marie - Outtake: MTV Unplugged (11-18)
Tomorrow Night - Live: The Rhythm, Country & Blues Concert (03-23)
Everything is Broken - Outtake: MTV Unplugged (11-17)
Anyway You Want Me - Unreleased Studio Session (09-30)
The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll - Live: New York (10-20)
If You See Her, Say Hello - Live: New York (10-19)
Series Of Dreams - Live: Hiroshima (02-16)
I Want You - Outtake: MTV Unplugged (11-18)
Blue-Eyed Jane - Outtake: Jimmie Rodgers Tribute (05-09
to 05-11)
Jokerman - Live: Boston (10-08)
The Lady Came From Baltimore - Live: Besançon (07-04)
Money Honey - Unreleased Studio Session (09-30)
Hazel - Outtake: MTV Unplugged (11-17)
[delisted]
This compilations acts as a survey of the best unreleased
studio and live recordings available by Bob Dylan from 1994. This was a
productive year for Dylan, as he toured the world, took part in the Great Music
Experience at Nara, Japan,
visited MTV studios for an Unplugged taping, headlined Woodstock '94, and recorded several studio
sessions.
The Great Music Experience was intended to be an annual
gathering of notable world artists at cultural heritage sites, but the 1994 iteration
proved to be the only one. Dylan is backed here by an orchestra, and sings
beautifully.
The MTV Unplugged concert is generally not considered to be
in the same league as the Supper Club Residency of 1993, which it is believed
to have replaced as a document of Bob Dylan's live performances in the early
'90s; even so, many of the tracks recorded at this session are outstanding. In
particular, "Hazel" and "I Want You" are two of the best
renditions of these classic songs.
The studio outtakes included here consist of two sessions:
the first was for a Jimmie Rodgers tribute. Interestingly, though this songs
was recorded in 1994 with backing vocals by Emmylou Harris, its vocals would be
rerecorded several years later for its inclusion on the final tribute record.
The second studio session was evidently intended to produce one or more songs
for an Elvis Presley tribute, but no final product was released. Thus, the
tracks remain out of public circulation.
"Tomorrow Night" comes from a guest appearance at
the Rhythm, Country & Blues Concert and includes pleasant backing vocals by
Trisha Yearwood. This performance only surfaced recently.
The live tracks are, as ever, quite inspired. In particular,
"The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll" and "Jokerman"
receive soulful readings, and the rearrangements of "Masters of War"
and "Series of Dreams" are very successful. Though this acoustic
version of "Masters of War" would go on to become a template for
years to come, the experimental style of "Series of Dreams" would
only appear in a handful of 1994 shows.
In short, this is one of the most complete and professional
sounding sets in the series. I am quite proud of the finished
product. Please enjoy this compilation! If you enjoy it, you should be sure to own the official recordings related to this era:
Next week, we will be exploring the recordings from Bob Dylan's residency at Prague in the Spring of 1995. That was regarded as one of the best series of shows from the Never-Ending Tour, so be sure to check it out. Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
Thanks,
CS
Monday, December 23, 2013
Series Of Dreams: Unreleased Recordings, 1989 - 1993 (Volume Two)
Series Of Dreams: 1989 - 1993
Volume Two
Trail Of The Buffalo - Live: June 10, 1989
Under The Red Sky - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
Little Moses - Live: September 5, 1992
God Knows - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Sloppy Drunk - Unreleased: 1992 Bromberg Sessions
Under The Red Sky - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
Little Moses - Live: September 5, 1992
God Knows - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Sloppy Drunk - Unreleased: 1992 Bromberg Sessions
Golden Vanity - Live: April 24, 1992
Unbelievable - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
Has Anybody Seen My Love - Live: November 16, 1993
Shooting Star - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Polly Vaughan - Unreleased: 1992 Bromberg Sessions
Unbelievable - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
Has Anybody Seen My Love - Live: November 16, 1993
Shooting Star - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Polly Vaughan - Unreleased: 1992 Bromberg Sessions
Blood In My Eyes - Live: November 17, 1993
Roving Blade - Live: July 1, 1992
Born In Time - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Delia - Live: November 17, 1993
Handy Dandy - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
The Water Is Wide - Live: June 3, 1989
Born In Time - Outtake: Oh Mercy
Delia - Live: November 17, 1993
Handy Dandy - Outtake: Under The Red Sky
The Water Is Wide - Live: June 3, 1989
[delisted]
This is the second of two volumes in my collection which
pertain to the best of Bob Dylan's unreleased output between 1989 and 1993. It
should be equivalent to the first in quality, but I would like to make note of
several highlights that may raise this part to a superior rank.
The first song, "Trail of the Buffalo," is a live outing of the track
from 1989, and it appears here in its electric guise. It was played variously
acoustically and electrically during the early years of the Never-Ending Tour,
but I prefer the electric version. There is a violent kind of energy about this
track that really puts the listener on edge. The band also briefly indulges in
an almost klezmer-esque improvisation.
"Little Moses," also live, is about as fine a
relationship as one can get between audience and singer. You can really hear
the fans cheer as Dylan related the story of Moses in its old spiritual form,
and you can hear the singer smile at times as he spins the tale.
"God Knows" is similar to the take heard on Tell
Tale Signs, but has a slightly looser energy, culminating in a shouted
"Aw!" between portions of the verse.
"Sloppy Drunk" is a jaunty tune recorded at the
ill-fated Bromberg Sessions of 1992. These were intended to produce a full
album follow-up to Under The Red Sky, but were found wanting for one reason or
another; instead, Good As I Been To You was recorded. Though I am grateful for
that fantastic record, one wonders at what other gems were recorded in 1992 but
remain unreleased. The songs were drawn from various sources, including old
country songs, mid-century rock songs, traditional ballads and contemporary
singer-songwriter fare of the 1960s and 1970s. Many songs were connected to David
Bromberg, who supervised the session.
"Has Anybody Seen My Love" is the esteemed
recording from Dylan's 1993 live stint at The Supper Club, originally intended
to be released officially; this was eventually shelved, ostensibly in favor of
his MTV Unplugged record from the following year. Though this song is the only
one that does not quite meet the criteria of this package (songs either
originating in this period, or covers which are meaningful because of their
significance to this time), it almost qualifies as a fully-formed reinvention
of the Empire Burlesque original. There is something so free and jazz-like
about this performance - the mood is so fully communicated.
"Shooting Star" is a good, though not great,
performance and recording from the sessions for 1989's Oh Mercy record. It is
interesting primarily because it has a radically different set of lyrics, an
early draft that would be dramatically reworked for the final release.
"Polly Vaughan" is an allegedly original
arrangement of an old Irish folk song, on which Wikipedia's knowledge is
extensive. Dylan's arrangement and vocals are haunting, particularly the
ambiguous final verse in which the eponymous woman appears as a ghost in a
courtroom, "like a fountain of snow."
"Roving Blade" is one of my favorite live
performances from this time period, and it sounds so fresh. The singer is committed
to every word, and closes the song how he begins it. Though this would be
performed twice more during the Never-Ending Tour, the 1992 rendition is the
finest.
Finally, "The Water Is Wide" is one of the
greatest extant recordings from Bob Dylan's live career, to my ears. It is so
utterly passionate and courageous, sounding in no way like any other version of
the song I've heard. The singer inhabits every syllable, culminating in a heartbreakingly
harmonized final chorus. The band, too, is at the top of their game, providing
all of the rhythm and sympathetic guitar that a listener could want. It's all
been captured here in astounding clarity.
This set has been very carefully picked over and remastered
to harmonize volume levels, though of course sometimes the vocals are quieter
than one would like, or background noise is intrusive (I'm looking at you,
"Shooting Star"). Still, every effort has been made to create a
coherent listening experience. I hope you enjoy this compilation - your
compiler certainly does. One final note - commenter Hilda Fernhout noted that the cover image above is Bob Dylan walking along Lake Ely by Antonin Kratochvil. It's one of the better images of the artist that I've encountered, and I'm happy to have the attribution added here.
Related studio releases include the following:
Next week, the 1990s rolls on with Bob Dylan's outstanding studio outtakes and a selection of live recordings from 1994; that was a great year, and the sound quality is fantastic. Until then, keep yourself healthy and listen to some good tunes.
Thanks,
CS
Note: This post was edited to reflect the accurate date of "Golden Vanity" - the original post provided the date April 22, but the track is from April 24. The artwork will be changed to reflect this when I get some spare time. Thanks to the reader who noted the error!
Note: This post was edited to reflect the accurate date of "Golden Vanity" - the original post provided the date April 22, but the track is from April 24. The artwork will be changed to reflect this when I get some spare time. Thanks to the reader who noted the error!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)